Thistle

This is a treasure of a restaurant in McMinnville. My wife and I stayed 3 nights in McMinnville and we ate two nights in a row, if that says anything at all about the food. First, the cocktails that we had really hit the spot after 2 long days. We had their cocktail called Brooklyn #2. It was so good that I had 2 the first night and 2 of the same the 2nd night. Well, maybe I had 3 on the second evening, truth be told. They were excellent and quite boozy, which we both enjoyed. My wife, who loves rye, also shared in her enjoyment of the Brooklyn #2 both nights that we visited the fine establishment, as well. My mouth watered at the foie gras and it was justifiably so. The foie gras was so very satisfying. I thought of just ordering another and not ordering an entrée, but I thought that I should try other foods there, as well. My wife had the Pork Rillettes and graciously shared it with me. This is one of two dishes that we ordered 2 nights in a row. It was out-freaking-standing. I'm not a pork fan at all, but the Pork Rillettes had such incredibly deep flavor. The mustards and pickles complimented the Pork Rillettes in such a way, that I also thought of ordering another simply because the flavors almost left you instantly addicted. However, I succumbed to the logic that I should partake in moderation and left it at that. Additionally, we had the Rockfish entrée both evenings that we visited, which had a few different levels of flavors that taught me a valid and valuable lesson that fish dishes can taste every bit as good as any ol' solid beef dish, and even better. The Rockfish dish had pearl couscous that bursts with flavor in the mouth, and the combo of fennel and citrus left my mouth salivating for more. I was amazed and frankly, shocked, by the incredibe flavors from this Rockfish dish that I would not have been caught dead eating just a few years ago. Thistle taught me a few things during our two visits. #1 Don't be closed minded about pork because it might prove to be something that you really enjoy. #2 Little cocktails can be every bit as satisfying as the bigger cocktails. #3 Their fish dishes can make a lasting impression that compels one to come back as soon as possible. #4 -the most obvious and the most important- You can tell that the good folks at Thistle REALLY enjoy what they do because it is quite evident in the food that they prepare and share with their customers. I just want to thank them for taking so much joy in doing what they do and translating that joy into such wonderfully flavored and pleasing food(s). We will definitely be back.

Had a delightful meal with great service. Enjoyed perfect gnocchi, rockfish, beet salad, and cocktails. Making it a fixture of every future visit.

If atmosphere is your bag, this place has got it. Hip waiters, black and white wall paper, no menus, foggy windows, a list of the farms they sourced all their food from, and hardly a light on in the place. Great date night. "Bread and fat" was offered first. And I wanted to break open this bread and live inside of it for the rest of my life. so soft so warm and so so so delicious. My oysters sat on a bed of salt but had just a little too much onion for my taste. They didnt have plenty of options as far as main entrees go. I was left wanting more. I think there were only three but no steak. I would love to see some steak from this place because the rest of the food was heavenly. But what beats steak?