Jake'S Famous Crawfish

Jake’s Famous Crawfish Portland: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Jake’s Famous Crawfish is not just a restaurant—it is a living piece of Portland’s history and a cornerstone of the city’s celebrated seafood scene. Established in 1892 and housed in the iconic Whitney & Gray Building since 1911, Jake’s offers a blend of Pacific Northwest tradition, culinary excellence, and historic charm. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details, including visiting hours, reservation tips, menu highlights, accessibility information, and insights into the restaurant’s storied past. Whether you’re a Portland local seeking nostalgia or a visitor eager to experience authentic regional seafood, Jake’s Famous Crawfish promises a memorable journey through time and taste.

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Jake’s Famous Crawfish: Hours, Reservations & Accessibility
Architectural and Cultural Significance
Menu Highlights & Dining Experience
Bar & Happy Hour
Visitor Information: Parking, Dress Code & Family Friendliness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion and Visitor Tips
References

Historical Overview

Early Origins: Mueller and Meier (1892–1920)

Jake’s began as a saloon named Mueller and Meier in 1892, serving a growing port city hungry for unique seafood. Crawfish was an exclusive delicacy, and the saloon attracted locals and travelers alike with its fresh offerings. In 1911, the establishment moved into the newly built Whitney & Gray Building at 401 SW 12th Avenue, cementing its place in Portland’s downtown landscape (kids.kiddle.co; deanjab.com).

Prohibition and Adaptation (1916–1920)

Oregon’s early adoption of Prohibition in 1916 prompted Mueller and Meier to pivot from a saloon to the Mueller and Meier Cafe, focusing on food and soft drinks. This strategic shift allowed the restaurant to survive an era that shuttered many similar establishments (kids.kiddle.co).

The Arrival of Jake: Jacob “Jake” Lewis Freiman (1920–1933)

In 1920, Jacob “Jake” Lewis Freiman and J. Rometsch acquired the business. Freiman, a seasoned waiter from The Quelle, brought experience, charisma, and loyal patrons. Under his stewardship, the restaurant adopted the name Jake’s Famous Crawfish, and became a social hub for celebrities, politicians, and business leaders (jakesfamous.com).

Ownership Transitions and Legacy (1933–1971)

Following Freiman’s death in 1933, the restaurant passed through several hands—including the Kaffesieder and Holman families, and later Howard Wilson and Nick Shewczyk—each of whom preserved Jake’s traditions and reputation for hospitality (kids.kiddle.co).

The McCormick & Schmick’s Era (1971–Present)

A significant turning point came in 1971, when William “Bill” McCormick bought Jake’s and partnered with Doug Schmick. The partnership led to the launch of McCormick & Schmick’s, a national restaurant group, but Jake’s retained its historic ambiance and became a magnet for celebrities and notable figures (deanjab.com; jakesfamous.com).

Visiting Jake’s Famous Crawfish: Hours, Reservations & Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Jake’s Famous Crawfish welcomes guests with the following typical hours:

Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Hours may vary on holidays; check the official site for updates.

Reservations

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows. Reserve online or by calling (503) 226-1419 (jakesfamous.com).

Accessibility

Jake’s is fully wheelchair accessible, including step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Staff are attentive to special needs; guests with specific requirements should call ahead (Family Destinations Guide).

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Jake’s is located at 401 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. The restaurant is easily accessed by public transit (MAX Light Rail, bus, and streetcar) and is within walking distance of major attractions:

Powell’s City of Books (0.3 miles)
Portland Art Museum (0.5 miles)
Pioneer Courthouse Square (0.4 miles)
Pearl District (shopping and galleries nearby)

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Jake’s resides in the Whitney & Gray Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building’s classic architecture, neon “JAKE’S” sign, and red crawfish logo make it a recognizable city landmark (Wikipedia). Inside, dark wood paneling, vintage fixtures, and historic photographs immerse diners in early 20th-century Portland ambiance (Family Destinations Guide; Sincerely Loewe).

Jake’s menu showcases the best of Pacific Northwest seafood, updated twice daily for freshness (Travel Oregon). Signature dishes include:

Jake’s Crawfish Boil: Crawfish, sausage, corn, and red potatoes
Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cakes
Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon Butter
Classic Dungeness Crab Louis Salad
Seafood Fettuccine: Bay scallops, shrimp, garlic parmesan cream
Jake’s Famous Étouffée: Crawfish tails, chicken, shrimp in a spicy nut brown sauce

Appetizers such as fried calamari, crab artichoke dip, and fresh oysters on the half shell are favorites (Family Destinations Guide). Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request; staff can advise on dietary accommodations (Jake’s menu page).

Bar & Happy Hour

Jake’s bar is renowned for classic cocktails made with fresh juices, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and a lively happy hour scene (Travel Oregon). Happy hour runs daily from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the bar, featuring discounted appetizers and drinks such as:

Oyster Shooter: $3.45
Jake’s Cheeseburger with fries: $11
Popcorn Crawfish: $11
Wine specials: $5.75/glass

Arrive early to secure a bar seat during peak times (Family Destinations Guide).

Visitor Information: Parking, Dress Code & Family Friendliness

Parking: Metered street parking and nearby garages are available, including Indigo Parking Garage and 11W Garage. Advance reservations via SpotHero and ParkingNW are recommended.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire is suggested, especially during dinner hours.
Family Friendliness: Children’s menus are available; daytime and happy hour are family-friendly, while evenings are more adult-oriented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need tickets to dine at Jake’s?
A: No tickets are required; pay per meal. Reservations are recommended.

Q: Is Jake’s accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, with step-free entry and accessible restrooms.

Q: What are the must-try menu items?
A: Dungeness crab, salmon, crawfish étouffée, fresh oysters, and classic desserts.

Q: Is parking available nearby?
A: Yes, but street parking is limited. Use nearby garages or transit for convenience.

Q: Does Jake’s accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes; vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options are available with staff guidance.

Q: Does Jake’s offer private dining or events?
A: Yes, with advance booking for groups and special occasions.

Q: Are there takeout options?
A: Yes, call ahead or order online.

Conclusion and Visitor Tips

Jake’s Famous Crawfish stands as a testament to Portland’s dynamic history and rich culinary culture. From its storied beginnings to its present-day acclaim, Jake’s offers visitors a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional seafood, and a genuine taste of the Pacific Northwest. To ensure the best experience:

Make reservations, especially for busy times.
Check current hours on the official website.
Arrive early for happy hour or if you’re visiting with a group.
Explore nearby Portland landmarks before or after your meal.

For the latest updates, menu changes, and special events, follow Jake’s on Instagram and Facebook. Download the Audiala app for tailored recommendations and real-time notifications on Portland’s best dining and historical experiences.