Black Forest Dark Dining at Wyld Pines

Review summary

1. D

   Danielle

   Portland9 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We went with another couple for the first time to dark dining. The process is that when you arrive, you check in with a host that is also then one of the attendants during your dine. At the seating time your group and several other parties waiting for the same seating take turns being led in your respective group around the corner to choose goggles/glasses to cover your eyes, then single file conga style led to your table. This was fun. Of note, if you are hoping to sit by your significant other or have a seating preference, let them know; they didnt ask and and once you are led in its disorienting and I realized I was sitting across from my wife and next to my friends wife but that was fine enough but a miss on their part. Understandably, they do not publish the menu beforehand because it's an experience; however, there is a "theme" that we later were privy to and told it rotates every few months. Had we known the general theme, it might have helped guide whether or not we wanted to wait for a different theme of food or not. In this case it was "Dark Ages" . The food was generally good, although for the price point, I would say we were paying mostly for the experience. Regarding the experience, the hostess that was more experienced and training our server, was very nice. There were things that were missed however that would have greatly improved our experience. 1) Guided cadence of events. It would have been helpful if our server or host had periodically announced "in a few minutes we will be giving last call for alcohol" and then do that. They asked at one point if we wanted another cocktail but none of us realized it was the "last call" ; or , when it is the last course, maybe announce the transition "we are coming to the last 15 minutes of your experience". Instead we got the last course and it felt rushed suddenly being collected and then ushered out. It was something different; wish we had known theme. Room for improvement and prob dont need to do again.
   

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2. K

   Kelly

   Washington DC1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 1, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had no expectations going into dinner - we figured it would be a fun adventure regardless. We ended up having an amazing time and the food was incredible. I wont go into detail on the meal because they have the same menu for a couple of months and they don't want people to know it before the event, but I can say that the chef was thoughtful and incredibly dedicated to the theme and each dish was tasty and delish. The staff who helped in the room were amazing and friendly, funny and very on top of helping everyone as needed. We would absolutely go again and look forward to quarterly menus. It was a wonderful time!
   

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3. H

   Hap

   Portland1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing experience, the food was excellent, the service outstanding and the atmosphere was perfect for the theme of the restaurant. I've told all my friends and coworkers and hope to return for a new menu. It was fun trying to guess the food I was eating and tasting things so intensely.
   

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4. C

   Christina

   Portland1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Dinner in the dark was a fabulous experience!! The food was extraordinary and creative. Chef Brandon even texted the day of the event to inquire about allergies and dietary restrictions and made accommodation for our vegetarian friend. Would definitely recommend and would visit again myself!
   

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5. l

   lawrence

   Portland1 review

   4.0

   Dined on February 22, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   It was a great experience with our friends. I guess we were expecting a bit more meat. It’s pretty pricy for what was served.
   

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6. S

   Seth

   Portland1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A wonderful time was had by all. Some of the people I was with were worried it’d be weird, like they’d trick them into eating a bug or something, but the food was excellent and the menu was truly inspired. They want you to have a good time and they succeeded. I would definitely come back
   

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7. j

   jade

   San Francisco2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What an amazing experience!! my husband and i came for valentine’s day and it was a great choice. the experience is so worth the money and i think the best part for me was the staff!! literally the most friendly staff ever!! i would also really like to come back to just experience the normal dining, everything looks and smells so good!! thank you!!
   

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8. K

   Kimm

   Vancouver2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My friends and I came to Black Forest Dark Dining at Wyld Pines to celebrate a birthday. It was easy to get a reservation. We all really enjoyed the ambiance - the sound effects of a dark forest were lovely. The service staff were very attentive and helpful. One of our party had a dietary preference for gluten-free, and that preference was easily honored. The food was delicious! Seven courses, each one more surprising than the last. It was delightful to surmise what ingredients and flavors were in the dish. And then looking at the menu afterwards to confirm what we had guessed was fun too! Chef Brandon did great!!!
   

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9. J

   Jill

   Portland3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 26, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   10 out of 10! Highly recommended. Great service and food! Very fun experience. We will be back!
   

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10. J

    Janelle

    Portland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This was such a fun experience. I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Chef Brandon was awesome and was able to accommodate a dairy free meal for me.
    

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