Fodor's Expert Review Bernie's Southern Bistro

For an upscale version of a down-home Southern meal, look to this welcoming candlelit bistro in quirky Alberta District. The fresh, organic ingredients and hearty portions of the meat entrées and veggie sides put Bernie's plates in a different realm than garden-variety Southern cookin'. Specialties include fried chicken, shrimp and grits, catfish, and New Orleans–inspired dishes like creole meat loaf and crawfish étouffée, in addition to delectable collard greens with bacon, fried green tomatoes, and black-eyed peas. The inside of the restaurant is painted a warm orange, and the lush outdoor patio is a Portland favorite.