
Updated American fare offered in relaxed, contemporary environs with outdoor tables.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 12514 NW 36th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98685
Phone: (360) 571-7005
Website: http://www.farrarsbistro.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: farrarsbistro.com
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Farrar’s Bistro
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Reviews
This little urge echoes around my mind as clear and direct as day. It is a string of memories tied to a kite, a whisper in my ear and it says sandwich. It says simple but profound, it says compact and easy to hold. It says hikes in the mountains of the rising mists, picnics in shaded spots by a clear moving creek and sitting with good friends.
I don’t know why it is so hard to find a good sandwich, the ingredients are simple, the acceptance nearly universal. They are one of those things that no matter where you come from, you recognize as, food.
They are one of those things that are made of basic common goods that add up to more than the sum of its parts, infinite variety created by cooks who know the secrets to life, artists who make beauty out of the mundane.
The world is full of subs and sliders, foot longs and open face, but getting a sandwich, which should be universal is surprisingly difficult.
So to the point, all I wanted was a sandwich and my complicated day’s route drops me close to the area. I suppose I have driven by Farrah’s Bistro 100 times, but this time I am caught in my migration like a traveling trout is caught by fisherman’s well made fly.
I liked the ambience, dark after the bright day, but not brooding or obscure. Old wood and open space make an alluring stage. The service was helpful and friendly, and I had a chance to talk briefly with someone I assume was an owner. A woman comfortable in her skin, carrying pride and confidence easily on her shoulders, with a direct and frank appearance.
The BLT was perfect. The very essence of taking a simple archetype and giving it a separate and subtle life of its own.
Like music made of few, but clever notes. Definitely a sandwich I order again.
The fries were almost good. They were not particularly crispy and seemed kind of chewy and dense. Obviously cut by hand and well seasoned, beautiful to look at, but somewhat sad in their execution. I wondered how these could be made to shine as brightly as the main attraction, a skilled support orchestra arranged around a loved soloist.
I took most of them home and threw them into the air fryer for my wife and liked them better reborn, crispy and somehow not as solid in the center. Normally a failing fry can drag a restaurant down, but they were not bad, just not right and rescued by the shining BLT.
Oh, and the iced tea seemed home made.
This place is off the beaten path, easy to miss or at least pass on by, but I can see it rooted deep in the small community. I would guess that the majority of customers are regulars and live locally.
Luckily I pass here often hope and hope to stop in again.
There was also no Wi-Fi available, and the bathroom had a strong urine smell and could use some attention.
It’s unfortunate because this area really needs a cool spot like this and the food is still solid. With a little more attention to service, cleanliness, and presentation, this place could easily get back to being a great local hangout.
My personal favorites are the fried brussels and cauliflower, grilled cod tacos, pub pretzel, savory Gorgonzola cheesecake, smoked salmon wontons, wedge on fire, Caesar salad, bacon and blue burger, chicken pot pie, fettuccine Alfredo, and three cheese macaroni with pulled pork. You can’t go wrong with any of those. I would recommend a specific dessert, but those seem to change seasonally. I have never had a bad cheesecake here though.
We have also eaten inside for special occasions, and the service is always wonderful. They have decorations including a lit up tree around Christmas. They also have great cocktails if you’re into that.
Once I had the Coconut Shrimp-over a year ago- I can’t not order it! I had had the best I thought on Waikiki, but finally found the Stateside version here..with a chili sauce I could almost swill. The “side salad” I always accompany it with is a pile of delights, with the white vinaigrette it is a Chef’s kiss.
I have had the Bleu burger, which is topnotch, and my spouse had the cheeseburger and fries today which he thoroughly enjoyed. We actually picked this neighborhood because of a fee good eateries within walking distance; we ate here before buying our home! We were recalling the friends & family we have brought here, and we are happy this gem of a restaurant is here!