Bar Maven — Restaurant in Portland

This is a hard one to write. I have enjoyed their food in the past, drink menue respectable and fair prices. Today was marked by 40 min wait on appetizers and when asked was told it was going to be more than 20 min more. They offered and did refund the food as we had to go somewhere else to get something to eat, but not before getting hit by rude, dismissive staff. Upon asking about the amount being refunded, my concern over how they would handle the tip written on the ticket, I was told that I was wrong about the total I endorsed on the sales receipt (I wasn't) and that tips were processed at the end of the night as they walked back behind the bar. I'm only fairly sure I just tipped $6 on a beer.

Mistakes happen, kitchens get backed up, rude service that doesn't address customer concerns makes me wonder why I don't just deal directly with...

Food was good for bar food. Fries could’ve been cooked longer but definitely not floppy in any sense. Initial service was great and attentive, but halfway through my burger my beer was empty, and yet no offer for a second. No harm no foul, but if you see I’m done with food and drink and I’m sitting at the bar at least check in before getting on your phone. Understandable if it was crazy busy, also I could’ve spoke up, but usually in other places I’ve been the customer sitting at the bar gets at least checked on, if for nothing less to see how the food was.

Kudos to the kitchen for a Excellent Maven Burger, cooked perfectly medium. Don’t think I’ll be making it back down foster any time soon, which is a shame because they had one of the better tequila selections I’ve seen in my year...

I gave Bar Maven another try to see if things have improved since my last visit a couple years ago.

A few things definitely have improved! The layout is more cozy, the bartenders are more friendly, and it's attracting a really nice crowd from all walks of life. It also seems cleaner than it used to be.

We went on a Friday happy hour this time. The bartender was friendly, the beer and vibe was great! The only thing that seemed like it needed some improvement was keeping up with food orders, and checking in on guests a little more.

There was a mistake with our order and we appreciate that the owner came out and talked to us.

I think Bar Maven is an important little spot in our community, and is very close to becoming a great bar....