Blyth & Burrows — Restaurant in Portland

The pompous and entitled bar hostess exuded an air of superiority that permeated the atmosphere of the establishment. From the moment we approached the door, she made it clear that she considered herself better, with an attitude that bordered on haughty and dismissive.

Her demeanor was off-putting, as she seemed more interested in showcasing her perceived status and authority than in providing genuine hospitality. She made no effort to connect with customers on a personal level, instead choosing to flaunt her position and belittle those she deemed unworthy of her attention.

However, The amazing bartender (Chad) at this establishment truly elevated the entire experience with their exceptional skills and delightful personality. From the moment I approached the bar, they greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel right at home.

Not only was the bartender incredibly talented at crafting delicious cocktails, but they also took the time to engage with me, recommending drinks based on my preferences and sharing their knowledge of mixology. Their enthusiasm and passion for their craft were evident in every cocktail they made, each one a work of art in both presentation and taste.

What truly set this bartender apart was their genuine friendliness and attentiveness. Despite a busy night, they never made me feel rushed and always took the time to chat and make sure I was enjoying my experience. Their ability to connect with customers on a personal level created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that made me want to keep coming back.

Overall, the amazing bartender at this bar not only served up incredible drinks but also provided top-notch customer service that left a lasting impression. Their dedication to their craft and genuine hospitality made for a truly memorable and enjoyable evening. I would highly recommend visiting this bar for a drink served with a side of excellent service from this exceptional bartender.

The Tom Yum Punch at this bar is an absolute must-try for cocktail enthusiasts looking for a unique and flavorful experience. Priced at $14, this innovative concoction combines the bold flavors of gin, lime, and Tom Yum soup, creating a one-of-a-kind libation that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

What sets this cocktail apart is the intriguing addition of Tom Yum soup, a Thai hot and sour soup known for its aromatic blend of herbs and spices. The bartender's creative twist on this classic dish, along with the process of milk clarification, results in a beautifully balanced and velvety smooth drink that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

With each sip of the Tom Yum Punch, you'll be treated to a burst of citrusy lime, the botanical notes of gin, and the subtle umami richness of the Tom Yum soup. The complexity of flavors harmonizes seamlessly, creating a truly unforgettable drinking experience that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Priced at $14, the Tom Yum Punch is a worthy investment for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary. Whether you're a fan of traditional Tom Yum soup or simply looking to expand your palate with a creative and expertly crafted libation, this cocktail is sure to impress. Don't miss out on the opportunity to savor this innovative and delicious drink...

Strong cocktails, skip the snacks.

Walked in on a Saturday night and the place was absolutely packed. A small line started forming right as we got there, but we were able to snag the last two bar seats. Turnover seemed fairly quick, so the wait shouldn’t be too bad even during peak hours.

We kicked things off with a few snacks and an oyster shot. I was kind of hoping they’d serve the tequila in the oyster shell, but the format still worked—sip the oyster, chase it with the shot. Briny, clean, and a fun little opener.

The snacks, though, were mostly underwhelming. We tried the Charred Oysters, Mussel Escabeche, and Clam Dip—all over-seasoned. The toast and Saltines that came with the latter two didn’t help: the toast was dry and bland, and the crackers were oddly damp. Not inedible, but nothing to write home about.

As for the cocktails, we opted for two of their most popular menu. With Tom Yum Punch, they nailed the distinctive flavor. Clean and citrusy with a whisper of umami and Thai herb aroma. It looked totally clear, so I’m guessing they infused lemongrass, lime, and just a hint of galangal—no real heat, despite the pepper garnish. Refreshing and well-balanced.

The cocktails, on the other hand, were excellent. We went with two of their most popular options. With Tom Yum Punch, they nailed the distinctive flavor. Clean and citrusy with a whisper of umami and Thai herb aroma. It looked totally clear, so I’m guessing they infused lemongrass, lime, and just a hint of galangal—no real heat, despite the pepper garnish. Refreshing and well-balanced.

Ship Captain Crew had the coolest presentation of the night. The drink was split—half poured, half trapped in a vintage bottle with pecan wood smoke. Great visual and the smoke lingered subtly throughout. Flavor-wise, it leaned classic. A bold whiskey base with a...

This isn't the speakeasy. It also isn't the typical loud sports bar or a gastropub that have a thousand flat screens plastered all over the walls. A small place rectangular in shape with the bottom and top tier and two bars, this is the kind of place you go to have a conversation with friends. And if you're alone like me when you sit down at the bar, you're going to be greeted as if you were an old friend. The Danish have a word to describe the bartender at the top tier bar. When it comes to mixing drinks he embodies and demonstrates the highest knowledge, prerequisites and competencies a person who's an expert in a particular subject, field, craft or occupation. The Danish description for people who possess this level of skill is called Faglighed ( say, Faw-le-hed). Watch Everybody who's working there. And you'll easily be able to label them all the same as this bartender. The place has a nautical theme and the drink menu follows suit. I had a Mutiny on the Bounty. It's a bourbon drink with a softer finish than most. Living in Kentucky for the last few years taught me a lot about bourbon. The bar at the 1st floor has a simply wonderful selection of bourbons that cross the entire spectrum of tastes and price points. I also had a meatball appetizer. 💯 tasty. The couple to my right were celebrating their thirteenth anniversary. They shared that their drinks were perfect and if I was a bully I'd have helped them with the oysters they had. As I said, it's a small place. The natrow signature from the street makes it easy to miss. Trust me. If you come in here, have a drink, and eat some appetizers, it'll be even easier to miss...