Boulevard Taphouse — Restaurant in Portland

After hearing great things about this place, I was looking forward to checking it out.

6 pm on Saturday night, we arrived. Parking area is small, there's a few spots in front and no place to park if those are full. So we circled the block a couple of times until one cleared out.

There was no greeter at the door, and no sign to indicate that we should take a seat. It's a cozy dining room with about 8 tables, Just two or three tables were occupied. Stairs lead to a second level with an amazing kid's playroom, a bar and more seating. Another couple was seated upstairs.

In spite of the seemingly slow night, the small ordering area was vacant of employees when we entered. As we came back downstairs, another couple entered the place and an employee came out of the kitchen to help them.

We patiently waited 5-10 minutes while the employee answered their questions and took their order. Then it was our turn. The conversation went something like this:

Employee: "Hey, my dudes." (I am not a guy.)

My SO (seeking some guidance for the craft beers on the menu): "Do you have anything on tap like Bass Ale?"

Employee: "I don't know, take your pick". He gestured to a sign with the beer prices and then he walked away without another word.

That's it. That was our interaction. We stood for another 5 minutes as this employee walked past us a dozen times without further communication. There was no "Hey, I'll be with you in a few" or even eye contact. He bussed tables, waited on other customers and chatted with his co-worker.

We left, disappointed. I would guess that perhaps we arrived at the tail end of a rush, and the employees needed a few minutes to catch things up. That's fine, I don't mind waiting - but not for a rude employee who doesn't communicate these things. Won't...

This place was touted as having the best fish and chip around so I had to try it for myself. And I must say, it is the best I’ve found in Portland so far.

They had some interesting and tasty chicken wings that were more on the salt and vinegar end of things. Appropriate for a pub that serves fish and chips, another British style food. But like I said, pretty salty and a slight Twang of vinegar

Unfortunately, the stellar performance stops there. The clam chowder felt a bit gelatinous like it was thickened with cornstarch only. It was also on the salty side, but hey, it's in a bar. Everything is salty cuz they want you to drink more. They had a pretty good house coleslaw but, the house-made tartar sauce was so sour it was nearly inedible. To top things off the beer was served rather tepid. This is a major faux pas considering that this place is a Tap House.

Two other caveats one of which I thought was kind of huge are: The parking lot is extremely dangerous being backed up right against a busy highway with traffic traveling at 60 miles per hour. And, the other real big one is the only restroom is located upstairs which makes this an Inaccessible to anybody with a mobility issue. I understand, it's an old building but, it's one of those things.

Drop the temperature of the beer few degrees and this thing could gain an extra star. I'm giving it a 4-star instead of the 3-star it deserves based on my visit because, the owner was absolutely impressive with his outstanding customer service. I hope he has employees that perform as well as he does

I will definitely go back for the fish and chips when I'm in the mood and possibly some of the Wings as those are my wife's favorite...

Short Review: the best (or tied for best) fish and chips in Portland.

Long version: I like to think I can appreciate a good fish and chips, given I'm a Brit and ate it a LOT growing up. Up until now I've thought Kells did the best fish and chips locally, but I'm revising that to this place (or perhaps tied, I haven't eaten Kells for quite a while now). Why? Well it's got the whole package:

The batter. It's got a nice crunch to it. It's not soggy, and it's not heavy. Freshness. They told me everything was made in house, nothing frozen, and I can believe that. The fish is moist, yet meaty. The coleslaw is for sure home made, and is excellent. Value. At my local bar - where it's likely frozen - they charge $18 for 3 pieces of cod. You can get 4 here for that price. And the beers are good value too at $6 (given almost everyone is nearer $7 now).

It's not 100% perfect. The fries aren't quite up to the same high standard, and the building is, erm 'quirky' - but a friendly staff, quality products and low prices is a...