Lutz Tavern — Restaurant in Portland

Walking into the Lutz for the first time its immediately apparent that youre standing in a place with some history behind it. The new owners have done a great job of emphasizing the original streamlined layout by stripping away anything that remotely belongs to the 21st century (digital jukebox and a single HDTV are the only exceptions). The bar is at least 20 stools long, maybe more. The pale blue formica counter top looks original, as do the red leather booths. Sparsely placed throughout are '60's and '70's breweriana. Some of the stuff is from brands long defunct and I think that speaks to the genre of the place youre sitting in; an era revived. Anyhow, enough on that. Let get to practicalities; Booze. Liquor selection is a step above the standard, with a small crush on bourbon (Black Maple Hill?! Hello!). As for beers they have 8 on tap, with the only swill being Hamms. No Budweiser of any kind means room for other brews, and I dig that as well. 5 different $2 Tallboys and a nice variety of bottles. The Cocktails I had were all plenty strong. No complaints on that end. Service was very good as well. Though I heard some people sitting in the booths bitching about there not being table service?! I came back last night with my wife for more drinks and a meal. Place was much more mellow this time around. Different bartender, same strong drinks. I figured the Lutz Burger ($7) would be the way to go. My 'Lettuce and Cheese only, Sauce on the side' made it up through the chain of command just fine. All in all; a better than most bar burger. Obviously no frozen meat from a box is used here. Im guessing this guy was a 1/3 pounder. Stout Bun and a plethora of Cheese and shredded Lettuce. Fistfull of Shoestring Fries didnt leave me feeling like I ate a pound of deep fried artery killers, which was a kind deception on their part. Mrs. McStyles had the Knuckle Sandwich, which is clever code for what is commonly referred to as a Club. I kind of Guffawed at the $9 price tag, but once it came out and I realized that it was really 2 meals in one, I simmered down. It tasted like good times had arrived. The Sourdough (from Portland French Bakery, I came to learn) and house smoked Meats left nothing to question, except how we were going to finish the damn thing. Onion Rings might be house made, might not be. Whatever they are, they were mighty fine. So yes, I really dig The Lutz. It comes across as a place where adults can come to converse without playing second fiddle to 'the game'. Yet, it doesnt look down on the simple bar room pleasures like pool or pinball either. The place is pretty dimly lit and I think that fosters a tranquil vibe over the proceedings, even when the jukebox is screaming headlong into the night. I didnt check out the patio out back because I dont smoke, but theres one back there if thats your thing. Yes, The Lutz is a gem certainly worth checking out; as traditions are sometimes meant to be reborn. Grade: A (a sign over the bar saying "please order here" might be necessary for those who confuse what is obviously a bar for a...

Spot has some character, but have had multiple issues with service here, the most recent of which prompted this review. Walked my dog over and wanted to get a light draft having had a few at the house beforehand and not having anything light at home. Bartender ignored me upon entry, at which point I walked to the end of the bar where they were scrolling their phone and politely asked them to serve me (this is the normal level of attentiveness from the staff at this bar so nothing notable here). They asked for my order -- which is important for what follows -- and I cordially replied that I was already a bit intoxicated so would like a Bud Light. The bartender then refused to serve me on the basis that I had just stated I was intoxicated (in a bar! imagine that!) and thus she was using her good judgment to not serve someone who was already intoxicated. Two key points: 1) I have seen this same bartender serve someone who was barely able to walk away from the bar on their own two feet; 2) the bartender could not tell I was intoxicated until I told her. Essentially, I was denied service because the bartender didn't like how I looked, or some other bogus reason, and they attempted to use "good judgment" as an excuse to not serve me. I have tended bar before and know the rules around judgment, and this wasn't the bartender using discretion, it was simply unwarranted denial of service. After pressing the bartender a bit on her logic, she stuck to her story so I rolled my eyes and left. Won't be going back, and figured I'd share the tale so you all can hopefully call the staff out if you are ever treated in a similar manner were you to find yourself...

If you’re a woman, don’t plan on having more than one drink. The lady staff here seem to have a problem with women. I was told I was ‘erratic’ and ‘they’ decided I couldn’t have another drink. I had just had a full dinner elsewhere. I came to order a second round for my friend and I and was told I was not allowed. The only thing I can think is I made a bad joke to lady staff. Then I wasn’t welcome. Noted. Used to love this place. Oops. Edit: The bartender had short Bettie page bangs and bats tattooed on her chest. I’ve been told by other regulars that they avoid her at all costs. She even got my simple drink wrong. Should have been the first clue. Edit: the bartender HUNTED me down to message me on Instagram. I find this to be an incredible intrusion into my privacy and seriously unprofessional. I did not message the lutz on Instagram. She went out of her way to find me. This is honestly scary behavior and I would like to hear from the establishment. I will not be back as she requested. Especially after that. If it was a male bartender, this would be insane behavior and a huge issue. It shouldn’t be different because it was a woman. Still scary and inappropriate. And the Lutz has just blocked me instead of addressing it. It’s clearly behavior...