Reel M Inn — Restaurant in Portland

Went in yesterday. I have been coming in here for at least 30 years.A friend and I were 86'd for absolutely no reason, What made this even more strange was that the bartender and a couple of customers seemed to to take some eerily perverse pleasure in humiliating us. I know we did nothing wrong and i know the bartender has no idea why she threw us out. I believe the 2 customers simply asked her to throw us out and she complied for absolutely no reason. If you think that makes no sense you would be correct. It was early in the afternoon on Tuesday August 5th. I mention the date because If the security cameras are working they will verify that we were nothing but friendly. (and good tippers) I remember when I met Carey years ago I thought she was great and I had the impression she liked me too. I'm pretty sure I have recommended this place to a hundred people over the years. It's just so weird that after all these years I can no longer go in there because I might run into a bartender who has absolutely no business serving the general public. Keep in mind that my one star for for atmosphere and service only applies to yesterday. For 30+ years that would be a 5. I have always gotten along well with every server in this place My biggest regret is that I didn't take her picture on the way out the door to include in this review. Unfriendly bartenders do not belong in the...

Partner and I were in the mood for some really good fried chicken, so we decided to check this place out. They are constantly written up in Eater as the spot to get some of the best fried chicken in Portland. They also mentioned the wait time, so we knew what to expect.

We headed over on a Saturday night. Ordering at the bar was easy. We were quoted almost a two hour wait for our food, which was expected and completely fine. Bartender (also the cook) was very friendly.

We got our fried chicken/jojo’s and it was hot, but not seasoned very well. The batter, as well as the chicken and the potatoes all needed salt.

While we were eating, we noticed the bartender/cook was reaching into a container and putting it into the fryer. After a couple of minutes of watching her frequently reaching into the container, I realized it contained the raw, breaded chicken. The tub of raw chicken was sitting on top of the cooler, unrefrigerated, dipping below the safe zone. The container sat out for the entire time we were there, and who knows how long prior to that.

Underwhelming flavor is one thing, but practicing safe food handling measures is a big deal. We won’t go back because we can’t trust that our health and safety is being cared for properly. It’s sad because someone could...

This bar is a beautiful representation of Portland's unique bar scene and this dive has the makings to be one of those quintessential places to have one amazing time. You walk in and the bar is small, there is typically only one person working behind the bar who is also the cook so please understand to not be one of those people who is in a rush or act like you are the bar tenders only priority. The drinks are strong and good but the Fried Chicken and Jojos are truly the allure of this bar. Typically I've experienced an hour to an hour and a half wait for chicken orders. This is because they have a single deep-frier behind the bar and your bartender is also the cook and every person in that bar is wanting their chicken just like you, so relax and wait people it is worth it. Hangout, have a drink and get ready because you're headed to flavor town with some the best traditional fried chicken you are gonna eat anywhere. If you need a fun night at a cool little dive with good music on the jukebox while playing some pool or you are in search of an amazing fried chicken dinner this is definitely a bar worth legendary praise for its character and many...