Rose City Book Pub — Restaurant in Portland

Back a ways this spot was an Irish pub and Rose City book pub keeps that vibe while adding an excellent homey, accessible, and unpretentious literary spin to things. I can't speak to the food these days but being there feels like like hanging out in an old school literary cafe. Books are piled up in shelves, stacks, and boxes, tables are haphazardly arranged and easily rearranged, the atmosphere is definitely favorable for thinkers, writers, and artists, without pressure to fit in or worry about appearances. A positive thing, by most measures. Used books are categorized by unconventional yet logical labels as though you were browsing a friend's personal library. It also is a space that supports readings and other gatherings. When i was there, a poetry reading was happening, while a few people played magic the gathering at a corner table, while another guy worked on his laptop with earbuds in. Pretty accepting and chill. Nice beer list. I have no complaints at all about this place but if i had any suggestions that would make it more of a destination, I'd say the lighting and overall ambience could be a little more mysterious or subtle. That's not a big criticism, but it was a little bright inside, and it seems like there are plenty of nooks and areas that could increase their level of vibe\nuance\subtlety by being treated as independent zones. The reading was very fun but someone should really help them out with a slightly better mic and an EQ for the PA--there was a frequency just about to take off and feed back during the whole reading that was a little distracting. On one hand the haphazardness is part of the charm, but just a little bit of tightening things up could take this place up a level. Like, i wonder what would happen if they put in a really amazing listening area for music in the center of the room where the children's books are, and sold some records and hifi equipment, tying together the lit and music communities. I know the Irish pun that was here back in the 2000s had music and there's still the space. This could be a really well rounded multi use space for the community with a few minor tweaks. But if the current owners don't feel like taking all that on, it's still a really rad little pub that deserves support and is extremely comfortable to...

I feel bad leaving a bad review because the place itself really is a nice atmosphere & the employees were very kind - however the food I got was just not it. I was excited to visit here because of all the good reviews - I usually go to places based off google reviews & felt like trying this place I haven't been before. I ordered Grilled cheese & soup. Yes, it's a grilled cheese but if you are paying I believe it was 11 or 12 dollars - normally a restaurant or cafe charging that much for a grilled cheese its a more specialized grilled cheese. I've had "fancy" grilled cheese sandwiches before haha & the fact that this was the price that it was in my opinion was silly. It was burnt & took a while to make ( the employee apologized for the delay) and the taste of it & way it was made was honestly worse than ones we have made at home... & the soup was also underwhelming. I don't plan on returning and wouldnt recommend this place to anyone. Maybe the other items on the menu are better, but for the price I dont feel like wasting the chance of coming back. I went to wholefoods next door after to get a slice of pizza which was much better if that...

Feels like an "only in Portland" kind of place (books and beer).

Arrived at noon, Sunday, right when they opened. Chilly day. Got a parking space out front.

One guy working the register, taking orders, cooking, and serving. Friendly. Set the mood with Miles Davis "All of You." 😍

Two customers ahead of me, so food took a minute. All good... took my Hazy and checked out the table nooks, including the "secret passage" behind the rear bookcases.

Options: Private table with bookcases on two sides or a community tables flanked by chunky church pews.

Landed on a nook toward the back. Ancient tapestry chairs and books—a micro library for one.

Turkey melt sandwich—a little elevated for a pub with dark salad greens, crunchy-soft baguette. Fig chunks a bit like candy 😬—light touch of fig jam would be better.

Stayed long enough to have a (massive) pot of tea.

A folk band arrived. The place filled up, becoming more "pub" than "book-y." Dancing. Fiddle player middle of the crowd. Such a fun vibe!

Visit #: 1 Can't...