Sandy Hut — Restaurant in Portland

I've never written a review before but wow this place earned it and I wish I could give negative 5 stars. For context, I'm in town for a massive week-long convention of bartenders from around the entire world, so we kinda know about hospitality...My first experience here the staff repeatedly yelled at patrons standing not in anyone's way, were absolutely indignant at paying patrons simply existing, and it ended with me being physically assaulted and thrown out of the bar for reasons I nor a dozen people I was with still don't understand. I was compliant yet confused, and even after I was out of the bar and standing on the sidewalk security staff was yelling at me as if they were trying to goad me into an alcohol-induced violent response so they could justify beating on me themselves. It was very strange and I've never experienced that before.

For some reason I went back the next night, maybe to see if I misinterpreted what happened the night before. It was worse. I had a seat at the bar and was flat out ignored for 30 minutes. My friend who I came with and was sitting next to was served his food before any staff even acknowledged my presence. I managed to get one beer but I honestly felt like if I even asked for it they would have thrown me out, every interaction I had they made me feel like it was a huge annoyance that I was even there. I was told it was my fault that I didn't get served, got ignored more, tried to close my tab for 20 minutes after last call and was ignored, watched them make a drink for someone then immediately tell me they're done serving and I should have done a better job ordering, I left a 40% tip so maybe they would have some self-realization, then was yelled at by the bar staff as I walked out. I gave them a wave, said "I appreciate you, thank you" and they followed me out of the bar then continued to yell at me that I'm done, cut off, all my friends can't come back, even as I was literally two blocks away.

It seriously feels like this place is trying to set a record for how fast a business can fail. They do not want you in there, they do not care, they make it very obvious, and they will threaten you with violence. I've been in this industry for 20 years and this is the worst experience I've ever had. I respect people and the places they work but the Sandy Hut I will now actively badmouth to anyone I have the opportunity to throughout this industry and I honestly hope this place fails and anyone who works there loses their financial stability. F**k every single person...

Rarely does a remodeled classic Portland bar wind up better off. This is definitely the case for Sandy Hut. If anything the new owners held fast to what made Sandy Hut so cool, washed away the garbage and brought it back to life far more glorious than it was before. Embracing the kitsch and hi-lighting the quirks. The drink menu is classic and short, the food is great, no longer frightening. Although they cancelled live music (an oversold Dwarves show being the apex of awesome insanity in a stunt pulled by the previous owners) they have done a great job recruiting some of the towns best rock DJ’s and keep the place consistently packed. In fact, my only complaint is that after 10pm most night the wait to get a drink is brutal. Even with several bar tenders working efficiently the pressing mass of people just takes time to work through. In the end, this is another stronghold of real Portland. The Sandy Hut has been referenced by my Grandparents who haven’t been to a bar since WWII and I think is unforgettable with it’s bizarre wedge shape and extensive use of glass bricks. I’d also be remiss if I failed to mention it’s killer Bloody Mary’s and brunch for those who like to get down...

I had such a great time at the Sandy Hut! Sincerely. Great prices. I feel like everything is getting so expensive, it was, honestly, nice to confidently go get a second round of whiskey and cider and tip... it took the pressure out of it. Theres plenty of drink options and multiple taps with good stuff, the bartender was really helpful, nice, and quick. (Thanks, guy with the maybe ginger beard! If I'm remembering correctly. Haha.) The inside is big enough, but still feels intimate and cozy. There's a pool table, and people seem super understanding and respectful about sharing that. It wasn't crazy loud, but we still definitely enjoyed the music. You can go outside. They are on that cool corner where the building is like a triangle. On one side they have tables under some cover. Great outside area. On the other side is also a door, and thats where most people smoked, that i saw. Food was good. One of my friends kept saying she was thinking about ordering a second order of fries cause they were so good. I don't know, this is super long, now, but Sandy Hut was a really comfortable and fun experience, and I'll definitely be back again. Two thumbs up....