Side Street — Restaurant in Portland

I would give this place 0 stars if it was an option. Stopped in for a beer with my boyfriend and left genuinely stunned by the rudeness and hostility of the bartender. From the moment we walked in, it felt like we were inconveniencing her. No smile. Just an immediate attitude like we were a burden.

The bar sells craft beer, so we politely asked for a sample before ordering, a completely normal thing to do at any bar like this. She responded with visible annoyance and attitude like we were asking her to split an atom. I actually said to my boyfriend that the vibe was off, but we brushed it off and placed an order for two drinks.

We went to pay with Apple Pay, standard, right? It’s 2025. She said we needed a physical bank card to pay, we explained that we didn’t have a physical card. In a patronising tone she said ‘You don’t have your wallet?’. When we explained we only had Apple Pay, she replied, ‘You need to carry your cards’.

We politely apologised, we hadn’t seen any signs stating no digital payments. At this point, instead of offering a solution or showing any ounce of professionalism, she grabbed the beers back and said ‘Don’t waste my time.’

I have never in my life been refused phone payment, let alone publicly humiliated for it. My boyfriend has spent months in Portland and has never encountered anything remotely close to this kind of treatment.

In an industry where service is everything, this was a masterclass in how not to treat people. From reading some of the other low reviews it’s clear that there is an issue with this...

It's unfortunate that a tinder generation feels the need to deface property. Especially when it's old vintage stuff like the beer memorabilia in the restroom of this well preserved establishment. After being away from Portland (where I grew up) for fifteen years, it's nice to see that at least some of the places I remember are still around (even if they have been renamed). I still like this old bar, and it's been kept up to somewhat modern standards. While the defacing of vintage art may not be enough reason to hold back a five-star rating, the bartender didn't seem to interested in doing anything more than she was required to do. Part of the experience of going to a bar is the social aspect, and she was having none of it. I hope the other staff are more inviting. I'd probably go back if I was bringing a friend or two with me, but likely avoid it if I'm...

I've been coming here casually for a couple years, primarily because their personal pan pizzas are baked with love In crispy little skillets. I think the pizzas themselves are worth attention.

But I've noticed, after coming here over and over again that the people and the staff are really chill.

For example, tonight I ordered a beer and a pizza and took most of it home. Jess took my order and made my pizza. Jess took my card to make a tab and used my name for the rest of the night, super casual, like we were all just hanging out (which we were.)

It's such a small thing. But then when it happens with a good beer and a good pizza on what was a kind of a sucky night? It ends up really mattering.

This place is such that vibe. So relaxed, dependable, and homey....