Tabor Tavern — Restaurant in Portland

Let me build out a scenario for you all!

Our small(ish) group of 5 decided to have lunch together at Tabor Tavern. 2020-2021 has been a couple of tough years and we wanted to do our part to support local businesses. Typically, the food and drinks there are stellar, the staff is friendly and kind, and the overall aesthetic and atmosphere is cozy and wonderful.

As someone who has been in customer service for 14+ years, I have seen the best and worst side of people, and understand when to just extend grace to people who are having a rough day; however, the situation my group and I experienced was simply uncalled for and inappropriate.

We called to order between 11:45am-12:00pm, before they were officially open. Someone picked up and took our orders. Now, seeing as they do open at 12pm, the individual(s) could have simply decided not to pick up the phone or let us know to call back around 12pm, which we would have done, no questions asked.

When we finally arrived, it was fairly busy. When the servers realized who we were, their attitudes and voices and body language completely changed: short, rude, and annoyed. One server noted "Oh, you were the people that called ahead," and said it in that tone ya'll. You know the one.

When we told them we would be eating our meals outside, due to COVID restrictions, I hadn't taken two steps until the server started bad mouthing us to her partner right in front of me. "So they ordered take out and now they want to eat outside!" I walked out and let my friends know what happened. Side note: We had ordered the food to-go because we realized there might not have been any spot to sit to begin with. So when we found a place to sit and eat, it was a delightful surprise, but, obviously, a huge inconvenience to them.

It was a very uncomfortable 45 minutes to say the least. Our table kept being ignored and brushed past while other customers at their tables were being cared for and valued. One of the servers finally came over and "apologized" for being rude to us. However, she still felt that we called too far ahead of time (15 min) and had placed them under undo hardship because they were opening up at the same time. So her apology was not an actual apology, but an actual reason and excuse to reinforce why it was okay to treat us like dirt. We all just nodded and thanked her for the delicious food and left.

Overall, it was my worst serving experience to date. All that being said, the food was delicious! So if you want good food, grab it and go!

Thanks...

Great atmosphere, delicious food but don't share the same positive sentiment about the service. I have given this place about 5 chances and, without fail, every single time I have left feeling like an inconvenience and unwelcome. I will not be returning and will discontinue recommending this place to others.

During the early years of my professional life, I worked in the food service industry and was trained to serve all patrons with utmost respect. Unfortunately Saska, the server I had earlier today, either did not receive the same training or did, but does not take it seriously.Sadly she is one of many with whom I have negatively encountered here at Tabor Tavern. If you all want to add a mandatory 20% gratuity then your work better reflect those numbers!!! After experiencing terrible service I still had to pay a 20% tip! You robbed me!

SERVERS -- your poor service not only reflects yourself but every one you work with... the chef, managers, etc. Please respect your coworkers and the professionally prepared food you are serving by choosing the words you use to your patrons wisely! I hope you read these reviews and take what is said to heart because Tabor Tavern has so...

First time dining here. Went for lunch. There were only a handful of people when we arrived. Stood there for a while before anyone greeted us. The server ended up being nice, though. There were a lot of flies 🦟 in there. We had to kill a few just for some peace. Ordered the fish and chips. The hot crispy fish was huge! Fried beautifully with a drizzle of malt vinegar on top. The fries were freshly cut! Deliciousness. Had the fish NOT had been served laying atop of some steaming hot potatoes, then the underbelly would have stayed as crisp as the top of the fish. The production of the french fries being pounded through the cutter was loud, intense, and went on for 75% of our dining. Just loud, pounding, machinery and thumps. Could barely have a conversation. After another guest inquired about the heart-thumping sounds, you would have thought the server would express that to the kitchen. Besides the noise and flies, it was okay. Descent prices and a good cocktail. Didn't use the restroom, so I can't judge. The fish had no seasoning, the batter was seasoned okay and crisp on top. But soggy underneath. Good coleslaw. Good seating. No feelings...