The Garrison — Restaurant in Portland

The positives: The most entertaining and friendly bartenders this side of the Columbia Beer is very fairly priced (most are $4 per pint) Fun to be at when games are on A necessary addition to St. John's

The negatives: The beer is almost monolithically mediocre. Nothing ever hits a high note. Are they actually paying someone for their art design? I could use a side-job, and can definitely use clipart to make beer labels.

The worst part about this place is how it is run. It just seems to be a series of bad decisions by the owner(s). Why did they use a material that will rust for the bar? Why did they make the bar so unnecessarily long? Why are they out of beers so often for just a day (in other words, it's clearly not because they're out of beer but because whoever doesn't feel like stocking them well enough)? Why are they using a kegerator to dispense two beers? Why are the beers so foamy so often? Who decided on that horrible patio area? This place has potential, but it seems to be drastically held back by the owner(s), who I get the sense want to nickel and...

Awesome bartenders and a good crowd of friendly regulars. Also some excellent food options with a variety of stuff to choose from within a block or two, all of which you are welcome to eat at the garrison. Since it's Royale brewing's tap room, that's the only beer option on tap. They'd get another star if there was a better selection of beer options or varieties. You get the standard unimaginative microbrewery menu, most of which are very average: pale ale, IPA, porter, hefe, a hoppy red, a lighter saison, etc. My only suggestion for that extra star is brew something interesting! Good place to watch live sports since they have a big projector and TV and it's not usually...

In an area with primarily the beer and a shot, margs and mules type of bar, the garrison is a fantastic craft cocktail spot run by two very passionate and welcoming individuals. Always experimenting with new ideas, they still keep a sizeable menu of classics on hand and can make you just about anything your...