The Muddy Rudder Public House — Restaurant in Portland

Service has improved since my last review. My last review was not enthusiastic, but I always believe that local food establishment need a lot of latitude in ratings, especially if they have changed.

In the case of the Muddy Rudder, I am proud to have had dinner here tonight! My dinner and drinks were served quickly, and the staff were cordial and very attentive.

The Rudder, like many other small restaurants, has pulled through adversity of COVID. These times aren’t easy for any small business, but I endorse and encourage people to come out and support the Rudder and any other small business!

My dinner was amazing, I had a small pan Margarita pizza. It came out HOT. The only complaint I can raise is that the pizza was just too darn large! Blasted all, I have excellent left overs! That’s NOT a problem! My advice, come hungry, or be ready to take home a doggy bag.

The atmosphere has picked up, it is more festive at this time of year. There are people back at the bar stools. One can have a fun conversation with anyone here. It’s great food, good drinks, and a very relaxed sepia atmosphere.

This is the crown jewel...

Waited for server. Had to go to the bar to get a drink. Went back to the table and waited for a server again to order food. We finally got our drinks and a menu about 15 minutes later. Then we waited and watched the servers serve and reserve the same tables 3 times, Only drinks. After being their for 45 minutes without being able to even order, we paid for our one drink and left. We started walking to another restaurant because we were still hungry when I realized that I had left my phone at the table. I went right back and it wasn’t there. I asked if anyone had found it . I was told “no, that maybe the last person at the table took it. The phone was turned off right after that. If it took us 45 minutes to have one drink and not yet order, then how did the table turn in less than 20 minutes after we left. The table was still clean. Not the best experience by far. I had been wanting to go check it out for a while and then was very disappointed with the service. I love pizza it’s a shame that I didn’t get a chance...

I’ve been coming to this place a year. And I usually love it - I’ve had a good to great experience every time. Good value and good service, all that. But yesterday was just a lot. Got in at 3, my partner and I stagger ordered two plates of food and a beer ….. and my food was left by the wayside. I had to ask - and the server seemed to ….. not really care? He said the meal (my 11.25 sandwich) would be comped, which that’s great, but I don’t get much time to be out. So in the 53 minutes I had been waiting - I honestly would’ve rather just had my boyfriend’s beer comped or something, cuz I just wanted to leave. After a very rough few days, when I came in I just wanted a light meal with someone I cared about, not an hour long ordeal over a sandwich. The vibe was the he just …. Didn’t really seem to care. I worked customer service retail for awhile, I get it and understand, but as a small business owner now …. It just seems sloppy. A server pad is really useful, if your memory fails you, please...