Twenty First Ave Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Portland

Update The response to my valid concern about my treatment at the bar was met with an inappropriate response. To say it is probably best to find another bar to frequent after I raised this concern could be interpreted as an attempt to deny me service there in the future. I want to make it clear that if I return to this bar, and am denied service, I will take legal action to the greatest extent possible. ---Original Review--- I'm leaving this review in objection to the bartender's discriminatory treatment towards me on May 30. My girlfriend and I are blind, and were locating the entrance to the bar. As we were using our phones to read a sign on a glass door next to the entrance, a lady, who I later identified as the bartender, rushed over, and began to speak to us in an infantalizing manner. When I remarked that she seemed to be uncomfortable around us, she denied it, saying that she just didn't want us to get hurt. This comment in and of itself could be grounds for her dismissal, as it was clearly patronizing. Then, we order our drinks at the bar, and I suggest that we sit out on the back patio. At this point, the bartender remarks that the front patio might be easier, as she feared that we might have difficulty navigating the back area. Yet another strike against her. My girlfriend wanted to sit out front, so as to better enjoy listening to the activity on the street, so we decided to sit there out of choice. However, the bartender made one more comment on how she would feel terrible if we got hurt on the back patio. At this point, I called her out on her discriminatory comments. She denied that she was being discriminatory, but did apologize nonetheless. I plan to go back on the weekend to enjoy the back patio, and will not tolerate any further discrimination. Can It is right to expect this woman...

This bar is a great example of what happens when too many people find out about it. I used to go here all the time for years and it was great; now, the line for karaoke is long like everywhere else. Even showing up right at 9 pm means you're behind 10 other people signed up before you. The KJ now doesn't know how to run a sound system (the balance is awful, the treble is so shrill it'll make your ear bleed, the speakers sound blown, and the mic is turned down way low even for great singers, which are few and far between now); the KJs they have had in the last couple years have no personality and are terrible hosts. The place is crowded as hell 7 nights a week, which is great for business, but a nightmare to be a customer.

There are 2 bathrooms. On a busy night, there's easily over 100 people at the bar. Think about that before drinking all night. And you know what that means! You guessed it ;) LONG DRINK LINES!

Inside, the seating is sort of spread out in a big "u" shape, with the kitchen smack in the middle. Two legs of the seating offer good views of the karaoke stage. The back patio is cute during the day, but closes early at about 10 in consideration of the neighboring apartments. Forget hanging out smoking and talking late into the night. You'll need to go out front with the riff raff for that.

This place is best for a quick drink during early daylight hours, but it's so crowded at night it's not as fun anymore.

This place is your typical crowded Portland karaoke joint by night, decent patio quiet...

If you want to sing karaoke you have to pay the dj 10 dollars minimum. The first time I paid 20 for my friend then the DJ played the wrong song. I brought it up and the dj acknowledged it and played the correct version, but it was pretty empty at that point. The second time I sang with 3 friends, however only one mic was working. I pressed the buttons multiple times, the mic was turned down by the dj. I also asked another patron who agreed the dj turned off my mic. If you don't tip, you won't be able to sing. Even if you tip, it still isn't guaranteed you'll sing or that they'll even play the right song. Your mic may or may not work. I was told we'd be next after the payment and still didn't sing for 5 more songs. No cash, only venmo. It's my mistake for having faith a second time, but I won't be doing that again. They play favorites with certain patrons, that much is clear as well. Very unfair and unfriendly experience. Go elsewhere for your karaoke needs.

Really want to love it which is why I've tried multiple times, but keep being let down The bartender also prioritizes young 20 something's over 32 year olds apparently.

I like the outdoor patio. I will say it is much more enjoyable during the daytime/weekday.

Id probably review this a bit better if the way they handle karaoke wasn't...