10/19/08

"Huh?"

by shannaniganz64

We have enjoyed the Rose & Thistle?s food on a previous evening. Last night we decided to meet a friend for a later dinner. As the bar area filled with patrons, the wait staff began seating the overflow in the dining area. Luckily we had finished our meal, were relaxing and conversing. Suddenly we began to smell the stench of cigarette smoke coming from the next table. Upon leaving, we asked the hostess if this was a common practice?allowing people to smoke in the dining room. Her reply was, ?When the bar fills up patrons, smoking or non-smoking, go into the dining room.? We were disappointed with the response and will only continue to patronize Irish Pubs that have regard for their customers.

07/23/08

What happened...??? this used to be a great place!

by ruud

After being what I would consider a once-a-week regular 5 or 6 years back I returned to check out the old place a couple of weeks back. It hasn't changed much, still the same old nicotine stained bric-a-brac solidly screwed to the walls. The dartboard has been moved to the front of the bar where a second entrance door used to be.

I was surprised to see a new deck in the beer garden albeit blocked off but there was still ample seating out-back regardless. I understand the former owner has passed away and it appears the good service that I had been used to passed away with him. I sat outside in the beer garden for over 20 minutes waiting for a friend to turn up when I realized the waitress had neglected to show up in a time manner too.

Never the less that did not bother me as I was looking forward to what I always considered the be the best fish and chips in Portland. What arrived sadly was far from the best fish and chips in town. The chips were sparse, greasy and the fish tasted metallic. I couldn't finish my meal. The layer of grime on the vinegar bottles didn't make things any more appetizing. Luckily the pint I had was on par with what I have expected.

I'm afraid to say the service was very poor, maybe I got them on a bad day but the waitress was not at all friendly and even rolled her eyes when I asked her if she could split the bill for me and my friend. I had to go inside to pay for my meal in the end and the young lady behind the bar didn't seem any more friendlier.

This is one Portland institution I will not be returning to any time soon.

06/25/08

Honest Pours, Great Staff

by xxyyxxyyxxyyx

We've been here twice and it's a great watering hole... The happy hour beers are only $3 and the pour is right on - no cheater glasses here! I saw the fish and chips go by over and over, and without a doubt they look right tasty... We stick to the pub grub call the "Scotch Egg" which is a hard boiled egg covered with sausage and deep fried crispy brown - Mein Gott it soaks up the beer buzz and gets you ready for more!!! Sunny patio and jocular patrons. A real down home place.

• Pros: Outdoor Patio, Big Glasses of Micros
• Cons: Too Many Delicious Beers