Biddy McGraw's

09/29/09

come on, guy!

by dub213

I think it's a shame that the most recent review for this place is negatively charged by someone who has obviously never been there. Had you taken the time to even look over the menu before you posted your review, you would have noticed a few things like, for example, colcannon AND brown soda bread.

Yes, they pour Guinness properly.

Yes, there is live Irish music every Sunday.

As far as people in Ireland having money now...good for them! Some people prefer an "old world" kind of pub.

Next time you write a review base it on YOUR experiences, not on other people's comments.

• Pros: good food, good beer, good atmosphere
• Cons: parking

08/05/09

Irish Pub?

by Desertman

Having read the comments and never having visited, it seems like a fairly standard Americanised 'take' on an Irish Pub.

For a start off, where in Ireland do they have Mexican food in the pub? Is there actually any Irish food at Biddy McGraw's? I didn't see any comments about an Irish breakfast, lamb stew, colcannon, boiled bacon and cabbage (not corned beef and cabbage - hardly anyone in Ireland has ever heard of this) or soda bread or Barm brack or anything that might indicate that there is actually some Irish food on offer.

How is the Guinness at Biddy's? Do they pour the glass in stages, letting it settle for some minutes between pours? Is there a line of half poured Guinnesses sitting on the bar waiting to be finished?

No-one really discussed the music - what of it, is there any live Irish music?

Is there a drop of real Irish tea on hand to have with the soda bread?

The attitude of the staff seems to vary? I can't say that that isn't the same as in Ireland. It's probably the same all over the world.

The old world feel described, with battered wood and hard floors has given way in Ireland to a more modern, more comfortable feel in a pub. Over the last 50 years, people in Ireland have gotten a bit of money to do their establishments up. They've largely tried to move with the times.

Anyway, hope that helps.

01/12/09

Great Bar, Buzzkill Bartender

by bigbpdx

Biddy's is the neighborhood bar for me, so I've been in there a few times. I'm no connoisseur, but the Reuben was delicious, as well as their garlicky, homemade, fresh salsa. They have a good draft beer selection including Guinness, Bass, Newcastle, and some Oregon favorites. The atmosphere is dark and mellow, with darts, video games, and lots of seating. It's a fantastic place to sit and have a Jameson if you aren't looking for a Portland hipster situation.

My only problem with Biddy's is that downer vampire of a female bartender (I've only seen two, one female and one male) who leeches the lifeblood out of everything surrounding her. She belongs to the small minority of service industry workers who think they are doing you a huge favor by doing their jobs and accepting your tips. Excuse me for, god forbid, interrupting your Scrabble game and ordering another drink. When it was time to cover our $38 dollar tab, I begrudgingly forked over $44 dollars even though I was tempted to leave a crummier tip but couldn't as I am a server as well. She snatched the money out of my hand (including her tip), abruptly swung around and walked away. No, "have a good night", "thanks for coming in" , or simply "thanks (for that money that you just gave me which you were not required to give me and which I did not deserve)". Nothing. And no, I am not belligerent, obnoxious, rude, creepy, or any other quality that might understandingly annoy a bartender. When a customer at my job asks me for something, I try not to act like I am doing them a huge favor because I realize that they are actually doing me a favor by eating in my restaurant and, most likely, leaving me a tip. If you hate customer service, maybe you should get a job doing construction. From now on, when I have an urge to go to Biddy's, I'll call ahead and make sure that the male bartender is working. He has always treated me like decent human beings treat decent human beings. Maybe she should take notes.

• Pros: Chill Little Irish Neighborhood Bar
• Cons: Ice Cold Bartender

11/14/08

Yum

by mollysn

Hands down the best reuben sandwich I've had since moving to Portland. Per the cook (at least I think she was the cook??) they corn their beef in house and get most of their product locally. I think its better than Roses but what do I know? :O)

• Pros: Reuben sandwich!!
• Cons: I didn't see a happy hour menu...?

09/21/08

Surprisingly good

by pdxfan39

Went there the other day for lunch. It's a little dingy on the inside so my expectations were low, but the food was actually good. I had the pulled pork, it had a sizable amount of meat. My friend had the chicken quesadilla. The salsa was spicy - bartender told us they made it fresh, which was surprising especially considering they're an Irish bar (??). Service was unintrusive, fine. I'd go back again.

• Pros: Good food, fair selection of beers on tap
• Cons: Smoking still allowed

07/06/07

Good Irish Music Sunday Nights

by fishline3

We like Biddy's on a Sunday night. It is a nice pub and the food is always good. The art work is Irish Republican but I could care less. I don't think the owners care. I don't think they are Irish. As a side note, I never have seen Sein Finn posters in the Republic of Ireland pubs and bars. I think the interior reflects much of what I have seen in Ireland. The music is grand. Seems to get a good support from the Irish community on Sunday nights.

If I were to improve the pub it would be to get a more charismatic bartender. This is the opinion of my Irish friends and myself.

• Pros: nice atmosphere, irish music on sunday nights
• Cons: cool to chilly bartender

12/15/06

Real good food. I am impressed.

by bukouski

Great place for an after work stop, kind of an old world true Irish bar you would find in Ireland. Its in a neighborhood setting and I found that they have a pretty good menu. One of my favorite places to pop in, once or twice a week. Keep it up. cheers :)

• Pros: easy to get to, great for large parties, quick food service, and friendly people.
• Cons: bar stools need a fixing

11/27/06

Smoky Spot

by devlin32

If you like a place to inhale someone elses smoke and gaze at faded republican memorabilia from Northern Ireland then this is your spot. Could do with a major facelift and a smoking ban. Decent Irish session on Sunday's and good Guiness though.....

Local bands and a young, social crowd gathers at this comfortable watering hole.

by Contributor

In Short
The warm, rural flavor at this Irish-themed bar is created using slightly battered wooden decor, as in a rustic pub in the Old Country. Stone floors and a mishmash of political posters from Ireland augment the vibe. It's part neighborhood bar and part hangout for a younger crowd. There's live music--Irish folk, funk or roots rock--most nights of the week. Darts and other games are in the back of the bar.