I am sure many of you heard talk of the new pub where you don’t have to tip. I hear about it on NPR a few months back during an interview with the owner…or one of the owners. I am not sure how the business is structured. The Portland restaurant industry is its own animal.
I digress, the pub in question is called Loyal Legion on SE 6th and Alder in the lower Eastside industrial section of the Buckman neighborhood. I am not a big drinker, and when I do its almost never beer (I love a good stout or brown, but I would rather eat my calories than drink them so I have grown out of the habit of imbibing). We had a little last minute after work gathering a few weeks back for Piet’s 31st birthday. The sun was out, we took over two tables outside. It was the perfect setting.
The staff were all very pleasant and helpful – probably because they are being paid a good living wage instead of the minimum plus tip. Everyone seemed to enjoy their drinks and grub. The food menu is simple but diverse enough to accommodate most dietary restrictions without being gimmicky about it. Sausages from Olympic Provisions, a couple salads, a vegan bowl, a burger and a corndog. I think they also have food specials, for example, the first time we went, it was nacho week. WHY AM I ALWAYS ON A DIET!? …oh yeah and they have like 99 beers on tap. So thats kind of a thing.
See how happy these people are? We have beautiful friends.
The space inside is very cool as well, I couldn’t get any shots of it unfortunately, but you can see a few on their website. The building Loyal Legion is part of was originally called Orient Lodge #17 when it was constructed, and then renamed the PPAA building when it was purchased in the 1950’s by the Portland Police Athletic Association. As our evening came to an end, I snapped this shot of the P.P.A.A. building and sign. Then we were off for late dinner at Screen Door. xoxo