Red Star Tavern Review

My boyfriend and I were wandering downtown trying to find a good place to eat and saw this place. It looked pretty good and we were sat right away but we waited fifteen minutes for anyone to acknowledge us. It did look like several waiters were cleaning a table that had had a large party. If the place was busy it would have been one thing, but it was really not busy at all and we honestly just felt like they didn't want to serve us so we left.

Nice place to drop in for a selection from their unique menu of original cocktails or a quick bite.

I used to visit Portland quite a bit. But I hadn't eaten at the Red Star in years and decided to try it on a recent trip. It's upscale, with a very Portland menu. The food was fine, and prettily presented. But I wasn't impressed with the menu and ended up choosing 2 appetizers instead of a main course. It's a lovely place. But I'm not a sure I'll be back.

Went at 2 on a Saturday/today and received a brunch menu only (only 3 appetizer selections, alot of breakfast options and a few lunch options), we wanted steak and appetizers after looking at the menu on line. Asked if we could order a steak, they said no it was available later only, asked if they had a lunch menu like on the website with more selections and our waitress said it was not available today, they also didn't provide a drink menu.
When our meal came we realized the table next to us got a drink menu and a different food menu, when we asked about it the waitress said there where no other menus...but then when we pointed at theirs she stated she thinks there was a bar menu too. Very disappointing the service and availability of food options on a weekend. Would not have gone had we known the options were so limited and mostly breakfast. Not to be a downer, but expected better service and options for the price. May have gotten better service at the bar?

Expect high prices on a tiny menu of uninteresting American food. The food tasted ok. The service was excellent.

We kind of just bumped into this place while walking around downtown one Friday night. They asked if we had a reservation and we said no.. they then told us that it would be a 20 minute wait but I could clearly see a whole section available. We figured that possibly the tables were reserved for a big party. After about 20 minutes we get a small table (just me and wifey). It was happy hour so we had cocktails and appetizers, yum. I had the ny strip, delicious. Wifey also loved her food, it was Italian something. Our server was great, very attentive and down to earth lady so we tipped her well. Only reason we didn't give this 5 stars was because those tables that we noticed available were available throughout our time here.. not sure why, just annoying. Otherwise this is a very nice establishment, will return with reservations next time.

Outstanding service and relaxing atmosphere. The bartender Micah had impressive knowledge of the names and types of glassware. I would definitely recommend this bar.

For eating here once on V-Day the food was amazing!!! The service was great and the atmosphere was the best. The value was great for a V-Day dinner. Every time I pass by I think about the whole turkey I got wow that was the best turkey I have ever had. Thanks for the great V-Day dinner. O! the cats loved the left overs. :)

This place is great if you want a Portland bar experience! If you're looking for a quick meal this might not be the best option for you. But if you want good drinks and great food and atmosphere this place is awesome! Their happy hour is great value too! But be careful if you reserve through Open Table. Their happy hour ends at 6pm but the app will tell you it goes until 7.

We had a reservation for 25 for a bday party. Waited almost 2 hrs for food! The worst restaurant experience I have ever had! The place was empty besides us. We had to go to the bar for second drinks cause they never came back to see if we wanted more. No water until we asked. When we politely asked they acted like we weren t even here even though we had a RESERVATION and acted like we did something wrong!

Good quality. Good service. Nice facility. Small portions for the price.

Adequate tavern food, with downtown prices. Happy hour gets very busy.

Red star is super convenient for me considering its on my way home from work but what keeps bringing me back is the exemplary service I always receive. Everyone from the bartenders to the bussers are always so accommodating and friendly. It's a great place to get a nice drink and relax without the pretentiousness of the nines and without the "diveyness" of Rialto or Kelly's. 5 stars all around

Went here because I wanted to find a new happy hour spot nearby... this is definitely my new spot! Came with a friend after work dressed casually and felt comfortable there, but I really would love to come back dressed up because it has a "treat yo self" vibe going on. Their signature drink is a MUST HAVE if you want to know what heaven tastes like. Happy hour bites are equally delectable, I ordered the wings (spicy but don't overpower taste) and my friend ordered the steak with smoked blue cheese fries. The wait staff was friendly and very good. I don't think my water glass got below 2 inches, and I drink a lot of water! Overall this restaurant is a 11/10 in my book!

Super yummy food
, Great drinks, super hot waitresses

Sort of accidentally ate three meals here in one day. All of them excellent, I can strongly recommend the classic benedict from the breakfast menu and the steak from the main menu.

Staff are very friendly and helpful without being intrusive.

It s a nice hotel to stay in too.

One of the only places around the area that seems to stay open late on Sundays. They have a great happy hour that includes some tasty food.

The service has always been top notch.

Wow, very impressed with the food quality and the service was top notch.

Nice enough place but $7.50 for a pint that goes for $4 a block away? Yeah, I think not. I don't need to go anywhere where a 87.5 percent premium is charged. It's not that nice...

Good place for business lunches. Food is always good and there's never a problem finding a table.

Food was okay. A bit pricier. However nice people and the best Japanese cheesecake.

Their fries are delicious and addictive. Great drink selection.

I have made reservations for a Birthday dinner. What about parking? I hope Lizzie will answer :-)

Steak salad is delicious and the cocktails were all very good. Just a little bit pricey, wait for happy hour

The food is delicious! Great wine and drink menu. Dessert was amazing! Try the Peach Cobler for Two. Your welcome!

Great food and classy atmosphere. Great place for lunch! A sophisticated, elegant-yet-relaxed place. The service is great, the food is fresh and seasonal, and it's just a very nice, friendly place.

The $12 Grilled Octopus and white bean salad for lunch was fantastic and a good value. The $4 ice tea, not so much. Sticking to Happy Hour if I go back.

Good food and nice casual place. Good happy hour. One waitress was snotty hut everyone else was great.

Fabulous new store. Could easily spend all day here. Salesperson was Rebecca, totally awesome!

Great spot to stop in and have a happy hour cocktail.

A little pricey. Service was great and the food was excellent.

The staff is nice, but the food is kind of average at best. Decent beer selection, though.

Absolutely amazing. Great Customer Service and and the food was great.

I was heading for a food cart, but it was a little chilly & this place looked inviting. My veggie burger (with goat cheese & chilies) and cauliflower soup were DELICIOUS. My only regret was that I was too full for dessert, having polished off everything on my plate.

Long Long wait, lots of empty tables BUT "the kitchen can't keep up with the food orders " according to the hostess. So people are all waiting at the door looking at empty tables. Not worth the wait.

We stumbled upon this place after parking nearby, only to discover we'd done the same thing about 8 years ago. Highly recommend the table by the door for the best people watching.

Great place downtown Portland. The pork chop was so good I'd go back just for that.

Service was great, very nice unique decor. Highly recommended!

As a business owner. I found this place appalling, if you re not of the fairer skin. I would avoid this place, as you will not be treated as a equal by the wait staff. The wait staff will look at your cup and not even offer a refill, but will go to your neighbors cups and fill them up when they are still half full. The wait stuff don t smile and will give you the feeling to hurry up and leave. As advice to the owner, to have a meeting with his/her staff about their attitudes. As I know, the difficulty to have his/her employees follow their vision. Beautiful establishment, very poor service.

Went here at 2:00pm on a weekday for a beer. One other person at the bar. Waited for the bartender for several minutes before taking my money elsewhere.

Small menu but very well done. Steelhead and pork shoulder were fantastic. Great service.

Amazing drinks, great food and surprisingly a few alternatives for vegetarians! :)

Just learned they are open for breakfast. Should have known because they are in the same building as a hotel.

While I can't speak to the food, they have an expansive whiskey and gin selection that is reasonably priced along with a very knowledgeable bartender.

We went here for happy hour because the menu online said they had steak and fries for $6. We got there and sat down and the menu they gave us said it was $17. When we asked the server about the price difference he said " yeah we know, it's not $6, it's $17, would you like to order" seems like bad service. That's reason enough to not go back.

Had the blended burger with bacon and a mo-hazy-ic ipa. Was a fantastic lunch. I highly recommend it

Was here last Sat eve. Everything was excellent: food (steaks were perfect), drinks (Manhattans top notch), and staff!! (friendly, helpful, great humor). It's a lovely environment with slightly rustic feel. Bar is cozy but open to the larger area, restaurant on opposite side slightly more formal, but entire place has an open look, big windows and nice glow inside and out as it gets dark. Perfect location one block from the Square. Looking forward to going back.

Only been here for lunch and it's usually pretty quiet. They have a nice menu of new American cuisine and cocktails.