Lutz Tavern

This is a fun well-known dive bar in the Woodstock area of Portland. They are popular for their burgers and have been rated highly for them in local papers for “best burgers” in town features. The staff is friendly and they have a large selection of beers on tap and in cans. A good amount of inexpensive tall boys too. There’s a number of slightly worn but cozy booths and several tall tables with bar stools. The bar itself is long and has bar stools along it. Pin ball and pool too. Good prices and tasty food. One of our favorite places to stop by for a bit.

I love this local dive! Chill, kind vibes only. Some of the old diner seats are in rough shape, but it's part of the charm. Very kind folks tending the bar. Love all the bar stool seat options. Tasty corn dogs! (Lil less deep fried plz next time hopefully). Fair prices.

Spot has some character, but have had multiple issues with service here, the most recent of which prompted this review. Walked my dog over and wanted to get a light draft having had a few at the house beforehand and not having anything light at home. Bartender ignored me upon entry, at which point I walked to the end of the bar where they were scrolling their phone and politely asked them to serve me (this is the normal level of attentiveness from the staff at this bar so nothing notable here). They asked for my order -- which is important for what follows -- and I cordially replied that I was already a bit intoxicated so would like a Bud Light. The bartender then refused to serve me on the basis that I had just stated I was intoxicated (in a bar! imagine that!) and thus she was using her good judgment to not serve someone who was already intoxicated. Two key points: 1) I have seen this same bartender serve someone who was barely able to walk away from the bar on their own two feet; 2) the bartender could not tell I was intoxicated until I told her. Essentially, I was denied service because the bartender didn't like how I looked, or some other bogus reason, and they attempted to use "good judgment" as an excuse to not serve me. I have tended bar before and know the rules around judgment, and this wasn't the bartender using discretion, it was simply unwarranted denial of service. After pressing the bartender a bit on her logic, she stuck to her story so I rolled my eyes and left. Won't be going back, and figured I'd share the tale so you all can hopefully call the staff out if you are ever treated in a similar manner were you to find yourself at the Lutz.

Great late night dive bar, especially if you like Americana decor, old school paneling, vintage barstools and sometimes great metal. They also have chill bartenders and chefs (they're killing it when it comes to bar food - it's like sophisticated decadence. I love the BLT) and one of my favorite Mexican lagers (by 5440). Similar to Lutz's vibe if you've been there.

Great little tavern. Only had the fries (food wise) but they were delicious. Shoestring style, but great texture and they stayed warm! I want to go back when I'm more hungry because they have a large selection of food.

Nice neighborhood bar in Woodstock area with a slight NY/NJ atmosphere to it. Reasonably priced drinks, stays open late, have not tried the food yet.

A local dive bar in SE Portland where the atmosphere is still the same since the beginning. And I like it that way! Very cool spot.

My favorite dive bar in Portland. Cheap, retro, chill, welcoming. The happy hour menu and drink specials can't be beat; recently I paid $5 for a stiff-ass vodka soda and a plate of chips and salsa. That's value for money right there.

If you want to start your day by being verbally abused by a truculent bartender, this is your place. I know help is hard to find, but it probably would be better to stay closed then to keep it open with the staff that's there. The kitchen is great and the food is good. I love this bar, been going there for years. Firing people sucks but management needs to get in gear on this one.

Terrible customer service. Rude bartenders. Environment is extremely depressing, definitely not sophisticated. Food greasy too

Food. Yes! Service! Yes! Ambiance- suits us fine. We're late nighters and sit outside on fine evenings... Cocktails are nice and always a good IPA selection!

The worst service I think I've experienced in Portland. Astoundingly rude, the servers seem to hate their jobs & their customers. There are so many good taverns/bars in this town, please support them instead: Automatic, Double Barrel, Kay's, Dots, Benbear's, Reel m' Inn, Ship Ahoy Tavern, Bar Carlo, Horse Brass...

This place is discriminatory. I came in completely sober just a little bit tired trying to get a vodka Red Bull last night. The lady had no issue serving the guy I came with but refused to serve me. When I ordered I asked for a vodka red bull and she looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I was okay. The music was blaring so I was like "Yeah I'm fine the music is just really loud" Then she proceeded to be like "I'm not serving her". She was completely trying to paint me out in some type of way. I read a few other reviews with people having similar issues. A friend of mine told me she was turned down as well. I thought I was crazy for a minute. Or that she had good intentions. Turns out this place is discriminatory.... That's honestly crazy its 2024

The Lutz is best known for its classic (founded in 47), dive bar ambiance (is this like a double oxymoron)--well-padded booth, beer lamps and lights all around, even a phone booth (with an atm instead of a phone." Friendly, funky neighborhood vibe, also embodied by the bartender. Pretty good tap list, plus some ponders and bottles. But the best thing about the Lutz is the burger. I had the brokeback, with bacon and onion crumbles; tons of crispy, perfect french fries--at a very good price. Come on down to Woodstock and step into the delicious comfort of the Lutz.

Threw up in the outside trash can and the waitress instantly came out with a bottle of pure bleach "very condescending " and ask me what was going to happen the next day when it got hot out and when I offered to take care of it for her was made to take it out FOR her which took about 1 minute. And was afterwards berated by a regular bar fly. Would not return

michelada good cash good fat bastard good honey siracha wings good corn dog good

If you like bad service you will love this bar. The bartenders will ignore you and act annoyed when you get their attention because you had the audacity to want something to eat or drink. The burgers are good though, but you can get a decent bar burger at just about any Portland dive bar.

It was mine and my husband's first visit! We loved the rueben sandwich and their pain killer slushy! The service that we received was exceptional and we plan on returning!! The ambiance was dim lit and the music is hip hop. They have a jukebox that will allow you to play what you would like.

absolutely the most fun nursing home you'll ever visit! Lutz Tavern is a historically old bar, known as an founding institution of the woodstock neighborhood we know today. Serving as the local watering hole for many, many years, Lutz tavern is the kind of place many people want to spend their evening with their coworkers and friends, building relationships within the community we all live in. Unfortunately, Lutz Tavern does not like this, nor do they encourage it, and they do everything in their power to make sure as little people as possible come in through their doors. If you are under the age of 95, the wannabe Rockabilly bartenders will manhandle and try to break your ID, and come up with any excuse to not serve you. but only after they are done talking to their grandpa, and only If you manage to make it through the series of riddles, and only then will you be met with eye rolls and some of the worst service imaginable. you know when a bartender wants to let you know you're in the wrong neighborhood? that you arent welcome in my bar? THATS the lutz tavern experience. and if you're one of the few, lucky, selected coveted few who make it through their very intense security screening, you will be met with some incredible scenery: about 5-15 people between the ages 65-100, all hunched over the bar like a tweaker hunched over on the street, lights (i never thought i'd say this, but somehow) too dim, and decor that was tacky and ugly 40 years ago. cannot wait until this place is turned into a parking lot or a mcmenamins. Honestly, just go across the street to Pizza Roma. they have a full bar in the back and full restaurant in the front. or even better, give your support to Delta Cafe next door if they're open. both of these places make make much better drinks and spend their time making customers happy instead of bowing down to and sucking off the most corrupt liquor commission in the US. (also if you go through other reviews, you will see that they have a LONG history of discrimination. Personally haven't experienced this as I'm a white male but its very clear they only cater to a VERY particular clientele and will proudly run themselves out of business before changing their ways)

Worst bar I've ever been too! Period lol. Blondie was an absolute ass. Waited 15min to get a drink and when I ask for a drink I got yelled at for no reason. Idk if it was cuz I was the only color person there but I felt really uncomfortable. Also They only fuck with the regular, that's the vibes I was getting tbh.

Took my friend for her 79th birthday last Friday. Memory lane...we grew up in that hood ...first tavern visited when we turned 21. Glad it is still there. The Blueburger and Reuben were good. People friendly.

The last time I was in the Lutz it was 2005. I was 21 years old and it was a dive. They had a juke box with burned cds inside it of music you didn't find in other bars. They sold dollar pounders of PBR's. It was magical little haven on Woodstock. 15 years later, it's been cleaned up and it's not as divey. But it's still a great bar. The price of PBR has gone up with inflation, but so has everything else in life. The staff were super friendly. They have outdoor seating and a back patio now. Just like me, this bar has grown up and matured a lot. Still a great place to grab a drink and some food.

OMG this place is amazing! This tavern has been here since I was in the eighth grade, probably befour........can't tell you how long that's been!!!! At least 50+ years! Well it's outta my neighborhood now but we were out garage selling I decided to stop in. Actually it was a really nice day and they had outdoor seating. So we thought we would give it a try. And man oh man we were not sorry! Definitely b back! The food was amazing, I had the bologna sandwich with the fries Hubby had the Reuben and we shared as always. Have not had baloney in years, this was to die for so much food! When we go back gonna try the wings and split a sandwich and fries.

Bartenders here don't like women. They make it clear. Won't serve you. Talk down to you. I had one drink. Made a bad joke. Was told I was 'erratic' and wouldn't be served. Look up the cameras. Thursday sept 22 around 10 pm. The bartenders here discriminate towards women. Edit. Wow. Ok ZOE. the bartender read the review and found me on Instagram to message me! Seriously inappropriate and unprofessional. It honestly has me fully creeped out. This is not ok. If it was a male bartender, hunting me down would be insane behavior. It shouldn't be any different with a woman. I would like to hear back from the establishment. I have the screen shots. Your staff should NOT be hunting down customers for ANY reason. Who knows what other customers she has tracked down for whatever reasons...?

id give 0 stars if i could. NEVER GO HERE!!! not only do they mess up your orders but when you try to ask them to fix it everyone is an ASSHOLE!!! then the chef says he wants to fight you, like are you kidding me? that is disturbing. everyone is disrespectful as hell and honestly the food and drink isnt even good. foul as hell the way the employees here act. hope this place fails, they don't deserve anyones money.

Totally agree with posts, not friendly to women. Was there at the bar, sat completely unnoticed and not acknowledged. But a dude was immediately. I live in the neighborhood and had this experience before but they got rid of the unfriendly woman and gave it another shot. Not again. Won't be back.

Ray C ,from Fulham,London,England. Not been in the Lutz since my visit in 2017 (spent more than a few hours there over the weeks I was staying in S E.).Being of a certain age(not telling how old) and an avid frequenter of hostelries in England I found the Lutz a friendly and hospitable place to have a few libations.Spent the end of a wonderful day after the wedding at the nearby golf course enjoying the company of wedding guests and the locals on a REALLY hot night. Hope it still has the same welcoming atmosphere.

This is my favorite local old school bar. No video poker, no sports bar, there's a pool table, pinball, one tv screen. Outdoor seating in the front and an enclosed back patio. It's dark. They serve potent drinks with an eclectic and varied music selection. They have one of the best happy hours in town, everyday 4-7. I love their happy hour food, but all of their food is good. There are many different types and ages of people that come here and the crowd changes depending on what day and time you come. Locals, Blue Collars, Old Timers, Millennials, Hipsters, Reed College students, etc., can make for quite a mixed crowd. This place gets busy everyday after 4:00. If I worked near by I would definitely check out this vintage bar for lu

We received intel that this place has a pretty good pork tenderloin sandwich, and it was true :) When we relocated to SW Washington a couple of years ago from the midwest, we did not anticipate that the Pork T sandwich would be so hard to find. This was a good example of the art, although fair warning it comes with pickles and mustard only - not what we would expect down Kansas City way, where you count on mayonnaise, onion, lettuce and maybe some tomato. They were happy to add the missing condiments for a small fee, also somehow reluctant to remove the mustard. But it was hot and crispy and very tasty, and they have tater tots. They also have Miller High Life, the Champagne of Beers, for $3 which I find excellent, and will provide you with a glass and enough tomato juice for a tomato beer for a buck or so in addition. So my midwest self was feeling pretty fine on a Sunday when you should be drinking tomato beer anyhow. The place seemed pretty clean and the service was A-Okay, no complaints.

Very bad vibes from the blonde bartender as we walked in. She took about 6 minutes to take our order because apparently the counter tops around the whole bar needed to be cleaned...? Okay. Noticed she was VERY flirty with the men though and quick to help. Sorry youre old and I'm not a dude! Who doesn't like money though? Won't be back. Zero for customer service. Update: now someone from the bar is sending harassing messages. Nice!!!!

I have lived in the Woodstock neighborhood for more than twenty years and today I really was looking forward to a Lutz Burger. Alas it was not to be. I was treated so poorly by the bar tender today. He thrust my credit card towards me on the bar and proclaimed "I am not going to get into this". He was a complete jerk. I have worked my whole life in the service industry I have never treated anyone thusly nor have I ever been treated by anyone the way he treated me. I left and will go back on another day but you can believe that I will check to see who is behind the bar before entering. I would have liked to give him a piece of my mind but did not want to subject my son and his girlfriend to a scene. Would he have treated a man or a younger woman in the way he treated me? I wager that he would not have.

This place is great for the old nostalgia of old dive dinner but the food has gone down hill. We got the burgers to-go since we have a 5 month old and they don't allow minors and there burgers used to be amazing. We only live 3 min away and if I wanted a dry overcooked burger I would just do it myself. They used to have shoe string fries and mini corn dogs and maybe COVID made them remove these items but there new general fries are just average at best. I'll go back but mostly for the drinks and atmosphere.

Came here on a late morning on Sunday in search of a really good Midwest pork T sammich. You have to order at the bar, the bartender said it was brunch menu but she'd ask if the kitchen would make me a Pork T. They did!!!! Beer and cocktail selection is great! Atmosphere was friendly and welcoming.

As a person of color this place is wack , bartenders are only friendly to the white man. I felt like I wasn't welcome there.

strong drinks, excellent fried food (order the corn dog!), nice bartenders, cheap prices, cool crowd. I love dive bars like this

Love this bar! The staff is lovely, fries are the best in town, and drinks are strong and reasonably priced. For sure the best bar in the Woodstock area!!

If ever there was a neighborhood bar...this is it. Lutz is our go-to/after work place to hang, have a couple of beers, and chat. There are no attempts at anything hip, slick, or cool here. Just barely passable service, a broad selection of beers and ciders both on tap and in the bottle. Mixed drinks are also offered, the music is loud, the patrons are boisterous. And they'll serve you a mountain of 'tots. What else can you say about this place? Oh yeah​ - they have a smoking area in the back. Beyond that, the place fills up quickly after 4-ish so be prepared. Even in the midst of Portland's Snowpocalypse of '17, the place was PACKED last night.

F this place. Seriously. Actually F. Do you heart Portland brunch culture? Yeah, sorry, not here. They don't even have a line! You just walk in and sit down. Open tables! What BS! Is this a great place to see and be seen? Uh, no! There's only like five people here. This is so NOT Portland! Don't even get me started on the friendly staff. Like I said, there's hardly anyone here, so the staff takes all their friendliness and gets all chatty. Using words and stuff to make you feel welcome. It's horrifying. Where am I? Are we in Kansas? Help, someone just made eye contact! The food is excellent and consistent. Like, you just order stuff and it's delicious every time. Who does that? Why can't I just get a bad breakfast burrito everyone once in a while; like a slap to the face to let me know I'm not dreaming. Again, completely anti-Portland. Stay away. This place is not for you.

Best fries on Woodstock. Maybe in SE? Consistent every time and such a good deal for the quantity. Great beer selection. From cheap to craft. Happy hour from 4pm-7pm + 11pm-1:30am all day every day BLT is amazing and the patty melt is great too. Whole staff is awesome

THEY HAVE MEDIEVAL MADNESS. And beer. 5 stars! Anyone who says different has an IQ less than... than... the Reedies who are always in the Lutz. v.v

Great vibes and music and friendly bartender. I have no idea what possessed me to order the Jalapeno batter corn dog but I did $6.50. It comes on top of a basket of fries or tots. I got the tots, they were perfect. The dog itself was quite ample and of the highest quality meat. The jalapeno batter was also a nice touch with just a hint of jalapeno. They do have a happy hour for well drinks and the already cheap beers like Ranier or PBR. I do wish though they offered at least something off the tap selection as well. Lutz is my kinda place to hang.

A great PNW kind of neighborhood bar. If I lived here, I would be here weekly with friends. A little divey, but not gross. Dark and a little worn, but comfortable and clean. The staff are polite and do their job, but they aren't going to try to chat with you or check on you. A little hip, but not in your face. I had cocktails and beers with friends. Good onion rings too- I was surprised by how good they were to the point that I want to go back and try a full meal sometime.

Obviously an awesome staff-- I drove one of their employees home late last night, and what a nice person and stellar team. He had forgotten his phone in the kitchen, and a coworker called his Lyft (moi) to alert us. Looking out for each other like this makes Lutz employees A-#1 in my book. Hearts of gold. Can't wait to stop by and have a drink soon!

I think about Lutz's shoestring fries and buffalo chicken sandwich all the time. Lovely back patio and potent, well-priced well drinks. An overall great dive.

This place is great. Good vibe: dive-y, yet fun and not too too hipster. Good food: we had some nachos, which were devoured in about 5 minutes; the other food stuffs looked and smelled delicious. The wait staff was quite friendly, but I wasn't too happy about the wine pour. They got some new glasses and hadn't figured out what a 5oz pour was on them (but how about 6oz with those prices?) The first two shorted us, the third bartender was much closer, so that helped a little. But come on... it doesn't take that much to make it happen. I worked in a wine bar for about 4 years, so I know was a 5oz pour is... but still used a mark to make sure I had it right (we also gave 6oz, because that's what you should give. :)) Never want people to feel shorted because it doesn't leave a good taste in their mouth. ;) Overall very fun place and I'm excited to hang with the pinball machines in back next time.

I live in Seattle, and come to the Woodstock neighborhood once a year to dog sit for 2 weeks. Every year, on my first day here, I hit this place up for some food and a beer. I've always been greeted and served without issue or attitude. I was even asked for my ID this year, which really made me feel better about myself since I'm almost 35. A+ 5 STARS JUST FOR THAT THAAAANK YOOOU! The food is delicious. The beer is cold. The service is top notch. If you're not a pretentious prick, you'll probably not be treated like one.

Leave your judgments at the door -- that sort of practice isn't necessary at the Lutz. It's a very relaxed setting, with the regulars loitering at the bar and video poker machines during the day time. When night falls, the older kids tag team the younger generation, and not a whole lot more changes. An old school juke box with a limited selection of gems beckons to be heard over the sports broadcasts on their TVs. A couple of pinball machines and one pool table are staggered throughout the small dive bar. PBR is their specialty, at $1.75 a tall boy. All the time, any time. No booze to be found here. But maybe that's why this joint lacks the drama you'll find at so many other local bars. The patrons are friendly and will join you in a game of cards, or leave you to peacefully read your book. Oddities include free pretzels, baskets of peanuts in the shell, pickled hard boiled eggs, and a plethora of beef jerky. If you're not feeling it at the bar, you're more than welcome to pick up a six pack (or a keg) to go.

Stopped by Lutz because they were advertising brunch. First off, diy coffee condiments way at end of bar in a restaurant was an inconvenience and annoying. Coffee was mediocre at best. Had biscuits and gravy, not enough gravy to finish, extra gravy $2. Just put enough gravy in the first place. Hubby had the monte cristo, the bread was soggy and disgusting. Disappointing. Won't be back.

I truly love this place. I live in the neighborhood and this is my go to place for a cheep drink and an awesome burger and fries. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for a classic Portland dive bar. Staff is always super nice and orders are always placed at the bar. French fries are simply amazing and the hand dipped corn dogs are great for a late night snack.

A blast to the soda fountain past! But it isn't. At least according to Wikipedia it was always a tavern, serving alcoholic beverages to Portland's finest And yes, I did Google the history because why not? The bar screams old school cool complete with a phone booth and retro Squirt signs. Love it. I hear the food is good but we were here for drinks at the birthday girl's favorite after-work bar. There is a frozen alcohol beverage machine. I shall have to partake next time. Great booth seating and I like that there are pinball machines. The bartenders are totally hipster but that's part of the charm. If you believe everything you read on the internet, PBR is the drink of choice. I think it's pretty Portland. I'll definitely be back if I'm in this part of the hood.

Anyone else notice that most of the people posting bad reviews of this place sound sorta like a$%holes you would never want to hang out with at a bar? "The food and drinks are great here BUT..." I had to stand in line for a drink on Saturday (dumb people stand in line at bars right in front of the bartender), the bartender was rude (50% of bartenders in the world are rude, and it's because they can be. I would be rude to customers at my work sometimes if it wouldn't get me fired), the bathroom is gross (it's a dive bar), the music is too loud (are you f&%king kidding me?), people are smoking outside the bar and it smells (it's A BAR.) Portland has way too many bars, and most of them are horrible. This one is not horrible. It's actually pretty cool.

A great tavern. Been re-done 5+ years ago, usedto be pretty divey. Some old timers might've missed the rougher Lutz. Clean, solid selection of taps (about 8 rotating taps) no domestic on tap. Staff is mostly friendly, efficient, attentive, know their way around the bar. They have outside seating - out front on sidewalk and the back patio - bit of a hidden gem. I had a couple beers -Green Flash West Coast IPA- on last visit and a grilled cheese sandwich. They have direct, no-nonsense food offerings. Like it! Couple Happy Hour Foods, not an overwhelming menu. My ham and cheese was mostly ham, onions, and cheese. It was perfect with tater tots. Booze Slushies, some cheap beers, boilermakers, comfy booths, high top tables, pinball! Look like there's some good history here. Creative cocktail program - but I always go for beer. They sell Cigs at the bar. Mirror on backbar for observation.

I have no idea why people would say bartenders are rude.... Oh wait, yes I do. Are you white? Do you have a beard? Do you instagram your Apple and oatmeal? Yeah. Nothing wrong with a neighborhood dive. I've been PLASTERED here. I've cried here. I've laughed. But bartenders and staff are quick, loving, and will actually get to know you. If you're a transplant and give less than 3 stars, go back to the Bay Area. I'm from here. I've lived across this country. Half of me can't stand Portland. But all of me? Loves this bar Sincerely, A Real Portlander

I went to Lutz tonight, I'm a somewhat regular... It's my neighborhood bar. So tonight, Paul served me, Like he has in the past.. He normally does so I figured he remembered who I was. To get to my point, I wish I could give this bar or him as a bartender a negative 5 star review. Basically, he had eavesdropped on my conversation with a few fellow high school classmates, we were discussing our experiences with fake id's. When I went to close out, he accused me of being underage, he told me he would never serve me again unless I brought in my passport and that I gave him a reason to believe I am using a fake id. I am so appalled by his behavior, I refuse to go back to this place, that is bull shit.

Dive bar with great food. I'm a big fan of the fried pork loin sandwich. Good patio, 3 pinball games, one tv and a dimly lit pool table.

This is my favorite bar in Southeast Portland. I've been frequenting this place for years. I love those burgers and they make delicious sauces from scratch. Pinball machines here. Outdoor area is pleasant. They make really good slushy's in the summertime. If you like spicy food, go for the backdraft burger.

Last Winter during the blizzard, I accidentally got on the wrong bus and had to trudge back a few blocks to get on the right one to get home. I was weighted down with some groceries and whatnot, and I decided to stop in the Lutz to take a load off for a while and rest my tired, cold dogs (feet). They were doing a brisk business that night and had two bartenders on duty. One reminded me of the late Charles Manson and the other of the late Liberace. Anyway I managed to get a Spanish Coffee and about halfway through it, I was starting to think that I really wanted to like this place. By the time I got to the second drink, I was sure I wanted to like it. That's when I asked Charles for a menu. My neighbor at the bar was eating some wings that he said were pretty good, so I thought I'd eat so I wouldn't have to cook. Also, I should try the food since I want to like the place. Well, a good twenty minutes later, as my drink was getting down to its nutmeg dregs, I finally got Charles attention again. I mentioned that I had asked for the menu at least twenty minutes ago. His response was "You got one. It's right in front of you." So much for liking this place! As I told Charles (don't know his real name) The Lutz clearly does not need my business and I clearly don't need theirs.