Late evening, we just got back to the AirBNB and needed dinner. Very few places were left open, so we stubbled into The Fixin' To. This joint is quintessential Portland; a nearly full house of local enjoying drinks inside and out. No, I wasn't expecting a large or diverse menu at a local pub, I just wanted something to eat. I spotted something on the menu that I never heard and knew I had to order it: Frito Pie! Yep, Fritos, smothered in chili and cheese, topped with sour cream (lettuce & tomato). My wife had the pulled brisket tacos. I have a rule, when traveling, eat what the locals eat. I love to travel just to eat what the locals eat. Yep, Frito Pie. read more

The Fixin' To - Frito Pie - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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You guys, just NO on the food. I lived here for years, so my expectations are low when it comes to anything "Southern", Mexican/Texmex, or anything else requiring big spices/flavors. This being said, bring the hot dog bath up beyond tepid, flavor your "chili", aka can of beans, don't put lettuce on nachos or frito pie, and even if you have BBQ sauce with proper flavor, it doesn't belong on either of these dishes. Just stop! read more

Good food, drinks and shows. A nice big patio during the few sunny days here in Portland. Like to play some of the pinball games they have there too. read more

Played music here, great vibes, fun show! Staff is friendly and professional, it really was a pleasure to perform here. read more

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Lovely cozy neighborhood bar frequently featuring live music/ local bands. The food menu is small but mighty. Order the sloppy Joe. I am a Sloppy Joe connoisseur, if such a thing exists... and from my heightened position... I tell you... go sloppy. Or go home. read more

The Fixin' To - Sloppy Joe (partially eaten), Jameson on the rocks, and a kool-aid pickle of in the distance. - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Awesome place to see live local artists. And the late night food menu is honestly my favorite in st johns

One of my favorite places in St. Johns. Great beer & a shot bar with a laid back staff and a capacious patio. Food menu is modest - mostly comfort food and bar favorites, but all the dishes are tasty and reasonably priced. Also a destination music venue with some of the best bands in Portland. read more

One of my favorite (dive-ish) bars in St. John's. I remember going hete before they had a performing venue built and when the was a couple good carts located on the premises. Its pretty much a place to go to get some good drinks at a reasonable price and hang out with friends on the outdoor patio. The only bad thing (for non-smokers) is that people can smoke on the patio. read more

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This place sucks. The bartenders are rude as hell the bouncer is rude as fuck the music's way too freaking loud for the establishment. They literally hand out earplugs when you walk in because it's so fucking loud. It's a $10 cover charge which is ridiculous because their drinks and their food is overpriced. Who charges $12 for a fucking grilled cheese sandwich with chips? It wasn't even that good and they were fucking frito-lays I'll never be back here again. They don't make you feel comfortable. The bathrooms were disgusting they had no soap the bartenders were rude as hell they acted like they were better than you even though they still live at home with their parents. The whole Portland area is going to shit. I won't ever be back. And I will never have my friends go back there again. Fuck that place read more

Favorite dive in St Johns. Prices are right, food is edible and veg friendly, music all the time.

Having moved close to The Fixin To is both a blessing and a curse. I know when hunger strikes it is only a couple of short blocks away serving my favorite vegetarian Frito pie ($5 HH). It's pretty tough to resist it's wiles. Fritos covered in a tasty vegetarian bean chili topped by house made queso, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Not health food, but who doesn't need a little stick-to-your-ribs comfort food from time to time? Amirite? I've read some of the reviews saying they had issues with the service, but I have had perfectly fine if not great service every time. No hipster attitude. The food comes out quickly, and all of it has been very good. My nephew loved his chili bowl, I've also tried the nachos and chicken and dumplings. The Frito pie just happens to be my favorite. The prices for food and drinks are very reasonable, especially during happy hour. They have two patios. The one in the front faces Lombard, the one in the back is a little more secluded. You are welcome to bring well behaved dogs, and smoke if you wish. I know not everyone desires to be on a patio where it's allowed, but it seems to be popular with most patrons. The inside of the bar has several booths and plenty of stools, so you aren't forced to be around it if it's not your thing. They had Bingo one night when I was there, and it looked like they were having plenty of fun. The only thing I would suggest would be air conditioning. It has been a hot summer, and holy smokes does it get hot in there! You feel like you're in a bar down south! It's not fancy or pretentious. It's wonderful as is. read more

The Fixin' To - Half HH Frito pie. Huge and delish! - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Knowing the place closes at 2 am, a few friends and I arrived last week at around 1 am. Now I know what you're thinking, but we actually weren't inebriated (we had just returned from camping). When we (our group is 2 males and 2 females) arrive, the place looks to just be closing. A staff member walks over, cracks open the door, and us that they're closed. We remain out front for a minute to decide on a new plan. The staff member then barges outside and asks "Can I help you, *******?" (The term he used was sexist, demeaning and I prefer not to post here.) The rest of our interaction remained shockingly aggressive. Over the course, he tells us "We're a real ******* bar and close what ever time we want.", "**** you!*, "...My name is Curtis, I don't care", all while consistently addressing my group by the term used above. Initially, we just told him we were confused because of the hours, but once the usage of that term started to be consistent, we asked him to stop calling us that. I understand a place of business (especially one open that late) wanting to close early, but I'm deeply upset this hate speech was used by someone who was representing a place of business. It was offensive to all members of my group. We ended up at Leisure Public House, where the service is awesome. read more

Reopened with a newly designed patio for social distancing and adjusted their stage so bands play inside to the outdoor patio. Genius! The also have a permanent structure and heating over half of the patio, so it'll be good for getting through the Portland winter. Their food is damn good for a dive and I always get a chuckle from their drink specials. Love this bar and very happy with how they have reopened! read more

Great little bar in St. Johns. I've tried the Frito Pie and it was tasty but a little dry. The staff is always friendly and they have a great back patio. read more

Fixin To' just started brunch and we are glad they did! Vegan and Vegetarian options keep it Portland approved. Menu is Dolly Parton era themed. Great drink options. Worth your time and dollar. read more

The Fixin' To - Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy ... side of scrambled eggs. - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Watched one of the worst shows in my life here. Amateur bands come and practice to the paying public. Too bad because the venue has potential. Waited 40 min for a sandwich but the sandwich was good. Also asked for pickles while I waited and was given some. read more

Stopped by here on a Friday night for a beverage with some friends. I have also been here before during one of the Music Fests in St. John's. I had a hot toddy and it was very tasty (and very strong). I really like the atmosphere here - very hipster and laid back. It looked like there were a couple of games to play, and it was busy, but not overly packed. I wasn't sure what to make of their food menu - it was intriguing, lots of Fritos and such, but nothing that I really felt like eating at the time. If you're planning on eating, I'd recommend eating beforehand, it looked like more snacky foods on their menu. However - I hear there is a pizza food cart in their parking lot that is usually open up until 10 p.m., and I have heard (haven't tried) that their pizza is delicious. From what I remember from a music fest - they have a great back patio with a fire pit, so if you're a smoker...this is probably a very good bar for you to hang out at. If we lived closer we would probably be here a lot more often. read more

The Fixin' To - Hot Toddy. Very strong and very tasty! - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Some of the most friendly staff I've seen in any bar in portland. Great drink specials, amazing sound and bands in their live venue, and they actually care about their community. Can't wait to go back as soon as they re-open! read more

Ugh, the drinks here are soooo gross. Even the ultimate girly "Dirty Shirley" makes me want to barf. Not exactly a place I frequent given the location and some of the crowd it draws in. However, they have adopted a sweet cat that comes around the bar and I absolutely respect them for taking care of a stray animal regardless of the nature of their business. read more

Loved this place! It was reasonably priced at happy hour, with delicious drinks at a great price! Order it all at the bar, and sit down at one of their many indoor or outdoor tables! Concerts and live music Friday evening, I'm sure makes this place even busier read more

I'm pissed. My passion for this place has run dry - mainly due to the downfall of the wait staff. I don't know what happened, but anytime I go in lately, I face a dismal blank-eyed staff that acts put -out that they have to pour me a beer. Oh the horror. I expect that treatment in SE, but in St. Johns? Come on. I'd suggest upping the Vitamin D intake and take a breather outside. Once I looked forward to the white bean dip - it's now boring and flavorless. The vegan frito chili pie is lackluster and dare I say yesterday's leftovers? After hanging out here for a drink, you'll leave just as blank-eyed and bored as the food & staff. Such a shame! read more

Popular place for hamgin w friends and attending Concerts. Lotta Buslines and fun so near! Happy Hr til 3-6 And Late, after 10. $3 Draft and Wells, with hootchy pairings involving disgusting Cheep Lagers You'll probably like. Bar food $5 for only a CUP o Chili? at HH, and other offerings not great...but u need something, right? Ask for a regular menu and split a Real Food order with a Pal. I wanna add a star... when the outdoor area is NOT A TOXIC SMOKE ZONE. Pleeeeeeeze! Low Cover for Music is worthy, but come Buk Nekkid! Cuz it is damn hot in the new party room. Final thots for now, lets book poetry, original Songwriters and more bands allday! Oh, nice variety of seating up front, Till the Late crowd arrives. Say howdy if u c me! read more

The Fixin' To - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This place is terrible. The staff is rude the food is lousy. I am sad to see they are still in business While other businesses have left. Don't waste your money here. read more

I really wish I could give them a better review. The staff is friendly but it is missing something here. The food menu is limited and I haven't found a signature drink that I care for. I've given the place three chances and I have yet to be wowed. It's also not cool that the restroom door sort of is in the middle of the main dining area. read more

I was not a fan of this place when it first opened. Since then I've become cool enough to get service quickly. No, just kidding. They've actually just become more responsive to their customers and friendlier in general. The first time I came here, I couldn't even get a drink or food so I left. Since Leisure dropped lower on my list (due to all the annoying Mary J. Blige music among other issues), I gave this place another shot (Bulleit, neat) and haven't looked back. The days of shuffleboard are long gone, but they have an arcade game setup to look like a gigantic GameBoy and the patio is oh so expansive, you might just slip away from your posse to indulge in a makeout session with ya boo. Sounds entertaining enough right? There are two food carts for those who aren't keen on Frito pie or pulled pork nachos with Rotel dip from the kitchen (umm what is wrong with you?). You'll certainly want to bring cash for Pizza Contadino and expect Southern Belle to tell you that their Square card reader is not working. I wish they could just add your food to your tab - that would probably help business for all establishments. I assume this food cart situation means that you could just bring food from another nearby place. What I am trying to say is that I *assumed* that last week and brought a chicken burrito from Tienda Santa Cruz then ate it there while knocking down a beer. The beers on tap usually consist of Double Mountain's Vaporizer, some lager, and some other stuff... usually nothing dark enough, but you can get a can of Guinness. In the past they had a great oatmeal stout from Everybody's Brewing. I miss it. However, I'm also a fan of the reasonably priced cocktails. Nothing fancy, just refreshing and dangerously easy to drink on a hot night. One star knocked off because only one bathroom... and it isn't the prettiest. Sometimes they have a porta-potty outside, for the dudes. Unfortunately that doesn't help me. read more

Really - it's somewhere between a "meh, I've seen better" and an "A-OK" - so a 2 1/2 stars. Have been here a couple times now - once when first they opened. I was excited to have a hip place with comfort food and lots of heated outdoor seating. I really like the St Johns Sweat tea. The feel of the place is dark and divey and hipster, for sure. I may have had 10 years on everyone there. I didn't feel out of place - although it's clear the place isn't meant for me. And I would happily stop in for a bite if the food wasn't so mediocre. The menu sounds cool, but is very limited. Between the nachos and frito pie, my friend and I were not impressed at all. The sweet bbq sauce on the nachos was out of place. And there's no cheese on either, (frito pie being vegan). But still - such basic comfort food shouldn't be difficult to make. I may stop in come summer for an cold beverage.. but that's probably it. read more

"I'm fixin' to tell y'all of arms and of men, and of mighty tasty beverages" --Virgil, 'the Countrry-Fried Aenid' "Quick to the point, to the point no fakin', cookin' MCs like a pound of bacon..." --Robert Van Winkle So many businesses have passed thru this little place, including a few Keepers, like Big Kahuna's and now The Fixin' to is looking to join the rank of winner's circle. I enjoyed the laid-back, chill-as-hell vibe, the uttterly un-pretentious service and presentation, the fact that patrons aren't too cool to watch a freakin' ball game, like some places, where they wouldn't dare even play ESPN for fear of disapproval from the hoi-poloi trendy girls and bois.... The courtyard is small, cozy, familiar, not sloppy nor an obvious afterthought. In warmer weather I'd certainly join friends out @ one of the picnic tables and enjoy the evening from there... The Frito pie @ Fixin' to Rox my Sox; their pulled pork also is super tender and tasty. The mixed drinks aren't exactly cheap, but come from creative, fun minds (Robert Van Winkle, Vacation bible school! Tons of fun!) I don't know if The Fixin' To is still in search of an identity per se, but it's apparent that they're comofortable in their skin there, and it shows; the patrons as a result have a much easier time be comfortable as a result. And that's what it should be all about, non? Continue your winning ways, Fixin' to, and future poets and muses might sing your praises across the ages....until then, thank goodness we have the always trusty and decidedly "un-wack, sucka-free" Mr. Winkle to carry the load: "Deadly! When I play a dope melody, anything less than the best is a felony...." read more

Well damn it all to hell if I didn't have to create a yelp account just so I could do a review on the Fixin' to. Understanding that everybody is entitled to their opinion, etc, etc; I don't quite get some of the complaints about this place. Great drinks, food, staff, and atmosphere. It's cozy, inviting, and everything I'm looking for in my neighborhood bar. The ownership and staff have been nothing but friendly, attentive, and genuinely pleased to have my business. If somebody was grumpy on an occasion or service was slow, keep in mind these things happen under the best of circumstances, especially during the first month of business! As for complaints about the logo and the name, if that's the sort of thing that makes or breaks a good bar, well I can't help you. I'm pleased as punch that they are within stumbling distance to my house. Furthermore, I think St. Johns is lucky to have them. Thank you, good night! read more

They got rid of the free shuffle board!!!!! Nooooo This WAS a great st. Johns place until the removal of the shuffle board for 2 measly tables to be put in its former place. The tables are awkward and small, I cant imagine why anyone would want to sit there. Anyways the drinks are fairly priced and if you choose to not sit at the bar you will find that no one will come to you to get your drink order or to bring you your drink. Its a get of your ass and do it yourself kind of place. They cant be bothered with that kind of nonsense. BTW the bean dip is actually hummus, which yes I guess is technically a bean but I found it to be kind of deceiving. read more

My boyfriend and I went to Fixin To a couple weeks ago for lunch. We were pretty excited to have a new place in St. John's. We walked in and the place looked pretty cool and cozy. I could definitely see myself hanging out here for a few beers in one of the booths. We had lunch and both ordered the chicken strips. Boy were we were sorely disappointed. Not because they used crackers for the crust but because they seemed like they were twice baked. Baked once to cook them and then again to sorta cook the crackers crust on top. They were very, very dry and crusty, like how chicken gets if it's been sitting out t long or microwave. The cracker breading wasn't even cooked; it was like eating dry chicken rolled in floor. I struggled to swallow them. Who know maybe this was an off day for the cook. All in all, i 'll go to drink but not to eat, unless they buy a fryer.... read more

I have been into The Fix'n to 4 or 5 times and l won't be back. Every time we went in there the bartenders seemed bored and inconvenienced that we ordered a drink. The place has an unfriendly atmosphere and really doesn't have anything special going on. The last time my friend and I were in there this joke or a bartender was snotty and had an attitude that was a mile wide for no apparent reason. If he doesn't like his $10/hr dead end job he shouldn't don't take it out on the paying customers instead he should just quit. We were sitting at the bar and had consumed two drinks and when we ordered a third the bartender cut us off. I believe the problem is that we are not hipsters, we were not loud or drunk and as a matter of fact we were polite and friendly. As the bar filled up with more hipsters I believe the pathetic excuse of a bartender didn't want two 50 year olds taking up bar space so he said "I have decided you have had enough, I'm cutting you off and it's the law you know." We didn't argue, paid up and included a big fat zero of a gratuity. We then left and walked down the street to the Central Hotel which is a way friendlier place and has good pours. We will never go back to The Fix'n to Fail as there are too many other good places to drink in St. Johns including the Leisure Lounge, Plews Brews, The Central Hotel just to name a few and as St. Johns continues to "Pop" as a neighborhood there will no doubt be more to come. Hey Fix'n To owners, welcome to the age of the internet were sites like Yelp help weed out the weak and annoying. read more

What venue books a 4 band show with a 12am curfew?? The headliner was cut off after 4 songs, lights came on, PA off. Incredibly rude to musicians and audience. If your sound guy doesn't have the guts to tell opening bands to play a shorter set and play on time, don't wait to be a dick until the end of the night. Get your shit together read more

It took me a few minutes to decide between two and three stars. I'll break it down for you here: The bar was recommended by the nice servers at Thai Cottage. My people and I decided to walk on down and have some beers, nothing crazy. Upon entering, the dude behind the counter barely even acknowledged our existence. No big deal, maybe he was busy with a complicated drink order or putting together some nachos. I was scanning over the beer selection and my sipping companions were deciding which cocktail to get, when the bartender came over and placed beverage napkins down...still without saying a word. Well, maybe he's just shy. I decided to pipe up and say "Hey man, how's it going?". I need to pause here for a sec. As I have mentioned before, I am in the restaurant industry and I get it when people are busy, but there were two other people off in the corner when we arrived. It felt like we weren't part of the club or something... Anyhow, we finally got things going when I inquired about the local beers and/or dark beers. That is kind of the end of the rant, because the rest of the time spent there was great (because my friends and I were enjoying each others company). I get it, the hipsters of this town are a tight knit group and everyone knows who has paid their club dues and who has not. I will look into finding a temporary pass so as to join in on the fun too! read more

Good cocktails, interesting Frito pie, a hearty combination of beans and sauce and lettuce and cheese, quite filling happy hour menu. And cheap. Nintendo game machine wasn't working but loved the size of it. Outdoor patio perfect for smokers, less so for non smokers. Muted color palette on the dress here, think dark cotton tees and hoodies and jeans, very St John's. One woman dashed by with a raccoon tail hanging from her purse. read more

Great local dive bar. They allow cart food inside but there is outdoor seating. Its just the type of bar you look for when you dont want to be bothered. The bartenders aren't mean but they aren't friendly either. ..they are just there doing their thing, I can respect that. read more

The Fixin' To - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

First of all, any place that has a Flaming Lips concert poster over the toilet in the bathroom is doing something right. Stopped in here on a whim on a Saturday afternoon. The Fixin' To has a great little feel to it- nice and cozy. This place kind of has the setup of a waffle house, but instead of tacky plastic booths and linoleum counter-tops there are cute little tables and a wooden bar. Most importantly our server/bartender was very accommodating to all our needs. I don't care how cute a place is if the service sucks- I won't go there. Definitely not the case with the Fixin' to. read more

This would have to my favorite bar in St. J's. I like coming here to watch Blazer games and drink Rainier on tap!!! The stuff is chill and the place just has a good vibe. I haven't eaten here yet but as far as drinking this is the place to be. read more

The Fixin' To - Southern Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The Fixn' To has quickly become my favorite neighborhood bar. True, I live within walking distance of the place, but it's also becoming one of my favorite places because of the atmosphere. This is no stuffy bar, it's laid back and cozy. The beers are reasonably priced and the service is good. The food isn't gourmet, but in this kind of place it doesn't need to be. My favorite dish is the pulled pork nachos- all the good things about nachos with the savory deliciousness of pulled BBQ pork. It is big enough to share unless you are super hungry. I haven't made it out to the patio yet because of the weather but I hear that it's a great place to sit during the summer and occasionally they bring in shows for the patio. If you are in St. Johns and looking for a good place to stop and have a sit, check out the Fixn' To. read more

I have been to the fixin' to twice in the past week and I just moved to St. John's 3 weeks ago (after living in PDX for 3 years). I have enjoyed both of my experiences there, They have a great Southern influence (Arkansas)...but, I'm from Connecticut so what do I know(?). A friendly bar staff and great patio (they do need some more seating). The prices are decent and a breath of fresh air from the rest of the dive bars around. I think that the "fixin' to" is a great place to support and a place that I will be enjoying many happy hours in the Summer months to come. PLUS!...THEY HAVE VEGAN FOOD in a neighborhood that seems to love their meaty deep friers, and I'm not even vegan, just love that option! read more

Every time I'm here- the bartenders are rude and act as though they don't really want you there. On top of that- everyone I know seems to have experienced the same thing. Aside from that huge flaw, the drinks are alright and the food is okay. The covered area is pretty neat, but it definitely does not make up for the bad service. I say I won't return, but honestly convenience and ambiance will probably bring me back in... *sigh* read more