Great bar to just kick back and spend some time with friends. Always lose myself here, and Friday/Sat Nights with live reggae are where it's at!

i think they should put a small tv that always plays that movie somewhere in the bar ...now show me ur war face

Jolly Roger is a very chill and friendly place. The servers are very attentive, nice, and prompt. There are a lot of TVs in the joint, which is great for watching sport (they have all of the sport season packages, so if your game is being televised, they will probably put it on for you). They have decent food (not great, but OK), a nice happy hour and daily specials, a pool table, live music, and a full bar with a good selection of beer. My fiance and I are not "regulars," however, we have been JR several times, and it is usually the spot we go when we want to watch a specific game. Never have we had poor service in fact, one evening, the bartender even handed out homemade cupcakes to all the customers.

I feel I have to address some comments from another review stating this place not only lacks diversity, but is a common place for racial slurs, discrimination, and (basically) hate. I must say, that this is very far from the truth; this is a friendly place with friendly customers who want to have a good time (watching sports or B.S.ing with friends). I personally believe that if a customer was "spouting off" racial slurs inside of Jolly Rogers, there would be a problem; I believe not only would the staff not put up with this type of behavior, but neither would the customers. I am not saying nothing bad could ever happen here, this is a bar serving alcohol, and people can say stupid things; though JR should not be tagged as an environment of discrimination, and that is for sure! Also, I have been to Jolly Rogers when the owner was working behind the bar, though I did not speak with him much, it appeared that he made a point to speak with everyone who was at the bar. It was clear he had no problems with any of his customers, and was happy to have them there.

JR is a safe place to go. It is fun, I like the location, the employees and customers, and I even like their food! I've enjoyed watching the NHL Playoffs there, and I look forward to going to watch the Stanley Cup!

--Cheers!--

The biggest problem with the Jolly Roger is the owners. I have never experienced a bar that goes out of it's way to alieninate 90% of it's clientele. The owner has openly been heard telling his empolyees to keep out anyone who looks "trendy" or "hipster", and has tattoos, or piercings. He only wants 40 something white guys from Beaverton. Um, hello this is southeast portland..... Pretty much don't go in during the day or else you will find a group of old men usurping the bar spouting off about how great being a republican is and an uncountable amount of racial slurs and political debates (well not so much debates as trashings of anyone who is not republican or makes less than 70K). This place could be a great sports bar or bar in general, they have a few wonderful employees. But like the sign they have hanging in the back "the beatings will continue til morale improves" seems to be the owners business plan. Lighten up on your employees so they can do their jobs.....which is to get people to come back.

I have been there a few times and the same guy was always working and he was GREAT-don't know his name but he rocks. I was there on Christmas night with a big group and there was a young hot girlie bartending and she was awesome, was really busy but never seemed overwhelmed or stressed out and was pleasant to everyone. We were in the waitress's way and I felt so bad, she was working hard too! The garlic fries are to die for!

I used to live right near the JR and was a regular every single day. We always got treated very well and never got kicked out when super wasted. (we shuold have been booted a few times!) Rob the bartender has always been a hoot and pours stiff drinks (the bartender...not the owner). They used to have really awesome servers, but not so much anymore. They have great prices on drinks and their $2 menu is amazing. But as always word got out about cheap beer on Wed and that JR was the place to be and the vibe has changed. Too many drunken college kids on Fri and the place looks a bit different. I still like it, but its SOOOO not as cool as it used to be.

Depends on who is behind the bar. Depends on who is in the kitchen. Was a regular there for a number of months but no more. Since the long time cook left you never know if they'll get your order right the first time or even the second time if you send it back. A few very good barkeeps work there but also one with a "I don't really give a shit" attitude. You have to know the work schedule of the bartenders so you don't end up with her "serving" you. Mostly I've given up on the place. There are plenty of other bars in the neighborhood to choose from and I just don't need the negative vibes anymore.

Prvt Pile? Prvt Pile? What did you do? forget your f***ing name ? 0 300 infintry. You made it.

My Boyfriend and I love hanging out here anytime, but especially on Sunday nights! A little sports, some simpsons/american dad/family guy, a movie, and of course the awsome bartending skills of Rob "Money". But all the Bartenders are great though I have to have my favorites!

I stopped in after hearing about the place on the radio. The owner was tending bar and I had my hamburger and beer and was back on the road in about 15 minutes. The service was excellent and I will go back again.

OK. So it IS a sports bar. There are way too many TV's, but it's in the right location. Service is spotty at best. Unless they know you, expect to be ignored. The worst offender here is the owner. Dare not go in on a day shift when HE'S working. He'll completely ignore you and then thank you as you walk out the door with nuthin'! If you feel like cultivating a relationship with your bartenders, this is the place to do it. If you just want quick, reliable service go elsewhere. The upside, the staff that the owners hired are good folks and do their best. The food is good most times and they do have stiff drinks. It's all in what you're looking for I guess...

The perfect place to hear live reggae music on Fri & Sat Nights.....the food is great and the staff is wonderful. Make sure you check out this Portland institution for lots of fun....Nobody....I mean Nobody has more fun than we do!!!!!!

I had never been to the JR, passed it a million times driving up 12th. I say to myself last week when it started snowing "I want me an 8 dollar steak." Lo and behold, they have quite good steaks for less than 8 bucks.

If sports is what you seek, this is the Mecca of all Sports Bars. Every package available from Football to Basketball to Hockey to Baseball. Great late night happy hour food availble for late night cravings. Movie nights every Sunday at 10. Excellent service and a no-nonsense owner. Guess that is why no one has more fun than they do.

Albeit being strangely designed, Jolly Roger is a fun little place. The drinks were cheap and STRONG. My friend ordered a rum and coke and it had less than a shot of coke in it. Cheap, good food too. It wasn't too crowded but it was pretty busy for a Friday night. Very good, attentive service. Fast too. I'll definitely go here again.