Starky's
2913 SE Stark Portland, OR 97214Phone: (503) 230.7980
Located in: Southeast Portland & near Northeast Portland
BarFly's Review of Starky's
A mostly mature crowd canoodles quietly around a country-clubbish bar, highlighted by a lush garden patio out back. Fun servers, good food (moderate prices), breeder-friendly. Lovely patios front and back (back patio is non-smoking) make it an especially pleasant afternoon stop, given the weather.
$3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm everyday.
| Starky's's Happy Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Tuesday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Wednesday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Thursday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Friday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Saturday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
| Sunday | $3 well, .50 cents off call, $2.75 micros, 5-7pm. |
Under the New management it has improved; more life, better food than before. I used to not go there because it was so dark and quiet, not anymore still a classy quality place compare to most gay bars everyone welcome and treated better than I would some of them. The items from the Bar menu are more pricey than others, I guess to afford to pay for all those seasonal decorations that make it look so warm and friendly. Did I mention that I like it? :]
Show up with a smile and you'll have a good time (works for me everytime), it pays to be friendly.
Starky's is one of my most favorite spots! I am a breeder, and I couldn't feel more welcome here. The food is wonderful and the service is superb. Props to Travis! Their Sunday brunch is something I look forward to every week. The Eggs Florentine are marvelous and goes down nicely with the $7 all-you-can-drink champagne brunch. Starky's is a great neighborhood joint that can be- and should be- enjoyed by all!!!
This is in reply to the folks that chose to bad mouth us and go so far as to call Greg and I douchebags and stuck up queens, frankly, we could not be more down to earth and have worked very hard and have made Starkys a place the whole community enjoys, gay, straight, and everywhere between. It is sad that these folks are so bitter! The group of 20 people they were with that evening thought that the food was great as did over 100 people that had dinner here that evening, their group comes in usually twice a week and said they will not be asking those two to join them again.
I complained on here about the lousy service I received at Starky's on St. Patrick's Day. My partner thought it to be more appropriate to write a letter directly to them. What a fucking joke that was!! They basically didn't give a damn and said we should have complained then. I did. Noone cared who was working there that day. Joe and Greg are total douchebags, probably some stuck-up queens who think they are better than everyone else. Hopefully I will never have the displeasure of running into you anywhere else.
The service: I thought the service was deplorable. No one came around to refresh the water until nearly everyone had drank all of it along with whatever drinks they may have ordered. As the meal took some time to be brought out, all of the bread baskets remained empty for the rest of the meal. The waiter completely forgot my order and the order of another in our party. When someone called to out him for something, he complained that he had a lot of food to bring out. I kind of think that was supposed to be his occupation. I was part of a couple so when he brought out the checks to our party, he only gave out one mint. How fucking cheap is that? I don't think I need to spend my money in the gay community if I get poor service.
The dinner: The dinner was just tolerable. My corned beef was alright but kind of on the fatty side. All of the vegetables were overcooked. My cabbage was practically disintegrated on the outside and barely even cooked on the inside. Too bad Fox and Hounds is closing as they did a much better job of it. Guess I will have to go to a straight joint.
Starky's is great. Clean, updated interior, friendly staff and patrons. I am 39 and stop by once in a while for dinner or evening drink with friends. I have found the service to be very friendly and efficient. The food selection and quality is good, my favorite the cobb salad or the burger with blue cheese. Drinks seem to arrive promptly and with a smile. I would recommend Starky's for you anytime of the week. It's not a place that has a strong cruise vibe, so be prepared to enjoy conversation. Most people do appear to be with others they already know, but if you introduce yourself and start a conversation you'll find a friendly group.
I LOVE Sarky's! I moved away from the neighborhood last summer but I try to visit often. I think it's funny (odd, not ha-ha funny) when someone gets drunk and becomes an ass how suddenly when they get tossed out they cry it's because of "age" or "gender" or - whatever... basic rules for the road -- don't get drunk and become a jerk then be shocked when you get thrown out. Guy/girl/something in the middle -- it makes no difference Starky's won't tolerate your drunk stupid ass.
Always accentuate the positive: Starky's really is a country-club-esque neighborhood bar with a beautiful garden patio. The crowd is predominantly groups of men 45 and older, and their accompanying fag hags. The bartenders (who I learned on this site are also the owners) are kind, whip-smart, and skilled at their trade. Now, the negatives: it tends to attract the sort of clientele who have likely been alientated from the other bars in town, so there's an island-of-lost-toys misfit vibe. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT cruise at this bar! One of the first times I went there, I was followed home by one of the regulars, and had to run all the way to Hawthorne to escape my stalker. The bartender/owners insistence on playing Gay Orthodox Classic videos - think Beaches, or videos of Bette Midler concerts - doesen't make it the most conducive environment for meeting someone new, either. Bottom line: go with a big group of friends for a stiff drink before going elsewhere.
I havent gone there. I called to veryify the information here. it is incorrect.
there is No Free Buffett!
kathy
I have always been treated with respect and made welcome since the new owners took over three years ago, the food is great as are the drinks, and yes, Joe and Greg and the staff welcome women at starkys, so girls, its not the bar it was with the old owners. it is now a place for all of our community.
Starky's is a nice neighborhood place to go with friends for a simple meal. It is a bore if you go alone. The gray haired bartender gets very bitchy at times. He starts throwing digs if you engage him. You are unlikely to meet anyone there for anything but a casual converstaion. Unlesss you feel uncomfortable, why not just go to a late night coffee house or mixed establishment.
Starky's is a great place to go with a group of friends for Sunday brunch. Even better when the weather is nice and you can sit outside on the patio. I suppose the only complaint I have is the smoke. I think some taller standup bar tables near the bar to replace the sitdown tables would be nice to get people moving around more would be great too. Otherwise, nice neighborhood bar and restaurant!
Joe and Greg bought starkys in august of 2004, since then they have made many changes to make starky's a great place for the entire community, we have a greatly expanded menu with reasonable prices, we run happy hour seven days a week fron 5pm to 7pm, we helped sponsor the last two red dress parties that raised thousands of dollars for the gay and lesbian community, we sponsored the womens christmas and valentines dance, we sponsored dinner for our house that raised over $2.700.00 for our house of portland serving members of our community suffering from hiv aids problems.We sponsor the starkys slammers softball team and have a starkys bowling team in the gay leagues. Recently a member of our community took ill and could not work, wwe threw a fundraiser bingo and auction and raised $10.300.00 to help him through his hard times. We are very commited to the gay and lesbian community and very much appreciate everyones support. We have a new front patio, come check us out.Its not the old Starky's! Thanks for looking, see you soon, Joe, Greg and the crew
Funning reading some of the other reviews. I've become a regular customer at Starky's. The new owners have really give the place a fresh spark of life. The food is wonderfully prepared, and at a very good value. The conversation in the lounge is usally light hearted. The place does get busy, so you might have to wait for a little bit for service. But that usally isn't a problem. PLUS! The NEW FRONT PATIO area is Totally COOL!
While the food can be good, the wait staff spends more time cruising young boys than doing their job. The all male waiters are rude and tardy in bringing the female clientel drinks and service. I recommend Hobos for good food and a lesbian friendly environment.
Nice place for relaxing with a cocktail and conversation. I have never seen the 3-6:30 free-mini buffet that this website advertises. I did eat dinner once and it was actually really good food. Dining area is quiet and the servie was excellent and friendly. The bartenders that I have met are on the ball and friendly as well. I like that it has a very mixed group. I've seen all ages there. Not pretentious, seems down to earth.
Starky's is the definition of a neighborhood bar. I just moved out of SE and I miss this place more than anything else. Great to go with friends to get a drink and chat. They play video compilations on the flat screen tvs and you never quite know what you'll get, but thats part of the fun. The staff are all awesome and there is always table service...none of that wondering if a server will be coming to the table. The food could be a little cheaper, but hey the drinks are well priced and well poured.
This place is comfortable and relaxing! When you want a great drink (or several), and a very tasty meal, come here. If your grandma were gay, she would have had a place like this...and fed you just as much! They need a good, cheap Shiraz from Australia (Oxford Landing?) on the vino list, though.
Starky's is about the only place I go to any longer when I decide I need a drink and want to be around other "family." Tim, the bartender rocks, and the crowd is a good neighborhood feel and very friendly. However, I cannot say that this place is a meat market like reported on this site. Rarely do I go there and find myself being hit on constantly, nor do I see it happen to others.
Great food, great service, awsome bartenders and a Wonderful atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Must go there more than once - :)
I have been to starky's 2 or 3 times and the drinks and great the atmosphere is awesome and the bartender is the shit!!!!
Whenever I have gone to Starky's I was made to feel welcome,the patrons at this happy little neighborhood place will actually talk to you even if you are not the usual gay person,I have long hair and in most places patrons ignore me figuring I am Straight,Starky's has good food and everyone is nice.