Since 1974, a Portland Classic!
- First, the fact that one of Oregon’s premier appellate lawyers and former KATU Town Hall moderator, Jack Faust, suggested we go to lunch there.
Our Server, Holly Eldridge and Jack Faust
(Unfortunately, there was no prior disclosure that he was going to wear his Duck sweatshirt.)
- Secondly, the Buffalo Gap Saloon reeks of history and ambiance offered only by the classic American road house.
Some research confirmed the rich history of this rambling establishment, which was opened in 1974 by the Sutzmans. It was named for their home town in Custer County, South Dakota. Buffalo Gap, in the Black Hills, had a population of 100 when they opened their Portland bar, and the town has experienced robust growth — It was 126 in the 2010 census. A great summary of the origin and history of the Saloon is in the blog of the former owner’s son, Sean Sutzman (“The Monday Report”) .
Distinguishing Characteristics
- The layout of the building is incredibly quirky. The original building only housed 25 patrons, but with additions over the years, it now has a bar on each story of the building and can seat up to 200 people. Upstairs they have small concerts and crowds for various athletic events on the big screen TVs.
One of the Game Rooms
The pool room, now called, The Annex, is very large with about five tables and evidently at one time was a law office and purportedly a brothel – probably not at the same time………….
Pool with Depth
- The Food — If you want a large selection of beers, the Buffalo Gap will disappoint you – the downstairs bar had only five options on tap, but the menu is quite substantial and it is a favorite breakfast spot for many. For lunch and dinner, the sandwiches, salads, soups and heavier fare are very reasonably priced, tasty and the portions are ample to say the least.
As we walked in, the classic Eagle Tune, “Take it Easy” – originally recorded in 1972 – was playing and it is no stretch that some of the BG regulars were probably listening to it while drinking beer in the 1970′s. Given the history and the great environment of this Southeast Portland institution, I can see patrons humming Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away in another forty years —– but then again, maybe not!
The Buffalo Gap Saloon 6835 SW Macadam Avenue
