Light Your Bulb at the Tulip Shop Tavern

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Thebeerchaser

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Since I started my Beerchasing retirement hobby in the fall of 2011, I’v visited over 425 bars and breweries. About 140 have been in the Portland metro area – close to my home. That said, there are still many wonderful watering holes waiting for a Beerchasing expedition.

For example, I recently “discovered” Jerry’s Tavern – an outstanding dive bar that’s been adding hundreds of bottles to the sales of Miller High Life. Opening only about eighteen months ago, it has risen to the ranks of favorite dive bar for many Portlanders.

I needed a new bar for me to get together with a group of “old guys” who periodically gather for beer and to tell stories. Since most of the group are lawyers, the stories aren’t that interesting…but the camaraderie is good.

Past mustering of this group over the last two years has included the Basement Pub, the Sandy Jug, and Holman’s:

Since our last gathering towards the end of 2025, we added a few to the group, so I needed an establishment that had at least one large table and where the music and crowd noise wouldn’t preclude our conversations.

After some research and based on recommendations, I chose the Tulip Shop Tavern (hereafter TST) for a late Wednesday afternoon gathering. I was impressed with the owners’ backgrounds, the reviews and the ambiance.

That said, after a very positive experience, one of our group lamented:

“Williams, you must be losing your touch. This place has too much class. Next time we need a hardcore dive.”

That comment was taken under advisement by the Executive Committee (that would be me – Thebeerchaser.)

As the co-owner, Devon Treadwell stated:

““Tyler (her husband) and I take a lot of pride in making our home space cozy, ‘Devon Treadwell says. ‘We don’t want it to feel cold and dirty, but nice and warm. People want to hang out here.’” (Portland Eater 3/21/19)

They have succeeded in that desire.

Why You Should Raise a Mug at the Tulip Shop

(#1)

Tyler and Devon Treadwell are entrepreneurs and respected pros in the Portland hospitality industry. As stated in New Schoolbeer.com shortly after they opened TST in May, 2019:

“…Tyler and Devon Treadwell, local hospitality industry veterans, have quietly opened their tavern without much fanfare…Tyler Treadwell was on duty on a pleasantly warm evening, mixing drinks and pouring beers like a pro with years of experience, which in fact he is, with stints at Cascade’s Barrel House, Saraveza, and the Rum Club.

His wife, Devon, has put in working time at Higgins, Sweedeedee, and yes, also at the Rum Club.”

Perhaps their success with the Tulip Shop evolves from a combination of their prior experience, good instincts, willing to take risks, luck and a strong work ethic:

“The Treadwells put no small amount of sweat equity into the space, taking over the former Pop Tavern premises, putting in a lot of elbow grease to clean it up, and remodeling where needed.” (New School Beer)

They also have complementary skills – he handles the beverages including the outstanding cocktails (“The cocktails here get wild with a laundry list of spirits.”) and she handles the food:

“…The menu includes burgers, pork schnitzel, pickle-brined fried chicken, and Alaskan cod sandwiches, all using Dos Hermanos milk buns. TST also has beer-battered onion rings and French fries served with sauces made in-house including curry ketchup and Alabama white barbecue. Specials have included cheeses and chicken sandwiches.” (Portland Eater 4/20/23 – “15 Best Restaurants and Bars Along Killingsworth Street in Portland”)

Both the cocktails and the food have gotten rave reviews as has the ambiance.gg

And speaking of favorable reactions in the six years since they’ve been open, the TST is often mentioned. They made the list of Portland Monthly’s ten best bars in 2023. In addition to asserting that TST was the City’s best burger bar, Oregon Live’s Michael Russel included it in the list of Portland’s best bistros in 2024.

The awards continued in in 2025 with a ranking of 33 in Oregon Live’s best 40 Portland restaurants.

And social media reviews are quite positive – almost effusive as is this one from Yelp in July 2025:

“Get the double smash burger and thank me later. It was quite possibly the most perfectly cooked smash burger patty I’ve eaten. Crazy good. On top of the amazing burger, the rest of the experience was pretty solid, too. The onion rings were delicious, and the staff were very friendly as well. All in all, a solid spot that I’d gladly revisit

“Crazy good” (#2)

Since my group of old guys, just drank beer and did not try the food, I returned a week later with my former lawyer colleague at the Schwabe firm, John Mansfield – a “victim” of many prior Beerchases.

John had the Daily Special – three tacos for only $11. I feasted on the fried-chicken sandwich ($15). We both agreed that the menu and quality of food merits a return trip(s).

By the way, our server, Rochelle, was a gem and Darren the bartender was also great.

I had a nice chat with Tyler Treadwell and his vision was impressive. First, he was smart to hitchhike on the same great location of two previous dive bars which had been successful but eventually closed.

NE Killingsworth is an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants that has a following both by locals and those from the burbs. The prior two bars also had character:

Ducketts from 2010 to 2016 – “… a bar should be a place where everyone feels welcome and as I kept an eye on the broad cross-section of humanity ambling in and out the front door my heart warmed to this little neighborhood dive.”

Pop Tavern from 2016 to 2019 – “For a bar explicitly devoted to pop, there’s a sense that this, finally, is a place where history is preserved… as advertised by a lit-up indoor marquee that faces only toward the people already drinking, ‘LESS FASHION MORE THRASHIN’, the sign might entreat the bar’s drinkers.”

Tyler and Devon upgraded the bar so it’s (in Thebeerchaser’s opinion) a seamless integration of an upscale dive and neighborhood bar. That said, Tyler stated that he is well aware that bars go through cycles and need to adapt and change to both retain existing customers and attract new patrons. (#3)

It should be noted about the only complaint besides it being very busy (any bar owner would love that complaint) was that the loud music along with multiple conversations made it difficult to have a discussion. Our group of old guys wouldn’t offer that lament as it would lead to inquiries about which of us had hearing aids.

(Above left to right – Kimball Ferris, John Kelly, Larry Frank, Doug Blomgren, Doug Walta, Bernie Stea and Don Williams)

Although I have a lot of Portland bars I’ve never visited to this point which need exploration, I’ll definitely return to the Tulip Shop Tavern. Besides supporting a great hospitality couple and the robust food menu at reasonable prices, there are exotic cocktails and slushees to investigate.

We stuck to the draft beer lineup, which was great, but as one mixed drink connoisseur stated: “A cocktail is a hug you give yourself.” Anyone reading the news these days, certainly needs a hug. A slushee would also fill the bill and they look outstanding.

“Stay thirsty, my friend!” (#4 – #7 above) (#8 – #9 below)

External Photo Attribution

#1 Tulip Shop Tavern photo as appearing in Eater Portland.com May 23, 2019 (Two Rum Club Alums Open Their Killingsworth Americana Bar Tomorrow [Updated] | Eater Portland).

#2 Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1426513856143969&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000&type=3).

#3 Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335177764527053&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000&type=3).

#4. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/tulipshoptavern/photos/pb.100063561036461.-2207520000/142666123778219/?type=3).

#5. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1132005755594782&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000&type=3).

#6. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1182866800508677&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000&type=3)

#7. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1229264675868889&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000&type=3).

#8. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1228521969276493&set=pb.100063561036461.-2207520000).

#9. Tulip Shop Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=497126849082679&set=a.4971268390826800).

Holman’s for History

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Thebeerchaser

Welcome to Thebeerchaser. If you’re seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post #)

In a recent post, I used the term “bar revivalists” to describe the Three-on-a-Match Bar Group which totally refurbished the wonderful Holy Ghost Bar after the ignominious 2017 termination of the Pub at the End of the Universe in the same location.

And that group under the leadership of Ezra Ace Caraeff has done an outstanding job resurrecting, if you will, four other Portland dives: The Old Gold, Paydirt, Tough Luck and Hi-Top Tavern.

That said, the Match Group doesn’t match the premier Portland bar revivalists – Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambeault (hereafter B & A), whose efforts have breathed new life into numerous Portland watering holes and which I’ve loved reviewing.

They include the Vern, the Double Barrel, the Sandy Jug, the Bantam Tavern, the Alibi, the Lay Low Tavern, the Elvis Room, Gold Dust Meridian and the infamous Sandy Hut (known to regulars as the “Handy Slut”). You can read Beerchaser reviews on the ones above with the blue links. (Marcus Archambeault confirmed that they no longer operate the Bantam.)

Most of these would be just a memory if it were not for this entrepreneurial pair. The photos below might beckon you and they are all gems. Gold Dust Meridian was a little bland on the exterior, but the artwork, amazing cocktails and outstanding happy hour were a great combination.

Thanks to their foresight and capital the “Slut” celebrated its 100th birthday in August 2023 with a block party including a mechanical bull and purple gorilla. May the taps continue to flow at the Sandy Hut for another 100 years!

Oh the History

Holman’s rich history permeates the expansive quarters and imbues it with great character. As described in an excerpt from their website and a news article:

“Welcome to Holman’s where good food has been served for more than 80 years. Originally a small lunch counter, legend says that during Prohibition was a bootlegger’s saloon. Then, after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, it became the “Hello Inn”.

“Holman’s was first opened by the family behind the Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard funeral home of the same name way back in 1933. Oregon Live 4/21/23 (#1)

The Hello Inn

Now if it weren’t for the bar entrepreneurs (B & A) Holman’s might have met the same fate as many other Portland bars and restaurants after it closed when the pandemic hit.

Rather than a permanent closure, however, a refurbished Holman’s reopened on July 31, 2023, after a three-year closure. The establishment even has its own Wikipedia page.

The categories below will tell you why after three visits checking it out, I would suggest Boothby and Archambeault have scored again.

The Staff

Ordering of both food and drinks at Holman’s is done at the bar, so during rush times, the bartenders can be a bit harried, but my experience at lunch and mid-afternoon echoes this 11/24 Yelp review:

“Fun atmosphere and the staff/service is outstanding. some of the nicest and best bartenders in the whole dang town.”

Both Zoe and Adam, when I presented my blog card and asked them a slew of questions, were friendly and helpful.

The Story

As I’ve related in numerous posts, I love bars and breweries housed in buildings with a history – previous other uses and expansion from the original space. Part of the charm of this watering hole is the partitioning into different sections – each with its own history and ambiance – from the bar itself to the lunchroom, to the game room, to the patio.

Bill and Judy Chase, the owners for many years before the transition in 2023, state on the website:

“When we bought Holman’s in the 70’s, seating was limited to less than a dozen people. Through the years we have expanded by adding the North Dining Room (formerly a part of a Rexall Drug Store), the Game Room (formerly a bicycle and lawnmower repair shop), and our Garden Patio (which was converted from an old used appliance graveyard).”

And where else in Portland (or any city) will you see a mural of the Last Supper in the lone bathroom for the bar – with minimal damage from graffiti.

The Museum Effect

A trip to Holman’s is tantamount to a museum visit. Of course, there is some of the typical dive-bar bric-a-bric which always enhances the environment, but the stuff on the walls at Holman’s transcends that. I would love (when I had about two days) to quiz the owners on the origin of each piece.

Take these two examples of great bars which are now gone, but their legacy, preserved in part at Holman’s will continue their place in the legacy of Portland bar annals. First, the Club 21 (formerly owned by B & A) which was housed in a former orthodox church closed on January 15, 2017.

In spite of the name – not a strip club – just a great dive bar.

One can see the historic Club 21 sign in the game room at Holman’s as well as a number of the mounted wildlife trophies and orthodox church icons which grace the walls. Evidently, some of it is also at the Lay Low Tavern.

I think the old-fashioned pinball machines, now in the game room, as well as picture with the pup eating the clam chowder, may have also emanated from the demise of Club 21.

But two even more dramatic examples came from a wonderful family bar named Sloans Tavern. Sloan’s closed in December, 2022.

Take a look below at the cab of the Freightliner Truck, once at Sloans, (left photo below) which is now on the south exterior wall at Holman’s along with the sign and the original awning. It may be one of the only such displays in the country. From the 2015 Beerchaser review:

“The bar was opened by Bob Sloan and his wife, Shirley in 1979. The Sloans owned and operated a custom auto body and paint shop next door – started in 1954 and still operating – they specialized in Freightliner trucks.

As evidenced by the amazing pictures in the bar, Bob Sloan also did skilled body and restorative work on classic autos. When a café next door to the body shop run by an elderly lady closed, they bought the property and opened the bar. (The entire property was originally a creamery that opened in 1926.)

And in what was described in 2012 by Willamette Week as:

“….the best juke box in Portland… you can watch a Chicago Coin’s Animatronic Big Band Box go into action while one of your favorite oldies is played. It’s one of about ten still working in the US and was manufactured in the 1950’s. As described in the “WW 2008 Bar Guide”

“The true gem of the place is the jukebox—an ancient machine, it’s capped with a glass dome containing a miniature (eight-piece) plastic band (and singer) that moves in time to the music (mostly oldies).” (2008 Willamette Week Bar Guide)

While it may not still work and be synched with the juke box, the classic animatronic band at least is preserved at Holman’s.

Preserved from the ’50’s

“Both businesses (tavern and auto shop) closed for good Dec. 30 following Sloan’s sale of the property to developers—they plan to build a seven-story apartment building on the land, and (Shirley) Sloan will settle into a well-earned retirement.” Willamette Week 1/3/22

One of the treats of frequenting an historic dive is also the old beer signs and Holman’s does not disappoint.

Old Guys at Home in an Old Bar

A favorite Beerchasing group of mine comprises seven male friends I’ve known for years. We first connected as a group in 2023 at the Basement Pub and then a year later at the renovated Sandy Jug (formerly a strip club called Pirates’ Cove).

It seemed appropriate to convene at Holman’s even though none of the group was alive and kicking in 1933 although we’re all at least still breathing in 2025.

At Holman’s in mid-January, two of the group (both retired lawyers) were traveling, but we there were still three attorneys in our group in mid-January. One of the group, Dr. Doug Walta is a retired physician.

Wanting to make my late ninth-grade algebra teacher (Don Gribble) proud, I figured the equation was balanced as one physician is the equivalent of three lawyers.

Another repeat attender was Tom Kelly, who serves as a role model for all of us based on his long career as the President of the Neil Kelly Company and his years of service in public and non-profit causes. Jim Westwood and John Kelly were also there.

A new addition to our group, who I invited after only recently meeting him, was another retired lawyer – Doug Blomgren, who after graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, had a distinguished legal career in the areas of tax, real estate, construction and development and litigation.

For many years in the Midwest and then in Portland, he represented for-profit and non-profit housing developers and housing authorities. Doug was also immersed for years in the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPS) litigation when he worked for the Department of Justice.

The main requirement for admittance to this group, however, is a robust (and perhaps cynical) sense of humor and you can see from the photo below (he’s on the left), the initial reaction was positive.

The caption for the photo above should be “organ recital.” That’s because given our collective longevity, the first thirty minutes is spent updating each other on health and anatomical issues.

When I returned to Holman’s, it was for lunch with one of my favorite people (okay, he’s also a lawyer) who’s a former Intellectual Property partner at the Schwabe firm and now works as an Assistant County Counsel for Washington County.

John Mansfied has Beerchased at numerous public houses ranging from the aforementioned Sandy Hut, to the Slammer, Mock Crest Tavern and the Tabor Tavern (right photo below)

John had a French dip and I had a chicken sandwich. They were okay, but not the highlight of my visits and a bit spendy. although the free parking in their lot mitigated it. That said, I plan to return for one of their excellent breakfasts.

Holman’s has created a community and has live music every Thursday, its patio is always filled to capacity during the good weather and some holdovers from when the Crane’s owned it such as Bloody Mary Sunday’s, a Whiskey Club and the “Holman’s famous ‘Meal Wheel’ ….After enjoying your meal, just give the wheel a spin and if you match up the two Red Arrows… your food is FREE!”

One issue that seems incongruous given the business acumen of B & A, is why the Holman’s website is out-of-date and has some erroneous information – most notably operating hours – which are noon to 2:30 AM on weekdays and 10 to 2:30 on weekends. It’s posted by their front door, but wrong on the website. Their Facebook page is also not very current.

Given how many I still have to explore, Holman’s is one of the few bars to which I will keep returning – if only to say hello to Adam and Zoe and Adam. It’s a Portland treasure. (#2)