Ahoy – Get Hooked at the Jolly Rogers!

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Thebeerchaser

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(Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are 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 is at the end of the post. #1)

In a January 2023 Beerchaser post, I captured my visit to the iconic Jolly Roger in east Portland with my friend Hillary Barbour. The current Jolly Roger on SE 12th and Madison was opened in the early ’90’s and Rob and Starr Jackson were partners with the Cheerful Group.

This group owns two Portland bars previously reviewed by Thebeerchaser – the Cheerful Tortoise and the Cheerful Bullpen.

The Jacksons became the sole owners in 2004 and leased it since; however, the watering hole is short-lived as the landlord plans to develop it as a five-story, 100-plus-unit residential complex.

The bar’s closure and demolition will happen when permitting issues are finally resolved with the City of Portland – probably by the end of the year although the City’s actions have dragged on. So the Jolly Roger – East will have its final voyage in the coming months and be sorely missed.

As one 2021 Yelp reviewer stated:

“Exactly what you want with a neighborhood place. Regulars who accept newbies, great drinks, good beer selection and some really good bar food.”

Fortunately for Portlanders like myself, who love good bars, the Jacksons still own two establishments – the Sports Page in Beaverton and the Jolly Roger at John’s Landing which is reviewed below.

The Jackson’s business model is built on the premise:

“Nobody has more fun than we do.”

Although each of the two Jolly Rogers has a distinctly different ambiance, both are “communities” and the Jacksons have promoted activities which draw not only regulars, but people who want to experience the comradery of such events.

Starr Jackson said that since the pandemic, those gatherings have essentially ceased at the Jolly Roger-East and John’s Landing, but they still continue at the Sports Page which has more expansive quarters. (#2-#5)

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The Jolly Roger at John’s Landing

I was pleased that my Beerchasing companion, Dennis Ferguson, suggested that we try the John’s Landing location and had no idea that he was a regular since he lives in a different part of the City.

I’ve known Denny since 1979 when he was President of JBL&K Insurance – our employee benefits and insurance broker at the Oregon State Bar. After he retired from the company, he had a second career as Senior Philanthropic Advisor for the Portland State University Foundation.

One of my most frequent Beerchasing comrades as you can see from the photos below — we’ve raised mugs at places ranging from the Cheerful Tortoise, Cheerful Bullpen, Yamhill Pub, the Lompoc Tavern, Dockside Saloon and the Leaky Roof – to name just some of the watering holes where he’s joined me.

Denny is probably the most positive and optimistic person I know and a true friend. For example, when I got to the Dockside Saloon early and told Karen, the server I was meeting him for breakfast, she immediately responded:

“Fergy.” He’s coming in today. That’s like winning the lottery.”

Dennis Ferguson is so positive that he once started a rigid diet on the day before Thanksgiving. He is so confident that he fills out his March Madness bracket during football season before basketball has started. He’s so optimistic that (well, you get the idea…)

(Photos below clockwise – From JBL&K, the Cheerful Tortoise in 2012, the Leaky Roof in 2019 – my 300th watering hole reviewed on this blog), Karen at the Dockside in 2018, the Yamhill Pub in 2015, the Lompoc Tavern in 2015 and the Cheerful Bullpen in 2014).

What’s Not to Like About This Place??

It’s located in a nice, older neighborhood with character, where parking is plentiful (and free) and in a building that also has some interesting history – it used to be one of the two Stanich locations – from 1987 to 2003.

Note: The eastside Stanich’s also had a colorful history – named by a Thrillist writer in 2017 as making the Best Hamburger in America! Stanich’s, temporary closed in 2018 – some say caused by the Thrillist story, but most contend, by Nick Stanich’s multiple and complex legal and family problems.

(The bar closed permanently in 2020. Read the fascinating Willamette Week article with the story.)

Besides the nice external setting, one walks into an upscale, well-lit cafe’-type ambiance with tables and booths of assorted sizes well-spaced and with what appears to be happy and energized patrons seated throughout.

Starr Jackson and our friendly server, Suzie address the patrons by name – people come back to this place regularly.

The multiple televisions and video poker machines (located in an alcove) don’t interfere with the atmosphere – not the case in many bars in which both are a distraction. The juke box softly plays a good selection of tunes which enhances the mood. The wood bar is long and attractive.

The good news according to a telephone conversation with Starr this week is that they are still investing in the property so they probably aren’t going anyplace….They’re replacing an old garage in the back which provides the storage for the bar.

And speaking of the back of the bar, take a look at their patio and why it is a favorite spot in the neighborhood during good weather. (#6)

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An Example of Community

Shortly, after we sat down for lunch, some older guys walked in incrementally and headed for a long table in the northwest corner. They were all carrying individual bottles of wine and then ordered lunch which they ate while immersed in conversations.

Denny told me that Starr let’s these guys bring their own wine in for what is essentially a non-existent corkage fee and they drink it during lunch.

The last guy to join the five elderly gents was a much younger guy – very tall and athletic – he looked familiar. The younger guy – part of the regular group – is former Portland Trailblazer Center, Steve Johnson.

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He starred for the “Orange Express” Team at Oregon State which in 1981 went to the second round of the NCAA Division 1 Tournament.

” A 1st Team Consensus All-America and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1981, Steve was also a three time selection as All Pac-10. His 746 field goal percentage was an NCAA men’s basketball record until 2017….

Johnson was inducted into the Oregon State University Hall of Fame in 1993 and now the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.” (Oregon Sports Hall of Fame)

Steve Johnson played ten years in the NBA for a number of different teams including the Trailblazers before retiring. The group drank wine and stayed talking until after Denny and I left. (#7 – #8)

The Beer, the Food and the Service

The preponderance of social media reviews are very positive (one misfit complained that he could not see the Trailblazer game on any of the TV’s – this could be construed as prudent censorship….).

Many bars have a limited “pub menu” but the JR is the full-mail deal – a diversified assortment of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers a number of macaroni & cheese options, pizza and full plates which include steak, brisket and fish & chips.

Don’t forget the expansive breakfast menu (served until 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday) – includes omelets, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and corned beef hash (which is going to get me back there – soon….)

And the prices are really reasonable. Denny had the cheeseburger for $14. He’ opted for this menu item every time we’ve Beerchased except one bar at which they didn’t have it available during breakfast!)

My Taco Tuesday lunch at the Jolly Roger meant three beef tacos for $5. (#8 – #9))

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The Yelp reviews focus on the quality of the food – especially the tacos, burgers and mini-corndogs – the friendly and efficient service and the selection of beers and cocktails. Take a look at these four from which are very representative:

“I love Jolly Roger! They have great drinks and food. It’s very fresh and so tasty! The bartenders are super friendly and always remember you. Highly recommend!” (3/4/2023)

“I’ve visited this bar a couple times since I moved into the neighborhood and it is an amazing spot! I come here to work on assignments for my fellowship as well as drink and eat with friends. Regardless of why I visit the workers always treat me with kindness and camaraderie. Great selection of beers on tap and yummy food.” (12/5/2021)

“My local watering hole. The staff is phenomenal and the food is delicious!!! They have a big selection of food and drinks. They always have daily deals, which is awesome. The food gets better and better every time I go. There’s a lot of TVs also. I would definitely recommend this place.” (2/13/2019)

“I love this bar!! Great quality food! Amazing service! Feels like a family with all the regulars and being in the middle of a neighborhood! Great safety measures being taken here!” (8/15/2020)

In my Beerchasing travels the last twelve years, I always appreciate the family-owned operations which understandably tend to have a family-type environments. The Jolly Roger at John’s Landing epitomizes this.

Stop by and the second time you go in, Starr will greet you by your first name — and you might even see Denny there eating a cheeseburger!

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The Beerchaser’s recommendation for the Jolly Roger might be summarized by one word:

Aaarghh!

And as pirates say when they toast:

“May your ANCHOR be tight, your CORK be loose, your RUM be spiced and your COMPASS be true.” (#10)

800px-Dale_Clark_poses_as_Johnny_Depp,_in_Pirates_of_the_Caribbean,_24391

External Photo Attribution

#1. Sports Page Bar Facebook Page (http://(https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=526974246095180&set=a.526974219428516)

#2 – #5. The Jolly Roger Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101048170669568&set=t.100000625986101&type=3)

#6. Yelp – Back patio (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jolly-roger-at-johns-landing-portland-3?select=ZpGOlRyzOucpGzHgUk4MiA)

#7. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Steve_Johnson_OSU.jpg) This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published in the United States between 1928 and 1977 inclusive without a copyright notice. Source: Oregon State University Yearbook 1977.

#8. Oregon Sports Hall of Fame (http://oregonsportshall.org/timeline/steve-johnson-basketball/)

#8 #9. Taco Tuesday (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jolly-roger-at-johns-landing-portland-3?select=cXZbVwS4H253G5gsm0UGAg)

#10. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy#/media/File:Dale_Clark_poses_as_Johnny_Depp) This work is from the Carol M. Highsmith Archive collection at the Library of Congress. According to the library, there are no known copyright restrictions on the use of this work. Carol M. Highsmith has stipulated that her photographs are in the public domain.

The Lompoc Tavern – A Long and Continuing Tradition

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Thebeerchaser

Lompoc Tavern – The Tradition Continues

Thebeerchaser Tour of Bars,Taverns and Pubs commenced in 2011 – initially including only watering holes in Portland, but based on the positive results, the concept was expanded to include establishments in Europe, Alaska, Washington, Montana, Colorado, the Southeastern US, central and eastern Oregon and the Oregon coast. After four years, over 150 have been visited and reviewed with about 45% of those in Portland.

The Lutz – one of Portland’s classics

Many of the Portland venues such as the Horse Brass Pub, the Lutz Tavern and the Mock Crest Tavern have rich histories.

The bartenders in these venues tell stories about the tunnels below the downtown bars used by smugglers (Kelly’s Olympian) or the brothel and law office that concurrently shared the space (Buffalo Gap Saloon) or the ghost that purportedly still inhabits the upstairs space at the White Eagle Saloon.

I have visited bars that once housed an ice cream parlor, dry cleaner’s, grocery store, auto-body shop, thrift store, trolley station, Greek Orthodox church and petting zoo to name just a few.

Unfortunately, I never frequented the original Old Lompoc Tavern before it closed or when it was initially resurrected as the New Old Lompoc Tavern. To remedy that, in part, I met my old friend Denny Ferguson and his colleague, Tygue Howland (both employed by another resurrected organization – the Portland State University Athletic Department) on a sunny October afternoon at the NW 23^rd Street patio fronting the current Lompoc Tavern.

Fergy on the patio of the Lompoc

My friendship with Fergy goes back to 1979 when he was President of JBL & K Insurance and I worked at the Oregon State Bar. He tried to teach me about employee benefits. Denny maintains, however, that rather than insurance concepts he tried to educate a young and naïve manager about business practices and life.

I have to admit that Dennis B. Ferguson is one of the most positive people I have ever known. As I reported when we went Beerchasing at the Cheerful Tortoise in 2012, he is so optimistic that he will again, commence his new diet on the day before Thanksgiving – probably because he runs most of it off in the traditional Ferguson/Murphy Run at 6:15 A.M. Christmas Eve morning. (Sign-up using the link.)

Denny at the Cheerful Tortoise in 2012

And Tygue is Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at PSU – more about Tygue below. Our visit to the Lompac was greatly enhanced by Rosie, the Manager who also served us and has worked at the bar for the last eight years after moving from Michigan.

Rosie told us that the building structure is over 100 years old and the original Old Lompoc Tavern was opened in 1993. In 1996, they started brewing and then in 2000, the current owner, Jerry Fechter, bought it with his silent partner – legendary beer entrepreneur, Don Younger, best known for his Horse Brass Pub – it then became the New Old Lompoc.

Tygue, Rosie and Fergy

All the buildings on that block on NW 23^rd were demolished and the bar closed in 2012, but then reopened in May, 2013. Based on the number of previous monikers and potential confusion, the new name was simply the Lompoc Tavern and it joins the four other Portland bars under the Lompoc Brewing umbrella – the Fifth Quadrant, the Oaks Bottom, the Hedge House and Sidebar.

For history buffs, the Lompoc name emanated from the WC Field’s film The Bank Dick with the setting in Lompoc California.

The patio in the rear of the original Lompoc, a favorite of regulars, had to be abandoned and was replaced by the tables which now extend beyond the sidewalk in front of the bar. But as you can see, the new patio is a great setting for beer and food and when I returned after 5:00 PM, it was filled and lively.

What distinguishes the Lompoc? Rosie enthusiastically stated that it was the beer – 14 on tap in addition to one cider and quality seasonals from the Lompoc Brewery in Portland. (It’s brewed at the Fifth Quadrant.)

The Lompac space is nicely laid out with some widescreen televisions to watch games, a spacious horsehoe bar and a nook with some historical mementoes from the original bar. A recent Yelp review summed it up nicely:

A lot of cool *#@+ hanging on the wall….

“The atmosphere is cozy and dark. There is lots of crazy *%#@ hanging on the walls. A beer paddle, trophies, used malt cans, and concert posters decorate the interior. This is a brewery but the feel is a cross between a roadhouse and a yuppified neighborhood meeting place.

It’s cool, familiar, and comfortable. The clientele seems to be older neighborhood-dwellers, outdoorsy 30-somethings, and long-bearded regulars. This is not a quiet place to nurse a pint. This is a bustling place to swap loud stories and share the weekend’s exploits with buzzed friends around tall pints of tasty beer.” (Yelp 2/16/15 by Jacob M)

The Willamette Week newspaper office has is only a few blocks from the Lompoc and in an effort to be humorous – which Lompac Management did not appreciate – ran a “tongue-in-cheek” piece when the bar reopened in 2013 entitled, “A Complete Catalog of Everything Wrong with New New Old Lompoc”:

“So, yeah, while the New New Old Lompoc (they call it the “Lompoc Tavern”) is pretty great, it lacks the mildewed charm of the old bar which, apropos of nothing, was the closest watering hole to Willamette Week’s office. Here’s two of the complaints they enumerated:

It’s rainy today — It sure would have been nice if they’d opened the pub last week, when it was nice and sunny.

The entrance may be about five feet farther north. — That’s five feet farther from the WW office. Given the journey involved, you guys aren’t going to catch us here any sooner than 6 pm today…”

On a more serious note, the weekly in its 2014 Annual Bar Guide endorsed the Lompoc by stating:

“(It’s) a poor substitute for the delightfully shabby original – well aside from the food, which is better now. And the beer is better and more adventurous……— (It’s) a neat little nook on the ground floor of a tony condo complex……..”

And since one of the joys of Beerchasing is meeting new friends, a little more about Tygue Howland. He is smart, personable and understands athletics. Besides his place in Washington sports lore as the only all-state high school athlete in three sports (football, basketball and baseball at Sedro Woolley High School), he knows and believes in the organization he now represents. His job description includes fundraising, ticket sales and marketing for the Athletic Department.

All-State in baseball, football and basketball at Sedro Wooley

In fact, having just finished the book, I suggested that inviting author, Jon Krakauer, to a book-signing to autograph his most recent book, Missoula – Rape and the Justice System in a College Town at PSU’s away game in Missoula that weekend with the University of Montana. It could be a creative way to generate publicity although it might not be enthusiastically received by the Montana Grizzlies or for that matter the University of Montana Administration.

Missoula – a college town with a football history and culture?

For those who have not read it, Krakauer’s 387-page non-fiction best seller is the account of the sad legacy including University of Montana football players’ involvement in a series of sexual assaults on campus, which were so numerous that it ended with an investigation and report by the US Department of Justice. The feds criticized the University, the Missoula Police Department and the Missoula County Attorney’s Office for their roles in tacitly permitting the perpetuation of this environment.

The University of Montana campus

Tygue and Fergy rejected the suggestion and Portland State beat the Grizzlies 59 to 41 improving their record to five wins and one loss in what has been a remarkably successful season, which now stands at 8 and 2.

Tygue has a history at PSU, having played quarterback starting in 2005 under Coach Mike Walsh. Because of a severe injury (two torn ACLs) his football career took place over six years at PSU and he also played for Coaches Jerry Granville and Nigel Burton. Keep your eyes open for this guy who in addition to his work at PSU, had a short stint at the Oregon State Athletic Department adding to his resume.

PSU Quarterback Howland

And give the Lompoc a try – The patio is a terrific place to raise a mug and watch people. And we found the Lompoc, while understandably not a duplicate of the original, a welcome addition to some of the sterile offerings on NW 23^rd.

It has a nice ambiance, diverse and ample selections of beer, reasonably priced and tasty menu selections and a friendly staff (Say hello to Rosie!!!)

And maybe Willamette Week staffers will return and focus their criticism on more serious issues — like the ongoing and precipitous decline of The Oregonian……