When it comes to finding a no-nonsense, unapologetically patriotic spot to grab a burger and brew, Loyal Legion is the equivalent of having Chuck Norris roundhouse kick your hunger into submission. Situated where the rivers meet in the great city of Portland, Oregon, Loyal Legion's inception was a response to the lack of a real, unpretentious American experience in the local dining scene. And what a spectacle it is!
Loyal Legion opened its doors in 2015, in the heart of Portland on Southeast 6th Avenue, and has been an anchor of steadfast tradition ever since. Situated in a historic building that’s as rugged and resilient as the American spirit, it manages to offer a vibe that’s both familiar and daring. This is the place where classics are cherished, where the menu doesn’t bow to the fads but stands staunchly patriotic, much like the establishment’s namesake.
Let's talk about the food, because that's what this is all about, isn’t it? If mom's home-cooked meal and the American dream had a baby, you'd get the culinary offerings at Loyal Legion. Just imagine enjoying a burger that doesn't hold back on flavor, made from beef that's as real as the pride this establishment takes in showcasing the best of what America's farms have to offer. And oh, the fries! Crispy, golden, and never apologizing for being a little extra with that seasoning. Who says you need vegetable-based alternative french fries anyway?
But hold the line; the real star here is the beer. Loyal Legion takes the concept of local and radicalizes it, offering over 99 taps of craft beer. Each one is a salute to the brewers that keep America just a bit more bubbly. The idea is simple: drink local, think national. They're practically the bastion of American craft beer advocacy, and they're proud of it.
Speaking of pride, let's not forget the ambiance. Walking into Loyal Legion is akin to stepping into a celebrated museum of American culture. Strong wooden tables with a just-worn-enough finish evoke a sense of home and history. If walls could talk, these would regale tales of long discussions over Brooklyn IPAs and Stouts. A masculine interior design, void of superfluous frills yet inviting, it boasts a character that's harder than a steel-toed handshake.
Loyal Legion also doesn’t skimp on the community vibe, and why should they? Their commitment to community isn't just slogan-deep; it's in their DNA. They purposely outfit their space to be a meeting ground; where conversation isn't drowned out by pretentious background music. You’ll even find that their staff wears their community ethos on their sleeves. Friendly but efficient, they embody the spirit of service without falling into obsequiousness. It's simple: be good at what you do, and do it with pride.
In a world where political correctness often overshadows identity, Loyal Legion remains a staunch fortress of unapologetic American localism. Of course, this doesn’t sit well with everyone, but isn’t that what makes America great? A mosaic of views respecting the core that binds it all together, even if it takes only one mention of 'liberals' to send some dissenters into a tizzy.
As we dive into the charm of this place, there's an aspect that cannot be ignored – Loyal Legion’s commitment to authenticity. They serve no beer that hasn't been vetted and no dish whose ingredients aren’t scrutinized. The mission is clear-cut: If it doesn’t break barriers in taste and quality, it has no place on the menu. Such standards are rare, but then again, so are moon landings and they each changed the course of history.
Loyal Legion also stands as an entertainment hotspot with a smattering of pinball machines and arcade classics. It's exactly what you’d hope for when looking to soften the edges of another unenlightened policy debate on the latest news channel. A microcosm of American entertainment that helps you unwind after a long day of living outside the coastal echo chamber. Bottom-up thinking, top-down entertainment. Just the way it should be.
With prices that don’t beg for a second mortgage and a selection of meals that encourage multiple visits, Loyal Legion is exactly what you find yourself needing after a weary day. Where else can diners embrace both a hearty, all-American meal and wax nostalgic about the times when beer foamed over debates, but rhetoric didn’t overshadow reality?
So if you're someone who appreciates consistency, quality, and unquestionable patriotism, this is your haunt. Its value lies not just in what's on the plate, but in its unwavering principles. So head over to Loyal Legion next time you're in Portland, and let the food remind you what it's like to celebrate honest, hard-earned tradition. If museums of culture and craftsmanship excite you, then this isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a revolution.