Ironworks Grill @ Mcmenamins Grand Lodge

Inflation hits hard here. Scanning the lunch menu, it seemed the minimum for a meal was $17 . We were going to skip appetizers and dessert, but since it was a special outing day before Easter, we went ahead.. Service is the most important, along with food. I couldn't understand why there seemed to be so many servers and really maybe half the restaurant full -- it seems there were dirty tables everywhere and not cleaned -- my guess as I saw the server who brought us our appetizer working the outside restaurant -- is that they are severely understaffed. I overheard one of the male servers saying he was picking up multiple shifts. Regardless, all the servers seemed cordial and provided the best service to their ability and tables... Management should step in and assist with cleaning tables and prepping them for the endless amount of patrons we saw walk in... a lady in disgust as I was that we couldn't find a clean table. This is why on atmosphere. Cajun Tots for our appetizer was very well done without over seasoning. The ranch was SO delicious. We mixed it with the Portland ketchup for our own fry sauce. Our water was colder than our soda , but my refill was just as cold as the water same amount of ice. I hate warm soda .. my first world problems.. I was happy with my 'Dungeon' mushroom and Swiss burger plentiful . The lettuce, pickles, and onions carefully and just enough placed under the patty. The fries were very tasty!! What I noticed is not a ton of grease as in the past, and I was very happy with my meal, worth it. My son enjoyed a personal sized pizza with everything on it, their 'Compass Special'.. he seemed very satisfied.. his usual is the Hawaiian Classic, but he really enjoyed this better, it seemed. As for dessert - I wish I would have stuck with the non-seasonal offerings menu as the cheesecake seemed burnt on all the edges top and back and was dry, not creamy, however the strawberries were very good no sauce, some would have helped flavor up the lack in the cheesecake. I would not recommend ordering from the 'seasonal specials dessert menu'. My son had the Black & Tan Brownie Sundae always on the menu.. he indulged in it while I envied him!! Parking: Two large parking lots on either side of the building. Wheelchair accessibility: There is a ramp out front to the right. Railed staircase portion, as well.

I was early to see Les Claypool and the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. I chose to have the steak sandwich and fries with the aioli garlic dipping sauce and a Hammerhead IPA. The food was delicious and well portioned, but I wished I had a steak knife, which I never asked for, but made due with a butter knife. The service was excellent and professional. The cleanliness was spot on, and the atmosphere was inviting. I would definitely suggest eating here with a group, but single diners are welcome as well.

I loved the atmosphere. I'm from a Masonic family, so the whole experience of dining in a old Lodge was cool. I ordered the Hoke Poke Nachos and my chips were stale so they didn't charge me for them, even though I did eat the tuna, which was nice. The staff was very attentive and took care of us. I'd definitely go back again.Food: 4/5

The restaurant was busy, we waited about 20 minutes before being seated. We were seated and the service and server were great! Very polite, friendly, and attentive - but not bothersome. The food came quickly - as per usual with McMenamins. The food itself was predictable - nothing stood out as bad, but certainly nothing memorable. The beer, however, not good. Both selections that we had just didn't taste good - the flavors seemed off, almost underdeveloped. I've had McMenamins beer MANY times and it just wasn't right this time. That said, the kids enjoyed their tots and chicken strips, a win. I'm not sure we'll be back anytime soon though - the prices seem to keep going up, but the food quality doesn't correlate. This may not be McMenamins fault directly, as many establishments are experiencing the same. BUT, I've always enjoyed McMenamins as a place to get good food, in a funky atmosphere, for a decent price. Take away the decent price and all you're left with is bar food in a restaurant with funky decorations. I hope McMenamins can figure out a way to be fun and interesting again - and if their prices are going to keep increasing, the food experience needs to match. Best of luck McMenamins!

Ordered "Ferryman's Braised Short Ribs" for $38.50. This was executed very poorly; food tasted good, but received only a single 4oz piece of meat and a large bone on a bed of mashed potatoes. Came with two small carrots that were indiscernible from the gravy. When I brought it to the attention of the server, he assured me there was no mistake in the dish and offered to charge me for additional meat. They agreed to knock off the cost of the appetizer- which was appreciated- but doesn't change my opinion. The server did a great job, but managers choice and kitchen need to be looked at.

No two McMenamin’s is alike. This one is pretty damn good. The kitchen is really well run and consistently puts out great food. When it’s in season the elk burger is great. The bar is spot on. Never a poorly made drink. The service though is erratic. You can get a good server there but consider yourself lucky. They’re more concerned while talking or playing with their phones or acting surprised when you have to ask for utensils while your food gets cold or, well you get the idea. If this place could get a strong front manager they’d be excellent but I haven’t been there in a month so perhaps they have. Anyway, try it regardless. The food, drinks and atmosphere are worth it.

I’ve always liked McMenamins, and have been to a great many different locations over several years. However, between the accelerating shrinkflation and my recent experiences with poor/slow service as a solo diner, I may be holding off on future visits. I get it, staffing and inflation, but it gets to a point where the quality of the experience is not worth the stupid price. $28 for a sandwich, a small handful of fries and minuscule side of tots seriously tiny servings, particularly based on my past experiences here. The food is usually satisfying, but is becoming less so as the price goes up and the serving size shrinks. Also, when I asked to sit outside and was told by the hostess the entire outside was reserved for a private function, she failed to inform me there was an outdoor venue with live music and an only slightly reduced menu. Seems like pretty basic information to share with a customer requesting outside seating, and stoked my annoyance after finding it on my way out… And finally, after sitting for about 20 minutes before I was approached by a server and offered drinks not particularly busy either is unacceptable. I have come to understand that as a solo diner my service level is almost always reduced, which I assume is linked to the smaller tip they can expect. But still, letting a customer sit for such a time is poor form. I have left other restaurants in the past because of this, and I was actually looking at the map to see what else was around for dinner. Another 2-3 minutes and I would have walked… This is all coming from a long time McMenamins customer who likes the business. My post-pandemic experiences have begun to sour my opinion though. And to be fair, it isn’t limited to McMenamins.

Let me start by saying I LOVE mcmenamins. Also- I genuinely enjoy their food. It's all overpriced, but it's quite enjoyable if you're aware ahead of time. The pizzas are really pretty tasty, and I love a good burger. However, I tried something new, and I regret it. The salmon seasonal burger special... please avoid it. It's uncommon for me to complain about food. I didn't even send it back, and I ate most of it. However, it was a weird frozen salmon patty.. and the texture and flavor were awful. The gal who served us was okay, but was rushing us pretty badly the whole service. They had music playing downstairs, and the band was so much fun! Definitely a highlight of the visit. The sweet potato fries were the other highlight. I'm a sucker for a sweet potato fry! Normally, I give food their 4 or 5 stars at most locations, but I do try to be honest. It's uncommon for me to leave critical reviews, but this particular item deserves it. Just order something different. ‍

McMenamins nailed it again as always, fun, great atmosphere, classic new-to-look-old remodel on the entire building, they do the best job. I'll return often!! The whole grounds is spectacular Food: 4/5

Pretty pricey, we shared the 10" pizza and tots, it was plenty for two people. The beers and ciders were good.. the atmosphere was good. Kind of cool bar setting. The wait staff was good, I always appreciate that! On a nice not rainy day, I think the outside seating would be optimal. It's full of nooks and crannies. Pretty cool place to drop 50 bucks and eat and visit.