Reel M Inn

Amazing fried chicken. The jojos with the chicken are also one of the best potatoes I’ve had. Super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The chicken is well fried and crispy, yet so juicy. Wait time is usually 25-30 minutes, but the wait is well worth it and perfect for a couple of beers!

The fried chicken and Jo Jo's are fantastic with a very crispy batter on both. They make their own ranch dressing, I suggest trying as well. There can be a wait for the food but it's worth it and a rad spot to hang out. A couple picnic tables outside, can hang out with your dog. If you're in the neighborhood check out this spot

The bartenders here are the best. Between pouring your drinks, remembering your name, frying perfect chicken and Jo Jo’s and bussing tables, what can’t they do?! The people are friendly, the vibe is good and the tales of delicious fried chicken are all true! I love Reel M Inn!

Partner and I were in the mood for some really good fried chicken, so we decided to check this place out. They are constantly written up in Eater as the spot to get some of the best fried chicken in Portland. They also mentioned the wait time, so we knew what to expect. We headed over on a Saturday night. Ordering at the bar was easy. We were quoted almost a two hour wait for our food, which was expected and completely fine. Bartender also the cook was very friendly. We got our fried chicken/jojo’s and it was hot, but not seasoned very well. The batter, as well as the chicken and the potatoes all needed salt. While we were eating, we noticed the bartender/cook was reaching into a container and putting it into the fryer. After a couple of minutes of watching her frequently reaching into the container, I realized it contained the raw, breaded chicken. The tub of raw chicken was sitting on top of the cooler, unrefrigerated, dipping below the safe zone. The container sat out for the entire time we were there, and who knows how long prior to that. Underwhelming flavor is one thing, but practicing safe food handling measures is a big deal. We won’t go back because we can’t trust that our health and safety is being cared for properly. It’s sad because someone could really get ill.

This place is my Cheers. The service is amazing from bartenders and the food is some of the best fried chicken in portland. The wait long? Take a look around, bartenders are also cooking and they have one fryer and the place is probably pretty f***in busy. This place has my heart. I send everyone here for food and atmosphere. Every dive bar should strive to be even kind of as good as this place.

I can’t say what hasn’t already been said so I’ll share what I’ve heard from friends I’ve brought here: “This is where the chefs of Portland come after their shifts end and they need a good meal.” “They do their chicken the right way — they brine that business overnight.” “Oh my god.” “I would bring my family here.” — a friend of mine born and raised in Texas Can’t recommend this place enough. Get you so chicken and jojos, play some pool, and have a fantastic time.

Superb fried chicken and jojos at a totally reasonable price. Perfect if you’re starving late at night. One of Portland’s best dives. The chicken is worth the wait.

Great dive bar on the inner east side. Fried chicken, corn dogs, and fried dill pickle chips are all super tasty. But the shout out is the staff! They remembered and used my name for every refill after my initial order. Its kinda like Cheers - "where everybody knows your name". I felt like Norm!

Would NOT order to go. Which pretty much means this place is out for me. I ordered to go and waited an hour only to come back and be told a mistake was made and my chicken would be longer but she didn't know how long. And I mean sure. But nah. I've had good chicken from them in the past, though. Still a no from me. She refunded me less the tip I had also given her. Nah. Would no longer recommend off the strength of this "mistake." But really, I should've known. Room full of white folks playing Too Short never pans out.

Chicken is really good, questionable if worth the wait, but the JoJos def changed my opinion on how good they could be, like…I maybe would come back for them first. Overall, if you wanna chill at a dive with friends and a controllable jukebox, and don’t mind a SIGNIFICANT wait for tasty chicken, this is a great place.