Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Channabilly from Channahon, IL on 05/30/2023 05:28 PM:
Stopped by around 1:00 on a Tuesday. It was everything I expected it to be. A dive bar with charm. Unfortunately, we got there right as a slug of riders and locals had just sat down. Two women, one of whom may have been helping cook as well, struggled mightily to keep up with the rush. It took us almost an hour to get our food as it came out of the kitchen in small batches of 2-4 baskets at a crack, but this is the two edged sword of small town local cookery. I'll admit to getting a bit ticked off as we burned daylight, but in the end, we had a great pork tenderloin and grilled cheese with sides of beer battered cheese curds that were fantastic. We will definately stop there again next time through.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 05/30/2023 05:44 PM:
Good things come to those that wait.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Gary and his Stumpjumper from KCMO on 05/22/2023 04:58 PM:
2nd time I’ve had lunch here. Friendly service. Try the pulled
Pork and fries.
Don’t count on eating here
JG on 10/05/2021 12:11 AM:
Our group of four stopped here Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at 3 p.m. looking forward to a hot meal after not finding any place serving food since Hartsburg. (We did not cross the river into Jefferson City.) Despite seeing our hungry and tired-looking group, the waitress told us the kitchen was closed. She said we could wait until 5, when they’d begin selling roasted pork. Rather inhospitable. She did sell us chips. Uh, thanks?
Anonymous on 10/05/2021 09:14 AM:
Not sure where here is but nonetheless, what did you expect her to do?
It seems looking at your post about the bar in Mokane that you and yours seem to expect special treatment more than anyone being inhospitable toward you. Do you expect to walk in a restaurants kitchen and fix your own steak to get it like you want too?
Biker Chick 515 on 10/05/2021 10:08 AM:
Consider yourself lucky that you got food in Hartsburg - when we were through there the newly opened "The Burg" was closed. We rode through Portland on Friday and the woman there was cooking, waiting tables and cleaning them all by herself. Had the BEST pork rinds and burgers. And they were just getting ready to put that pig in the ground on Friday afternoon. I would definitely recommend Holzhauser's - but calling ahead might be a good idea.
Doug from Bluffton on 10/05/2021 11:33 AM:
IF JG is talking about the bar in Portland then he/she/it, not sure these days, either failed to notice or is conveniently not mentioning the fact that the bar hosted a benefit raffle in ground pig roast for a local two year old with a LOT of medical issues that day. They were more than a little busy with all the work to take care of the hundreds of people that showed up. Setting that as a priority is not being inhospitable. To the contrary; giving up the first Saturday in October for the benefit of someone in need I think goes WAY beyond hospitality. Sorry JG and friends were so wrapped up in their own discomfort that they failed to enjoy the moment.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 10/05/2021 11:54 AM:
This is why I tell people to plan everything ahead, and plan for contingencies, and then CALL the day before to see if the place will be open. And carry enough food to get you through a missed meal or two. Small businesses have a lot going on. It ain't all about me.
Great to hear that they were helping out a local family that is having a very hard time.
Sorry you had a bad time, JG. If you want to ride any of the other long rail/canal trails, my advice remains the same. All three we have ridden have required planning.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Christoc from Wildwood, MO on 09/07/2020 03:39 PM:
We grabbed food from Holzhauser's on Saturday 9/5.
Great place to grab a bit if you're staying at River's Edge.
I'll admit, I haven't been in a building where there was still smoking inside in many years. Other than that it was nice and convenient.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Gman from Erie PA on 05/13/2019 09:19 AM:
We stopped here last week after a long day on the trail and not a lot of places to stop. Only had 5 more miles to Doug's ( Bluffton Barn ) so we had a great Bloody Mary to finish the day. Good place to get a bite and nice people!
Marla Calico from Fair Grove on 07/06/2020 05:46 PM:
I stopped here on Friday, July 3 (only think open between Jeff City and Hermann). It is typical country bar; great for a beer and sandwich. HOWEVER....it is a smoking bar, so be prepared for cigarette smoke. They didn't have an option for outdoor seating.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 09:24 AM:
"Closed for the season" sign on the window. This bar is after a long section of trail with no food options. So we pet a couple of friendly local dogs while eating trail mix hunkered down behind the building to get out of the howling wind. Another "call before you go" lesson while touring in winter, as google showed it was open.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Bob Melton from Oklahoma City on 09/27/2018 05:49 PM:
A great stop for lunch on a Sunday (not much else is open within 20 miles). My wife ordered the fish sandwich, I had the hamburger, and we shared a generous portion of tater tots. There was but a single employee behind the bar to take orders and cook, but she managed all of it in good fashion even as 15 cyclists and a number of locals came in during the hour we were there. Yes, there was a bit of smoke, but the place is worth it. A good place to visit.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
RTV from Louisville, KY on 09/13/2017 02:55 PM:
I think the above picture describes the place. It's a dive bar. You have to run the gauntlet of smoke upon entering the place. The barmaid was smoking and a patron was hunched over a beer and a cigarette. Thankfully the dining tables are in the back. The menu was basic sandwiches. Fortunately, they did have ice-cream up by the bar, which I got. I felt uncomfortable there and took off on my bike to finish the day's ride.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 09/14/2017 08:20 AM:
I have 2 favorite places on the Katy Trail, and both are "dive" bars. That's what makes the Katy Trail so incredible, you can experience real life in central Missouri. The other place is the Bar and Grill in Mokane. Both the Portland Bar and the Mokane Bar make incredible hamburgers. And I have always found the people working at both places friendly and happy to please their customers. And speaking of the customers in these places, I love hearing their conversations, and occasionally being included.
Jim from St Thomas on 09/14/2017 03:49 PM:
I'm curious RTV, what exactly made you feel uncomfortable? I will grant you that they are not the same culinary experience as Abigail's and the chances of them cooking you a vegan meal is pretty much non-existent but they are far from being a threating environment.
A Cyclist from Lee's Summit on 09/14/2017 10:12 PM:
I couldn't agree more. The bar in Mokane & the bar in Portland reflect the true blue collar/rural surroundings of Central Missouri. And trust me, they get plenty of Trail traffic, as well as Biker traffic (as in Harley), and they are both good with you showing up. They are expecting you. Just walk in knowing that, Good folks, all of them.
Marc MkKoy from Collinsville on 09/27/2017 05:51 PM:
I camped at the River's Edge there in Portland in August, 2017 and hung out at the bar for a bit to grab a bite. Yeah, it's "greasy spoon" bar food, but it's got its charm.
The locals and bar staff were friendly. There was karaoke that evening and I was coaxed to come back at 8pm to help get things going (being an outsider and some locals reluctant to engage early). I should have gone to bed, but I went over and had a good time.
The only downside was some of the noise coming out of the bar at closing and my being able to hear it at the campground (I was in a hammock).
It's like a honky-tonk Norman Rockwell come to life.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
Rena Reece from Kansas city on 05/30/2017 03:56 PM:
This place is amazing. We stopped here after a 15 mile bike ride and had lunch and waited out a storm. The owner was really friendly and her son cooked up some of the best wings I have ever had. We stayed for hours while the storm raged on. They have games and pool tables too. Nothing but good things to say about this place!! a must stop. cant wait to be able to go back.
Riverfront Bar & Grill in Portland
Libby & Roger from Berea, KY on 08/25/2015 07:36 PM:
Great lunch stop; friendly service.
Riverfront Bar & Grill in Portland
Natalie from Leawood, KS on 05/17/2015 02:17 PM:
Good burgers, Beverly was our waitress and quick to get us a beer. Good tator tots! Funny little spot, step back in time. It was a good shetler from a very bad thunderstorm.
Riverfront Bar & Grill in Portland
Nancy Fricke from Fulton, MO on 11/10/2014 11:46 AM:
This is such a great different place to have a drink or a great sandwich or even if you need a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. Bar overlooks the rive and the bar is so antique you will just sit and enjoy looking at it! The food they serve is top notch! You can even order fresh porkrinds for example, my husband works close and loves when he can get there to eat, sometime we just drive down and enjoy a nice ride and great food! We go for the FOOD!
I like the tenderloin however be prepared for a large one most can't eat in one meal. Old tables and none matching chairs make you feel right at home! It is clean! but you will enjoy yourself better in jeans and a tee shirt! Like to see they way things looked in the past enjoy going in here even if it's just for a soda, and take a look at the old wood floors you will be on. Take my word for it the food is great when friends come to the area we love taking them there to see the sites!! lol I am a very picky eater and new had a bad meal here! All our friends now when they come just say lets go eat in Portland!! It's so worth the trip!!
Anonymous on 11/10/2014 08:39 PM:
Lots of exclamation points!!!! Must be really good!!!!
betty from ohio on 01/17/2015 10:34 AM:
im glad you had a good time there but you must be a local, the owner (female) the past two times we stopped has been very rude. I have heard many complaints about that place but have heard the food was decent
Riverfront Bar & Grill in Portland
Debbie from Centralia, IL on 10/24/2013 11:40 AM:
Try the fish!!! Good food!!
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Dot from Florida on 10/11/2010 02:29 AM:
Fantastic food, great friendly new owners, clean. Would make the drive there just for the huge fish sandwich. Sooooooooooo good. Keep up with the cleanliness and friendly atmosphere and you'll go far. Loved the grand opening. Will definitely be there the next time I am in Missouri.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
cindy baker from Fulton, MO on 09/12/2010 11:32 PM:
The bar has just gotten a big face lift and new owners. Grand Re-
Opening is September 25, 2010. Come and see the changes.
Gene on 09/13/2010 03:35 AM:
Thanks for the information. I camped there at Portland and ate at the River's Edge. Plan to
come down with a friend the last week of September and will try to stop sept 28th (maybe).
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Lonnie from Kansas City on 10/06/2009 03:22 PM:
Enjoyed a great catfish sandwich but they do not take credit cards so go prepared. Very friendly atmosphere. Would like to come back here someday.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
JimB from O''Fallon on 08/22/2009 11:37 AM:
Awesome Fish sandwich - great fried mushrooms, and great converstaion with local folks. Highly recommended!!!
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
S Leach from Little Rock, AR on 05/24/2009 04:23 PM:
Good hamburger and impressive fish sandwich. Take your camera. Service was very
friendly as well.
EB from Greenwood on 07/18/2009 02:43 AM:
He had fresh pork rinds and Busch long necks! Doesn't get any better than that!
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Pete from Columbia, MO on 05/12/2009 08:30 AM:
Good food, great service. You can pick up some basic supplies also
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Joe from Webster Groves, MO on 01/12/2009 10:18 PM:
A group of friends and I rode our bikes there while staying in
Hermann. The stop at Riverfront was the highlight. It was the best
food and coldest beer we had our entire trip. Wish we would have had
the time, and less of a commute, to drink more.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Bill from Portland, MO on 04/11/2005 08:14 PM:
Best burger in Missouri
Dearslayer from Rhineland on 05/07/2005 09:21 PM:
Absolutely, not to mention more french fries than anywhere
Sarah from Denver CO on 06/13/2005 09:13 PM:
And terrific, real homemade beef vegetable soup!
Jared from St. Charles on 06/07/2006 09:50 PM:
This place looks gross! I hope the food looks better than the building does...
sbikes from Kansas City on 06/10/2006 12:16 AM:
Best onion rings I have ever had...sometimes you just can't judge a book by it's exterior!
Steve from Houston, TX on 06/20/2006 08:00 PM:
My wife is still talking about this place. Get your own drink out of the cooler, get your own ice cream sandwich out of the freezer, kick back and enjoy the locals and a burger.
Anonymous on 07/04/2006 07:20 PM:
we loved this bar and grill..the wings were to die for and more delicious fries than you could ever eat!
Gordon Ackley from Jefferson City, Mo on 10/22/2006 04:42 PM:
Great place, good food, good owners, a jukebox with everything from Hank Williams early hits to Taproot. Decent pool tables, good beer, and atmosphere on six legs!
Anonymous on 03/08/2007 01:50 PM:
THE FOOD WAS GOOD, BUT THE PLACE NEEDS A GOOD CLEANING, THE RESTROOM WAS DIRTY!
Maria Sharp from Centertown on 07/13/2007 11:19 AM:
The absolutely best catfish around. Went there with my boyfriend and it was great!!! Also, the jukebox has a great selection of music, and the bar and company is very nice. Gonna camp there soon. I recommend it to anyone.
Michele from Chicago on 08/17/2007 12:03 PM:
A great place to stop for a meal, especially if you are staying in Bluffton!
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:43 PM:
Places like this should be talked about. Great food.
ElToro on 09/26/2008 09:02 AM:
I agree - best food I ate on the trail! It tasted SO GOOD!
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Fred from Georgetown SC on 06/01/2008 11:55 AM:
Great lunch stop
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
BJ from kansas city on 10/04/2007 01:54 PM:
I hear they will let you camp out behind the bar. Does anyone know for sure?
Jon from Missouri on 10/04/2007 07:37 PM:
Rivers Edge campground has spots between the bar and the trailhead. Good enough for tent camping. At this point (looked like they might have restrooms in the future) you'll have to use the restrooms at the trailhead or the bar that you can throw a rock at from your campsite. It was 12 or 10 (can't remember) bucks for two riders and bikes with one tent. Bar had cold beer and good bar food. The office is a house right on the trail just West of the trailhead, just look for the sign. All of this stuff is real close together. Rumored that the bar closes down early if it is slow. the campground is listed under Portland on this site and has a phone number.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Michele on 07/10/2007 12:30 PM:
I've read that many places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I called just 5 minutes ago (on a Tuesday) and spoke with a person who says they are open on Tuesdays 11-8.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
Jeff from Ottumwa, Iowa on 04/29/2007 09:22 PM:
After passing through two dead towns, it was nice to run into Judy and the cast of characters who gather here for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. We could have played pool and knocked back cool beverages all afternoon here.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:06 PM:
Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!