Starky’s

Starky’s is a restaurant/bar located in SE Portland at Stark & 28th. I’ve passed by this place many, many times (and actually lived less than a block from it) but have never had the desire to check it out.

From the website:  Starky’s has been a part of Portland’s Gay Community since 1984. Purchased in September of 2004, Joe & Greg have continued to bring a quality eating establishment to the East side of Portland. They strive to bring a friendly comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy. Come to Starky’s to meet old and new friends for dinner or just cocktails.

There is a bar to the left of the entrance with several HD TVs, and a larger dining room to the right.  Don’t get the impression that sports would be broadcasted on the bar TVs – instead of the Blazers playoff game, they were airing Celine Dion: Live in Concert.  They have a traditional “American” menu – with lots of options to choose from.  I went with the standard cheeseburger, with cheddar cheese,  and fries.  The burger:

And here’s a darker, blurrier shot that doesn’t serve much of a purpose but I already uploaded it anyway:

Sorry for the “burger-by-candlelight” photos, but the dining room at Starky’s is super dim and I didn’t have a camera on hand.  ~deal with it~

Burger Ratings:

Burger: 6

The Starky’s burger is pretty average. Toasted sesame seed bun, chopped iceberg lettuce, fresh edible tomato, pickle chips, and juicy beef.  The cheddar cheese was actually a tiny square of unmelted cheese that wasn’t really noticeable. Regardless, for $5 it’s still a good burger.

Side: 4

The french fries were okay. They were served a bit cold, and they weren’t very crispy – but I ate them all anyway. Next time, I’d probably get a salad, though.

Environment: 7

The environment of Starky’s is strangely comfortable. The setup is kind of weird, and I was totally expecting this place to be a dump based on the exterior, but I was very surprised. White tablecloths, “fancy” plates and silverware, and amazing service.

Value: 8

On Monday and Tuesday nights, a burger and fries at Starky’s is $5.  Great value on a decent burger.

2913 Southeast Stark Street Portland, OR 97214 // (503) 230.7980

Tags: $DEALZ$, chain smoking bears, gay cheeseburgers, GLBT burgers, portland, SE, starky's

Listed Under: 7 - Real Good