A work in progress Owner continues transformation of The Hutch
By: Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson
When this writer last visited The Hutch on Holgate, the place had just been painted an attractive coat of sienna-colored paint. Fast forward a year and the transformation continues.
The Hutch on Holgate is located at the corner S.E. 41st and Holgate Blvd. A work in progress, the Hutch's owner Mark Hutchins continues with their remodel and upgrade project. A dining room completely covered with hand-carved wood colonial scenes link it to its past as both Grandma's and before that, The Old Town Crier.
Downstairs is a lounge with a newly rebuilt bar that's fully stocked, much cleaner and roomier. In addition, several walls were removed, effectively doubling the floor space in the lounge. There are fireplaces, along with two pool tables.
Upstairs, a major remodeling project is underway in the rear of the dining area with installation of a new full bar. This project is ongoing and should render a handsome addition to the upstairs restaurant.
Construction has not slowed the restaurant business, as you can drive by daily in the mornings and the Hutch'sparking lot is filled. As for the lounge, Thursday through Saturday it's packed with Karaoke fans. A long-time fixture on the Portland Karaoke scene, The Hutch has recently been named the "Number One Karaoke Bar" in Portland by The Portland Mercury magazine. The Hutch also is a wi-fi hotspot so you can drop in at anytime with your laptop, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat and cruise the internet at the same time.
Favorite entrees include prime rib, steaks, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and the newest big hit-pizza! You can't drive by without noticing the big pizza sign hanging from the side of the building. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served seven days a week in the upstairs dining room and there is a late night snack menu in the downstairs lounge for hungry night owls.
During the week, there are promotions such as Sunday night OLCC license industry night and "Taco Tuesdays." There is video poker and the Oregon Lottery to keep you occupied.
For entertainment, KJ Sean Baily hosts Karaoke Thursday through Saturday evening and features a laptop computer - controlled and hardrive-based Karaoke system with 1,000s of songs to choose from. Bailey is quick to help you out if you get lost in the song or if you want a backing vocalist on choruses. He's very personable and one of the key reasons for the strong success of Karaoke at The Hutch.
Mark Hutchins also owns of the original Hutch Bar and Grill, located on N.E. 46th & Glisan Ave., and invites you to enjoy live music there.