Portland is not just the largest, it is also the most populous city in Oregon State. Popular for its microbreweries and coffee houses, the city has thriving art, music and theater scenes. The drinking scene in Portland is adventurous, much like the city itself. From upscale joints where you can sip on elegant cocktails and fine wine, to fun Dive bars, there are plenty of options for locals and out-of-towners alike.
17 Best Portland Bars
Luc Lac
📍 Address: 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 222-0047
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2:30 pm & 4 pm – 11 pm daily
Luc Lac may just be the closest thing to authentic Vietnamese Cuisine. On a cold, fall night, guests seeking comfort food will be mesmerized by the PHO, which Luc Lac declares is their pride and joy. Fresh rice noodles served with a secret recipe, five-spice beef broth garnished with cilantro and onions. If this wasn’t enough, the side plate comes with sprouts, that basil, jalapenos and lime. The depth of flavor in the broth, generous meat and rice portions, and the freshness of lemon along with the deliciousness from topping make it a meal to cherish.
The rest of the food is just as delicious! Combo rice plate with chicken, pork, beef and shrimp is a whole meal by itself! Dip inside sauces for added flavor and kick!
The drink menu features 9 cocktails, 5 draft and bottled beers, and a dozen wines.
They have sit-down dining, but if you’re interested in dining out, they have a beautiful outside patio with bright turquoise railings, large trees in planters, and party lights string above.
This place can get crowded. But it’s worth the wait, and the hype. The ambience is classy yet casual, and they offer delivery and takeout.
This is a great addition to the cuisine scene in Portland, and if you are looking for a mesmerizing dining experience, check into the Luc Lac.
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
📍 Address: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 296-4906
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm Sun-Thurs, 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat
The Brew Pub has 26 taps, with a good range of beers – from IPA, lagers, pale ales, pilsner to stouts and sours. But what defines this brewery is its emphasis on IPAs. There are around a dozen IPA varieties to choose from.
The best part of Deschutes is that the brewery doesn’t skimp on the food aspect. The food is just as good, if not better than the drinks. There’s the requisite sandwiches, fries, wings and burgers, but also IPA Pretzel, Sweet potato fries, House-made sausages, steak frites, Mac & Cheese and Walk Alaskan Coho.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet laid back, without being pretentious. The wait staff is friendly and prompt. They are open to delivery and takeout.
Go to Deschutes, get some great beer and delicious food, and shop for some cool merchandise on the way out!
The Observatory
📍 Address: 8115 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 445-6284
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
The Observatory has good selections of libations and food in an atmosphere that is a perfect balance of classy and casual. So this is a great place for a special occasion or if you just want to unwind after work.
The food options are great. The Lamb Burger is the star, but the other dishes are just as great. They specialize in craft cocktails, a dozen wines and the beer selections are good too.
Once you have had your fill of delicious food and tasty cocktails, saunter over to the pool table and have a ball. Or simply, just cozy up with even more cocktails and watch some TV. Whatever works for you!
McMenamins Kennedy School
📍 Address: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 249-3983
Can you imagine wandering around a school, drinking alcohol? That’s not done, but you can do it here at McMenamins Kennedy School. A former elementary school, be prepared to be hit by nostalgia and feel like a delinquent student as you drink away without reprimand!
The drink menu has tons of beer, some cocktails and a few ciders. You can have them in Detention and the Boiler Room – if it didn’t click yet, these are the names of the bars in the locale. Apart from the restaurants and bars, this space also hosts a theatre that plays movies and concerts.
The artwork all over the place is so unique, you will be gazing at them for a while(if at all you have some artistic nerve in you, that is!). Pictures of school students, artwork dating back to the time when the school was still functioning are on display.
There is a pool too for you to enjoy a splash and melt your worries away!
What with the drinks, ambience, unique experience, pool and drinks, this place is such a medley of fun that you have to experience to believe.
Get schooled at the McMenamins Kennedy School!
Lechon
📍 Address: 50 SW Pine St #101, Portland, OR 97204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 946-1909
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 12 am daily
Lechon is the place for Tapas! The food here is special and will make you order drinks to go with it. At the Lechon, you can enjoy South American-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated and upscale ambience. Dimly light, intimate and romantic, this is a great date spot. There are 2 fish tanks as you walk in that kids will find fascinating, and before you ask, yes they are kid-friendly!
The drink menu has around 10 cocktails and more than a dozen wines to wash down the delectable food.
Smoked bone marrow, Grilled Octopus, Piquillo Pepper Empanadas, Elote and Shrimp Ceviche are some of the best-sellers. If going as a group, get small plates of several dishes and enjoy them all! They are open for delivery and takeout.
10 Barrel Brewing Portland
📍 Address: 1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 224-1700
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat
10 Barrels typically has 10 beers on tap to sample, 8 house cocktails and a dozen wines. You have the option for rooftop seating, which is great with its views, lighting and pleasant ambience.
The food is elevated pub fare with delicious starters like gorgonzola nachos, Brussel sprouts and steak, delectable mains including gourmet burgers, seafood and mouth-watering pizzas. So come hungry!
If you are looking for a place that will serve you some good beer and delicious food, make 10 Barrel your stop. They offer delivery and takeout as well.
Kachka
📍 Address: 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 235-0059
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Sun – Tue & Thurs, 4 pm – 10 pm Fri & Sat, Closed on Wed
It’s not often that you will find yourself craving Russian food, but when it happens, Kachka has you covered. Kachka is best known for its Vodka infusions. But the cocktail selections are fun, interesting and most importantly, delicious! They are best enjoyed during happy hours where you get 100g for $9.
The ambience is a delicious mix of classy and casual, even romantic one might say. The wait staff is friendly, courteous and attentive.
Enjoy Soviet-era cuisine and vodka, which is not for the weak!
The bye and bye
📍 Address: 1011 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 (Google Maps)
🕐 Hours: 12 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 2:30 am Fri, 10 am – 2:30 am Sat, 10 am – 12 am Sun
Vegans, this is for you! The bye and bye serves a dozen draft beers, half a dozen wines, a good selection of craft cocktails, and tasty Vegan food in a Hipster and classy ambience.
Currently, they are open for takeout and patio alone. This is a good place to hang out with friends, listen to some great music, sip on some delicious libation of your choice and relax!
This is a great place for vegans, but those who have inhibitions, the food here will change your opinion of Vegan food. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed!
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Multnomah Whiskey Library
📍 Address: 1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 954-1381
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 11:15 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 12:15 am Fri & Sat, 4 pm – 10:15 pm Sun
This is a membership-based bar housing an extensive selection of spirits. Multnomah is located in a library and lets you enjoy the company of your date or intimate friends, or enjoy some “me time” by cozying up in a secluded corner with a good book.
The drink menu features cocktails, most of which are whiskey-based, some beer and wine too. But you may not find it so easy to pick one from the massive selection of whiskeys, from American Whiskeys, Kentucky bourbons, Scottish and Irish Whiskeys and esoteric Japanese options. But worry not, the skilled and professional bartenders and wait staff will help you with recommendations based on your flavor preference.
The ambience, vibe and decor are beautiful and intimate. Go to MWL if you are a Whiskey Lover. Na, go even if you aren’t one for the experience!
Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
📍 Address: 1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 445-8109
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Sun-Thurs, 4 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat
With an extensive selection of cocktails, Teardrop serves up killer cocktails that are smooth, well balanced and go down fast! The options are categorized like “Bright and Crisp”, “Arid and Romantic”, “Rich and Robust”, “Deep and Dark” etc.
The ambience is trendy and classy with cool industrial vibes with cement walls, shades of gray everywhere, a circular bar and modern lighting. The wait staff is friendly, efficient and helpful with great suggestions.
This place is so good, you may have a teardrop when you are done. Exaggeration, much? You decide after trying!
Slow Bar
📍 Address: 533 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 230-7767
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm daily
The Slow bar serves delicious drinks like Hot Buttered Rum with spices and apple cider and Slow Bar Manhattan in a classy, Divey ambience. The Slow bar features more than a dozen cocktails, 25 bottled/canned beers and a few drafts, and a nice selection of wines, from Willamette to Portugal to Argentina, and varieties from sparkling bruts to whites, roses and reds.
Slowburger, Ceviche and Buttermilk Fried Chicken are the best sellers here. The service is friendly and attentive. This is a great date night spot!
Hale Pele
📍 Address: 2733 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 662-8454
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am daily
There are tiki bars, and then there are Tiki bars. Hale Pale is a Tiki bar with floor-to-ceiling Hawaiian Island Theme, complete with occasional “Thunderstorms” and fiery “volcanic eruptions”.
Hale Pale boasts of serving upward of 50 exotic cocktails. The Tiki drinks range from soothingly creamy and deliciously fruity to interesting tangy and literally on fire! The food is small plates of Asian and Polynesian fare, inspired by staples of Island culture.
Once you walk in, you will feel like you are in a tropical paradise and be hit with the delightful scent of baking spices and burnt rum, probably due to the use of cinnamon on their fiery drinks, which sets some of the drinks on fire, literally!
Between the food, the tiki drinks and the decors, you will forget that you are in Portland! A trip here is a strip straight to a tropical paradise!
Prost
📍 Address: 4237 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 954-2674
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2:30 am daily
Prost is your friendly neighborhood pub located in the historic Mississippi. Prost! Offers you authentic German experience here in Portland.
The drink menu has almost a dozen draft beers, 15 bottled beers, half a dozen wines and German spirits. But Prost has much more on offer than award-winning German beer. Step into the back patio to chill with a beer and take a bite from some of the most amazing food carts in town, especially Matt’s BBQ. Lively and loud, the ambience at the Prost is classy yet casual.
It is a good place to catch the game as well. Dogs are welcome. The Prost is open for delivery and takeout as well.
Raise a toast, say a round of “Prost!” and savor your beer. No better place to do it!
Swift Lounge
📍 Address: 1932 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 288-3333
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Sun-Tue, 4 pm – 1 am Wed-Sat
This is a Dive Bar with good food and even better drinks. The drink menu has several rotating taps, and around 9 bottled/canned beers. If you are not into beer, they have 10 wine selections from which to choose.
This is a great place to have fun as a group of family or friends. They have delivery and takeout. There’s live music or DJ most nights, which adds to the fun element. They have great happy hour deals with $5 Mason Jars. The food on happy hours pair delightfully with the drinks.
Overall, a fun place to relax and unwind solo or with friends!
The Fireside
📍 Address: 801 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 477-9505
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 10 pm Sat & Sun
The drink menu has half a dozen cocktails, a dozen wines and beers in bottles/cans.
Here you can lounge by the warm and cozy fires in a hipster, trendy, cozy and comfortable ambience. The open-air and seasonal outdoor patios are delightful places to dine and enjoy.
They have all safety measures in place, so rest assured, you can dine in peace.
Grab your spot by the crackling fire, grab a few drinks, and get all warm, cozy and toasty!
Bridge City Taproom
📍 Address: 620 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (971) 202-7267
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri, 9 am – 1 am Sat, 9 am – 9 pm Sun
This Taproom serves a good menu of food and drinks at a reasonable price. If you have a sweet tooth, you will be in dessert heaven! They have 27 cake options on their menu! The beer selection is just as good as the cake choices. Apart from beer, they have a full bar that serves cider and wine too.
Bridge City Taproom is a Sports Bar with major sports packages on 16 HDTVs and 3 HD projectors including, NFL Ticket, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice.
The ambience is very laid back and casual, and the place is good whether you are going as a group, or have kids in tow. Good food and drinks, ambience, prices and happy hour deals, tons of TV and exceptional service – makes Bridge City Taproom one of the best sports bars in Portland!
Reel M Inn
📍 Address: 2430 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (503) 231-3880
🕐 Hours: 10 am – 2:30 am daily
Reel M Inn feels like a nostalgic trip to Old Portland – Friendly, affordable, unconventional and low key. Fried chicken and Jojos are two dishes that will just reel you in and keep you coming back for more!
Reel M Inn is a fun, Dive bar. The wait time may be long, but hey, good food takes time! The beer selections are good too.
So, order a chicken and wash it down with some beer. It really is the ultimate combo!
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From Tiki bars to dark Dive bars, to Cocktail bunkers and German beer halls, these are some of the City’s best spots to imbibe drinks and indulge in some delicious food.
