White Eagle, The Portland, OR
I don't understand how this place is still in business. Based on my experience the fries are cold and burnt, and the drinks are flat and expensive at $4.35 a pint. Do yourself a favor and walk down the street to Amnesia Brewing for a real treat.
21-Jul-08
Palomino Portland, OR
I was invited to Palomino for a free meal on opening night. While they had completely gutted the previous restaurant (Manzana) it somehow was largely unchanged inside, except the updated bar area.
The food was very very average, maybe even slightly below average. The cost of both the food and the beer was rather high considering the quality. For example, they are charging $5.50 for a Bridgeport IPA when you could walk 5 blocks to the brewery and get the same beer for less than half that price.
Palomino definitely has a chain restaurant feel. I would recommend passing on this place if I were you, there are just too many better restaurants in Portland.
18-Jul-08
Ringside Steakhouse Portland, OR
Ringside Steakhouse may resemble a shady strip club from the outside, but the inside is way different. The bar area has a friendly and comfortable feel. Both the food and the service are excellent. All food items, including their famous steak bites are only $2.25 during happy hour. This is possibly the best food happy hour in all of Portland.
29-Jun-08
Yoko's Japanese Restaurant Portland, OR
Yoko's has a lot to live up to. There is always a line at this place, so prepare to wait. I did, and it was worth it. I recommend their Poki, which includes sashimi tuna with a sesame sauce. Yum.
14-Jun-08
Pix Patisserie Portland, OR
If you are looking for a snack or just have a sweet tooth, Pix Patisserie is the place for you. Their dessert menu is as thick as a telephone book and they also offer a large selection of Belgian beers. Apparently they even offer a beer float that is made with Rogue's chocolate stout.
05-Jun-08
Hedge House Portland, OR
Good food, good service, and reasonable prices. The Hedge House has a super nice patio that is open until 10pm. Great place for a summer pint.
05-Jun-08
Ground Kontrol Portland, OR
Ground Kontrol had a $5 door charge tonight, but all of the arcade and pinball games were free. Cheap beer and all you can play vintage games from the early 1980's, what more could you want?
30-May-08
Serratto Portland, OR
It looks like Serratto's happy hour has changed to 4:30 - 6pm daily. They still offer a great wine special of $3 for white and $4 red.
21-May-08
Cava Portland, OR
Cava offers a small yet tasty menu, including comfort foods such as shepherd's pie. While there may be a short wait on Friday and Saturday nights, they have a comfortable waiting area where you can enjoy one of several daily drink specials.
03-May-08
El Gaucho Portland, OR
If you enjoy spending time in a dark windowless room with wait staff dressed in fake tuxedos and bow ties, then this place is for you. There are at least a dozen other happy hours in the neighboring blocks that are worth visiting, and are much less expensive.
09-Apr-08
Toro Bravo Portland, OR
Toro Bravo really has their act together. Incredible food and excellent service. They were able to seat us at our table in less than half the estimated wait time, and we were able to grab drinks and appetizers while we waited. I recommend the paella, of which they have two different types. I will definitely be returning to sample other items on their tapas menu.
07-Apr-08
Hopworks Urban Brewery Portland, OR
I stopped by Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) last night (March 25, 2008) for their grand opening. It was absolutely packed to say the least. We waited for 45 minutes to get our first beer, but it was well worth it. With their superb brewing prowess, excellent food and this new brewpub, HUB is likely to gain the title as one of Portland's best breweries. We'll see if Deschutes is welcomed with as much publicity when they open their brewpub in the Pearl District on May 2, 2008.
15-Mar-08
Hollywood Bowl Portland, OR
Hollywood Bowl is where the real rollers go. With $1.50 beers, who could ask for anything more.
14-Mar-08
Ole Ole Portland, OR
Ole Ole has some average to above average food. I would say they are precisely neck and neck with Cha. If you're on east Burnside and need a burrito, stop here.
14-Mar-08
Blue Plate Portland, OR
Blue Plate offers an incredible lunch menu in a comfortable setting. Due to its small size and location, it's really easy to overlook this place. While they don't serve any beer or wine, they do offer a wide selection of fresh milkshakes and sodas. Their lunch menu rotates daily.
13-Feb-08
Holden's Bistro Portland, OR
Holden's Bistro is an often overlooked bar/restaurant in the Pearl District. I must say that I've walked by this place so many times without stopping by for their daily happy hour. After giving them a chance and to my surprise, their happy hour food specials were dynamite. In particular, their shrimp tacos perhaps represent the best happy hour food in Portland. Don't disagree with me until you have tried them.
24-Jan-08
Commodore Portland, OR
The Commodore... wow! What a dive! While I still believe that Yur's, which is located right down the street is the definitive Portland dive, the Commodore may be a close second.
20-Jan-08
Kettleman Bagels & Bakery Portland, OR
Kettleman's serves the best damn bagels in town. There is no need for further discussion on this topic.
14-Dec-07
Saburo's Sushi House Portland, OR
The virgin Saburo's goer always over-orders. The portions here are huge. Be prepared to tone it down a notch. No need to show off. The quality of the fish is average, but overall this is sushi at a great value.
10-Nov-07
Sip & Kranz Portland, OR
I stopped by Sip & Kranz during a sunny Sunday afternoon for a pint of craft beer. While it wasn't happy hour at the time, I nonetheless was able to sit at their outdoor patio, which faces Jameson Square park, and enjoy a pint of IPA from the Lucky Lab. This is pretty much one of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon in Portland, even though the beer was over $4.
28-Oct-07
Lucky Lab Public House Portland, OR
I stopped by the Lucky Lab in SW Portland last night and asked if they had any cask ales. The bar keep looked at me with a blank stare, and after I asked a second time he told me that he had no idea what I was talking about. I then had to describe to him that the very brewery he worked for had cask conditioned beer available at their other locations. It’s a little sad to see that the Lucky Labrador has people interacting with their customers who have no clue about the product they sell. Hopefully, Deschutes Brewery doesn’t have similarly ignorant employees when they finally open their new location in Portland’s Pearl District.
25-Oct-07
Deschutes Brewery and Pub Portland, OR
Deschutes is one of the few large scale brewers in Oregon that hasn't sold out to one of the larger domestic brands. I'm pretty excited about the idea of Deschutes adding a brew pub in the Pearl District within walking distance of my apartment. I will be sure to update the happy hour info as soon as they open their doors for business.
20-Oct-07
AudioCinema Cafe Portland, OR
Apparently AudioCinema has been open for about two years, but I think the cafe is a recent addition. I stopped by for a burger and a PBR during happy hour. The place was a little empty, but the food was pretty good. Definitely worth a visit, especially if they have an event going on.
20-Oct-07
Kenny & Zuke's Portland, OR
I stopped by Kenny & Zuke's on their second day of business after opening on October 17th. Their Pastrami was by far the best I have ever had. The place was packed and a bit hectic, but I am assuming that they will eventually work out some of the kinks. Finally Portland has a real deli.
18-Oct-07
Tin Shed Portland, OR
The Tin Shed makes a really great breakfast on Sunday morning, but get there early since it is super popular. I've personally seen lines that are over an hour wait.
13-Oct-07
Bailey's Taproom Portland, OR
I stopped by Bailey's Taproom after work on a typical Friday. On paper this place has everything going for it: a great corner location on Broadway, 20 different craft beers on tap, and a comfortable setting. Unfortunately the owner and sole operator is a rather uncommunicative fellow. When asked about his beer selection, he sulkingly recited one or two generic lines that he must have prepared beforehand. Instead of simply giving up, I next asked him whether Bailey's had a happy hour. He responded: "no" and proceeded to ignore me. I think I'll take my business elsewhere, thank you.
12-Oct-07
Billy Bang’s Castaway Lounge Portland, OR
This bar does everything right. Friendly bartenders and wait staff, great happy hour, and outdoor patio makes Billy Bang's a 10 in my book. The only downside is that they are located on MacAdam Avenue, which is impossible to find from downtown.
11-Oct-07
Eclectic Restaurant Lounge & Grill Portland, OR
H20 may be out of business. It appears as though another restaurant or club is moving into the same location. Does anyone have any info on this?
26-Sep-07
Jace Gace Portland, OR
Jace Gace (sans accent marks), who just opened in June, would be officially classified as a Belgian influenced art gallery and cafe that also serves a selection of imported beer, waffle based foods, and coffee. One interesting dish is the grilled cheese made with cornmeal waffles. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something different.
14-Sep-07
Clyde Common Portland, OR
I'm glad to see an establishment like Clyde Common is helping to clean up the area between the Pearl and downtown. It's just one of the many great businesses that are moving into the same building.
24-Aug-07
Teardrop Lounge Portland, OR
The Teardrop Lounge is by far the most legitimate place for a cocktail in all of Portland. The owners personally tend the bar and are serious about creating the perfect drink. All drinks are made from scratch with fresh ingredients by including even the tonic water, ginger beer, bitters, and infusions to name a few.
I stopped by during happy hour and was surprised to find that the daily drink specials were as good if not better than their more expensive counterparts. The owners of the Teardrop stay true to the cocktail as their drink menu doesn't just list off the standard vodka based garbage that everyone else tries to push these days. Instead their menu includes many unique and complex drinks that are beyond the status quo.
If you are interested in mixology or just want an exceptional drink, this place is for you.
18-Aug-07
Lupa Portland, OR
Lupa, is a tiny wine bar located on Mississippi Avenue that you would probably never find unless you had the exact address. I dropped by a couple months after it opened to find a bar and wine shop co-existing in a single, yet amazingly comfortable room. Lupa lacks the pretentious air of other wine bars. They serve the wine in juice style glasses rather than stemware. While they currently do not offer a happy hour, the owner indicated that she was looking to offer a weekly special in the near future.
01-Aug-07
Viceroy Seattle, WA
I haven't been here for happy hour yet, but Viceroy has decent drinks and a well designed interior. It also is one of the better bets if you are looking for some company with your late night drink.
20-Jul-07
Typhoon! Portland, OR
I'm not sure about the downtown Typhoon, but I was once eating at the Typhoon on NW 23rd and I saw a live cockroach climbing on the wall beside me. I left immediately and never will return. The downtown branch appears a little nicer, but is it...
06-Jul-07
Widmer Bros Gasthaus Pub Portland, OR
The late night happy hour at Widmer featuring $2 pints on Friday and Saturday nights is possibly the best beer value in Portland. They also provide a somewhat rare offering of German-American style cooking. This location is very family friendly, even during the late hours.
06-Jul-07
Black Cat Pub, The Portland, OR
This place is simply a great bar. Definitely a dive, but they provide exactly what they advertise, a friendly atmosphere. The happy hour specials rotate regularly and are listed by day on a giant whiteboard in the back. There's a good chance that if you stop by on a weekday, they will have some sort of special. If you are looking for a place to get together with a large group of friends, look no further.
13-Jun-07
Blitz Bar Portland, OR
This place is overpriced by every stretch of the imagination. I missed the happy hour, so the bud light bottles were around $5. You can get a beer twice as large down the street at Bridgeport for half the price. If you are dead set on slumming it in the Pearl, it can be fun.
12-Jun-07
Laurelwood NW Public House Portland, OR
Laurelwood has some decent food specials during happy hour and the hot wings are definitely worth the voyage.
12-Jun-07
Driftwood Room Portland, OR
If it were a competition for the darkest bar, the Driftwood Room would be world champion. Why should I complain? Everyone looks spectacular in this cavern.
12-Jun-07
Fire on the Mountain Portland, OR
I had the "El Jefe" wings here last night. As a spicy food connoisseur, I believe that these wings are by far the hottest food I have ever tried to eat. They are definitely worse than the famous habanero poppers at Salvador Molly's. I recommend the "Very Hot" if you want flavor.
09-Jun-07
McMenamins Tavern and Pool Portland, OR
One of the few bars in NW to offer a late night happy hour, including food specials! This is a great place for large groups to get together for some pool and drinks. Consider trying their homemade gin.
20-May-07
Oliver Twisted Portland, OR
Drop by Oliver Twisted after work to enjoy one of Portland's newest happy hours.
27-Feb-07
McMenamins Kennedy School Portland, OR
This place is exactly what Portland is about. An old converted school that now includes a movie theater, a restaurant, outdoor heated jacuzzi, and several bars. The detention room is for the smokers and the honors lounge is for the non-smokers. It's a great place to explore on a Friday night.
24-Feb-07
SauceBox Portland, OR
SauceBox has one of the strangest collection of customers you will find anywhere outside of Portland. By Portland standards, it's pretty standard. Good late night food menu and drink selection.
14-Feb-07
Touche Portland, OR
Touche is often overlooked since it is located between the Pearl and Northwest, but they have decent food and drink specials. They also have an upstairs that can get rather lively late at night after the other Pearl bars close.
09-Feb-07
Sushi Land Portland, OR
Where else can you sip on drinks while watching people eat merry go round sushi? The bar is located upstairs.
09-Feb-07
Sungari Pearl Portland, OR
While Sungari is generally known as a restaurant, it nonetheless has a small bar where you can find some decent happy hour specials.
09-Feb-07
McFadden's Portland, OR
During the weekend, this place turns into a dance club. So, if you are interested in loud music and dancing, then this place is for you. They generally charge a cover for admission on Friday and Saturday nights.
09-Feb-07
Vino Paradiso Portland, OR
I haven't personally taken part in the happy hour, but this place is worth stopping by at any time for some wine tasting with friends.
09-Feb-07
East Chinatown Lounge Portland, OR
East is a great late night venue, especially after midnight when the bars in the Pearl are closed. I recommend the saki.
09-Feb-07
Old Town Pizza Portland, OR
Old town pizza is a great place to stop off for a late night slice and a pint of beer. As the name suggests, this place has a great Old Town feel.
09-Feb-07
Flying Elephants Delicatessen Portland, OR
It is beyond me how a $5 bottled beer special in Portland constitutes a "happy hour".
05-Feb-07
Mash Tun Brewpub Portland, OR
The Mash Tun has a great food menu that accommodates both carnivores and vegans alike. I personally recommend the hot wings or the BBQ pork sandwich. Plus they have a kick'n outdoor patio that is open during the summer.
28-Jan-07
Oaks Bottom Public House Portland, OR
This place has great food and an excellent beer selection if you can navigate the ever changing beer list. I recommend the tater tot nachos.
08-Jan-07
Trust a Lounge Portland, OR
Trust is a really just a standard cocktail lounge in the Pearl. The cocktails are fairly spendy at about $9 each. However, my martini was superb and so were the clientele.
24-Oct-06
Olea Portland, OR
It's really easy to walk past this place even when you are looking for it. Their bartenders have an incredible attention to detail and it shows in the high quality drinks they provide. While the $6 cocktail special doesn't sound very appealing, the food specials more than make up for it.
24-Oct-06
Life of Riley Tavern Portland, OR
When Life of Riley first opened, I was skeptical. They were offering poor service and a boring menu in a non-descript setting. They have since transformed themselves into a legitimate bar. In particular, the downstairs part of the bar offers pool, darts, shuffleboard, and an extensive beer selection at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a place where a group of friends can meet up for a happy hour, look no further than the Life of Riley. On Sundays, they offer free pool.
24-Oct-06
Fenouil Restaurant Portland, OR
About as high end as you get for Portland. This place rivals Blue Hour.
24-Oct-06
Huber's Portland, OR
Huber's has a comfortable historic feel. They are well known for their Spanish coffees and are well worth the showmanship provided by the bartenders.
24-Oct-06
Portland Brewing Company Portland, OR
I was a little disappointed with the PBC. It has a sort of family restaurant chain feel that I thought I had left behind when I moved to Portland. If you're looking for a decent beer, stick with the Lucky Lab.
24-Oct-06
New Old Lompoc, The Portland, OR
The New Old has the most friendly wait staff and a good selection of fresh brewed beer. A great stop on your way to the Green Room.
24-Oct-06
Muu-Muu's Portland, OR
This is a good place to go with a group of friends. It's generally pretty dependable late at night when all of the other bars in the neighborhood are dead.
24-Oct-06
Brazen Bean Portland, OR
The Bean has an awesome setting in the first floor of a NW neighborhood style house. They have a broad selection of unique and classic cocktails and a respectable happy hour spread. The service can be quite slow.
24-Oct-06
Bluehour Portland, OR
If you survive the initial shock that the overly pretentious atmosphere exudes, you will be pleasantly surprise by the attention to detail and quality provided by the bartenders. Beware, getting caught outside of the happy hour specials can hurt at a place like this.
24-Oct-06
Vault Portland, OR
The bartenders at Vault actually know how to make a drink. Expect first rate service at this cocktail lounge.
24-Oct-06
Oba Portland, OR
Oba is practically an institution here in the Pearl. It never fails to provide a consistently great meeting place after work. Get there early if you want a table.
24-Oct-06
SoLo Portland, OR
We've notice that Solo appears to have closed its doors during the work week and are now open only on weekends. That's unfortunate, since they are no longer part of the neighborhood and cater only to the the bridge and tunnel crew.
24-Oct-06
Andina Portland, OR
The bar at Andina has a great atmosphere and comfortable setting. The signature Peruvian food and cocktails set this place apart from the other higher end competition. They have two types of sangaria at all times. And, yes the happy hour is a great deal.
24-Oct-06
Low Brow Portland, OR
The Low Brow seems to be obsessed with their dive status in the Pearl. In reality, they provide overpriced beer in an unfriendly atmosphere. If you are looking for a dive bar, try Yur's or if you are looking for a cheaper beer try BridgePort.
24-Oct-06
Rogue Portland, OR
This place would be an excellent brew pub if it wasn't for the poor service. It once took me 37 minutes to get my first beer. If you want a great craft beer try BridgePort down the street or the Lucky Lab in NW.
23-Oct-06
Henry's 12th Street Tavern Portland, OR
While Henry's has a cool bar, the service here is ridiculously slow. I have walked out of this bar on several occasions because I couldn't get a drink.
23-Oct-06
Yur's Portland, OR
Glorious, is the only way to describe Yur's. An absolute dive located only blocks from the most expensive bars in the Pearl. I recommend trying the fried cheese. The "50 cents off everything" happy hour special pretty well sums it up.
23-Oct-06
Marathon Taverna Portland, OR
Marathon is a true bar with a perfect mixture of dive and clientele that you would actually talk to. The pool tables only strengthen its claim.
23-Oct-06
Masu Portland, OR
Masu has a great atmosphere and one of the best food happy hours in my opinion. In particular, their $3 hand roll specials are a great value and are worth the late night journey.
It's a good idea to always call Masu before stopping by to see if they are indeed open for business. On more than one occasion I have been disappointed to find that they are closed for a private party.
23-Oct-06
Tugboat Brewing Company Portland, OR
The Tugboat is one of only a few breweries located downtown. While it has a great atmosphere and location, at times, they serve some of the worst beer I have ever experienced. Perhaps it's only bad on a per batch basis. I would ask for a sampler before commiting to a full pint.
23-Oct-06
Portland City Grill Portland, OR
This place has a great food happy hour and a great view of the city. Just get there early if you want a table.
22-Oct-06
BridgePort Brewery Portland, OR
If you visit Bridgeport, be sure to try their cask conditioned ales!
22-Oct-06
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall Portland, OR
This is by far the best brewery in Portland. Each of their beers are excellent, especially the Super Dog IPA!
22-Oct-06