Portland is a town known for individualism, with citizens that fight the established cultural norm and find their own way. The bars and bar scene reflect this trend in the culture and attempt to offer a little bit of something for everyone, a place to go where-- even if you claim more than one subculture--you can find a comfortable spot for a drink and a meal.
Slow Bar is an establishment with a reputation as focused on its food and its mix of customers as its decor and status as a nightspot. The kitchen strives to use sustainable local ingredients and attempts to elevate bar food to another level, without forgetting the customer. Expect punk on the jukebox and in the vibe, but to paraphrase Portland Monthly, done with style. The bar serves premium beverages and draft beer to an interesting mix of countercultures, crossed with a more upscale customer, without missing a beat. The bar presents less a marriage of styles than a friendly truce, where everyone can put down the pretense for a moment and enjoy a night out.
Slow Bar
533 S.E. Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503-230-7767
slowbar.net
East of downtown, Doug Fir is the place to find a bar open during the day, a lounge open all week, late-night dining and breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can have dinner and stay for the show, or stay out and grab a bite before leaving the bar--all at the same spot. The foods range from home-style to lighter items like the ahi Mandarin salad. The bar menu offers burgers and fried snacks and serves a host of libations, beer and wine. The lounge was literally made for live music. The wide range of bands and performers originate from the local area, state and international sources, and patrons can enjoy tunes ranging from folk to soul to electronic.
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E. Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
503-231-9663
dougfirlounge.com
Bar of the Gods has a reputation as being a just plain friendly, low-key hangout spot. This central Portland dive is for the grown, but young at heart. The games of pool and pinball are inexpensive ways to pass time between drinks. Come in on Sunday and watch "The Simpsons" with the bar community. Guests can select from the full menu until after midnight and the bar menu till closing time. Healthy vegetarian options are plentiful, as are decadent fried selections like the pita and chili cheddar burrito. The patio is made even more user-friendly with a mister to beat the summer heat and heating to cut the winter chill.
Bar of the Gods
4801 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97215
503-232-2037
barofthegods.com
