The Sapphire Hotel is a bar and restaurant situated in a former hotel lobby and brothel, famous for its history of eclectic characters and wild evenings. Today, this quirky yet sexy spot is a great place for both romance and friendly get-togethers. The interior is dark tones of red, candles, wood paneling and local artwork. The Sapphire serves a menu of burgers, salads, pizzas and appetizers until close. The drink menu features a variety of wines and champagnes in addition to draught and bottled beers, a sake list as well as a selection of signature cocktails. Regular happy hour specials run from 4 to 6 p.m. every day; for late night appetites, a second happy hour runs from 10 p.m. through closing on Sundays through Thursdays.
The Sapphire Hotel
5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97215
503-232-6333
thesapphirehotel.com
Slow Bar clientele is an odd mix of new age hipsters and punk rockers. The decor is smart and modern and gourmet food is on the menu. The venue is minimally but thoughtfully decorated with frosted glass windows, bright red light fixtures and large, curving booths. A jukebox in the corner blares post-punk and other alternative jams from the '70s and '80s. The kitchen serves up pizzas, paninis, burgers and pasta all with high quality, organic ingredients and an innovative style that puts Slow Bar on the map with some of Portland's top restaurants. Drink options range from a $2.50 draught of Pabst to a $165 bottle of Dom Perignon, as of October 2010. Strong cocktails include martinis, bloody Marys, Manhattans and signature cocktails like "Bulleit Hot Toddy"--Bulleit bourbon served with hot water, honey, lemon and orange liqueur.
Slow Bar
533 SE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503-230-7767
slowbar.net
Vault Martini is a contemporary martini bar with "a hint of Tsarist Russia," according to the quirky management who have accompanied each drink on Vault's menu with sly phrases and goofy tidbits. The space features a fireplace and an 18-foot glass bar as well as a selection of 44 martini derivatives. Vault's kitchen serves up light fare including olives and baguettes, charcouterie plates, a variety of tapas, as well as desserts. Aside from the martinis, the drink menu offers "sweet" and "savory" selections, champagne cocktails, chocolate and coffee specialties as well as mojitos and margaritas. Finally, there are Vault's original "Seven Deadly Sins" cocktails; take "sloth," for example--rum, guava puree and fresh lime.
Vault Martini
226 NW 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-224-4909
vault-martini.com
