It's a dive bar, right? So my review and rating is based on the fact that it's a dive bar and I knew it was a dive bar before I walked in. These one star reviews because people don't like the place because it's a dive bar tend to irritate me. When I go to a Chinese restaurant I'd don't write a one star review because they don't have a veggie taco item on the menu. So when a dive bar turns out to be a dive bar experience exactly what were you expecting? First time I went in there I thought it was an Irish bar due to the O'Briens sign out front. I'm OFD and Irish bars are legendary for having great food, cold beer and "colorful" clientele. This place is not much like the typical Irish pub. Not a complaint, just a statement of fact. Good place to drop in for a brew. There are waaaay better pizza options in town but as others have commented, the scent of a pie in the oven does make you want one if you show up hungry. This is not a Biker dive bar and I am always easily twice the age of the next oldest patron in the place. The Brooklyn district is an interesting and very diverse area of town. I don't have a lot in common with most of the residents (and I'm sure it's visa versa) but from my limited experience over that way they mostly seem like nice, friendly people. I patronize several businesses over that way and I do like it over there. Way better than my own neighborhood which is mostly pretentious stuffed shirt yuppies and more money than brains geezers. Suffice it to say that I don't generally engage people in conversation when I'm in a bar but the patrons there seem like they are probably ok. Staff has always been fine but again, it's a dive bar so a friendly, helpful, efficient babe tending bar is a plus, not an expectation. I'm not really a darts/pool guy but they have all of the usual dive bar accouterments there if that's what you're looking for. As for me, I'm happy sitting quietly looking out the window and enjoying a cold Colorado koolaid. It's dark and can be noisy but it is what it is. Ample parking especially if you show up on a motorcycle and so far no one has said anything to me when I park my Harley up on the sidewalk close to the front door. read more

Bad pours, broken chairs and bartenders who like to take out their life mistakes on customers*. *Except for the guy bartender with black hair and glasses. Solid dude & good bartender. read more

Bartender made fun of me and made a big deal out of me for ordering a non alcoholic beer don't go here

Stumbled upon this place and I'm glad I did. Staff were friendly, drinks were strong and the music was great. There's a great BBQ place across the street and a cool German deli around the corner too. read more

Great place for a cheap drink! Eat somewhere else first unless you want a fried snack. It has classic dive bar vibes.

Three stars is generous considering how unfriendly the bartender was to me. They had a special drink of the day for $9 and I inquired about it, asking if it was a full drink or a shot. The bartender said it was a full drink so I decided to try it. But then I saw him fill a tiny glass with ice and I changed my mind because that would only be two or three sips. Literally the size of a shot poured into a small glass. The ice would fill the glass. Anyway, I made a comment that I'd rather have a beer because that drink would be done in three steps and he snarkily says "That sounds like a you problem". I walked away with my beer but I was equally disappointed that when I first arrived, I walked up to the bar and was ignored by him and not told that you have to line up near the door. It would have taken the bartender 2 seconds to point me in the direction of the line instead of letting me waste 5 minutes standing there looking stupid and feeling ignored. I ordered the tatcho - which it's normally has chili on top but this one just had some sour cream, olives and tomatoes. Probably good for someone else but I can't stand olives and so it was just tater tots with sour cream and a small bit of tomato, after picking the olives off. I knew better than to complain because the grumpy bartender probably would tell me it was a "You problem" and make me pay for both that and the next item. I wasn't impressed with this place and probably would not go back, but my friends had a good time. Mostly because they played video poker and sang karaoke, neither thing which I do. Anyway, I've been in the food industry before and we can all have it off night so hopefully this bartender is a nice guy was just having a bad evening. read more

Cute little bar! Bartender was sweet, prices were good. Was $28 for 2 drinks, a shot, an hour of pool ($3) and a basket of mozzarella sticks which were great! Came straight from the fryer, nice and hot and crispy. Fun 90's style rap playing, definitely a throw back. Nice little enclosed patio area, street parking, two older but well maintained pool tables, plenty of video lottery, 1 shooting game, 2 pinball machines and 2 dart boards. Eclectic decorations featuring mostly stickers, graffiti and random signs probably found around throughout the years. We came on a Monday afternoon, about 6 other people inside that seemed like regulars...good vibes, dim lights and an overall cool little dive bar that we'll definitely revisit. Especially because it's the first I've been to in a while where the games, pool and darts aren't somehow all in the way of eachother lol...plenty of space here. read more

Pretty cool neighborhood type bar that has plenty of seats inside and an outdoor area. They have billards tables and video poker machines. They have a good selection of draft beers and specials. The drinks are nice and stiff, which is also good. The bar menu looks like something I wouldn't mind trying next time I visit. read more

See all

Long lines for a beer and not a selection for my taste but the vibe was very relaxed and the music was good.

Nachos 10/10! Chicken was grilled and had just the right amount of heat: Great service and pleasant atmosphere. We'll be back!

Devon was so amazing and very attentive the whole time. Great conversation and amazing drinks!!

Great Atmosphere! Great drinks' and Such a fun time at night with Karaoke! Highly recommend!

Nice little dive. The smell of pizza that smacks you once you enter is almost more intoxicating that their friendly pours. Went midday and it was a very chill vibe and had our favorite pinball machine (KISS). Will definitely come back. read more

Aw ya. The Paw is divey in a legendary way. The paw is deceptively small looking from outside but does in fact have plenty of seating. The Bear Paw has.. A Full Bar. Beers and Ciders on Tap. Cheap Eats. Tall Boys On Ice. Super Cheap! 2 Outside Covered Seating Areas. Pool Tables. Dart Boards. Video Lottery. Pinball Machines. and one of the grossest men's rooms I have ever used and I've used Public Toilets, Downtown Portland, Oregon! Having said that. I love the Bear Paw. I come here on occasion with crew mates for beers and laughter. No matter where life has taken me over the years, I manage to find my way back to the den. read more

0 if possible. 86d without a drink just needed to use the restroom. The review is done

First time here having a drink before a show and this place is run down. The bartender was fine but a different employee was rude to my boyfriend regarding their WiFi password. Very unkept I would be embarrassed as a owner of this dump. Wouldn't recommend this place read more

Pay attention to your tab. I recommend paying cash for each drink! The bartenders will overcharge and then cuss you out when you challenge them. Literally gave me the WRONG debit card back. Imagine I hadn't noticed. friend was overcharged and then cussed out and asked to leave for a mistake they made. TERRIBLE SERVICE. The karaoke mike looks like a butt... *update* My recent visit to this bar was provoked by a friend who insisted it was a good karaoke spot. I decided to give it one more chance. As I went to pay my tab the bar tender confronted me, inquiring about a yelp review where I referred to one of his bar tenders as a "fat bitch." He came after me for body shaming one of his employees and asked me not to come back unless I apologize. He insisted I was not welcomed at this establishment unless I offer my condolences to said "fat bitch". Judging by the Saturday night crowd, I suspect many people are not welcomed at this shit bar. I knew I had written a negative review but upon this confrontation I did not recall using such aggressive words. Turns out I did not use these aggressive words in the slightest and was reprimanded for something I did not say. He made me UNCOMFORTABLE and put me on the spot. As if I remember every yelp review I write. Sometimes an establishment truly deserves a one star review. I gave this place a second chance and still they proved to be undesirable. I will repeat again TERRIBLE SERVICE. This place deserves no stars. It deserves a permanently closed sign. We DO NOT need this in our neighborhood. Karaoke mike did not look like a butt this time, they read these reviews you guys!! Because there self-conscious! Listen to my podcast! read more

I've been coming here on and off for 3 years and it's never a good time. Shitty bartender with short guy complex as a complete d*ck when you try to order. The whole venue has last minute AA meeting venue for teens vibes. The bathrooms are DISGUSTING... like you guys aren't that guy bro, clean your business and step up your customer service. I was a bartender for 5 years, there is a huge difference between "dive bar" and a neglected, washed up fire hazard. Go to Brooklyn Park Pub down the street instead folks! read more

I like a good dive bar as much as anyone. But I cannot abide by terrible bar service. The rude little thing behind the bar didn't even know what beer they had. One and done. I would definitely not recommend going here. read more

Good vibes. Bar tender was good. Bathrooms were clean. Drink wasn't overpriced. They have nice pool tables and it's always easy to find parking. I'm naming my firstborn Bear Paw Inn. read more

Yes - dive bar. But how many times have you been headed to the Aladdin for a show, been hungry, and see the LONG line to get into the venue - only to be told that the Lamp restaurant is at capacity, so no way? Me? Many. So we looked for another option, and I'm pleased to say we did! Plenty of seating, dive bar, super nice staff - and I have to say, their Garden Burger was super tasty. Plus you can get it with tots, and really, who doesn't love tots? Lots of selection of beers, and of course ciders for those of us who dig beer but it doesn't dig us back so we have to go with cider. read more

Our lovely neighborhood dive bar who pour stiff drinks. Mostly nice bartenders. VERY eclectic crowd on the weekends for karaoke (especially during winter, summer tends to be dead). One of the few karaoke nights I thoroughly enjoy and don't feel judged when I (try to) sing. Cheap bar food, nothing to write home about, but large portions. 2 outdoor areas to sit, along with ample indoor seating, juke box, pool table, pinball, and cornhole! read more

Bear Paw Inn - Pubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Went to the Bear Paw several times pre covid. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is fun. The bar tender doesn't suffer complete morons well but treats almost everyone great. read more

We're all aware of my deep, abiding love of dives and karaoke. Thus, the Bear Paw. the Bear Paw deserves more than its 2.5 average rating. Why? Because of karaoke. And pool. And TOTS! And the scary neck-tattoo bartender lady who could. not. keep. from batting her eyelashes at my girlfriend. Seriously, I've never seen anyone so badass-looking BAT their eyelashes before. Surly to me, sweet-as-pie to my ladyfriend. Go figure. All that aside, the karaoke here was BOMB. There was a core group of what appeared to be regulars singing their little hearts out and a good time was had by all. The giant speakers need to be re-aimed or turned down just a teensy bit so we karaoke enthusiasts can sit closer to the stage, but other than that this place was an all-around winner. read more

I love me some Heather on Friday nights! I almost didn't write a review for the Bear Paw because I don't want it to be found by hipsters that just turn everything to shit. But, my love of good places with karaoke won and I had to write about this place. The tots are hot, drinks are stiff, and Heather the KJ will keep you boppin to your karaoke favorites. read more

Well, this is the first 1 star review I've ever written. I would give 0 stars, except the food was ok. We were headed to a show at the Aladdin and went here for dinner and beers beforehand. We got there SUPER early, figuring it might be crowded. It wasn't, and we put our order in at 5:55. ( Doors open at the Aladdin at 7). Everyone who came in after us got their food, ate and left. The waitress was REALLY snarky when I asked after our food 40 minutes after I ordered. Our food arrived an hour after we ordered, and we had to wolf it down. Don't go here hoping to get your food courteously and in a reasonable amount of time. Really pissed right now. read more

It's Divey. The Bartenders are Friendly. The beers are cheap. They have a divey food menu and the tacos are tasty. Pinball and pool and slot machines for entertainment. Karaoke is fun to watch and they have a nice outdoor patio. read more

Bear Paw Inn - Pubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

I can't believe the service I just received at this place. My property manager has an office across the street from this bar. So after I paid my rent I needed to use the restroom. I walked in told the young short-haired blonde bartender that if I could use the bathroom I would play the poker machines or I was even going to say I would buy a drink but she didn't give me the chance. At first she said I could use it but to be quick. So I told her I would use it then I would come out and play the poker machines. I'm guessing because of the area I'm in she assumed I was some kind of drug addict or something and wanted to use the bathroom for other reasons. Because as soon as I said I want to use the bathroom and I would come out and play the poker machine's she told me to leave the place and that I wasn't using the bathroom. I asked for a reason and was very polite and she just told me that she was refusing me service. I would like if the owner could comment on this post and I could get in touch with him or her because I felt very judged and I was a very presentable person I wasn't wearing dirty tore up clothes I didn't look like a homeless person I just wanted to use the bathroom and I was willing to spend money in the establishment if I could do so. Hopefully somebody sees this review and responds and I can get in touch with the owner because I felt very very disrespected judged and very unsatisfied with the customer service at this establishment. read more

Definitely a local dive bar. The scene almost felt like a biker bar. There were some slot machines in here. Plenty of tables, also two pool tables in the back. I came here during a birthday party event and it was fairly packed. They had a lot of lagers, I didn't see many other selections. The men's bathroom had one urinal and one stall. The stall unfortunately has no door so if someone was pooping, they would just be out in the open- which actually happened as I walked in. They had $3 pints here! Not a bar I would come regularly but it was bar hopping I might entertain this place again. read more

"Absolut Mandarin, please. And pool balls!" I've said this too many times. I've fallen in love with Bear Paw. Did you know there's karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights? Yeah, me either until last week. I like to think my song was the best, though everyone probably thinks similarly after 2 shots. Pool costs $3/hour, and there are two tables. If pool isn't your thing, how about pinball, Buck Hunter, or video lottery? The jukebox has an excellent array of bands, yet a limited quantity of songs, (narrowed down to top hits). It's fun to take over and play the occasional party hit, (and get away with it since it's my birthday month). ;) There's a big chalk board in the ladies room, on which you may express whatever thoughts cross your mind. The bartenders have always been super nice and attentive. Save for the lady who kept asking if I wanted another shot, even though I had already drank 3 and had a beer in hand. Of course I WANT another shot, but I don't NEED another shot. Will I return? Well, yeah, I've become a regular at the Bear Paw. read more

See all

Takes the meaning of "dive bar" to a new low. Super filthy tables, overpriced bar food, gross bathrooms (saw vomit on floor in Womens room, it didn't get cleaned for the whole time I was there , 2 hours! even though I notified the bar) bartenders prefer to be bitchy than nice, KJ is slow getting people to sing and seems like he likes his free drinks a little too much. read more

We had a group of 7 people, between 9:30 - 11:30 3 of our folks sang a song. When my friend went up to check when his song would be up the host said "we'll you've all sang a lot already so don't expect to go again tonight." Other patrons in the bar had sang 3-4 songs. Also, we cheered for our friends, of course, and the host said into the microphone "let's not turn tonight into amateur hour" after we cheered. We were a respectful group, not too loud, bought lots of drinks & food, and tried to have fun. Also, all theater majors and all complimented by other patrons about how good we sounded - so i know we weren't just shitty singers. We definitely only left because the karaoke host seemed to really not like us, definitely put a damper on my 25th birthday celebration. tl;dr: Lots of song choices. good and strong drinks. iffy karaoke host. read more

Exceeds (my) expectations. I'm not a seasoned drinker, for the most part. Alcohol hasn't been a prime motivator in my life since my freshman year in college. So to go to one bar repeatedly is highly unusual for me. I certainly have never had a bar I would call "my place". I might not have one now but this place feels about as close to one I can call my own as can be. I came initially for some Tron pinball and, to be honest, that's why I come back. But the place has an intangible charm to it that makes it comfortable. The karaoke nights give me a smile because there's no proper stage; it's just immediately to the right as you walk in the door. That somehow makes it less intimidating right off the bat. I believe they hold the bingo night in the same area. It's very informal and that gives it some kind of authenticity with me. They have a nice selection of taps. I was a little disappointed recently when Guinness was replaced by some other stout that I don't really like. But, hey, guess what, AG, they have your second favorite, Trumer Pils. That's nearly a win-win right there. They also have a decent selection of tequila, AG's favorite booze! It's like they know who I am, alcohol-wise. I've only had food once and it was a burger. The fryer was out as it was being replaced the next day or I woulda gotted me some tater tots to go with it. As it was, the burger was very serviceable. I may end up trying some other offerings in the days and weeks to come. I've always received very friendly service as well. As for the pinball, there are only two machines but I come for Tron. It's the one I'm most familiar with and it works with me. It's become my first pinball girlfriend, really. I'm learning how to push all her buttons to make her purr. It probably helps that it is easy (ooh, pardon?) but I pretty much know what I'm doing when I get stuck in. One thing that's nice is the playing area is a nice temperature. Other bars I've been to, the pinball machines are in such an enclosed space that it gets hotter than Mercury, especially when you're waist-deep in a multiball frenzy. Here, it's the same temp as the rest of the joint. I can keep my coat on or take it off. The important thing is that it's MY OPTION. I'm sure this place could be fancier but that's not that important to me. I almost prefer to go to a place where I can be somewhat anonymous although that may well change as I return to drop more quarters on the pinballs. I can go, get my game on, have some beers and relax. It's close enough I can even walk home so that pretty much seals it. . read more

Nothing especially interesting pops into my head about the ole Bear Paw. From the inside it looked just a little bit sad like it needed a big hug or perhaps some percocet. Karaoke happens here. I know I know, karaoke, little doggies and kitties, gays, and sushi - it's all I write and/or care about! Slap me across the face and call me Sally, I don't care! If you happen to traipse into the Bear Paw, pour one for your homie right onto the carpet. The poor lil place could use some libationary action. read more

This place is weird, and I have no idea how it stays in business or what it's attraction really is. I gather it must be owned by the same people as Katie O'Brien's; either that or they stole the big mirrored sign in the back saying "Welcome to Katie O'Brien's". But aside from that there is really nothing linking the two. We ended up at the Bear Paw mostly out of desperation. We'd gotten started on a pub crawl of local breweries fairly early on, had plans for the evening that would preclude getting something to eat, and really needed something...anything...to start soaking up all those beers. After an abortive attempt to locate the Hair of the Dog brewery (seriously, we were lost in an old rail yard for ages), our DD says, "you have any problems with the Bear Paw?" Since none of us responded in the negative, Bear Paw it was! The place was dead empty at around 3pm on a Saturday. Alright, not exactly prime time, but still we when we walked in we were the only people there - I didn't even see the emaciated slip of a bartender until she suddenly appeared like a spectre at our table. Beers all around, and we'll be ordering food. She delivers the beers and slips off by her lonesome behind the bar...and never returned to the table. When we finally finished our first round and figured she wasn't coming back, we headed up to the bar to make our order. They don't have menus - they have one of those old white plastic menu boards, like what you see in an old fashioned frosty burger drive-in. Our table of 4 orders a "Bear Paw burger" (greasy looking patty, with all the fixin's including a fried egg), an order of surprisingly good chicken strips (more like fried chicken steaks they were so huge, but still $7 seems a tad steep for a place like this), and a giant basket of tater tots. One of our party is a SERIOUS tot connoisseur - she even enjoys them straight out the freezer at home. She gave them her seal of approval, maybe not the greatest but they certainly know how to work a fryer. The beers were subpar. Not a horrible selection, but nothing to Yelp about, and I suspect there are some problems with the lines on some of their kegs as some of our beers were awfully flat. They also probably should either fix their dishwasher or hire a flesh and blood employee to accomplish the task as at least one of our glasses must have had a coating of soap in it that ruined the beer. The place looks sad. Not even the "straight out of tourist-ville" carved wood cartooney bears with goofy grins can liven the Bear Paw up. This is what those "Country Bears" would look like without the Disney polish. It still smells like smoke and lost souls here. I don't think I'll be back. read more

It's dingy, Its a little gross, it's a DIVE BAR! As far as dive bars go, all I need is a nice bartender, cheap drinks for fast and a an outdoor smoking patio.Bear Paw has all of this, plus a pretty tasty veggie burger. Not too shabby for Lisa. I'm not gonna lie, I was creeped out by some of the regulars, but you are probably creeped out by the regulars in my neighborhood dive bar. Wasn't Portland made for cultivating one's eccentricities? read more

Karaoke on the weekends! Super fun and cheap drinks! I really like the atmosphere here. Haven't had the food but there seemed to be a decent amount of people eating on a busy Thursday nights. read more

Thouroughy disappointing ! We have been coming here for years. It's 12:30 on a Saturday night we came here just for karaoke and the KJ is packing it up because the bartenders said he had to but the KJ doesn't want to and his hands are tied. WTF?! There are multiple people wanting to karaoke and the bartenders said no....wow! Not cool and we will not be returning even though it's our regular karaoke spot! #pissed #dissapointed read more

I'm always polite, I tip well, and I'm patient when I order anything at a business in my neighborhood. My only mistake was going to BearPaw with someone the bartenders didn't like? I'm not even sure that was the reason. I didn't imagine I would be treated any differently. And, I've never been treated aggressively at a local business. But I got both from "Summer" on Friday. She refused me service via not liking the person I was with? But that doesn't make sense to me because we literally ordered once, played a game of pool, and just talked amongst ourselves. When I inquired as to why she was refusing me service, I was met with hostility. It was honestly a very frustrating experience to be refused service for no legitimate or describable reason and then treated rudely when politely inquiring as to why. I understand bartenders have an obligation to monitor the atmosphere, but can they refuse you service on a whim with no discernible reason? Having lived in this neighborhood many years, I won't ever return to that business. read more

This review is for the Bear Paw's karaoke and karaoke only: Once upon a time, my littlest (in age, not size) cat got really sick and had to spend 12 days Dove Lewis. After maxing out some credit cards, I had to take on a second job to help cover his medical bills so that I didn't ruin my credit. A karaoke job nearly fell into my lap. I can say that the bar would get packed with a mixture of my friends, bar regulars and faces I'd never seen before. My job, my only job, was to make sure that people were having fun and got to do what they came out to do: sing. No matter how busy it was, or how many singers I had, I always made sure that I got through all the songs by the end of the night. I did this by not playing bullshit music between songs**, not ranting on the mic myself, and not putting myself up for songs when it was busy. Last night, the KJ did all of those things and though I was there from 9:45-2 (don't you judge me), I only got to sing once. I'm sure that I'll be back because my friends like it but don't expect me to be excited about it. **I know that we all love Journey but we don't have to listen to a full song between songs. read more