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    Bellwether Bar

    4.5 (83 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Bellwether Bar Photos

    Business Info

    BELLWETHER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    radish and farro
    Benjamin S.

    This is a popular neighborhood bar, especially the back patio when the weather is nice. Very low-key casual vibes and the food menu has a lot of options whether you want to snack and drink or have a full dinner. You order at the bar and get a number. Like I said, pretty low-key, so sometimes there's just two people at the bar, one doing the drinks and one taking orders and the line can build up. But it does seem like the kitchen is pretty quick and the people bringing out the food is super nice and helpful. For the food, I really liked the "tomato cured shrooms," which are button mushrooms marinated in a tomato sauce. If you like ketchup and mushrooms like I do, then this is a fun snack. Something about the tomato flavor gives the mushrooms a pop. The roasted radish and farro was good, but the radish was cut a bit big. I didn't want a big entree, so I got the sausage, which was decent with white bean romesco and grilled scallions. The graham panna cotta was a nice way to cool down on a warm night. I went early and sat outside, and it was getting busier when I left so the recommendation is to go early. It's nice having places like Bellwether in the neighborhood.

    This was a special--whipped cheese with chickpeas, roasted radishes, and beans. Perfection!
    Ashley R.

    I love Bellwether! Impeccable drinks, food & atmosphere. I can't wait to see what they do with the fantastic back patio--changes are coming!

    Cheeseburger with a side of fries
    Simply Sarah’s A.

    We've passed by this place several times and always wanted to check it out and we're so glad we did. The atmosphere was just so amazing and cozy and inviting the food was just perfect and just enough. The service was amazing. We sat on the bar and just enjoyed a beautiful date night.

    Grilled Prawns $21
    Ben C.

    Naturally cute ~ cozy indoor with a few tables around the house bar. A lot more picnic tables outside in the backyard though the overhead covers could use some mending for rainy days. Fun on sunny days, fun on rainy days too. Menu ~ somewhat pricey but tasty plates to share and nibble together. Decent beer on tap and interesting cocktails. Service is cordial & polite. Self serve utensils & water. Go early for a relaxed afternoon vibe. Stay longer for a much louder social scene with elevated music & talk. Much louder. Simple street parking around the bar.

    Burrata and asparagus, grilled bread in the shadow in back.
    Leif B.

    Awesome cocktails and really good food! Order at bar and take a number with you. They have a great back patio for the summer, and definitely a cool old building vibe inside.

    Burrata & Peaches, Seafood Roll, Harissa Roasted Cauliflower
    Hee Y.

    Street parking was easy. We arrived at 4pm Sunday and there were plenty of open tables inside and outside. We ordered at the bar. Cocktail 61 - one of the sweeter options. Harissa Roasted Cauliflower - it was good, but I was expecting a bit more flavor Burrata & Peaches - delicious & would order again Seafood roll - delicious; it was the favorite dish we ordered!

    Brittani C.

    Items we ordered: Devilled eggs Burrata & peaches with grilled bread Chickpea panisse Chantrelle tartine Beef tartare Braised pork belly Cocktail 62 Cocktail 57 Ferment "garden" lager You can't go wrong with any dish/drink you order. Everything had great texture, flavor, variety that created seamless dishes. You do order in the front so we recommend just keeping a tab open! Indoor and outdoor area is cozy and fun. They do have limited seats, but had no trouble finding one at opening. Staff was friendly and all around good vibes. We will be coming back!!

    Steak
    Nicolette S.

    What a cute little spot! You order at the bar for both drinks and food - amazing cocktail list and menu. Popped in for an impromptu date night and sat at the bar. The staff were super friendly and the food was delicious. You can tell they use seasonal ingredients to curate their menu. We got steak, a salad (forget which), the bread & butter and the squash. We liked all of it! The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because there was quite a wait for food. Even the bread and butter took more than 20 minutes to come out, then we got the sides, and finally the steak after probably 35ish minutes. Probably just an off night or kitchen super slammed all at once. Either way, we will be back!

    Back Patio at the Bellwether. No action on a drizzly winter Saturday.
    Michael H.

    Really enjoyed my first visit to the Bellwether Bar! A friend and I visited on a recent trip to Ikea in Portland. He had identified this bar as a place he'd like to visit. So, on a rainy Saturday recently, we finally made it. The decor is great! it feels like a pub. It's kind of dark in various areas, but it is definitely cozy. We enjoyed some deviled eggs and a couple cheese burgers. I had one of the Bellwether's signature cocktails, the '69 (Don't).' Amaretto, Overproof Rum, Lemon, Dr. pepper and Coconut. It was pretty d4mn good! We will definitely be back when we're in East Portland! Especially in the Spring or Summer - their back patio looks awesome...

    just a lil view from our seat at the bar
    Sara G.

    We first visited a week ago, but chose to leave as the place was busy and it felt too chilly for us to sit outside (though it was cool to see other groups sitting out on the back patio). The ambience was too enticing to not make another attempt back. This week we visited on a Friday evening and the experience exceeded all my expectations. I can't say enough great things about Bellwether Bar. We'll be back for sure! To sum up the highlights: - the entire space is cozy, warm, & charming - the staff were friendly and very attentive - the restrooms were clean & also charming - the drinks were delicious and felt well-priced for what you get! - the music choice was awesome (starting the night upbeat and groovy, to ending with mellow moods)

    Chicken Tartare
    Kareem A.

    Bellwether bar was mad (British accent)! Seriously, if you can get a seat inside, it's the perfect vibe. Their drinks were great, beer and cocktails. This is also the first place I've tried chicken tartare and it was impressive. The mushroom toast was also filling and artisanal. The folks working there were super helpful and helped us get a seat, it was great. Highly recommend!

    Tabor Bread, Seafood Dip, Japanese Beer & Hot Toddy

    Beautiful, quaint little spot for date night! Enjoyed the Tabor Bread and Seafood Dip along with a Japanese Beer and a Hot Toddy. Delicious! Can't wait to come back and try a dinner!

    Theresa A.

    Fun atmosphere and great staff! You order at the bar and seat yourself. They'll bring out your food. It was a bit of a wait on a weekend night but we found a table quickly. The food was good - some dishes were a hit some were a miss. Def a great place to take friends for a night out on the town.

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    7 months ago

    Most delicious Hot Toddy ever! ( especially on a rainy day). And how could, just, grilled bread be so good?

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Incredible cocktails and easily Portland's best outdoor patio. This is one of my favorite places in Portland.

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    1 year ago

    An excellent choice with personal service and a knowledgeable staff well worth a visit anytime

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    2 years ago

    Great neighborhood bar with delicious food and beverage options. The steak frites alone will make me return.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Yes! Such a neat bar! A must visit! Great food, service and atmosphere! Can't wait to come back!

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    Ask the Community - Bellwether Bar

    Is the restaurant and bar wheelchair accessible?

    Are children allowed?

    Yes. Fun setting out back.

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    The Chinese Cowboy

    The Chinese Cowboy

    4.1
    (20 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Sad to hear this place closed…read more Warsugai rebranded as the Chinese Cowboy. A western / Chinese fusion of not just food but vibes. The food became a bit more paired down and focused more on sandwiches and burgers. BBQ with Asian slaw for example. It was still pretty good but I think it may have gave off a small identity crisis with what it was trying to do. I'll miss some of the food I've had at Warsugai and Chinese Cowboy.

    TL:DR Lovely bar with unfortunately subpar food…read more.. To be painfully truthful I do hate writing sort of meh reviews especially for establishments that are locally owned but there are a couple of things that unfortunately left a bad taste in my mouth. To start off entering the bar was elegant, it feels high class. The ambiance was dark, intimate and again elegant. We stopped by before heading out to some clubs for the evening for some food and drinks. The drinks were delicious and refreshing. They really do take care of their cocktails. The server was pleasant and attentive, although it was a slower night. However when it came to the food it was disappointing to say the least, for a place when you first walk in that looks classy and upscale, you would expect the food to be somewhat decent. We ordered the dumplings and brisket fried rice. To be short the dumplings were chewy and felt undercooked in terms of steam dumplings. The brisket fried rice was overly salty and the brisket was not at all tender; in fact when I tried to share with it my wife I could not tear it apart with a fork or with even my hands, it felt fatty and chewy. Again, the vibes and general area of the bar was immaculate, I appreciated eating by a candlelight and enjoying some drinks, but when it came to the food I felt underwhelmed. I do wish the best for the place however.

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    The Chinese Cowboy
    The Chinese Cowboy
    The Chinese Cowboy

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    Navarre

    Navarre

    3.9
    (481 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We did the ten-course chef's tasting menu at Navarre, and it was such a fun way to experience this…read morePortland institution! Navarre has been part of Portland's food scene since the early 2000s and guests are encouraged to explore a variety of small and large plates and eat however they want. The cuisine draws from French, Italian, and Spanish traditions, while incorporating seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients. Based on my research, Navarre also works with 47th Avenue Farms, with specials changing based on what arrives each week. So, getting to sit back and let the kitchen choose ten courses felt especially fitting for Navarre. Instead of deciding what we wanted, we got to experience a little bit of everything. We started with a pâté dish served with green beans and Dijon mustard, which was delicious and had a wonderful savory richness. There was also raw radish with butter, which was a very unique combination! It wasn't my favorite dish of the night, but I appreciated how unexpected it was. The cod over a green sauce was one of my favorites. The fish was excellent, and the sauce really brought everything together. We also had a delicious crab-and-potato cake that paired beautifully with a kohlrabi salad. The meats were excellent as well. The steak was delicious, and the lamb was flavorful and tender, served with what seemed to be a quinoa-like grain. We also had greens and a salad that helped balance some of the richer courses. And then there was the potato gratin. My gosh....flavorful, crispy, and wonderfully comforting. Honestly, potatoes rarely need to do much convincing with me. I loved the variety of the tasting menu. Over ten courses, we got fish, meat, vegetables, salads, grains, and plenty of different textures and flavors. It felt less like simply ordering dinner and more like going on a little culinary adventure. This was an extremely memorable meal for us!

    We met a friend here last night - - he had been several times before, but it was our first time…read more Tables are pretty close together with a decent sized dining area and both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is clipboard style with lots of options - - just choose what you want in a small or large size. We shared a bunch of things - - but we were limited a bit because I am gluten-free and dairy-free, but what's new. The menu isn't marked for allergens, and our server wasn't quite sure what was safe for me - - she said to stay away from the gratins and that she would double check on the items we ordered to make sure they were ok. I'm not sure if what I had was made the way the chef normally prepares the dishes or if they altered dishes for my diet. So, keep this in mind while I run through my thoughts. Food came out in good time. Our table was filled with lots of little plates. Most of the vegetable dishes we ordered were kinda dry - cauliflower, zuchini, greens and the beets were ok. Nothing really special. The shrimp and tuna were prepared well. Wine, beer and cider only. Server was efficient. Street parking.

    Photos
    Navarre
    Zucchini Benedict, Bacon, Lamb + Tapenade, Cumin Cauliflower, Chard, Fried Eggs.
    Zucchini Benedict, Bacon, Lamb + Tapenade, Cumin Cauliflower, Chard, Fried Eggs.
    Beer, wine and cider only

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    Beer, wine and cider only
    Parallel

    Parallel

    4.8
    (25 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Private events

    We walked in and I expected a two star review. I was looking for a full menu with good salads and a…read moredrink menu. We were hungry and it was close to where we had been shopping. So I indulged my husband and we sat at the bar with bartender, Derrik. The chef helped us with our choices. The board with smoke trout was not my favorite, but I'm not a big trout fan. My husband loved it. The parallel salad... I would come here every day for that. Very refreshing. The wine pairing is exactly what you should do on the suggested menu Saffron cavatelli was unique. The flavors are mature and if you've ever been to Italy, you will appreciate this dish. Then we got dessert. We never get dessert. The strawberry shortcake was not a dessert. It was more like a delicate appetizer. Not sugar overload. A very rich and fresh dish. Please, if you're in the area, stop by just to say hi and get anything. You will not be disappointed.

    I took my spouse here for his birthday and reserved the tasting menu, and it turned out to be an…read moreincredible experience. Every dish was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious, and the wine pairings complemented each course perfectly. The service was outstanding. Everyone was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. You can really tell they care about the details, from the presentation of each plate to the glassware used for the wine. If you're in the city and looking for a winery-style dining experience with exceptional food, I highly recommend this place. The tasting menu is especially worth it, as it gives you the chance to try a variety of dishes along with thoughtfully selected wines. I would definitely recommend it.

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    Parallel
    Parallel
    Parallel

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    Lechon

    Lechon

    4.5
    (2.2k reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$$

    LeChon was such a fun dinner! The South American-inspired menu is made for sharing, so we got to…read moretry a bunch of different dishes. Our meal begin with a fantastic elote dish. Absolutely a flavor explosion inside your mouth! Next, the smoked bone marrow with chimichurri and bread was fantastic. Rich, smoky, herby, and just ridiculously good. The pork belly baocitos were my absolute favorite! The foraged mushrooms with bread were another HUGE surprise!! WOW. Incredible flavor! The grilled octopus with potatoes was good, although slightly overcooked and I didn't get much of the grilled flavor. The flank steak had delicious smoky flavors and an amazing sauce, but we were so full by then that we couldn't finish it! I loved the variety here. Lots of bold flavors and fun combinations, and the sharing format makes it easy to try a little bit of everything. Definitely come hungry! As an aside, there is a tank of jelly fish when you walk in, and another tank with fish. Pretty cool.

    South American (Argentina-Chile-Peru) by way of the Willamette: a winning culinary team presents…read moretapas and an affordable Chef's tasting menu, à la carte also available. A bar backlit by ethereal jellyfish ebbing in blue light, and an incredible (but focused) wine program, along with creative & fun ZERO-proof options. I've had 4 years of mostly unremarkable experiences with service in Portland, but Hunter changed all that. He's thoughtful, thinking ahead, smart & an asset to the ambiance. Meanwhile 3/3 items were exceptional, starting with BRISKET EMPANADAS - buttery smoked brisket & ooey gooey fontina studded with tart little golden raisins in a crisp crust - like a cheesy Argentinian gyoza! PAN SEARED SCALLOPS (by the half-order, thank you!) are precisely seared on the outside, sweet & tender on the inside, plated over a creamy sweet corn polenta that contrasts beautifully with the acid in slightly charred, roasted tomatoes. Finally (in traditional European fashion) a FARMERS GREEN SALAD gently dressed in piquant vinegar balanced by mild goat cheese & roasted pine nuts for a smoky crunch. Chef's Counter is lovely, but the space is deceptively large and accommodating with cozy booths and larger rooms - the more, the merrier sharing tapas to go around!

    Photos
    LeChon Restaurant interior
    LeChon Restaurant interior
    8 oz Snake River Farms Flank Steak*
    8 oz Snake River Farms Flank Steak*
    Pan Seared Scallops*

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    Pan Seared Scallops*
    The Observatory

    The Observatory

    4.3
    (2.6k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Add this to your must visit list, Now!…read more Oh my gosh, the observatory is the best place to go especially if you're in town and about to fly out the next day! Close enough to PDX hotels to Uber. The food was spectacular. The salads are huge. The ribs looked amazing. The lamb meatloaf was extremely tasty and the chicken pesto fettuccine was able to be made without fettuccine for me with just extra veggies and it was stellar. They did not even balk at substituting the extra veggies.. the swordfish special with the mushroom risotto and grilled asparagus was awesome. Everything was cooked to perfection and our waiter. Torben was the highlight. He had a wonderful, can-do attitude, very accommodating and extremely friendly. He really treated us amazing and his workplace as though restaurant was his taking pride in his job. The desserts that walked by our table made me wish I had only shared a meal with someone. Everything looked incredible. This needs to be put on your top five to try list.

    We forgot to take pictures of our outstanding food! We were talking and laughing so much! My mom…read moreand I went there for lunch. The service, the ambiance, the background music and the menu were all top notch! It was like a McMenamin feel with a way better menu. The menu had refreshing eclectic choices! We had the oregano fry bread. So fragrant and we loved the dipping sauces. Mom had the lamb burger and she kept saying how tender and savory it was. She never has had lamb before. We were chit chatting with the people next to us about the food and then grew to a wonderful visit with a husband, wife and his mother. They were lovely! We had the lamb burger

    Photos
    Love the decor and ambiance
    Love the decor and ambiance
    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)
    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)
    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

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    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

    Bellwether Bar - bars - Updated August 2026

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