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    Blank Slate

    4.7 (91 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Blank Slate Photos

    Business Info

    BLANK SLATE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Blank Slate

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    Reviews With Photos

    Frank C.

    Such a cozy spot for a nice cocktail. This is one of my top favorite cocktail bars in Portland. Love the plants! Love the music played on vinyl. Love the old movies projected on the wall. Most of all: love the creative drinks. Had the Season of the Witch a few weeks ago and had to come back for one more. Sage in a cocktail? It works! Such a delightful drink! Also appreciate the friendly service here. Everything you could ever hope for in a neighborhood bar. I drive a ways to get here and it's always well worth the trip!

    Passionfruit martini
    Morgan H.

    Such a great new spot! Went for Friday happy hour. It was pretty quiet at 4, but lots of street parking and the service was spot on. We got the passionfruit martinis and the meat and cheese board. Both were delicious (the gastrique was all we could talk about) and already want to come back to try more of the menu. The outdoor dining is small but great for people watching.

    Mark S.

    In Portland on business and decided to try this place. And I couldn't be happier. The bartender Matthew was friendly and knowledgeable with his cocktails. I don't normally order mixed cocktails but this was a cocktail bar after all. So I tried one of their specialty cocktails , the Cumin Behavior ,which I thought would either be good or terrible because it had some interesting ingredients like tomatillo juice and cumin? But it was really well balanced and was delicious! I was very surprised and would recommend it. The food menu was limited but both the deviled eggs and the mushroom toast were very well prepared and delicious! I met the owner, Kierra, she was nice and we had a good conversation. Overall, I had a great experience and if you want some great drinks and small bites I'd highly recommend this place. If I'm back in town I will definitely go back

    Amber Y.

    The night before New Years Eve, a group of us went here to pre-game a party we were going to. The snacks and drinks were delicious. We had the deviled eggs, salad, wrapped hot dogs and a dozen oysters. Kind of an eclectic assortment. All delicious. The vibe inside was dark, intimate and our server was friendly.

    Charcuterie plate with pickled vegetables and mustard
    Nico B.

    Blank Slate really is unassuming from the street, but you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't check this place out! I probably say this too much, but love really is in the details. And there is so much attention to detail in this lovely neighborhood cocktail lounge. The stage is set for a stylish experience as soon as you walk through the door. The room feels very designerly with expansive green walls, extending high into the lofty space above. Lush foliage makes an impact through the use of terrariums and hanging plants, as well as the rich wallpaper with a leafy motif. Soft lighting and candles invite hushed conversation, and perhaps even a little romance. There are a number of expertly-crafted drinks on the menu, as well as a broad selection of appetizers including charcuterie and cheese plates. The bartender and servers are knowledgeable and courteous, and accommodating for substitutions and dietary needs. Food and beverage is beautifully presented, with attention paid to every detail. Even the ice cubes are shaped and sized with care. If you are looking for an intimate setting that feels classy without being overly-pretentious, Blank Slate is sure to please even the harshest of critics.

    Classic Old Fashioned
    Andrew A.

    After rave reviews from the local community I finally had the experience. My Old Fashioned was perfect and the price point was fair. The owner/mixologist is happy to share her knowledge, I learned quite a bit about the nuances of cocktails while sitting at the bar. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with anything on the somewhat ample food menu. This is not their fault and many seem to enjoy the eats, it's more due to my peculiar tastes. The space is inviting, the outside doesn't quite look like it would house a cocktail bar. There's patio seating so that will be nice in hot weather. They are good for the neighborhood and I'm glad they're here.

    Martina C.

    Well as a Yelp Elite, I of course did what Elites do. When I needed a great, quiet cocktail bar with a hell of a good bartender and great drinks...I saught out the wisdom of those who had gone before me. And y'all were right on. This place is 5 stars. Beautiful interior, super clean and well kept. Intimate and great for a date night. Soft music but loud enough to rock to if you're digging the tunes, which I totally was. We met Matthew, the owner's boyfriend, and he was terrific. Super knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. I was bummed that this wasn't local to us because I'd be all up in there like Norm in Cheers!! The cocktail menu is shorter than some bars, but I like that. Simplicity is good. This place has such a great feel to it, a place you can relax, enjoy your drinks and chat. The food was mentioned in a few Yelp reviews but we had eaten already so we just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere. I love this place so much it will have to be a monthly date night. They're a great couple and they love their local community which rocks. I can't wait to go back!!

    Great selection of liquor! Sorry yelp keeps orienting this portait pic into a landscape.
    Christopher P.

    I'm so tempted to give this place four stars instead of five only because it's not closer to my house but that would make for a dishonest review. This place is great! The person who was working the bar and said she designed the place really knew her liquors and explained it them each in an approachable manner to us, helping us decide which cordials to try. We were so impressed with their atypical selection of liquors that we didn't even make it to the cocktails or the wines. We'll save that for our next visit. Also the place just has great atmosphere. I really really really wish Blank Slate was in my neighborhood. Highly recommended!

    Rashi T.

    Came across this spot when Yelp was running a user survey on Instagram asking people their favorite bars in Portland. The place looks unassuming from outside and in all honesty I might never have cared enough to come here but if the others Yelpers say go .. you go . so we came late on a Friday evening and sat on one of the outdoor patio tables .The setting inside is intimate and smallish but well kept and the wallpaper was beautiful . There were quite a few other people , even though it was kind of late. My hubby let the bartender/owner decide a drink for him and actually quite enjoyed it . I on the other hand had a mocktail , which was very refreshing and did not make me miss the booze at all . we had quite a nice chat with the bartender who talked very passionately about some of their drinks . This looks like a relaxed place that could easily be your bar next door or the neighborhood bar .

    Bites
    Veronica O.

    Wow what a great spot! We were coming back from the airport and looking for a quick, great cocktail. I had the "season of the witch" and my husband had an old fashion. Both were so tasty! I'm a gin fan and loved the pairing with grapefruit. I had to keep myself from drinking it too fast. The creation was done so well! Loved the creativity. We also had some food and the stand outs for me were the peaches and cheese and the popcorn. I may have to shave parm over my popcorn all the time now! The decor was also very fun. They have these gorgeous plants at the front of the bar, take a peak! They did keep turning the lights down (we were there for about an hour and a half) and by the end it was a little too dim for me but I loved the ambiance it creates. Can't wait to go back and try some of their other concoctions!

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Love it, love the ambiance, the staff, owners everything. Appetizers are good. Drinks are amazing.

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    2 years ago

    I really enjoyed this place! Cute decor, quiet enough for conversations and some NA drinks that slap! Will definitely come again.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Blank Slate

    Does Blank Slate have a happy hour? If so, what are the days/times? Thanks!

    They update it on their social ;)

    Is there nearby parking at Blank Slate?

    There is a parking lot with approximately 8 spots and plenty of street parking

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Blank Slate

    Definitely the classiest spot in this part of Glisan, but still in keeping with the neighborhood vibe.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Someday - Always something to say

    Someday

    4.4(73 reviews)
    2.4 miRichmond, Clinton, Southeast Portland

    Today I was really craving oysters, so I looked up what was around me and this cute little spot…read morepopped up. The ambiance was adorable, with such a nice patio out back--perfect for a warm day! Unfortunately, oysters are only available on Sundays, but we decided to grab a couple of other little snacks instead. We got the steak tartare, and I have to say, it was honestly some of the best I've had in a long time. It had the perfect smoky touch and absolutely hit the spot. We also tried the sardine plate, which was such a fun little snack. The tzatziki sauce surprisingly paired so well with the Spanish sardines and really pulled everything together. Spanish sardines with a Middle Eastern-inspired sauce? Pretty clever! Our server was also lovely and came out to check on us throughout our visit, which made the experience even better. For just a little drop-in snack, the whole experience was surprisingly memorable and definitely left us wanting to come back. Such a cute spot! I'll definitely be adding this one to my list of go-tos with friends. Can't believe it's been right around the corner and I'm just discovering it!

    Dare I say it? Someday might be my second favorite spot to get seafood in Portland, right behind…read moreJacquelines - which if you know the cult following on Jacquelines in Portland, that is saying something. The ambiance is downright whimsical! Great wine selection, gorgeous floral installations, and one of those spaces where you immediately want to settle in with a book in hand. But let's talk about the crudo. I still think about that crudo. Bright, lemony, silky olive oil - simple but done so well. We even asked our waitress if we can keep the leftover olive oil to use it with the bread we ordered lol The oysters were also fantastic. They were barbecued, which isn't something you see every day. A little drier than a raw oyster, but still full of flavor. Limited seating so be sure to call ahead of time for a reservation if need be. This feels like the kind of place you celebrate something special, and honestly, I would not mind spending a birthday here at all! Worth it. btw the alleyway walking up to this place is so charming.

    Photos
    Someday - Steak Tartar

    Steak Tartar

    Someday - My stinky, amazing Orange wine.

    My stinky, amazing Orange wine.

    Someday

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Charcuterie and cheese board

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

    4.4(1k reviews)
    4.5 miPearl District
    $$

    Special night out with my parents and they wanted fancy old fashioned cocktails and a quiet place…read moreto sip them. We were so lucky to find Teardrop Cocktail Lounge. The front patio was a nice place to enjoy golden hour and our service was exceptional. My dad got a brandy alexander, mom got a piña colada on the rocks and later a pink lady, and I got something like a Negroni (they make Negronis but I asked the server to choose something interesting and the result was absolutely splendid). Cheers to the professionals who helped make our visit even more special.

    To speak about Teardrop Lounge, I should probably start with this:…read more Ladies and gentlemen, I present my favorite cocktail bar. Not the best -- I'm not arrogant enough to claim that. I haven't been to every cocktail bar in Portland, and saying something is the best usually says more about your lack of experience than your conviction. But favorite? That I can stand behind. And I want to get that out of the way early, because of the amount of praise I'm about to pour on this place -- fully earned, completely intentional. The biggest crime here is that I only discovered it two weeks ago, after living in Portland for a year. It had been recommended to me countless times, and I ignored it. A mistake. A painful one. But now that I've found it, I don't plan on making that mistake again. I'm not typically an Old Fashioned drinker. In fact, I usually hate them. But somewhere between curiosity and too many episodes of Mad Men, I decided to try one anyway -- fully expecting to confirm my bias. Instead, it completely flipped me. Bright, almost citrus-forward in a way that felt unusual but entirely intentional. Balanced, smooth, just enough burn to remind you what you're drinking without overwhelming it. It was the first time I actually understood the appeal. I'm pretty sure I grew a few chest hairs that night. That alone would've been impressive. But it didn't stop there. The space is beautiful -- clean, intentional, but not cold. The staff are excellent: personable, engaged, and most importantly, authentic. Not scripted, not performative. The kind of people you actually want to talk to, and hopefully, eventually be on a first-name basis with. Now, all of that gets it close to a perfect score. But what pushes it over the edge -- what makes this place stick -- is the White Russian. One of the first drinks I ever had. My dad's drink. Not because of The Big Lebowski -- that came later -- but because it's just always been his thing. And at some point, it became mine too. Typically, when bars try to "elevate" a White Russian, they ruin it. They overthink it. Swap ingredients, tweak ratios, add unnecessary flair. And more often than not, it ends in disappointment. Teardrop does the opposite. They respect it -- but refine it. The coffee liqueur actually tastes like coffee. The heavy cream is properly integrated, not just dumped on top. The vodka -- whatever they're using -- is clean, present, and perfectly measured. There's a subtle complexity to it without losing what makes the drink what it is. It's the best White Russian I've ever had. No hesitation. I've gone back twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. If someone asked me what my death row drink would be -- this specific cocktail, from this specific bar, is in the conversation. Easily. Teardrop Lounge doesn't just make great cocktails. It reminds you why cocktails matter in the first place. And that's why it's my favorite.

    Photos
    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

    Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

    Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

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    Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

    The Observatory - Tomato Bisque

    The Observatory

    4.3(2.6k reviews)
    0.6 miMontavilla, Southeast Portland
    $$

    Came here recently with a friend and left thoroughly impressed. We started with the oregano fried…read morebread appetizer, served with a crème fraîche basil sauce and a roasted tomato dipping sauce -- it was absolutely delicious and set the tone for the rest of the meal. For mains, my friend ordered the elk burger, and as a self-proclaimed elk burger connoisseur, her approval means something -- she thoroughly enjoyed it. I went with the pulled pork sandwich, which was good and flavorful, and paired really well with their pepper & cabbage coleslaw on the side. We also split a cup of the roasted red pepper and tomato bisque, which was honestly a highlight of the whole meal -- rich, well-balanced, and worth ordering on its own. Drinks deserve a shoutout too: their non-alcoholic options were great. My friend raved about the guava lemonade, and I had the blueberry vinegar shrub, which was excellent -- bright, crisp, and refreshing.

    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.

    Photos
    The Observatory - Love the decor and ambiance

    Love the decor and ambiance

    The Observatory - Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    The Observatory - Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

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    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

    Blank Slate - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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