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.

I wanted to celebrate something special, so I was looking for a nice bar when someone recommended…read morethis place. From the outside, it looks pretty unassuming, so I wasn't expecting much. But as soon as I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior is beautiful, with a stylish central bar that immediately catches your eye. Although they do serve food, I wasn't very hungry, so I decided to just enjoy a couple of drinks. There are a few dining tables inside if you're planning to have a meal as well.The bartender was incredibly friendly and took the time to chat with me after I asked for a few recommendations. The drinks were excellent, well-balanced, flavorful, and actually tasted like proper cocktails instead of just juice. They definitely didn't skimp on the alcohol either! I'm really glad I chose this place to celebrate. It ended up being the perfect spot for the occasion.

I have no idea if this bar has food - but when we came in a few Friday's ago - at 7 pm - and we…read morewere pretty much the only people there. The bartender said they need better signage but by 8 pm, the place was packed. I think this used to be a doggy day care or doggy spa. It's been open for 3 years and I never knew it was here. Too bad because I have moved from the neighborhood and this would have been a great neighborhood haunt. We just got a few rounds of beers but we stayed quite a while because they have a great vibe and video poker - which the guys in our group could not be torn away from. The decor is neon and chill but not hipster - like the rest of the places on this side of the river. They also have a billiard room. So, basically, there is just about something for everyone. I wish my new neighborhood had a bar like this that was walking distance.

Such a fake location this is not real. Something weirds going on. Tried to go here multiple times…read moreand call and they say they are not open yet at 9pm!!!!

If you're looking for quintessential speakeasy vibes, Driftwood Room is the place! Just inside…read moreHotel DeLuxe, it's never overly crowded, making it a great place to unwind or enjoy a date night! The cocktail menu is fantastic, and if you're curious about absinthe, this is one of the best places to try it. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing the history behind each pour and explaining the different varieties. I especially loved that many of the absinthes are named after famous poets and artists - it adds a fun touch to the experience. For dinner, I ordered the spaetzle, and it was delicious. I also love the vintage mirrors throughout the space, it makes the room feel large and grand. Whether you're stopping in for a classic cocktail, an absinthe experience or just enjoying the ambience, Driftwood Room is worth a visit if you're in downtown PDX!

A proper hotel bar. I'm just bummed I didn't get to do their…read moretasting thing. Don't even get me started on the absinthe choices. We got back in to town right at the peak of the parade and lights celebration Saturday. To say it was chaotic would be an understatement. Since roads were closed, the road to my hotel was of course blocked off. So during the first go around we couldn't get to where we needed to be and went instead on a one mile circle which then led is to an area where the guy blocking the road was nice enough to let us through after we told him my hotel was where he was. What a blessing that was indeed because we found a parking spot right across from my hotel. My friend had an hour to kill before she could check in to her hotel since the road was still closed on that side. We lucked out finding two seats right at the bar as soon as you walk in. It was first come first serve and they were busy. Lots of people were trickling in from the festivities to have a drink or two. I got the cucumber cocktail. It was so good I made my friend have a sip. As what usually happens, we ended up making friends with the two ladies next to us who were parade participants representing mardi gras. The hour breezed by so quickly. It was such a fun time I completely forgot to take photos. Hotel guests get 15% off their tab.

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

BEST drinks, BEST service, no notes. Always greeted warmly, and enthusiastically (I've gone many…read moretimes now), plus the drinks come in cool ceramics (some!). Oh, and the vodka soda is quite literally the best, EVER, trust me, get it. Low key vibe there, which is great for having conversations!

The colorful lighting here truly feel like a little dopamine boost. So fun, lively, and a great…read moreplace to end your night. The night we came in, it was super packed - limited seats already, but we were able to find a table in 15 mins. The food is fine, we got the crudo - but with so many amazing restaurants nearby, I'd eat somewhere else first and then swing by here for their cocktails! Which comes in just the cutest mugs! Great for a photo op.

Hands down THE BEST Cocktail lounge in Portland... I've been here several times and I'm always…read moreblown away with the menu, the ambiance and the music... They have a mocktail here that I thought could not be beat.... It's absolutely incredible... I came in tonight to order my dancing Queen mocktail... They offered instead an off menu. Mocktail for me to try... All I can say is in 44 years. I've never had something so delicious and I am very well traveled!!! I can't tell you the name of it. Y'all can come in and check it out but it does how fresh watermelon in it cannot beat that on a hot summer day. I've been waiting for an establishment like this to show up on the west side for over 20 years. So happy I found Wax social.

If you only hit one craft cocktail bar on your visit to Portland, make it this one…read more Wax Social is a speakeasy and vinyl listening lounge tucked inside a Best Western in the West Hills.. and I mean that in the best way possible. Super moody lighting, hundreds of framed musician photos covering every wall, warm comfortable seating, and a custom hi-fi sound system that will rearrange your expectations for what a speakeasy bar and listening lounge can be. It's a hidden gem in the most literal sense: no signage on the outside and nothing to tip you off as you enter the building. To find Wax Social you walk through the hotel lobby at 9900 SW Canyon Rd, up a staircase left of the registration desk, and look around until you find a frosted glass door marked "Listening Lounge." Open it. You'll be glad you did. Start with the cocktails. The menu is split between elevated timeless classics and original house creations, and both sections of this cocktail menu can bang. The King of Pain is rum-forward and finished with an orange coconut foam that looks as good as it tastes. The Watermelon Man showcases Japanese gin and elderflower in a refreshing and complex profile that's hard not to love. The Sweetest Taboo is a mezcal drink built around blue maize, red bell pepper, pineapple, and lime that hits that rare combination of bold and perfectly balanced. Light My Fire brings blanco tequila and Ancho Reyes together with habanero bitters for real depth. If you want to wander off-menu, they can handle that flawlessly too. Over several visits I've enjoyed a Paper Plane, Tommy's Margarita, Gimlet, Last Word, Too Soon, and others, all executed perfectly. On one visit, the guy next to me at the bar was visiting Portland from Sweden and ordered a Flip. I've been to a lot of craft cocktail bars and never heard someone order one. Clayton, one of the bartenders, didn't blink. Went right to work making a luxurious Flip from memory that the customer couldn't stop raving about. I was impressed. Clayton is also working on several rum-forward cocktails coming to the menu later this summer - I love rum drinks enough to say that sitting at the bar talking shop and the concepts he's tinkering with is worth a visit on its own. Full mocktail lineup, plus wine, bubbles, and craft beers. Now about the sound system. DJs spin all-vinyl sets of funk, soul, R&B, and deep cuts across decades on a custom hi-fi setup that sounds absolutely incredible. Even when the DJ is in full flow and the music is turned up, you can still hold an easy conversation with a group of six or eight people. I've been there with a large group in the back corner on couches and comfortable chairs and everyone kept commenting on it. The music is present and powerful and somehow never swallows the laughter and conversation happening around you. They clearly built this bar around the music. The food is a genuine surprise for a craft cocktail lounge. Think small plates/tapas in terms of dining style: you come for the drinks and next thing you know you've ordered half the menu, made a dinner of it, and somehow backed into a beautiful evening of food, drink, and music. Must-orders: ahi poke nachos, deviled eggs, braised pork gnocchi. Don't overlook the shaved asparagus and white bean salad with sherry vinaigrette, Manchego, and crispy shallots. Simple and elegant and every bit as good as the more indulgent plates. Steak bites and shrimp are worth ordering too. Bring friends so you can order more and share. Owners Sean and Travis are present most nights, greeting you at the door and checking in at your table. That care shows in everything here, including a staff that knows how to read the room. A few things worth knowing: parking is easy, the location is simple to reach from Portland or Beaverton, and the bathrooms are spotless. Open late on weekends. Whether you're planning a romantic date night in Portland, a special occasion, a group night out, or just a solo evening at the bar with someone who really knows cocktails, this is your spot. Among the best craft cocktail and listening lounge experiences in the greater Portland metro area. You've gotta check it out.

I just moved to the area from Gresham two months ago and every bartender at Moloko has made me feel…read morelike I've lived in this neighborhood for years, but ESPECIALLY Dunkin. The atmosphere there's is impeccable, the fish in the aquariums are beautiful, and service is always great.

Amazing drinks and amazing vibes…read more Love finding new places that make Portland feel more like home

It's been ages since I been back here, but I am glad that we stopped by after dinner for a…read morecocktail. It was a nice day and we were seated outside. The drinks were tasty as well as the side of fries.

The Sapphire Hotel is no longer a hotel. It was in the early 1900s... And you could say the guests…read moreat that time were a little shady (let's just say some rooms were rented by the hour). The restaurant is what used to be the lobby. It is known for being dimly lit, a little romantic, a little old school. They are open late when not a lot of other places around are, which is how I ended up here after another event. They have happy hour from 4-6pm and then a late night happy hour after 10pm. The building could use some love from its landlord. The toilet was leaking, there's asbestos wrapped pipes visible on the ceiling. We got: Soup du jour House salad Meze platter Kettle chips Spicy chicken sandwich Everything tasted great. I was pleasantly surprised with the portion sizes for the happy hour items. I would definitely keep this in mind for date night or as a late night spot when not much else is open.

Date: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 Time: around 4:45pm…read moreParty of: 2 which turned into 4 later *Ru Paul Sparkle Pony ($12) *Glenfiddich 12 yr ($18) *Soda Water ($2) We were meeting up one of my old friends for dinner. Since we had some time to kill, the hubby and I stopped by The Box Social to wait out the 30ish mins. I wanted something light and refreshing so got the sparkle pony. It was indeed bubbly and refreshing. Tho very light given there was vodka in it. The aesthetic of the place is very minimalistic. It was super quiet and bright when we were there. So the vibe can be a little sterile. Bartender was great. We just wanted a quick drink and he delivered. Once my friends joined us, one ordered a quick soda and we were on our way to dinner. Great if you want a very chill bar. Worth checking out for a round. REVIEW #3731

Fun cocktails. Good ambiance. My "no rain" drink was…read moreoverpowered by the watermelon flavor though Didn't try any snacks as I was waiting for a restaurant nearby. This place didn't have a wait but seemed to have filled up really fast around dinner hours

Hale Pele is one of most well-known institution amongst Tiki lovers! One of our friends who owns…read morelike a thousand tiki glasses recommended this place to us, so we had to go! The ambiance is very tropical and fun, and love that they have such a spacious bathroom! They have an extensive drinks menu, like several pages long! With so many guava, pineapple and coconut-based options, it was honestly confusing on what to get but we decided on the classics: the Lei Lani Volcano and Lava Flow. The drinks were so creamy and delicious yet dangerously strong! Also, can we talk about the portion sizes? My drink was literally the size of my face, like what?!! It is best to come here in large groups because their shared drinks/scorpion bowls are a total showstopper! It is in a very upscale neighborhood of Portland called Grant Park, so it was fun to walk around and see all the cool houses - there was one imitating a thatched roof and what not. Worth checking out the neighborhood before or after visiting Hale Pele.

Where to even begin with Hale Pele.... This was my first ever visit and I went out of my way to get…read moreto it.... Planned out a long layover and I'm glad I did, this was one of the best tiki bars I have ever been to. Not only were the cocktails top tier, but the food was wildly delicious, shocking... I can not wait to make some time to drive up and visit again with my wife.