A really cool Portland spot, everything thats right with a dive bar. Excellent fries. read more

Dots Cafe - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Tamara and co. are great, I'm revisiting and it's the best spot in Portland so just go here read more

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Solid food, decent portions, great music, friendly bartender! (adding more characters to meet guideline) read more

Dots Cafe - Chopped Cheese - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Dot's has risen from the ashes! The new owners are moving in the right direction, the food is trending up and you can't beat $2 PBR drafts and $3 Tallboy Raniers, all the time!! Good action out on the patio on the Clinton Theater corner, good for people watching, comfy seating and ecletic interior with good people and the service is always spot on....Rumor has it, they are contemplating opening up for lunch in March....Good Happy Hour and Vegan Menu......a solid, clean, funky PDX dive bar with decent chow. Tasty chow. VHS tape sale!! read more

I hadn't been to Dot's since before the pandemic and unfortunately, they've changed for the worse. The menu is really scaled down and not too exciting. Also, no more table service, which is a big bummer in my book. I will say the bartender was very friendly and welcoming. The food was just yuck, and they used to have good food here. I ordered the Southern Dandy, which is a fried chicken sandwich. It tasted like they bought the cheapest, worst quality, breaded chicken patty and put it between too thick, mediocre bread with a really sweet sauce. Seriously the worst chicken sandwich I've ever had out. My husband got the burger, which he said was okay, but not that good. My friend's fries were really good, but how hard are those to do? I honestly don't care if we ever go back. read more

Dot's Cafe is the perfect mix of classic dive bar and old-school diner vibes. It's dark--like really dark--so if you're planning to read the menu, maybe bring a flashlight (or just embrace the mystery and order whatever sounds good from memory). The drink specials are solid, the food is exactly what you want from a spot like this--hearty, comforting, and tasty. Plenty of space to spread out, whether you're here for a chill night with friends or a low-key date. It's also the ideal pre- or post-movie stop if you're heading to Clinton Street Theater, just a short walk away. If you're into laid-back spots with a little character, Dot's is a must. read more

Tasty eats, refreshing drinks and lots of people watching outside . Been coming here for 2 decades now and it's still a great local dive. read more

Dots Cafe - N/A beverages - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It's a typical Portlandia type of place, not sure if I'd necessarily recommend them or not. The service could be better

The food was terrible. The ambiance is cool, volume is loud. Parking can be a challenge.

my favorite dive. love the slushees. surprisingly good food!!! my favorite caesar salad in town lol

Great happy hour with good drinks and a rock n roll vibe with a diner-style backdrop. Nothing special here, food wise - just total bar vittles, with the usual fried thangs, nachos, wings and tots - but the drinks are better than your average dive diner would have. Cool, lo fi decor with nutty wallpaper, offbeat lighting and kitschy meets creepy undertones, make for a great casual and inviting atmosphere (at least in my book- which is kinda tattered). It's a diner-like layout with vinyl-covered booths and standalone tables, but with a bar in the back... and it all is somehow cooler than it should be. Don't bring any attitude, and suburbanites should steer clear - it just won't work for you. read more

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I was happy to give Dot's a go since friends go here often and have recommended it for eons. I go to a lot of things alone but it felt awkward to go here by myself to grab a bite. After a movie at the Clinton Street Theater, me and my vegan friend wanted some food. I don't normally identify my friends on their dietary requirements. It is always great to be mindful though since I try not to be that jerk who assumes places have options because a lot of spots have like one thing they can make into a vegan thing so if there are a few places, why not chose the one with more options for us all. She was actually pretty excited because she had seen several options online but there were far more options she saw on the menu. Really a lot of the menu offers options. We took turns ordering at the bar and they were super friendly. My food came out fast - I just grabbed a chicken strip basket and an RC. It was good and I was not expecting a huge amount. I had to take most of it to go which reheated great later. My friend got the vegan kitchen sink fries which come with numu vegan cheese shreds, vegan bacon bits, pico de gallo, salsa, jalapeño peppers, spicy tofu sauce and she added black beans, guacamole and ranch. She also wanted lunch for the next day so she ordered a vegan Korean BBQ soy curl sandwich which is sesame ginger spiced soy curls, carrots, fresh jalapeños, cilantro, gochujang red chili paste, vegan mayo on a hoagie roll and a side of spicy tofu sauce. Her food took forever. First the bar tender came over and said that the cook had accidentally made the fries non vegan. Then a lot longer time later the chef came over said that he had run out of vegan cheese and then left again. We were like, wait.... so that was SO long ago - does that mean he had to go get more cheese as we still were not told when her food would arrive. When he brought it out she said it was missing the Guac she had paid for a side of. He almost started arguing with her saying that the order he got mentioned nothing about that and she offered to dig out her receipt so he went and got that. I felt so terrible for her because in the end everything was way over salted so she really did not enjoy it but it took so ridiculously long for it that we were exhausted and done. The vibe here is really good to with insanely weird art and dark lighting. So, in a pinch they've got a menu that can maybe help you out. read more

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I am still here , and the DJ had the place buzzing. Amazing music, perfect vibes, everyone dancing. But then she hits us with "last call." I just yelled "No," and she fires back , "Yelp me." Who wants the party to end when it's that good? But the mic drop moment got me. Five stars, even though I'm still mad the night is ending soon. read more

We love dots so much. We don't go out very often anymore but when we do we usually suggest this place. Comfortable classic mainstay, great music, atmosphere and friendly staff. We had so much fun the other night there. read more

This place is just rad. There's no other word to describe it. From the new owners to the food, this place gets 5 stars from me and my family. They have a brand new menu and lots of vegan and veg options! Even my 14yr old daughter likes this place and that's a huge compliment, lol. They have games if you want to just chill and they also always play the best old time b movies etc. Just go. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it. If you ride your bike, it's even better. read more

My wife and I spent most of yesterday at the Oregon Short Film Festival at the Clinton Street Theater. The festival ended at 9:00 p.m., and we were happy that Dot's Cafe was open late. They're open to 2:30 a.m. on Sundays. Best dive bar I've ever been to. We ordered at the bar. A friendly guy took our order and made us feel welcome. The prices were reasonable. We ordered a chicken finger basket and I had Farmer Bill's Chicken Sandwich. The bathrooms were covered in punk, but clean. We sat outside near a heater, but there's plenty of indoor seating. The server brought out the food within minutes. Everything tasted just right. We could hear the bar's music outside, which we liked. Can't wait to go there again! read more

Again, the bartender is incredibly rude and thinks it's a positive personality trait. I have the utmost respect for the service industry, but this guy acts like you're interrupting him. He was making a woman's drinks wrong and she complained and he laughed at her. He then made my girlfriend's drink wrong and then yelled at her for not hearing him say what was in the drink. The music was loud, which is great. But it's hard to hear anything from behind the bar, where they force you to order your food. I think they need to stop offering their employees shift drinks. If I really wanted to be a dick about it, I could have called the OLCC, but I don't want anyone to lose their job. Also, the food has gone downhill. Considering I have been coming to this place since 1996, it's gotten progressively worse. Never again. And they keep reporting my reviews to be removed. And I will keep posting them. Eat my butt. read more

Friendly people, fast and tasty food! And for how late they were open... saved us! Bar was also decorated super cool. Couldn't ask for more!

Good ol' Dots! Always well-priced for drinks & food. Good service & fun vibe. Great neighborhood spot! More like 4.5 stars

Food is always delicious and staff are a fun wild bunch who will chat with you about music, horror movies and even like to hear what you are excited to see over at the Clinton Street Theater. They are my go to when I'm at a film festival at Clinton Street Theatre for a to go meal. read more

Stopped in for a late night snack and a drink on a weekday and found this fun little dive bar. Drinks weren't expensive and they have daily deals going on with even cheaper options, and a menu they were serving fairly late. We shared a plate of nachos and blueberry gin gimlets while we ate and people watched. Very vibrant environment! Our bartender/waitress seemed nice and didn't hover. read more

Dots Cafe - Seating area - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Been here several times over the years. Food and drinks constantly good. The staff and vibe are friendly and inclusive. Love the bacon cheese fries but everything I've had is good. read more

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Super cool little dive bar, good HH deals, the food was delicious and lots of vegetarian options. They have drink specials daily. They have a Photo Booth and pinball machines and a bartender who was super funny and made great drinks. A very fun and unique little spot! read more

Dots Cafe - Hemingway Slushee, Crown and coke - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I can say so so many great things about Dots! Let's start with the food. It's absolutely delicious. I tried a bbq chicken quesadilla and you know what? It was everything! On a different occasion I had a cheese burger and fries. It's was incredibly juicy. The service was welcoming and attentive. And they have tables outside that separate you completely from other diners. There is also a covering incase it's raining or super sunny. read more

It's hard to watch something you love die. I feel like this old portland staple has been circling the drain for some time now. Tonight I pounded the final nail in the coffin of an old friend. The food was terrible. There was so much salt in the Korean BBQ soy curl sandwich, that every molecule of water in my body revolted. I'm not kidding, inedible. The staff was trying, but why no table service when you still have 4 people on, standing around? I'm looking forward to burying the memories made in this place and welcoming whatever the next incarnation is... read more

I'm surprised we've never been in here...we're across the street at literally every establishment over there regularly so why we've not come in here yet is a mystery. It's fabulous. Cute set of couples talking about Karaoke at Sanctuary and a giant Leonard Cohen poster while OMD and other favorite New Romantics blared. Fabulous. Like the Madonna Inn in black velvet and quesadillas. Which is to say it's nice the way I like it. read more

Would give zero stars if I could. Went here for late night eats and waited an hour after ordering cheese fries. Went to the bar to ask about the order only to be informed that "we're not going to make those for you" and they gave us our money back. What the F. That would have maybe been a one off but me and my friend came back tonight and they were equally rude and dismissive. Avoid if you don't know someone who works here. Thats the only people they treat with respect. Look elsewhere. This place sucks. read more

Five star vibes inside,, but my fries were very undercooked :( love the vegan Flanders sandwich though!

If you're looking for tasty burgers and drinks, def worth a visit. First time - I recommend the burger on an English muffin. Thank me later

Been several years since I've been here, and nopt much has changed--booths, memorabilia, cheap drinks. the 3 restrooms are labeled "It" "doesn't:" "matter/" cheese fries enormous and inseparable. was and is a place to start or recover. read more

Dropped by for a hot second to grab a drink before dinner. It's a friend's favorite neighborhood hang. I was digging the whole place as soon as we walked in. That color scheme had me stuck in a Lynch movie. You'll know what I mean if you've been. I got the Eye Candy since it looked the most promising. We all ended up getting only one drink because it made no sense to have more before dinner. My pick was delicious. It had a citrusy kick to it which I loved. I took one sip of the ghost town that my friend got and didn't have more sips after. I wasn't digging the kick. And that mother was strong. I wasn't ready for that level. I could see why this is a local favorite. Even the decor was dope. read more

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Man what a shame This place used to smell bad 20 years ago now it smells even worse. The food was literally not edible. The past greatest hits on the menu that are still there today have taken a big nose dive. In general Dots was dirty, smelled worse than ever, there was barely anybody in it and there was dirty tables everywhere dirty seats. One of my friends thinks they got food poisoning from eating there this week.. I'm not even exaggerating, such a bummer! read more

I write this as I sit in the bar on a solo evening, weekday dinner. It's hot, it's the middle of the week, and all anyone wants to do is cool down with a cocktail. Never mind turning on your oven at home to make dinner, too hot. Make your way to Dots, where on Wednesday nights they offer a burger special for $10, and it comes with a cold beer, and a shot of whiskey, along with a vibrant but calm weekday lounge to hang. The burger is phenomenal, the beer and whiskey are your staple lagers and bourbons, but let's get back to the burger.... As I take another bite, the sear is perfect. It has the char you'd want in a burger, but doesn't lose the juice. It's topped with the golden standards of burgers, LOT (Lettuce, Onion, Tomato), and it's the perfect bite, all the way until the end. And for dessert? The bourbon and beer, the most iconic way to cap off a burger at any time of the day. Cheers to Dots and the consistent delivery of quality food, and neighborhood vibes, in its purest form. read more

The food was very good, the server very nice, so why in the world 3 stars? EVERYTHING else. After walking up and down a while looking for this place, seeing no sign and many other restaurants, I ducked in and stood there a few minutes. When the one and only server working (poor thing, she was rushing around like a bat out of hell...) cane near, I asked if this were Dots. Yup. Whoosh, gone. A few more minutes standing there, she's helping folks at the bar, where every stool and a few tables are full, plus a few tables on the restaurant side. She passes again... "Can I sit anywhere?" "Sure!" After a bit, I ask for coffee. A mug soon arrives. Whoosh! Gone. No sugar. I look around everywhere, no tables have sugar. I get her attention and ask, she rummages around a bit, making me wonder if anyone uses the stuff, and she finds it. Back at the table, I add sugar and then realize I have no utensils. Argh. I get up, look around, find no stand or otherwise. I go back to my table, rummage in my purse and find something to use to stir. You don't want to know what it was, but, at least, it was a bit cleaner after stirring, so there's that. The coffee is stone cold. Not cold like "I used to be hot, but I sat here too long and am now warm." Nope, this was dead cold, zombie cold "I was never hot and dream wistfully about what hot might actually have ever been." That cold(busted warming plate? I dunno.) When Kim arrives, she brings the menus and I ask for a cup of hot coffee (nicely). From here, things improve. The service and timing are good, the fried chicken sandwich (Southern Andy) and Kim's Club are great, as is even my side salad, full of nice greens. All continues well and let's be clear... I left the poor dear an extra large tip, because she was working her butt off. Where does the"blame" lie then? IMHO, management. They could have used two more people to serve this crowd, so I don't think it was just someone calling in sick. The lack of signage and, oh yeah, forgot to mention, dark and dingy interior... these combine to paint a picture, a very bad color by numbers with a couple colors missing and others filled in with whatever color come to hand. I'd like to come back for the food, but I won't. Too much trouble when there are so many wonderful joints in Portland. read more

Have never been disappointed by dots. Drinks are always good and the food is delicious and the staff is so friendly. Hope brunch comes back.

I've been on a burger kick lately. Maybe it's because it's summer time. Maybe because I scrapped my gluten free diet for the summer so I could enjoy picnics and eating at restaurants without reading the menu like it's a car manual. Maybe it's because I'm celebrating the fact that I am not a vegan. In any event, I had a Clinton Street Burger and substituted blue cheese for onions. Yummy! The burger looked like something I'd cook up at home...not a paper thin slab of meat that McD's passes for a burger, but a real, thick, juicy chunk of delicious beef. And the fries were the old school type that I set them apart from the fast food nation fries. Add in a lemonade of the spiked variety and voila, the perfect meal. I even took a picture to preserve the moment for posterity. I've been going to Dot's off and on for years so I'm no stranger to it. But during this visit, I must say the service was stellar. Kelsey was awesome...attentive, had good suggestions for my meal, and was very sweet. I'll definitely keep coming back. read more

Dots Cafe - Clinton St. burger and fries. And a lemonade of the spiked variety. Yum. - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Dots has made the best out of a bad situation with the C-19 restrictions and is delivering great food and great brews. We are very lucky to have this amazing restaurant and it's employees in our neighborhood, we go there as much as possible. The pulled pork quesadilla is amazing, as is the Caesar salad with chicken. No complaints about the veggie black bean quesadilla either. read more

Dots Cafe - Pulled pork quesadilla is squealing good - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Amazing local dive that has been around for ages and is a vestige of the old school Portland I remember when I moved here in 2000. They have lots of vegan options which is great, all gender single stall restrooms, also a plus, and big roomy booths plus wifi. Great happy hour too and cool vibe. So glad I live within walking distance to be able to go often. read more

I've been here twice prior to reviewing, and am OBSESSED. As someone who is lactose intolerant, I often have difficulties finding bar food that I can eat and enjoy. First, the home made vegan ranch -- amazing. I also got the vegan cheese fries and they were unlike any other vegan cheese I've ever had. Often times when vegan cheese is melted, it becomes inedible. Not this. I was so happy. While I didn't try them, my partner noted that the vegan fried chicken sandwich and buffalo wings were delicious. The signature drinks are well priced and very very good. They have daily deals, as well as happy hour. The outdoor seating will be so nice to enjoy once the weather is better! Will for sure be returning often read more

Met for brunch business meeting here on a Saturday while in Portland. They had an amazing mimosa deal ($2.50 until 2:30pm) and their brunch menu ends at 2, I believe. I ordered the tofu kale hash which was $10 and it was very tasty! The flavor was there, and the portion was good. Our server was on point. The one complaint I have is that, when we moved to a bigger booth because we had 5 people, the "bigger" booth felt super crammed. The space between the booth and table was too tight. We moved twice while there. Also, I can't really complain about this because sometimes I like it dark in restaurants but the others I was with didn't like that it was so dark there. Overall, I really dug the vibes and the food and would come back, for sure! read more

Dots Cafe - Tofu kale hash - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon