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.

We came to Teardrop Cocktail Lounge while visiting Portland and were genuinely impressed…read more The cocktails were excellent -- thoughtful, well-balanced, and clearly made by people who know what they're doing. One of the best parts was how approachable the bartenders were. We asked for custom drinks based on our preferences, and both came out perfectly tailored. Creative without being weird, and strong without being sloppy. What really stood out was the price point. For the quality of cocktails, the prices felt very reasonable compared to similar craft cocktail bars in other cities. The vibe was also great -- relaxed, cozy, and not pretentious. It felt like a place where you could come for a special drink experience without feeling like you had to "perform" or order off a rigid menu. We liked it so much we actually came back a second time during our trip. Highly recommend if you're into well-crafted cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back but elevated atmosphere.

We just had our first visit to "Hide A Way Lounge" in Multnomah Village (Portland). Formerly "La…read morePalma". A casual and intimate atmosphere. Drinks were good and reasonably priced - especially on the happy hour menu. Friendly service. We will return to try the food menu.

Such a fun atmosphere for a quick drink in Multnomah Village! Drinks were tasty and decor was very…read morefestive for the season. Seating was a bit confusing since we scouted out a couple tables for our group, waited a bit, then started clearing the empty drinks off ourselves before being told that the staff was going to take care of it, but once we were sat at a clear table it was easy to order up at the bar.

Yes, because it's fun, there's always a friendly face, Lacey and Heather are my favorites behind…read morethe bar. Rath makes some killer fried chicken and she makes the pizza dough from scratch! But I worry about the kitchen cleanliness... if the floor is any indication... then... When Robert runs the KJ booth, you're going to have a good time! EVERY TIME!! He's got a large catalogue of music, but could do more to be on top of new music releases, as compared to other KJ Hosts. When Colt is there??? Enter at your own risk! He's so moody, and off-putting, there's usually no one singing, or like me I'll come see it's him, maybe stick around to sing 1 song and then leave. He takes too many breaks, he clearly has favorites, he doesn't seem to know how to set up a que , and also run a ticker at the bottom of his screen so people can know where they are in the line up... he actually will tell you to Go Away! He already saw you, and put your name in. Tell him your song when you're called. Then on another night, you make eye contact, and you don't want to get barked at, so you don't approach with your name... and then 2 hours goes by. There are only 5 singers, so you do approach and you're told that you're not ever going to sing if you don't tell him that you want to!!! This Guy?!?! Colt, you want to be tipped, so why are you so rude? I've asked you this question several times before. At least try. Anne now to the FILTH - The bathrooms! Awful! Usually not tended to, in an entire evening, as there isn't a body available to do so! Many peeps use neighboring establishment's facilities instead... The interior at Pyzano's was filthy dirty and begging for updates in 2010!! This place is Never Deep Cleaned. It's barely surface cleaned and vacuumed! BRING HAND SANITIZER! And WIPES or MIC COVERS, (available on Amazon) for Karaoke mics! The windows, floors, seats, table tops, mirrors and other wall accessories are layered in either thick dust, or sticky, germy, grime. The carpet has been worn so thin in areas, that it's torn and is hazardous! When you approach Pyz, you're slapped in the face with dirty, greasy finger-printed windows and doors.. PLEASE, just WASH YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS!! It's not hard, just takes elbow grease if you're unable to pay for a service contract. Take pride in your business! Clean it up!! My neighborhood friends gather here. It's in my backyard. I want to bring more people, but several have been grossed out and won't come back. I'd like them to come back?! Wouldn't you, Ra?!

Pyzano's in Aloha is one of our family's go-to spots, and for good reason! The staff is…read moreconsistently friendly, always greeting us with warm smiles and providing top-notch service. It really feels like they genuinely care about their customers. While their pizzas are delicious, the real secret here is their fried chicken. I'm convinced it's one of the best I've ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's a hidden gem on the menu that not many people know about. If you're in the area and looking for a restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere, great service, and incredible food (including some of the best fried chicken around!), you have to give Pyzano's a try. You won't be disappointed!

Old school Portland hidden gem. Rich history behind the walls. Excellent vibe. Delicious small…read morebites reasonably priced. Great service. Easy parking. Huge surprise from the outside impression. Cozy relaxed upscale inside. Could be a definite new favorite to stay onsite if you're in Portland and not have to drive anywhere

There are restaurants with great food, and there are restaurants with great vibes. Wax Social…read moredelivers both at a high level. I've worked through most of the menu, and every single dish lands. I kept expecting at least one to miss, but it never did. I'm not usually a seafood person, but their fish tacos and Ahi Poke nachos completely changed my mind. If seafood always tasted like that, I'd order it every time. The deviled eggs might be my all-time favorite appetizer. The steak bites are perfectly cooked and tender, and the white cheddar onion dip is rich, savory, and hard to stop eating. What really puts it over the top is the experience. The owner is incredibly welcoming, the staff is attentive without hovering, and the whole place has an elevated but relaxed energy. With the live DJ, it feels like the perfect spot for a date night or a fun night out with friends. If you're deciding where to go next, put this at the top of your list. Can't wait to go back!

I enjoy the vibe at this place. It feels relaxed and rejuvenating. The bartenders are friendly, and…read moreone of them even walked up to me in the lobby area to ask if I needed anything. It was busy with a line, and I was tired of waiting, so I sat down for a while. One of the servers demonstrated excellent situational awareness; once he was done with the busy line, he came to me and asked if he could bring me anything. I was very impressed by his outstanding customer service. This is a great place for EV owners to hang out while charging their vehicles.

Kitchen closed, lack of staff. Would have been nice to know before booking a last minute stay at…read morethis hotel.

Ideal dark bar vibe! Perfect place for a cocktail late night…read more Drinks were great. Our table order a variety of drinks and none of them were really sweet. The ambience is low lighting, lounge, playing Amy Winehouse. Also they have absinthe if you're in to that! Our server was really kind and was able to give great recommendations. The space itself is pretty small.

Driftwood Room is an interesting one. If you've been watching Mad Men like I have recently, you'll…read morefeel right at home -- minus the misogyny and the occasional cringe reminder that this era wasn't actually that long ago. The room drops you straight into a version of 1950s America that's been preserved just enough to feel nostalgic without feeling like a museum. Low lighting, wood everywhere, cocktails that feel like they belong in a glass with a heavy base and a quiet sense of purpose. It works, and it works for just about anyone. The drinks are excellent, and the service is generally solid. That said, this is a hotel bar, and it's often staffed by a single bartender, so your experience can vary depending on who's behind the stick that night. I've had great visits here -- the kind where everything flows -- and I've had nights that were just okay. Nothing bad, just inconsistent in a way that comes with the territory. And that's really the crux of it. At the end of the day, this is a hotel bar. Which means drinks come with a premium -- not outrageous, but noticeable. You're paying a bit extra for the setting, for the history, for the fact that it's there when you need it. And while the cocktails are well-made, Portland has no shortage of places doing equally good, if not better, work for the same price or maybe a dollar more. Timing matters here. Weekdays are ideal -- when the room feels like it's yours, when you can actually settle into it. Weekends are a different story. Travelers roll in, rightfully ready to unwind, and suddenly you're competing for space, for attention, for a seat at the bar. So why go? Because when it hits, it really hits. It's a place to lean into the mood a little. Order something off their house cocktail list -- they clearly put thought into it -- and let yourself sink into that old-school rhythm where day drinking feels less like a vice and more like a quiet ritual. It's not perfect. It's not the best value in the city. But it is one of the more distinct experiences you can have -- and sometimes, that's enough.

Good ambiance but terrible food and most of the people that tend to come in are pretty ratchet.read more

Didn't know what to expect when I heard of this new spot. It was my first time and I went in with…read morelow expectations but now I'm hooked! The back door was open so I slipped in and had the time of my life! Must enjoy back door entrance.

It's a lounge. It's a bar. It's a game room. It's a restaurant. The Silver Birch wears a lot of…read morehats and I guess, depending on your mood, that's a good thing. I'll speak to the lounge/bar part here, which also has several different sides. First, the bar is your standard, modern-looking L-shaped counter, a bunch of stools, etc. it's not quite divey -- seems like it's aspiring to greater heights, though the dimly-lit tables and booths on the other side of the room would beg to differ. There are other tables out in the open, near the big window, better lit and with more of a restaurant vibe. It's all good; you got a nice happy hour, and above- average food for any bar or pub (hence the Kitchen) in the vicinity. The bartenders have all been spot-on, attentive but not pushy and a joy at happy hour. And yep, the chow I've had here to date has been resoundingly tasty, with the cod fish tacos (three) served up nicely slathered with lines of crema and paired with lots of avocado slices. Nice. Hummus plate was a winner too, the fresh hummus working against a nice, robust mix of fresh veggies. Plenty of food here. This is from the regular menu, which also sports a lot of familiar entries --- burgers, wraps, salads, fish and chips, even vegetarian options. Im down with this side of the Silver Birch; the actual kitchen/restaurant looks like it's on the other side of building (separate), so I can't speak to that but I would like to try it sometime. In any case, I like the joint better now than what it used to be, which was a Chinese restaurant; it's airier and lighter and has a better menu. There's karaoke, and the game room has plenty of entertainment. Also, it's located right on a roundabout, so getting into the small on-site parking lot can be a bit tricky.

Sadly the restaurant is closed at this time, this was a good stop if you're in Beaverton not sure…read moreif they're going to reopen at any point.

Fireside Lounge seems like a typical hotel restaurant / bar in that the food is passable, and no…read morefurther effort is made because they have a captive audience. There are not a lot of other dining options in the area, so Fireside is a pretty easy choice. The food is just OK. Definitely stuff that is mass-produced and heated on-site. Prices are mercifully low, so one doesn't feel as though they've been ripped off. There is a big selection of non-alcoholic beverages, which I appreciated. The real standout here was the friendliness of the staff. Everybody I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. There was a band playing during my visit, and they seemed to be as "bar band" as bar bands get. I was the only person who applauded after each song, which was weird to me. I'd have hoped that staff, at least, would have applauded as well.

Over the last few months, I've stopped in for a beverage and sometimes an appetizer. The fireplace…read moreis cozy and the atmosphere comfortable and live music nightly. In the last couple of visits, though, it's different. My past history here prevents me from giving it a 2-star review. I know there has been a management change, and it shows. Some of my favorite staff have departed, seeking greener pastures. The reason for this review now is my most recent purchase ... a $17 glass of Pudding River Pinot Gris. When I found out the price as I cashed out, I felt robbed. I can drive less than 9 miles away and buy a whole bottle for $25. My previous glass of wine that evening was an $8 chardonnay from another local winery. I figured the Pinot Gris couldn't be much more than the Chard, especially one from Pudding River, which I've personally visited so I know their bottle prices. So, before you buy anything at the Fireside Lounge, ask the price. Don't be surprised (aka robbed) as I was.