Came out for live music that did not disappoint! I really enjoy a good divey aesthetic and Laurelthirst had plenty of it. The older gentleman at the door was welcoming and kind, and very apologetic that the door fee was cash only (tip - bring cash or you'll have to walk a couple blocks to the plaid pantry for atm access). The food we ordered was good (burgers and fries), the bartender seemed a little annoyed or bothered in general, maybe he was having an off night, so he wasn't the friendliest person but he poured cold beer and put our orders in correctly so there's that. Come for the live music and divey aesthetic, and you'll leave feeling quite satisfied! Oh, and parking was a little meh considering the area. read more

Live music most nights (and free a lot of the time) from some of Portland's best bands. A pretty good happy hour. A warm, funky, old school-not-faking it atmosphere with vintage wooden booths and tables. Cheap drinks. Check, check and check. As for grub, the BLT and burgers are solid pub fare, though the nachos are a hard pass. I don't come here for the food though, but for the thoroughly competent bartenders who work the always-crowded, narrow main room with grace and wit; the reliably excellent entertainment (which often includes a loyal band of dancing hippies, resplendent in their tie dyes, grooving to the tunes); and the strong drinks from the full bar. Add in a friendly neighborhood vibe that makes it seem like everyone's welcome, and you've got a true Portland institution. Support local music! Pro tip: if the main room gets too loud for you - as it often does - there's a smaller back area with a couple of tables, a pool table, pinball machines and a tv screen live-streaming whatever band is on stage at the moment. It's a good spot to eat your food or have an actual conversation when the volume is too much in the other room. Also; the bathroom sucks. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Lew Longmire and the Left Coast Roasters in mid jam - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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A classic neighborhood pub that also has live music regularly, often more than one act in a day. That combo makes it a very unusual and special place -- most music venues don't have "neighborhood bar" vibes, and most neighborhood bars don't have live music. There are some young people among the clientele, but the majority are in their 40s and up, including many way past 40. From that demographic, you might think this is a quiet, sedate kind of crowd. You would be wrong. You'll see plenty of outlandish attire, tattoos and behaviors from the oldsters here. It's a hippie place, many of the regulars seem like refugees from the '60s, even those too young to have been around then. The music often reinforces the '60s vibe -- lots of folk-rock somewhat reminiscent of the Dead. But excellent! I am not a Deadhead but do appreciate much of the music here. Many of the regular musicians know each other and sit in with one another. The thing that stops me from giving this place the fifth star is I'm afraid to actually enter -- it's a classic cozy, packed pub, the sort of place I loved before Covid but can't relax in now. (Yes, Covid is still with us, as are a host of other illnesses that you could catch in such an environment.) There are outdoor tables, and you can hear the music from outside, so that's an option. Even during bad weather there usually are a bunch of people hanging out outside. I haven't tried the food. read more

Cool medium bar with some great atmosphere and great music. The bartenders were efficient and welcoming. The crowd was eclectic and fun. The music was wonderful! They do have food, which I did not try. What I loved is that they had multiple non alcoholic beverages for me to enjoy, that were not just soda. I would check this place out if you had time. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I still mostly come here for live music, but occasionally will bring family in for a drink. The new ownership has really kept the place going strong. read more

Had a nice time yesterday listening to a local band while we had some good rain. Good Taplist, laid back vibe and by no means am I a vegetarian, but do love veggies. I tried the sesame seed and walnut Rueben and wow, I was taken back, so freakin' good. The service was spot on and good, had a nice time, thank you. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Rockin' Out! - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place from what I've experienced! Live music every night! Great staff! Good vibes from most people, dancing people the best! Two spaces, main bar/dance floor - then a back/side area with a pool table. Tables out front, too. I've eaten food once so far. The Banh Mi was good, the pulled pork makes it less traditional, or something about it - but it's tasty! I want to try the vegan patty. The bread length or sandwich size was smaller than I expected (that's what she said, lol) I was still satisfied overall ;) I'll be back. read more

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Been decades since I've been here. And it's been decades since I went to live music two nights in a row! This place has a a homey, family pub atmosphere, at least in the east half. West side is where you go to get the food, and there are pool tables, pinball, etc. East side has the music stage. And a majority of the music here is no cover. The reubens were pretty good--get extra napkins; the fries nicely crispy (peanut oil.) Bartenders very friendly. And the music--Michele Alany & the Mystics--was incredibly good. read more

Laurelthirst seems to have improved quite a bit of late. On my most recent visit: *Service was friendlier and more attentive *The food tasted a lot better *Kombucha is now available On a different subject, nor related to my review and strictly as an FYI, Laurelthirst very strictly enforces COVID-19 protocol. Proof of immunization or a negative test within the past 48 hours is required for admission, and there is copious signage throughout advising that masks are required to be worn when not active eating or drinking, when ordering at the bar, or when dancing or mingling in front of the stage. read more

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A Portland institution with no cover for the early show. Lots of people, eating, vegan or vegetarian food, but with organic burgers available as well. Lots of people who are dressed as though they could immediately go on a hike or would feel comfortable with the Oregon country fair. People dancing by the stage. Lots of local talent and people who know each other. An intimate local bar that won't cost you an arm and a leg. read more

I came here for the first time last night to see a friend's band play and had a wonderful time! The band played from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday. It seems like this is a weekly event. We got there ten minutes to 6, and there were almost no places to sit. We sat at the bar and had a great view of the stage. They verify your vaccine status at the door, which I thought was nice. Full bar and great selection of beers, ciders, and hard seltzer on tap. My husband and I both got food. I ordered a ruben sandwich with a vegan house made patty instead of meat. The sandwich was pretty good, but the vegan patty was dry. It was saved by the 1,000 island dressing and saurkraut. Overall, I really liked this place and will go back for sure. read more

Just popping in to say the more I visit here the more I love it. Food is wonderful, beer/cider selection is varied and they gotz something for every palate. Servers are awesome.... and the music is consistently wonderful. Plus they really take care of the smokers in the crowd.... nice tables with umbrellas far away from the non-smokers so that everyone is happy. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Excellent cider - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great place, friendly staff and nice patrons...in fact, I dropped my wallet in there on a crowded night....10 min I went back in to thinking it's gone...someone turned it in...it had my $150 still in there. read more

Lewi Longmire is my hero. Listen to "lucky guy" from the palace and it puts everything into perspective. Jerry Joseph is an awesome musician that does residencies here and Doug Martsch made me want to stay in Portland forever after his small acoustic show there. The freak mountain ramblers just keep bringing people together and Charlie Brown is a show upper! Laurelthirst is awesome! They use real glass and their drinks are a great price. Those other brothers that own a bunch of cool spots around Portland use so much plastic and their food is gross food but Laurelthirst is a Portland gem. Good music, food, good values and not an environmental disaster. I wish I was a brick in the wall there so I could see all the shows! read more

Good vibes, great music, Banh Mi very good, and great service! I enjoyed my afternoon with some ciders and enjoyed listening to the music with my Dad.! read more

Hmmm. The first unusual thing you notice walking in to this place is the privilege attitude you get from the waitstaff. I guess they're celebrities or ?? The bar woman wouldn't stop hitting on the other woman at the bar (who was there with her boyfriend) long enough to take an order. She made us feel like we just broke into her home and took a dump on her kitchen floor. Well . . . . . You have been open for 2 hours on Saturday afternoon. Your company expects you to sell their inventory so they can give you a paycheck . . . We get that you don't like working days . . . So our party decides to open a tab and have two rounds each, which took about all afternoon because the bar woman insisted on HIDING in the kitchen instead of actually TENDING the bar. We finally corralled the entitled celebrity for our long overdue check and she says . . Get this. " I went ahead and added the gratuity - party of 3 or more is AUTOMATIC. OMG. Are you mental? She watched me call the card issuer, cancel the card transaction and we put exact cash on the bar for the beer. I used to be a regular here in the late 80's and 90's - yes, it's gone a little further downhill since those misty days of yore. DUMP read more

Great service, friendly patrons and delicious food---banh mi salad was excellent. Loved the local vibe, the fun staff and the great variety of entrees! read more

Fun little place. Went to a Freaks show and was the first time there. I clearly misread the crowd and was largely ignored. Food was good. Crowd was friendly enough. Difficult to be there if you are disabled. Otherwise fine read more

One of the best places for live music, often free. Some incredibly great bands perform with regularity. Usually a free early show and often a cover charge for later show. Great local vibe. The pool table in the extra room is pretty bad. But very friendly people happy to play. read more

Maybe they should adjust their website. It says they stay open till midnight on Sunday, but just now I went in and they said they close at 11:00. Just a heads up. read more

This place is great for listening to music and enjoying a night out. Bartenders are great! I will definitely be back to play some Kiss pinball in the near future read more

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I've been going to the laurelthirst for over 25 years. Last year I was kicked out for fighting during a Little Sue concert. Some clown was right up front and wouldn't shut up so I turned around and told him to be quiet and grabbed me and well... it was very embarrassing. I've been back and accepted with open arms. Great place. read more

Great spot to see music. Nice atmosphere and friendly folks! Outdoor seating. I like their beer selection as well.

Fell into this place yesterday afternoon for Happy Hour and I think we found our people. The music was great and the drinks were tasty. We will be back! read more

If I could give this place a million stars I would. My grandpa Chet has been hanging out at this place through multiple owners up until his death last month. The owners and employees truly care about their customers and always looked after my gramps. They even went as far as to go to his house and check on him if they hadn't seen him in a few days. Awesome! I also have been here every time I was in town to visit. The decor is old school public house form. The food was tasty. I always had french toast when I was here and it always was perfect. I love their cream of mushroom soup. And it goes without saying (but I'm still gonna say it) that I love the beer!!!! I also found it funny that they looked the other way when my grandma used to try and stuff everything on the table into her purse to take home. Since I will no longer be making visits to Portland I will definitely miss stopping in here to see my family. Although I didn't know the people here very well, anyone who treated my grandpa so wonderfully will always be like family to me. read more

Live music? Great beer? Good vibe? Check check check. Stumbled into Laurelthirst after a big dinner. The beers on tap were solid. They have a vast selection of brews. Only had time to guzzle down two, but while doing so I was serenaded by the band performing. They jammed out, and were pretty good. If you find yourself in the neighborhood a looking for a spot to hang for a bit, this is your place. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Live Music! - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place has been here for ever, over 20 years in its current incarnation, and decades before that as a neighborhood pub. It's Portland's old timey music central. How many notes have bounced off those walls? For happy hour, the special is free music, 6-8PM. Tuesday is bluegrass night with Jackstraw. Laura Veirs has played a month of Wednesdays with the musicians in her recording band, like Chris Funk. They have been mixing it up, with up and coming players like Grey Anne who I first saw about 2 years ago at a house concert. I'm not much a classic rock or country rock fan, but they have that too. Later in the evening, 9, there is sometimes a cover. Once a month this crazy musician Baby Gramps from Seattle plays. Request his palindrome song! The food is well executed bar food, this isn't a gastropub. They always have soup. A nice large selection of microbrews - 18 taps. The building will surely fall down in an earthquake and nothing fancy about the bathrooms. The smoking ban and adding a full bar have made the place even better. For some reason they recently added a little laser light show to the stage. (?) The bar is cramped, so don't expect fast service busy times. The place is a summer hot spot with outdoor seating and conversation. Inside it's air conditioned. Order food at the bar and it's delivered to the table Drinks ordered and picked up at the bar. The Tuesday crowd is varied and friendly. From people in their '80's to 21's, a gentleman with a seeing eye dog to outdoor surfer, kayaker and snow folks, musicians and teachers, programmers and carpenters, ad agency execs dancing with their sweetie. More fleece than fur, more outdoor shoes than heels. Definitely a dress down spot. Solid and cool staff. Music insiders know their epic tickets-in-advance New Year's Eve, lately with Laura Veirs backed by Decemberists. What a pleasure to see beautiful and friendly people in Chucks and rain parkas dancing up a storm while other venues sprout pretentiousness. Best of all, it's authentic, which is hard in trendy Portland. read more

I don't know how to describe this place but it felt like home. I decided to go here because they offered live music and when I went I heard Big Foot Mojo, had local Portland beer, ate a steak and brie sandwhich (with chips - as in potato chips...not fries. I was duped haha) and made new friends. This bar is perfect and if I lived around the area I would be here every week. The bar is divided into to areas, one with the main bar, stage, booths and seats, the other side has games and there is even outdoor seating. There is a wide selection of local brews and there is music pretty much every night (some require cover charge) but overall Laurelthirst impressed and was inviting. Will be coming back here! P.s - above the bar you will find lots of antiques and decorations...many of them are from regulars. One person I met put her grandmothers rocking chair up there! read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I really did enjoy myself here, but I do have some serious bitches and I'm really not sure why I'm still giving this place 4 stars. First, I went there with a guy that is the same age as I am - 34. The hobag at the door carded him, and not me. Okay, he's got a slight mohawk going on - but I don't really look old enough such that if I were WITH him that I shouldn't also be carded. Come people - you're in the service industry, and everyone knows that if you're to card one, you card all. And if you don't know that - then get another f'n job. Preferably one that does not involve people. Second, I sat down at the bar and 20 minutes later, some lady comes up to me and says, "you're in my seat", like I just ran over her dog. Now, okay... but I'm pretty sure that you didn't need to talk to me like that. And wouldn't you know, it looked like she was friends with the lady checking the IDs. Well, that said it all... and we moved just a touch down the bar, and everything from there on out was great. The live music was enjoyable but I can safely say that the mandolin is not my favorite instrument - live and learn. I really liked the volume on the music, and the style of music overall. I also felt like there was a good vibe around the place, and the beer selections included a nice variety that was decently priced. I did not participate in the food... but I will be returning when the opportunity presents itself. The #1 thing that I enjoyed (besides the fantastic company) was the clean breathing... oh, I like it when I can do that. read more

Great inexpensive place for live music and microbrews! The atmosphere is of small neighborhood pub, not a dive bar. The live music was bluegrass type stuff, and the talent was impressive (and no cover charge, so tip the band). There was also an old hippie doing some kind of psychedelic dancing, which was entertaining in itself. The menu was small, but I got a delicious Reuben and tomatoe cheese soup for only $9. The beers on tap are awesome, and I got the Rasputin Stout ($4.50) which was an impressive 9%ABV and great tasting. I would definitely come back and suggest you visit this place. It's reasonably priced, clean, and friendly. Just make sure to get there before 6 to get a good seat. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Rasputin Stout, $4.50. Not too dark and 9%ABV! Grade:A - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The feeling, vibe, music - it's just a magical place. A lasting reminder of the funky hippie cool Portland. Happy hours shows are no cover, and amazing way to catch longtime Hall of Fame quality artists - Lewi Longmire, Little Sue, James Lowe, Michael Hurley, etc. etc. Food is great too, and wonderful bartenders. This should be right up there with Powell's Books as essential Portland experience. read more

I'll keep this quick: there's a little WINE RACK behind the bar. Surprising, when most bars like this serve their wine by "color", there's actually some choice here...insert shock and awe. Oh AND it doesn't suck. I find some great bands to hear, friendly efficient bartenders, very reasonable pricing (seriously), and a minimal cover for music in the evenings. I haven't eaten here - only drank (whoopsie); however I will update with a food review whence I return...which I will do soon read more

I honestly don't know why I don't come here more often. It is just one of those places that I always talk about going to, but for some reason don't. That changed the other day as I came here for the first time in years. Laurelthirst was one of the first places I ever came to in Portland. That was well before I was a Yelper. After going to the dog park with my friend and his dog on Saturday we decided to get some lunch. Having a dog with us narrowed our choices of where to eat. The first place we tried (which shall remain nameless) didn't allow dogs. I suggested Laurelthirst as I knew they had tables out front. Once there we secured a table outside. The place was pretty empty in the early afternoon part of Saturday, so it wasn't too difficult to secure a table. The menu mostly consists of sandwiches and salads which was fine by us. Very affordable as well. I had the Turkey Thirst sandwich which had grilled turkey, onions, mushrooms and swiss with mayo, dijon and tomato on 6" roll. Obviously I got it without mayo. I probably don't need to tell my readers this anymore. The sandwich comes with a choice of chips, homemade potato salad, cup of soup or house salad on the side. I had the house salad with vinaigrette dressing. Wasn't sure what to expect of this sandwich, but it was quite tasty. I don't think the turkey was deli turkey. It was thicker. Not saying they have a whole turkey in the back they are cutting up for sandwiches, but it certainly tasted better than deli turkey. Love onions and mushrooms with this sandwich. Nice combo. Good service and a good setting make the Laurelthirst a must come back to. Hopefully it won't be years before I take my own advice. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been coming to Laurelthirst for years. I brought my 98 year old grandfather to dance for almost a decade there. I love the family/older vibe. I love that the people are welcoming. I had some friends visiting from Idaho last night. I wanted to take them somewhere warm and friendly like Idaho bars. My friend asked for a straw and the waitress (brown hair middle aged) said, "we don't have straws we like turtles" then walked away. I work with Sea Turtles Forever. I was just stunned. There are paper straws. Later, she said last call, my friend tried to order a drink and same bartender said, "we are done serving". It was 9:48. She just told us it was last call. Anyhow, I was embarrassed and ashamed about how rude she was. If you hate bartending, get a different job. My friend was so nice, she said, she's being a bitch and there must be a reason why? Maybe she had a really bad day... Maybe. However, we all have bad days. You're in customer service. Too bad my husband is nice and left her a fat tip. SUPER RUDE WAIT STAFF!!!!!! read more

Whoa! I came to Laurelthirst to play a show in December 2019 and it was a thrill from start to finish! The staff is hard core and hot and fun to talk to, the bands were welcoming and helped me make a keyboard stand out of a table, and the crowd was the best! They were even super helpful when I left my debit card behind like a tourist ... can't wait to go back! read more

Decades of great music. Thanks Lewi and friends for keeping the Thirst in the east side family! Visitors: Parking is very limited, so PLEASE use the Bus! Often! #19 Glisan, Sandy 12 and Burnside 20 are near. Keep voices low when outdoirs and close cars doors gently please. Welcoming neighbors are a blessing. read more

Laurelthirst Public House - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Stopped in pre-Greek festival for a drink at 11am. Band was playing bluegrass and just a chill atmosphere. Easy place to get a drink and relax that early in the morning. Bartender serving us, Christy was super nice and took some time to chat with us. They have pool and pinball if you just want to hang out. We returned after the Greek festival to hang and enjoy more libations. Great space for a larger group as well. read more

Ya gotta come here on Monday evenings at 9 to hear " kung pow chickens". Hope I spelt that right. Fantastic gypsy-jazz and dancing if you like. Been going here for years now. My friend Johnny told me about this place. Thank you read more

Mama Julie makes the best quesadillas in Portland! This lady is not Mexican, but hot dam, she nails it! My favorite bartender is Asia because she always has a smile and remembers my drink of choice. She gets it, she is awesome, and makes Laurelthirst special. Lewi Longmire is an excellent musician that happens to own this venue. Every time he performs, the whole venue explodes. God Bless Portlandia. read more

So I like this place - the people watching is awesome and the music is great, but their practices are shifty. Do not open a tab. Bring cash or cash out with every drink. Both my friend and I were double charged for our drinks. This isn't the first time this has happened - the first time I thought it was a mistake - but it seems like a pattern. I'll probably still come here (the music is awesome) but won't trust them with my credit card. read more