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    Slow Bar

    4.1 (640 reviews)
    ModerateLounges, Burgers
    Open 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Slow Bar Photos

    Business Info

    SLOW BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Slow Bar

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    Reviews With Photos - Slow Bar

    Interior is so cool!
    Alison G.

    I live in the building right on the same block and Slow Bar has NEVER failed me. The previous owners and the new ones have nothing but absolute attention to detail when it comes to service. Food is always great (even at late hours) and ambiance is like dive-y but also fun and inviting, (I can't even explain it's homey and fun). My pro tip, as a local marg connoisseur, get the Zirkpatrick (!!!!) and a grilled chicken sandwich (feels indulgent-healthy , thanks to the fresh ingredients and love that goes into it). I honestly could not rave enough about this place. - from a real one that is going to lose her mind when she has to move out.

    Rashi T.

    Slow Bar is a dive bar and I kind of don't care because it is still an a-ok watering hole. After a fun night with friends at the Portland Night Market we wanted to cap off the night with a couple more drinks . What can I say More is more when it comes to Alcohol . The place was empty(Ish) and we were able to order and sit right away. Apart from drinks we also got a couple quick bites which as expected came dripping in oil and were finished in minutes by the alcohol fueled crowd. We didn't get the famous burger but definitely next time. I am really curious to try it and see for myself. The premises is dimly lit and kind of dark . all in all it's a fun joint for late night hang.

    Dining area
    Kay M.

    New ownership but still same cool bar. It's woman owned as well so that makes it even cooler! Great food, solid drinks, excellent service. I'll be back!

    Food menu. popped in for a quick bite
    Cristina C.

    Standard dark neighborhood bar. The regulars were very nice and the staff was quick, and attentive. The food quality was standard for a dive bar having some different items then most. Nothing stood out as a must go, but it was a decent visit.

    Northern Lemonade
    Jason O.

    Me and a couple buddies went here to get food and a few drinks after a movie. The bar tender was awesome she came to our table quickly to take out dream order then was back a couple minutes later with them and to take out food order. I got the "slow burger" and it did not disappoint it was delicious! One friend got chicken strips and hush puppies and those were also delicious! Overall a great bar & I will be back soon

    Burger week special.
    Martin W.

    I leaned about this little corner bar due to burger week. And their special bacon jam burger was just a right lunch break item. Juicy delicious. Will be back for more. The service was great especially since when I arrived the building had a fire and it smelled awe full. Nobody was hurt. It they had to ask the guest to come back at a later time. I was happy I could manage that since that burger was worth the wait!

    Bri D.

    Not sure how I never knew about this place, but what a treat. The burger was really good, and although I did try it with the big onion ring, I prefer it without! And as good as the burger was, the real winner for me was the cheese fondue. It's the best cheese fondue I've ever had and I love the accompaniments that it comes with!!! And it had more then plenty. I ate all of it. Along with the burger. And surprisingly I didn't feel horrible afterwards! The decor was nice and the service was great as well. I look forward to going back and trying some other things on the menu!

    Alex W.

    Place is okay I suppose. Not too far from where I live but the ambiance is pretty dark and kinda meh for me. Lot of people love the food but I thought it was merely average. Not horrible but nothing special either. If you like more of a lounge type vibe tho guess it could be for you

    Menu (Aug 2023)
    Charlie T.

    This place has been around for as long as I can remember. It's one of the places I used to go for a late night munchies, especially the burger. I came here again for Portland Burger Week. Their special burger was very tasty, and you can tell that the meat quality is superb. They also have a great selection of drinks.

    Apps
    Long N.

    Came for pre New Year's Eve party meal. Waitresses were festive. Small dark bar. Lots of good food choices. We ordered bits of wings, pizza, onion rings. Typical bar food, nothing special. Ordered drinks, all came out quick. Prices were decent. Good service. Happy new years! Enjoyed our time.

    Cool vibe .... Great food ... awesome music!!!! Sadie was the best ..... can't wait to come back!

    Menu 8/2022
    Phil N.

    I remember first dining at Slow Bar maybe 15 years ago when bistro burgers were all the rage in Portland and maybe even nationally. A friend of mine was compiling a list of the cities best burgers for one of the newspapers and gave Slow Bar a pretty high ranking. Based off my friend's article, I tried to hit up as many of the places that ranked in the top 20 as I could. One of the best parts of a bistro burger is how it looks visually. A great bistro burger is so beautifully constructed, the sauces and ingredients are so meticulously thought out to form a burger that is greater than the sum of it's parts, the burger patties usually have custom beef blends that try to optimize for flavor, the best bistro burgers are tall and statuesque and when you look at it with your eyes you believe you can comfortably bite the entire height of the burger, but in reality your eyes are deceiving you because it's just ever so slightly larger than what you can chew. Slow Bar exhibits all of these traits, but and while it may not have been the best bistro burger in Portland during the height of the bistro burger crazy, it is the only one I believe left still standing amongst the great bistro burgers this town had to offer (Gruner, Le Pigeon, Little Bird, Toro Bravo, Tasty and Sons all come to mind in terms of top tier bistro burgers). What's even better is the house made french fries that actually taste like potatoes. All of the top tier bistro burgers form back in the day didn't often come with sides and for a fair price at $15 you get one of the only surviving bistro burgers but a nice heaping pile of high quality french fries. So what goes on a Slow Burger? A 1/2 lb ground beef patty from Painted HIlls (which if my memory serves me correct also supplied the then most expensive hamburger in the US in a restaurant in Manhattan that sold for about $99 over a decade ago), a house made hand dipped onion ring, gruyere cheese, butter lettuce (bc iceburg or romaine just isn't good enough for this burger), and a perfectly paired brioche bun that holds up to all of these toppings exceptionally well. My favorite drug is nostalgia, and the Slow Burger is one of my favorite doses of nostalgia that reminds me of a time when living in Portland was cheap and affordable, safe and clean, and when bistro burgers ruled the restaurant scene.

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    5 years ago

    Great staff, great vibe, food is incredible, drink menu is stacked. Best Burger in Portland. If you disagree fight me.

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    7 years ago

    Really good food, dive bar type atmosphere. Good option for late night burger or sandwiches.

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    Page 6 of 16

    Ask the Community - Slow Bar

    When is happy hour?

    Monday through Friday 3-6pm and Sunday through Thursday nights from midnight to close

    I am sending some college kids (18+) on a burger crawl. Do they have to be 21 to get into Slow Bar to get burgers?

    Yes, it's a bar, 21 and over.

    Gluten Free options?

    Yes we have gluten free buns

    Do they use grass fed meat?

    Yes

    View All 8 Questions

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

    4.4
    (1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!
    Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!
    Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.
    Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.
    Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

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    Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks
    Driftwood Room

    Driftwood Room

    4.4
    (353 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Speakeasy Ambience!
    Speakeasy Ambience!
    Olives & Focaccia
    Olives & Focaccia
    Mirrors everywhere & cool driftwood sculptures

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    Mirrors everywhere & cool driftwood sculptures
    The Observatory

    The Observatory

    4.3
    (2.6k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Great cocktails and great food! This place has a wonderful vibe and quick service. Years ago, they…read morehad this amazing dahlia salad that I wish would return though. Please bring it back!

    Had an awesome time at The Observatory the other weekend. Unlike a lot of places, they run their…read moreHappy Hour on the weekend, which is what drew my partner and I in. You can absolutely smell the fish and vinegar as soon as you walk through the door, which I think gives the place a very homey pub feel. I ordered a spiked peach Arnold Palmer, which I enjoyed (and it was pleasantly strong) and a glass of the house white, which was good for the price. Our server was very fast and attentive. To eat I got the tomato soup with a grilled cheese, which was absolutely fantastic. The soup was so creamy and flavorful, and I cannot imagine a better meal after spending all day walking outside in the rain. The fries were super crispy and I liked the batter. My partner and I shared some of their breadsticks, which were deliciously baked (fresh!) and came with a super refreshing basil crema and a nice tomato-y dip. Wonderful all. My partner ordered fish and chips, and was surprised to find that it is one large fillet of fish, not multiple pieces like you would typically expect. He said the fish was fine, but a little tough. Overall, a wonderful experience. I definitely hope to return. I highly recommend this place as a refuge during the cold winter months!

    Photos
    Love the decor and ambiance
    Love the decor and ambiance
    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)
    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)
    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

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    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)
    Wax Social

    Wax Social

    4.4
    (57 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    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.

    Photos
    The walls are covered with stunning photographs of music legends
    The walls are covered with stunning photographs of music legends
    Craft cocktail at Wax Social
    Craft cocktail at Wax Social
    Art installation at Wax Social

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    Art installation at Wax Social

    Slow Bar - lounges - Updated August 2026

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