Full, generous pours. Pool table. Service can be slow when a crowd arrives together. Classic P-Town dive bar atmosphere. Table Pac Man, pinball read more

0 star review. The bar tender that works Thursday evening shifts was the most rude bartender I've ever met in my 30 years in Portland. I've never had an experience like it. Karen bartenders. read more

Make no mistake, the White Castle burgers at Clinton Street Pub are truly a meal fit for king. My gastronomic experience with these delightful morsels begin when my bartender/ server/chef ask me if I wanted these two classic American entrees with or without cheese. How could I say no to artisan Wisconsin Cheddar? Within minutes of me placing the order, the two cheeseburgers arrived at my seat expertly plated in a red basket with black and white checkered paper along with a warm and courteous smile. Included, a copious amount of napkins and something that this humble patron was not expecting: small packets of both ketchup and mustard. Truly, this is meal that makes the most common customer feel like nothing short of royalty. On close inspection of my meal I found no faults. The buns were fluffy. A golden brown hue caressed the exterior while the pristine white middle painted a picture of a virgin marble castle in my mind. Gooey melted cheese oozed from the sides while still sizzling beef, probably wagyu, rested inside on a belly of perfectly caramelized chopped onions. After dressing the burgers with the aforementioned ketchup and mustard I took a bite. "Is this heaven?" I thought to myself. "Will I ever experience a meal like this ever again?" It wasn't till I paired this edible masterpiece with the champagne of beers and some Jameson whiskey that the answers to these questions came to clarity. No. The remarkable culinary experts working behind the scenes at Clinton Street Pub have once again proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the Portland fine dining scene. All for the low low cost of $8. read more

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They have beer and a pool table. Neither are worth writing home about on their own, but combined they make for a good time. Don't forget your quarters! read more

The Clinton Street Pub - Ambiance - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What can I say about this place? This might be the only Dive Bar in all of Portland that has a solid vegan option on the menu! The veggie dog is *amazing*. I don't know what kind of magic they use when they cook it, but it is the most delicious veggie dog I have had in all of Portland, and I am serious about veggie dogs. There are also no less than 1 million bar actual dogs the frequent this place, and they are fluffy and adorable. I haven't tried the dog treats yet, but the dogs seems really like them! And obviously I won't try the dog treats, because I'm vegan. But I highly recommend the veggie dog. It's just a basic veggie dog with basic condiments however there's some magic in how they cook it here. read more

After hearing from everyone and their dogs, i swing by for the supper here last evening to try their dog treats so you don't have to. My humble opinion is, in your first bite you gonna see that it lacks necessary crunch and taste. Literally it tastes like nothing. No after taste too, but a bad smell in your mouth. Also, I recommend using cutlery because that bad smell gonna make your hands smell bad too. Texture is soggy. Like it is interesting. It wasn't a bad dish. You not gonna throw up or something. Just nothing good about it too. Tho, sweet lady in the counter was understanding and helpful. Refund got issued immediately and I'ma receive my money back to my bank account in 8 business days. read more

This place is ripe for a reboot. It's filthy, cramped, and the staff seems pissed off to be working. Maybe they should just gut it and start fresh. That's probably the nicest thing I can say about it. read more

Fav bar in Portland. The staff are all amazing and friendly and the atmosphere is classic cozy dive. Be sure to order the burrito and pizza. They're exceptional. The bathroom smells like popcorn piss and they have good pinball machines and Ms Pac Man. Go Clinton read more

This place is incredible! However, I'm gonna give it a 4.8 out of 5. Mostly because their soda water doesn't have enough bubbles. I mean. When you think about it, shouldn't soda water have the right bubble to liquid ratio, or is it just me. At any rate, this place is great! Just can't get over the soda water. Man... like. Ugh. When someone finds the right place to get soda water, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LET ME KNOW!!! read more

Best nuked burritos ever, and one of the top 3 pizza spots in town. Will be back for dinner.

Some go to church on Sunday, some prepare for the busy week ahead. I head to The Clinton Street Pub. This place exudes barroom excellence. They keep the Millers cold and cheap. The second-hand smoke wafts in and out as the regulars come and go, a reminder that Clinton Street Pub serves as a home away from home for few, providing solace for many. If you're looking for a no-frills watering hole to get a drink and feel like a true stoic, head on over. read more

This place is delightful but avoid bartender Shelby. The rest of the staff is delightful and it's a wonderful space. Avoid when she works unless you want a rude experience. read more

Clinton Street Pub is a perfectly decent and utilitarian dive bar. Good for a round or two while waiting on a Friday evening for the crowd to disperse a bit from Dot's across the street. Graffiti everywhere, even on the bottom side of the toilet seats. At least three pinball machines, with some very avid players going to town here. We came here with two friends and enjoyed some brews (they have cocktails too). I enjoyed my Black Bear Stout. You do need to go up to the bar to get your drinkies. read more

If a place like this existed in LA, it would be overrun by pretentious hipster douche bags, that's why I am glad its in Portland and not here in LA. I was surprised to meet genuine and friendly folks who were there simply to drink some drinks, play some free pool and quarter pinball. I dig the graffiti in the bathroom. Friendly uplifting quotes and smiley faces. In LA the graffiti talks shit about your mother, gang stuff, killing people and its sole purpose is there to make you cry. read more

The Clinton Street Pub - a light switch with a face drawn on it - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A proper local (neighbourhood) pub has not only a great beer and drinks selection but snacks. As an Englishman, it was ace that different flavour crisp packets were available. Also Al is a superb bar tender. Highly recommend this place as has outdoor seating as well. read more

Haven't been here in a couple years. We had a few beers, got the check and was a little surprised. $4 Hamms draft and $7 IPAs!? Clinton used to be a cheap place to drink. Hardly outrageous given inflation but definitely $1+ more/beer than other bars in the neighborhood. read more

Best service East of the river with an AMAZING kitchen across the street at Dot's! Pool sharks, dice gambling in the alleys, pirates, and I think I saw a centaur. 10/10 would make an arse out of myself again. read more

Her name was.... well, I don't care to remember. We'd met on Yahoo Personals and seemed to have a lot in common. We both knew the lyrics to the same stupid song by some band off the Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary disk. I was a computer geek with Gothic tendencies as I'd just discovered Rammstein on Napster and wore nothing but black. She was self described as petite and gothic. When I picked her up from work, I found she was neither. Warning signs #1 and #2. She was firmly 90s Portland grunge. But playing the game, I circled the block, briefly thought of heading straight, but picked her up. The passenger side springs on my car squeaked noticeably when she got in - no mean feat in a second hand 1995 Ford Crown Vic. Swearing the car leaned one direction, and I was sitting higher off the road, I decided to head down to my favorite food place - Lyons (long ago turned into condos), next to Burgerville on MLK, and across from the Denny's where David "from Welches" used to scam people for "gas money" after every Trailblazers game. Fortunately Lyons was closed (unfortunately, permanently,) so I apologized and in a fit of brilliant thinking decided to take her down to the Clinton Street Pub for a "get to know you drink." The Clinton was it's usual self. Hipsters, back when they were called Grunge and didn't wear it ironically. Neighborhood old timers who'd been going there for two decades. Drunks of all ages. She ordered PBR (warning sign #3), myself a Mt. Dew as I was still a non-drinker in those days. We talked. She complained about her ex (warning sign #4). Told me she smoked weed, "like a lot" in her words. Had anxiety, depression, manic episodes, and bi-polar disorder. Also a kid that 20-something me was not willing to deal with. (Warning signs #5 through #how do I escape this?!?!?) We chatted about an hour, when I feigned having to get home because I had to work REALLY early the next morning. I'm pretty sure I had the next day off. Volunteered to take her to her house. Found out she lived with her parents in far Gresham when I had just moved from SE 82nd to far out Beaverton. (Warning sign we're almost out of this.) She offered to smoke me out. I declined. She offered various sex acts, in the car, most of which would have been impossible even in the big back seat. I declined. She asked for my sweat shirt because she was cold. I declined because I didn't want it stretched out and turned on the heat full blast. When we finally got to her house, she tried to kiss me. I declined. The next day I had like 100 emails from her. Deleted them all without reading. A month later she called me up saying "Hey, I'll give you a second chance." I declined, luckily with the real excuse that I'd just started seeing someone awesome. That was the last time I sat foot inside the CSP for nearly 15 years. I recently had occasion to do so again. To find that it's still the same pub I had that disastrous "date" so many years ago. I don't think even the decor has changed. I know for sure the smell hasn't changed. I'm pretty sure I recognized a few faces. It's still a cheap, neighborhood dive bar. Don't expect anything great, and you'll be rewarded. read more

First and foremost, let me say I fucking love this bar. I have been a patron for 7 years, and know both owners by name and face. All of the bartenders are fucking rad , with the exception of a guy named Phil. Phil is an anomaly for Portland bartenders. Phil is a tin pot dictator that masquerades as a bartender. Sure he can pour a decent cocktail, but he chases customers away from the bar. If you get up to take a leak, he WILL take your drink, and pretend that he thought you left (there is no way to leave the bar without walking out the front door and the bathrooms are at the VERY back of the bar, you cannot leave without the bartender seeing you when it's slow) . I know regulars from the bar who leave when he is on shift or when he comes on shift, good customers. I am one of them, I regularly drop at least $80-$100 per week here when good bartenders are on staff, and tip $1 per drink, even if it's PBR, OLY, or Raineer. I'm tired of the shitty service I get from one person. I know other bartenders and service staff that will not patronize this bar from Wed-Friday nights when Phil is working. It's sad how being up the ass of 1 of 2 owners will protect someone who brings their profits down, and alienates their customers. It's time to move him to the Lutz or Crowbar to see how he works there.. Rating: 5 stars without Phil, the tin pot dictator. 1 With Phil. read more

Great dive bar in a happening spot in SE. Granted, this is my type of bar: not pretentious and typically not too busy. And frankly, even when it does get busy, it never seems to get too busy (as in I can always find a seat and I can always order a drink). The Clinton Street Theater regularly puts on interesting events that always attract a fun crowd afterword. This bar meets my personal dive bar criteria: Cheap drinks Stiff pours Friendly bartenders Eclectic crowd Pinball machines (again, my personal criteria) And as if that's not enough, they have a table version of Ms. Pac-Man that I regularly drop money on while I'm there trying to beat the high score (185,000?! Really?! C'mon!). If you are a connoisseur of dive bars, I recommend you give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

Feels a little, precious. Maybe it's that they have Hamm's AND Oly on tap. Or the excessive beer knickknackery. Or the DJ spinning 45s. Yes. 45RPM records. (an aside: if your response to that was: Cool! You need dehipsterfication.) read more

My neighborhood favorite, hands down. It is indeed a dive, but there's more to it than that. This is one of those places you hope you find when you're exploring a new city. You know the kind I'm talking about. There's not a ton of room here, but that's never been a problem for me. I'm always here on Thursday evening, so I'm not wading through hipster hell to find a perch. The beer selection runs the gamut from PBR to Laurelwood, and the cold pint glasses make everything taste just a little better. Cool people, booze, and a pool table. Pretty damn simple, but it works. This is the kind of place that reminds you why humans have been drinking since right after we invented fire. read more

It brings me great sadness to report that the graffiti in the ladies' room has been recently painted over. So long are the memorial messages to Veronica (I often asked myself while peeing: would I be honored to have a stall devoted to my memory? Or just pissed, no pun intended?), the pee-related limericks, the advice about lesbian sex acts and herpes. What does remain, however, is a very comfortable and delightful bar, complete with friendly bartenders, good music, pinball machines and low lighting so no one can read the detrimental effects of alcohol and smoke across your forehead. I'm pretty sure my eyesight has suffered from doing drunken crossword by candlelight, but I happen to think it's worth it. - - - - - - - - - - Update: May 2008 - - - - - - - - - - The ladies have been working hard this winter, and the walls of the loo are once again adorned with inspirational poetry/communist manifestos/threats to Californians. I would like to apologize to all the ladies finding themselves outside the locked door with bursting bladders while I sit with knickers 'round my ankles taking in all the wisdom and humanity. read more

This is the best bar in the Clinton St neighborhood, bar-none. If you are there and Phil happens to be bartending hook him up because he'll return the favor with generous pours and great music. If you are famished try the great, greasy bar food that I eat more often than I should. Should you find yourself getting a little bored play a free game of pool or spend a few and play some great pinball. There are few negative attributes however. The hipster scene has started to pile in on the weekends like a godforsaken Decemberists concert. Should this happen: Don't panic, they can smell fear. Another clique to steer clear of is the pinball jocks; lord knows that if Portland has one type of homegrown tool bag it's the pinball jock. It gets somewhat crowded on the weekends but still remains one of the better places in the SE to go late night. Positives: Good service, music and location. Negatives: Smokey, and hipsters. read more

Since settling in to Portland, I've found that the Clinton St. Pub suits my needs fine. I've barely gone to drink anywhere else, because there's not much more that one needs. $3 well drinks, $5 Jamesons, 8 dollar minimum on the credit card, a fine selection of pinball machines (I'll forgive them that they just swapped out my favorite for a new, inferior poker themed game), vintage beer kitch, free pool, and genuine atmosphere. Plus, Dots is across the street should you find yourself drunk and starving. As many other people have commented Phil is an awesome bartender with equally awesome taste in music. Plus, it takes balls to play The National's Boxer from front to back so that the last song ends at closing time...love it. read more

Oh my Saturday... not the evening but the whole day! My friend took me here to hang out grab a drink and we ended up staying here until the evening. This place is great because along the back wall are pinball machines! It also helps with the awesome music. Here is why it gets 3 stars. Avoid Phil the bartender. The bartender we started with was awesome. Shift change and this guy is a douche. Has anyone ever seen a long island in a rocks glass? Come here and phil will short change you. Plus with his anti social personality it just kills the vibe. read more

It's a little slice of the Video Saloon in Portland! I can't get over how much I love this place. Free pool? Check. Cheap booze? Check. A hilarious array of unassuming yet completely hilarious drunks who alternately shatter beer bottles and suffer abject defeat in the game of pool at my hands? DOUBLE CHECK. I feel certain that I've already established a small reputation here for beating a large number of consecutive teams and then falling into the realm of total inability to hold a cue properly. I blame the cheap PBR. This is where you'll find me on all subsequent weekends. read more

Such a cute little hole-in-the-wall. This is everything I like in a dive bar: they had a really nice, friendly and hardworking bartender, cheap and good drinks and a really relaxed atmosphere. We brought in food from Tidbit a couple blocks away and Nohos across the street. Also, they had about 5 pinball games. This place was just very chill and comfortable. I really liked it. read more

Here's yet another place to add to my "Summer on the Cheap" list. All day happy hour on Sunday. $1.50 PBRs and $2.50 wells. BUT.... if you're in the restaurant industry and you show your OLCC or food handlers card, PBRs are only a buck and wells are only 2 bucks! Can't get any better than that!:) Service was great, and I love the atmosphere! All sorts of campy old beer signs everywhere, a bunch of pin ball machines, AND Ms. Pacman! I can't recommend ordering their food. In fact, Clinton Street Pub doesn't recommend ordering their food. They keep a Dot's menu behind the bar, and they'll call in a to go order for you to go across the street and pick up! At least they're honest!:) Against my better judgement, I let Josh convince me to let him order some tots and poppers from Clinton Street's menu. Tasted good, but we both have some major tummy aches today. Ok, Ok, I get it! Don't order the food! :) So, as a drinking establishment it gets 5 stars for cheap drinks and cool atmosphere. I have to give it 1 star for food, but I feel like they make it clear enough on their menu that most people will know better! Play pin ball and Ms. Pacman. Drink some cheap drinks. Don't eat. Got it! Definitely going back! read more

The Clinton Street is like my old long lost friend. I don't see them often, but when I do, it is like I never left, and it's just as great as I remembered. Has a disastrous day yesterday and just needed some drinks to drown out my sorrows. Just like the old friend, the pub did not disappoint. Strong pours and $3 wells are fantastic, but what was even more amazing in this time of recession was a basket with not one, but TWO corn dogs and a mass of tater tots for...wait for it...$4!!! It was truly a beautiful thing. Pin ball is a major plus, especially because they get new machines every now and again. They get some hard core pin ball players though, too hard core for me, but they can sure rack up those points. The servers are always nice and remember my drink of choice and that is a plus. No smoking makes me love it even more. Thanks for being Clinton Street, you let me drink myself out of my sadness last night and you didn't judge me once, go you...I'll see you soon. read more

In short, what's not to like? A little hole in the wall right next to the Clinton Street Theater, this joint has good music, good drinks, and good people. The bartenders are all very friendly and prompt. Additionally, they play DJ; expect anything from soul to electronic to funk to hip hop, depending on the day and time. The drinks are inexpensive and pair well with the free pool (you'll have to speak up and interact with humans to get on the table, just a heads up :) ). Snacks are typical bar food, deep-fried to golden brown, greasy perfection. read more

I'm fast approaching adulthood, you know, at 29-years-of-age and all... So my taste for beer has become a bit more sophisticated from my PBR-swillin' days of yore. Now my beer of choice is Hamm's. ("Sophisticated" is subjective.)(Also, Hamm's has got the most awesome mascot ever and I actually, seriously, think it tastes better than PBR and is the yummiest of all the cheap butt beers.) And this joint, well, they've got Hamm's on tap! Eff yeah! Woo-to-the-hoo! This is what dives are about, in all its glory! Also, they play some amazing music over the PA. read more

I met a few of the Yelpers here for a pub crawl in the neighborhood, which was really, really fun, and nice to get out of Hawthorne for a little while. The PBRs were cheap (as they should be), there was good music playing, and the lighting met the perfect medium of not too bright (Space Room), and not too dark (Bar of the Gods). I think my favorite thing about CSP was the giant Crazy Flipper Fingers emblem painted near the pinball machine section of the bar. I'm friends with a few of those guys in that club, and was happy to see some representation for them outside of playing the NBA pinball game at BOG. read more

Neighborhood pub that im able to stop by a few times a month after work. Cheap drinks, unpretentious with a pool table and pinball. Finally was able to make it for the SIN window on tuesday just to find out the bartender didn't care or believe that i worked in the restaurant industry to allow me to enjoy the discount. It happened to be a $2 difference so i didnt feel the need to go out of my way to prove that I work in the restaurant industry. I started as a busser when i was 15 and have worked since then from server to bartender for the past 16 years. Must be an outlier or the bartender was having a bad night/didnt think i belong there. Either way, i believe the establishment doesnt deserve a negative rating because of it. Just get to know your customers before you judge them. read more

I. Love. This. Bar. From the dive-vibe, to the bartenders, to the cheap seats and the shitty pool table -- this bar is perfect. If you're lucky enough to be in the bar when Phil is working, who we adoringly refer to as "circle glasses," be ready to enjoy some amazing music, stellar service and an adorable, cartoon-like smile. He does a great job keeping drinks full and the bar clean. Cheers. read more

I can't count the number of times I've said to a friend, "I'll meet you at the Winchester at seven... er, I mean, the Clinton Street Pub." In a town running rampant with bars, it seems like almost every Shawn of the Dead fan has one particular dive bar that represents the Winchester for them. Clinton Street Pub is that place to me. There's even a long-time bartender who looks like a younger version of the barkeep in the movie. The place is dimly lit with funky wood panels and lots of random old paraphernalia covering the walls. Behind the bar is a long mirror, just in case you need to keep a wary eye on any gun-slinging cowboys or brain-starved zombies. And on the contrary to most other bars, the men's restroom is actually cozier (and sometimes cleaner) than the women's room. Don't ask me how I know this... Fear not though. The clientele is generally chill and friendly enough, though most people seem to keep to themselves or their groups. Drinks are on the cheap, and seating options range from bar to booth to table. The accomodation that draws me to this pub is the five pinball machines. Yes, I said it. FIVE pinball machines, much more than most other PDX dives have to offer (the average is two). And to boot, they have an old school sit-down Ms. PacMan game that's cracked out but amusing nonetheless. And one cramped pool table. The place is pretty small -- you can bare witness to the whole of the establishment as you walk in the front door. But I think that adds to the cozy factor. And it's right next door to the Clinton Street Theatre, Clinton Street movie store, and Dots. So it's the perfect hole-in-the-wall to stop by (and contemplate a zombie attack) before heading on to bigger and better things. Be forewarned: there's no smoking patio, or patio in general, and parking can be tricky. But the theatre next door has a few racks for bicycle accomodations. Yey! read more

Friendly service in a happy little dive bar makes for a good time. Cheap drinks, pinball and a pool table help make the Clinton a nice place for everyone. If you're looking for a relaxed place to have random conversations with interesting people, this is a good spot! Outdoor seating available. read more

I think I might like this bar. The bar was small and quaint. Great service and decent drinks. There are pinball tables and a pool table. Will return, love the area. read more

Reasons why Clinton Street is a great neighborhood pub: 1. Its in a great location for the Clinton Street area. Its small and dark. Hit or miss with the crowds. Personally I love Clinton on weeknights when there arent many people there. 2. They have TVs for whoever wants to watch them. 3. They always have a good selection of music. 4. I love Phil and Sep. Good service and good drinks. 5, Pinball and free pool. read more

I can't count how many nights I have spent at the Clinton St. It's got the always reliable combo of cheap beers, heavy pours and pinball. Friendly bartenders and a pretty rad group of locals keep it entertaining even if you head in solo for a beer. It's one of the bars I miss the most from back home (I'm easy to please, alright?). Forget about eating anything there and just go to Dots or Noho's across the street. Unless you really cannot live without a corndog and some beef jerky... Probably want to avoid it on the weekends as it gets to be standing room only, so head up the street to the Reel if you gotta have some dive bar in your life . read more