I love this place... whatever. I from Portland tho... so I mean, I'm not the trendy chump that's usually all up in the Yelp scene like.... Alberta is still Portland. Knock Back is Portland. read more

10 out of 10! This place is wonderful for so many reasons. First, the food is phenomenal. My friend has the mushroom sandwich and I had the tempeh rueben, we shared fries and fries brussel sprouts. It was all wonderful! I haven't had a rueben in over a decade because there just aren't too many vegetarian ones out there so this was a dream. It just melts in your mouth. I loved the unique flavoring on the fries and the fun sauces they provided for dipping. I was so stuffed and content. Second, their drinks were equally as excellent as the food. I love a good gin cocktail and they make a mean peach fuzz. I also normally don't drink coffee because it's so hard on my stomach and generally just tastes like bitter crap. I always ask people what good coffee is because I am pretty sure I had never had any before. Until last night! I was getting sleepy during dinner so I got a coffee and was blown away. It was so floral and pretty and no bitter crap taste! Definitely was not expecting that. Lastly, the service was lovely. They didn't really bug you at your table, provided everything very quickly, and were fun and pleasant folks. My favorite was the person in the black and white knit pajama set with little reindeer on it. So precious! Go have a good night out at The Knock Back! You won't regret it. read more

LIKE! There's no shortage of bars on Alberta but this, or Alleyway, are my favorites to come back to time and time again. First off - service has been pretty consistently good. Even when they're busy, the bartenders will at least let you know they see you and will be over in a jiffy. There's always some drink special (even non-HH). I normally don't comment on the cocktails - I usually stick to just a vodka soda + splash of cran - but I'll comment on a custom shot! I normally get myself a Absolut Citron if I'm feeling like it. Alas they don't serve it here! The bartender served me up a shot of vodka + citrus oil chilled that was AWESOME. He could have just said no dice, but stepped up and delivered instead. Oooh yeah. Also the food is tasty. You can't really go wrong with a grilled cheese (and yet I've found bars that can, in fact, RUIN A GRILLED CHEESE!) and this one is simple and tasty. I also highly recommend the brussel sprouts and tack on some bacon. That's the extent I've tasted but everything I see come out looks good. It's a big bar with a fireplace outside. There's also a covered outside as well for when it inevitably rains/gets cold/turns back to Oregon weather. The inside is also large with a dance floor for the DJ that is there (at least) on weekends. They didn't blink an eye when we came here for my 30th birthday and someone (not naming names, or me) was in a dinosaur outfit. Love it. read more

I've enjoyed the couple of times I've stopped in at The Knock Back--so much so that last night I brought in a group for Happy Hour. As the name suggests, there's a masculine edge and energy and a bit of a rough and tumble mood, though, not look-- I think the inside is a very pretty place in an unusual kind of way--stylish with its own style. I can't really describe it very well--but I love it. And it seems to be a place largely designed for a fairly young crowd. (And yet, the rock music selections were all great choices with great energy and taking me back in time--Creedence Clearwater Revival, for example.) That said, we 50-somethings were all very happy, the group giving it five stars, frequently remarking on it being such a great find. Jesse, the bar manager, was extremely attentive to us and has a great sense of humor. He put us in a comfortable spot near the bar. All the rest of the staff were great to us too. We loved the food! There are great and varied choices on the menu, and everything was exquisitely prepared. The drinks, while not what I would call generous pours (I'm being a bit understated here), were very nice. I described a rather unusual wine preference (South of France was all I said) and was given an incredible wine (Oregon, to my surprise!) that was lovely and complex, completely fitting the bill on one go. My group tends to prefer to try new places--but all requested that we return again--we liked it that much. read more

So this place really looks and feels a lot more pretentious than it is. Which is a good thing! Like it really doesn't need the mounted boar and ram heads and it especially doesn't need the giant painting of the two animals snarling at each-other (though I don't know if either of those animals are the snarling type). That's because it's a great bar! The sliders are excellent, the beer selection is good, and the cocktails look amazing. I am a fan. I had the original beer slider and fried chicken one with caramelized onions. At about $5 a pop they're not cheap, but there's also larger than your average slider and two should suit most diners quite well. read more

We came by around 11 pm at night on a Saturday and the place was decently busy but we were helped right away. The bar tender who took our food order was prompt and kind. He also recommended a great pale ale. The food was phenomenal. It came out 5 mins after ordering, piping hot and delivered on a white square plate. It tasted amazing, like it was cooked with care and the chef cared how you felt when eating it. Would highly recommend this place. read more

I came here last night with a few girlfriends and ate here for the first time. All I have to say is I had the MOST amazing experience ever and have to upgrade my review to 5 stars!!! We ordered at the bar some items to share - popcorn, fries, the caramelized onion burger, and brussel sprout salad. I also mentioned once again how much I love the Sage against the Machine cocktail to the bartender and they promised they'd bring it back in the fall. The food came out super fast (we sat on the awesome patio) and everything was DELICIOUS and the portions were really gracious. So, we were surprised when our burger came out and it was super tiny. I went in and asked and realized they ordered us the slider instead of the full burger - oops! So they said don't worry about it and brought us the full burger as well. Such service! AND THEN THE MOST AMAZING THING HAPPENED: they brought me out the sage against the machine cocktail. I almost cried I was so happy! This is an example of above and beyond customer service that will seriously make this one of my go to places and I will recommend it to everyone I know. That PLUS the food being super delicious (seriously this is one of the best burgers I've eaten in a while - AND I would come back for that brussel sprout salad any day of the week!) - just so much awesomeness. Well done, Knock Back! 5 stars all around!!! read more

This is my new go to local bar. It's a little more upscale then a few other bars close by. The food is good, the bathrooms clean, and they have a full menu of craft cocktails. Great happy hour with both drink and food specials. A few other bonuses: nice bartenders that are quick, large open space with plenty of seating, and a nice outdoor area with fire pit. So in recap: Food: very good...and plenty of options Drinks: large variety and they will make you anything Happy hour: yes with both food and drinks Ambience: not overly loud, clean, and indoor and outdoor seating There are no TV's here...so if you are looking for sports try someplace else. read more

There is outside seating in the shade, which was pleasant on a warm day. Good cocktails and a decent selection of beer. No table service - order at the bar. read more

Can we talk about the throw back slow jams they're playing tonight?! I don't know if this is an everyday thing but the atmosphere is perfect for a date or a solo night. The rotating wine is on the pricey side but he'll in treating myself out. read more

The Knock Back - Enjoying a nice glass of the rotating sparkling. (La Marca Sparkling Prosseco) $8 - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of my wife's favorite spots in Portland. Great ambiance, music, bar staff, and more. Not really a big fan of the food menu, but some find it quite tasty. The outdoor patio is a regular spot for cigarette smoke and pets. Great for summer drinks and hanging out with friends. Bar tenders and staff are dope and this is a great spot to meet up with friends on the Alberta Strip. read more

"Welcome In" - the bartenders actually say that. FirePit, Craft Cocktails, a delicious and unique food menu, & exceptional hospitality. This bar kicks ass. It's a fun place to try a local craft beer, sip a carefully made cocktail, or go for the BoilerMaker - a creative shot and a beer combo. The atmosphere is friendly - and I appreciate the bartenders know a lot of their regular clientele on a personal level. It's inviting, especially since some establishments appear ambivalent to your food and drink experience. Cocktails are premium. The bartenders take great pride in creating a one-of-a-kind drink. Be patient. Their food menu is unlike any other bar on Alberta. I tried the Dirty Popcorn and shared a few sliders with my co-workers. The Dirty Popcorn is so delish - the seasoning is addicting, Gluten Free, too. The pulled pork slider was savory and well made. Keep in mind, if you are seated at the tables you must order at the bar: Food and Drink. They'll provide you a number for your table. The bathrooms are clean. No TV. A frozen drink machine - with which they feature: A Frozen Spanish Coffee. About 9 craft beers on draft. They change up their food and drink offerings about every three months, so it keeps things fresh. Good for groups, a date, or solo. It's a fun atmosphere, no matter what your mood. I usually end up sharing stories or chatting with a regular customer. Good quality music here and outstanding booze selection. read more

The Knock Back - Pfire Pit - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Went here for a date last night. Cute bar with a nice patio (smoking allowed if you're into that). Fire pit as well outside. Drinks were good and not too pricey at all. My gripe is with this one bartender, Ryan. Ryan has glasses and light colored hair. When I showed up to my date, he was giving her a hard time about wanting to order two drinks for herself to sip over the night. He was asking things like "they're really both for you?" And said "I'll give you one now and you can come back for the other one later on". It was just really odd because she's a paying customer, and what does it matter if she gets a beer and cocktail at the same time instead of like 30 mins apart? I'd go back to this spot because the interaction wasn't really that bad, just never had a bartender be like a kindergarten teacher before - doling out drinks on some nonsensical schedule. Bartending should be about making your customers happy! read more

An incredibly impressive cocktail experience. I heartily recommend going there and asking for whatever the bartender feels like making. They put in a lot of effort and creativity to make a beautiful beverage. You will not be disappointed. The firepit/patio area has a very interesting vibe and the patrons are quite friendly. Lovely atmosphere, fabulous bartenders and an all around nice place. read more

$5 ROSE' ALL DAY This is a fun and boisterous hang. Like the cocktail options. I ordered a Steigl and the bar tender recommended getting a shot of Mezcal to go with, called it a Shifty...intriguing. This is must stop on any Alberta pub crawl. Fun outside seating to watch the peeps. read more

The Knock Back - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We got into Portland late at night and needed a bite to eat before bed. We got the dirty popcorn and 3 different sliders. They really hit the spot! Can't wait to go back! read more

The Knock Back - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Our favorite bar! We hope they get to reopen. We are missing the delicious sliders, great ambiance and of course the well balanced and well made cocktails. read more

Came here for burger week! I don't remember the name of the burger I got but I posted a picture of it. It was hella yummy with mad ingredients! I came right when they opened at 4pm, got a margarita, French fries, and the special burger. The wait wasn't long and the food and drinks were good. They offer gluten free and vegan options. They are also family friendly before 9pm, but after that it's 21+. Keep in mind this is more of a hipster bar type of place. They have a nice patio that is smoker friendly as well. The customer service wasn't bad either although I hardly talked to any of the workers. read more

See all

Don't say you are open until 12 if you stop serving at 11. Drove here just to get some food late night and was turned away by a rude bartender read more

Had the Tempeh Reuben (Vegetarain) sandwich Was amazing! Tasted like meat..flavorful, good texture, good portion size. Was $8 on the happy hour menu! Good vibes..dark romantic lighting. read more

Best fried pickles ever!!! Always ask for a side of ranch as well as their house sauce.

Interesting joint. The overall vibe is kind of cool. Hipster dive bar? High end rock lounge? Kind of a cool place to hang out, whatever it is. Okay taps, definitely focused on cocktails. Great options there, though, with some pretty creative and unusual options. Bartenders were all nice and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Food was greasy, but pretty good. Menu could do a lot more to sell the food... like giving a description on what you're getting, maybe? The burger was way better than the menu made it sound. The downside is the order at the bar, serve yourself thing. Just not a fan of places that can't bother to come by your table. This place isn't that big or that busy. Ultimately, they cleared our plates, why not take orders and deliver drinks, too? I actually liked the place, but not sure that any aspect of my experience was good enough that I'd be compelled to choose this place over any of the other great offerings on Alberta. read more

You guys know about the Bumble feature "Bumble BFF" that allows you to make friends? Met up with a dude from that site here, and he was a straight up clown. This yelp is to give the place props, but also apologize on behalf of this dude who has moved out of the area (thank god). This dude was an ignorant prick who tended to be rude to service people whenever we'd meet up. He talked about how he's denied entry to bars/clubs because he'll talk shit to the doormen and then complain about how he wasn't let in. Basically, dude ordered their chicken croquettes (which were AMAZING btw) and told the waitstaff that they were terrible when he came by to check on us. It wasn't it though, he berated the waitstaff (who clearly didn't make it) to eat them because they're bad and then asked "Is that worth 8 dollars to you?" to a guy who clearly didn't price it. I personally say it was worth the price charged. It was definitely an embarrassing experience. They comped the item, but I personally wouldn't have if I were the business owner. I think the place has a great ambience, great music, and definitely a good place to return to once Im in the area again. read more

The other chicken slider was amazing!!!! The small plates rock too!!! The Brussels were bomb and the risotto cake so yummy! Their cocktails look super yummy and the wine selection was pretty good as well! The outdoor seating was really nice but indoor was very dark and not too comfy. read more

The Knock Back - Great outdoor seating!!!! - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Newish place on Alberta with very friendly staff. Drinks are a good deal. House drinks are between $5-8 and wells are only $4. I really like the outdoor seating. We sat outside tonight when it was below freezing, but the enclosed outdoor seating made it pleasant. They had a list of warm alcoholic drinks that all sounded good. The cousin tried the apple cinnamon hot toddy, but she mentioned there wasn't very much apple flavor. We ordered the deep fried brussels with bacon and two orders of chicken pot pie. One with the arugula salad and the other with fries. Brussel sprouts were ok. They forgot the bacon, but brought it later. It wasn't as crispy as I expected and was pretty acidic. Chicken pot pies were really rich and creamy. They had a very good crumb topping, which made it different from your average pot pie, however there wasn't much chicken and it was pretty bland. The fries were basic, but good. Arugula salad had a nice touch with the radishes and apple, but the dressing was a little too acidic, too. Will be back. One of my favorite things is a good neighborhood joint with good, cheap drinks and great outdoor seating any time of the year. read more

See all

This will probably be one of my new Hangouts good food and prices, good jazzy music, outdoor tables and fire pit . Nice for 1 person to eat after a long day. Bigger tables for groups too. Contemplating what to order next time and I haven't left yet. read more

The Knock Back - Dirty popcorn by the fire - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Solid bar with divey feels. Great draft beer selection (Modern Times etc) from local breweries. Large selection of liquors. AMAZING outdoor space and room for groups inside and outside. Should be on your rotation for low-key spots. read more

The O.G., Dirty Popcorn, and The Other Fried Chicken slider is phenomenal. The drinks are mixologist worth. Had a nice chill vibe where you can have a few drinks and some nice food. Will be back. read more

See all

Both of the bartenders were not only friendly but continually spoke to me as if I was one of their friends. Stewart was the name of the male bartender and I can't remember the name of the female bartender but her name started with an m. They both introduced themselves with a handshake and asked me to come back. When I come back to Portland, I will definitely go back there. read more

Literally the best bar food ever. Brussel sprouts are amazing, sliders are to die for. Our bartender was also very nice and interactive. Highly Update: went to this bar , as I do frequently- on Thursday. I have dogs and I'm a vet tech , I have nothing against dog friendly bars whatsoever. But I do draw the line when dogs are off leash coming up to tables begging and owners not watching after their dogs. Also dogs ARE NOT ALLOW PAST THE ENTRANCE UNLESS THEY ARE A SERVICE ANIMAL. There was a dog coming in and out of the bar , behind the bar and going behind the black curtain that they have. My boyfriend is allergic to dogs so we moved from the outside patio to the bar to not have a dog come up and beg from us eating/drinking. I let the bartender know we moved inside because dogs are off leash and my bf is allergic. He was not empathetic- told us well it's dog friendly I mentioned the dog was inside the bar and also going behind the counter where they serve drinks. He also didn't care about that. Tbh i will not come back here. The bartender was rude. Pretty sure it was his friend who had the dog. read more

The Knock Back - Onion slider and fried chicken slider and of course Brussel sprouts with bacon. Absolutely hands down best bar food - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The Knock Back is by far one of my favorite bars in Portland! Located only a couple blocks from our house, its the perfect neighborhood bar. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. They treat their regulars like family and are polite to all who walk in. The fire pit on the patio is fantastic! It's a communal space were everyone is very chatty and has fun. The Knock Back is dog friendly (on the patio) so you're guaranteed to see a cute pupper while you're there. The other side of the patio is covered and heated, perfect for Portland weather. I LOVE their food, especially the sliders. My favorite is 'The Other Fried Chicken'. The fries are perfectly crispy and come with three delicious sauces. Their Cesar Salad is really tasty as well. I always order Pisco Sours and the bartenders know it. They make them so well with egg white, just like in Peru. They make awesome Cachaca Sours too. I've never had a bad drink or experience in all my times there. The Knock Back is the place to grab some excellent drinks, eat great food, pet some dogs, and make new friends. Most of the regulars on the patio live in the neighborhood and are a lovely part of the community. The bartenders are THE BEST! Be polite and tip them well, they deserve it! read more

Ah, the dread review update. A year and a half (ish) ago when I wrote my first review this was my favorite new bar in town, the only drawback was it wasn't next door to my house. Now, The Knock Back sucks. The people I liked were replaced by people who shouted a lot and talked about craft cocktails. But they had lots of tattoos, and they talked about craft cocktails, so they must be cool, right? There were blowtorches, bottles of tinctures and all the self-important hipster nonsense that has as much to do with actual bartending as does a circus. What there wasn't was service. The bartenders (there's no waiter, BTW) were far too busy performing to help people with any speed. Why the hell are they shouting at the barback who's all of ten feet away to "fire" a draft beer? How much attention do these mixologists need? It's bad enough I have to navigate a mosh pit to get to where you might notice me, but I have to wait for intermission to get a drink? And that was before the bartender was actively rude. About two minutes before. Clearly I'm not cool enough for The Knock Back to want my money. Fine by me. read more

This place is doing it right. Outdoor seating with firepit? Check. Great assortment of excellent cocktails and quality microbrews (including a rare TWO great Pale Ales, from Pfriem and a rotator from Ecliptic)? Check. Friendly non-pretentious staff? Check. Nice variety of fresh, off-the-hook tasty food? Check. The TKB Fried Chicken Slider is an effen' work of art. read more

The Knock Back - The TKB Fried Chicken Slider is next-level awesome. - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Delicious drinks, chill atmosphere and good vegan options. I met up with a few friends here and the atmosphere was super casual and welcoming. I love that they have jungle juice of the day. Last time I had their lychee one and it was tasty. I also ordered the tempeh reuben it was very tasty and a rare thing to find a solid vegan option in most bars other than fries, salad and nuts. Service was great and friendly. Overall a very pleasant experience and I would definitely come back again. read more

Such a perfect bar/lounge both sitting inside and outside. Reaaaallly wonderful craft drinks and bar menu. The brussel sprouts are ridiculously good. read more

The Knock Back - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love dark rum, and this crew has serious hustle.Great drinks, fun & energetic. Patio & great music? Check. Good times had by all. I'm coming back for that chicken pot pie as soon as possible. read more

Cozy and dark setting in side but a nice open space in front. People bring their dogs into the patio which is so portland and I love it. All of their sliders are delicious particularly the beef ones and the dirty popcorn is a huge portion easily shareable between four people or if you wanna stay sober and try more of their delicious cocktails. Their bartenders are nice, I also came here while I was pregnant and they made me a special mocktail. read more

Perfect spot for bar food and good drinks. The space is a bit divey and unkempt but all the attention is paid towards delivering great bar food and good drinks. Fries are double fried, crisp and served with three dipping sauces. Pick any of the sliders and be happy, but make sure the fried chicken slider ends up on your plate. Great service from the bartenders, and I really liked what drinks they cooked up. So it aint trying to be the Multnomah Whiskey Library, but that's a good thing. read more

I was ignored by the bartender for so long that I actually left without being acknowledged once. He cashed out the party sitting 1 seat to my right, polished a few glasses and messed with his phone, but didn't make eye-contact once. I live a few blocks away from the Knock Back and was looking forward to trying it out. I don't think I will ever bother going back. I've worked in the service industry for a long time so I really don't understand his attitude at all, especially in a new business. And I'm a great tipper, so you lost out there too read more

With good pours, a sweet outdoor patio, and a rather good setup for groups, the Knock Back is a place I would have walked past if it weren't for my local guides showing me the wonders of NE PDX. The bar itself is going for that upscale hipster look, and it pulls it of fairly well. Although if you look at it too long, you start to wonder what the theme is, with the mounted goats and I think a boar, and some strange... goat mess looking things. You'd be confused too. Unless you are the one who did the decoration, in which case: whats the deal, guy? They had a live DJ when we were there, the sound quality was not great, and unfortunately in his infinite wisdom, 70s and 80s funk/disco were being played. It could have been a little more relevant, but at least there was plenty of room on their rather small dance space. Good prices, good pours, and a good atmosphere. Conveniently close to gobs of food that will absolutely wreck your diet. No regrets. Yes Alberta. Thank you Knock Back. read more