Hands down THE BEST Cocktail lounge in Portland... I've been here several times and I'm always blown 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. read more

If you only hit one craft cocktail bar on your visit to Portland, make it this one. 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. read more

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My new favorite spot! I've been here twice now with a large group, and both experiences have been amazing. Each time, I spoke with the owner to make a reservation, and the process was incredibly easy and accommodating. The food, drinks, and service were excellent on both visits. For such a small place with a tiny kitchen, they absolutely crush it! The bar was packed each time, yet everything came out beautifully and the staff handled it all so well. The atmosphere is such a vibe. there's always a great DJ, making it perfect for either a date night or a girls night out. The menu is made up of smaller plates, which makes it so much fun to order a variety of dishes and share with the table. The menu was a little different each time I visited, and honestly, there wasn't a single thing I didn't enjoy. The drinks are SO good, and everything is beautifully plated. The service deserves a special shoutout as well! We had the same server both times (woman with pixie), and she was an absolute doll. I will be back soon! read more

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This place is all about ambiance. Cool lounge feel tucked away in the best western. The drinks are unique and offer a new play on traditional drinks. Though the food menu is limited, the small bites are more than enough for a light dinner on a night out. Service is good too. read more

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Incredibly delicious small plates. Braised pork gnocchi to die for. Everything was fresh and delicious. Our server had a bit if a tough start but got better as she figured out her stride (turns out her coworker went home and she was struggling but didn't say anything, just acted super pissy. Drinks were good. Only real complaint is the music. For a speakeasy, don't plan on conversing with the people you can with. It is migraine-inducing loud. read more

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Saw this pop up on my phone, and felt spontaneous. I usually go places to study/do some work on my computer, and this felt like a good vibe with good food and drinks. It's nothing like what you expect to find around this area / part of town. I was super pleased, and will be returning as a repeat customer. The service can be a bit slow at times if they get busy, but trust me, its worth the wait. The menus rotate seasonally, and I opted for the poke nachos (I wasnt that hungry, but they were really nice to accommodate my request to get the chips separate, since I knew I would be packing some home) I expected the quality to be not so great, considering my experience with other restaurants and bars but this exceeded my expectations by alot. I look forward to coming back to visit again, whether it be for a study/work session, or with more reinforcement to try all of their dishes! read more

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"Hidden" inside the Best Western on Canyon, this unique, speak-easy-ish room is such a treat. Drinks: excellent, inventive and well-priced. Our party was super pleased, but I will say, the Dreamweaver was missing the lemongrass advertised flavor that I was excited about, but still a wonderful drink. We really loved that they show what type of glass it's served in, what a nice touch. As sometimes drinks can be over or underwhelming. Food: nice menu, something for everyone. The rolls with corned beef ($13) were packed with brisket, but could use more sauerkraut--maybe a side would be good there. The Poke! The Poke! ($15) Omg, sell me a bucket. The fish is fresh, wontons on point and the dressing, and I'm usually not a sauce lady, ate every bite. This could be $25 and i'd still want one for myself. Steak bites were just okay at ($16). Cauliflower at ($11), nice to have a veg, but not a must get. Flat bread, nice flavor at ($14). I was nicely surprised at the portion sizes, plenty to share and you won't leave hungry. I'm coming back for those deviled eggs! Atmosphere: top notch and while a small thing, look at these napkins and flatware. Someone knows how to entertain here. Service: not sure if a hard rule, but for larger groups, make sure all or most are present to seat. We had a very nice person helping us, parties of 5+ can be challenging, and we had all the questions as first-timers. Sometimes ya just don't hit it off right away...But in the end, it was a party and it all worked out :). Thank you for your patience. read more

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This is such a cool space that plays great music! It has great ambiance with that speak easy feel. The cocktails are well crafted. The first time I had a mocktail, Dancing Queen. I was just doing reconnaissance to find a place for Valentine's Day for my friends. The second time I had Light My Fire. It called to me when I read the description. I really like sweet and spicy, and the server said that would be my drink. The cocktail was really well crafted, and I loved it! A friend tried both mocktails, and the cucumber mocktail was really good, liked it better than the Dancing Queen. My friends really liked the food. In my circle of friends, there were two omnivores and a vegetarian. For me, if they had vegan options, I would bump this place to 5 stars. No reservations, but we got there a little after 5 and was seated right away. It filled up really quickly. Great ambiance and great service! read more

Wax Social - Wax Social: Dancing Queen mocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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A nice speakeasy bar located on the mezzanine level of the Best Western on SW Canyon Road. If you grew up on the west side, you'll remember Shilo Inn. Where this little gem is located. Nice ambiance, comfortable seating, and attentive staff. Which is always a plus. They offer full beverage service focusing on specialty drinks, craft cocktails, beer, wine, and mocktails. Prices range from $5 for a beer to $46.00 for a bottle of Argyle Brut. Their appetizers range from $10 to $15. Quite a selection from Steak bites, Sicilian flatbread, Heirloom tomato bruschetta, etc. Definitely a nice addition to the area. Service charge is automatically added to parties of (5?) 6 or more. read more

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Definitely wasn't expecting to have a good time in a motel but here we are . This is a Speakeasy that truly is a Speakeasy and not just a fancy bar pretending to be one . There was a little bit of fun finding it which I truly appreciate because that is one of the point of a speakeasy . Plush seating and foot tapping music greet you when you walk in . They play vinyl's and the owners are passionate about the art , which is refreshing to see. We each ordered a cocktail and loved what we got . They stopped the music to wish someone a happy birthday and the owner walked to every individual table to let all of us know and join in which was extremely sweet in my opinion. I would definitely be down to try more of their cocktail menu and also listen to some kick ass music. read more

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A friend invited me and another girlfriend to Wax Social, and it was my first time visiting after seeing it pop up on social media as a cute little speakeasy. You head upstairs, slip behind a door, and the bar appears. We were immediately greeted and seated, which was a great start. The vibe was fun and cozy, especially with the holiday decorations adding to the ambiance. One thing worth noting was the temperature--it was noticeably cold at times, with the air blowing between cold and warm, which made it a bit less comfortable than it could've been. We enjoyed some cocktails and ordered several appetizers to share. The Poke nachos and sliders were really good. The owner, Shawn, stopped by to check on us and was incredibly nice and personable. We ended up chatting with him for a bit, and he even gave us a tour. As a sweet surprise, he also comped us a chocolate lava molten cake, which was amazing. Overall, it's a really cute spot, and I'll definitely be bringing friends back--possibly even hosting a work event here. I'm especially excited to come back for some live music. read more

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

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Speakeasy vibes in a Best Western. Nothing quite like it in this part of the city so I can see why it's popular at the moment. Music and vibes was great for a catch up with friends or a date night. The music was a bit loud. It looks like this could be a place to dress up but it's chill. The place was busy on a Friday night but my party of 3 was seated immediately. We came right from dinner so we didn't try their food. Drinks were delicious and standard for a cocktail bar like this. I would come again with a few people max. read more

Whoa, this bar is seriously awesome! The vibe is so good, cool decor, nice lighting, and they even have dj on vinyl with great songs. The cocktails are super tasty (so many to try!) and the staff are really friendly. It's a new spot on the 2nd floor of the Best Western Hotel. I really hope more people find out about it soon, it totally deserves more love. I'd be so sad if it ever closed. Definitely one of my new favorite places! read more

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I surprised my husband with a date here, and as soon as we pulled in, he asked, "Are we staying at a hotel tonight?"which already set the tone for how unique this place is. What an incredible speakeasy. The food was top-notch, and the drinks were absolutely delicious. From the moment you step inside, it feels like you've been transported to another era. The 1920s Art Deco vibe, complete with dramatic lighting and music, creates such a fun and immersive atmosphere. One of my favorite parts was sitting at the bar. You get a front-row seat to all the creativity behind the drinks, and it's so fun chatting with the bartender learning what they're making and how everything comes together. Such a memorable experience we'll definitely be back. read more

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Went to Wax Social after dinner for dessert and drinks. Cool speakeasy vibe and a nice place to hang out late. Drinks were solid and the service was good -- staff was friendly and attentive. The only reason this isn't a 5-star review is the tres leches. It was super soggy with really watery leche, to the point where we couldn't finish it. Just not good. I'd still come back for drinks, just wouldn't order dessert again. read more

What a cool little speakeasy place hidden in the Best Western on Canyon. Super good service with a friendly staff and the food was excellent and the drinks unique and good. The ambience was a cool exclusive vibe. I loved the environment and the size of it feeling cozy and fun. read more

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You guys! This is literally a hidden gem. No signage, an unassuming speak easy in the Best Western on Canyon Road with the words Listening lounge on the door. Thank you for a west side cool vibe option. Wax Social is beautiful, color drenched in a moody green, unique wall art and live music Fridays and Saturdays. The drink selections are 10 out of 10. The ahi tuna poke nachos and molten chocolate lava cake are a must try, a definite 5. The tri tip sliders were super favorable but just didn't come out that hot from the kitchen and the flatbread was also good. The drinks are stand out amazeballs. We met the owner Sean who is just the BEST. So personable and knowledgeable - he comped us a dessert and showed us around the place! What an upstanding guy! I am coming back again and again as there are at least 5 more entrees I want to try. read more

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Five stars for sure. This place totally fits in with the speakeasy vibe, considering where it is located. We absolutely adored the music inspiration of it all. We dropped in before Christmas so it was lit up with a whole lot of Christmas joy! We both enjoyed tequila inspired, cocktails. The food looked really tasty. I noted that they had the perfect small bites that anyone would want from anywhere! The staff was very friendly and helpful about making decisions. It's one of our new favorite spots! Definitely check it out whether you are going by yourself for a drink going on a date or taking out friends or family all of the above! read more

Wax Social - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Such a cool spot! We discovered this speakeasy on social media and knew we had to try it out! Upon arriving at the Best Western, we didn't know what to expect, but we went inside, up the stairs, then found what we were looking for. The entire bar space was vibey with a very chill atmosphere. Also, the music was great and the service was prompt. They walked us through the menu, provided recommendations, and checked on us regularly. We each ordered the Lay Down Sally cocktail, an order of the Deviled Eggs and the Steak Bites. The drinks were delicious - I expected them to be sweeter, based on how the server described it, but the sweetness wasn't too overpowering. A nice light taste! We also enjoyed both of the food items we had ordered. Overall a fun experience! I can't wait to come back and try some of the other cocktails on their menu! read more

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This was a hidden gem of a find. Love the decor, and the staff is great. The owner is onsite and helping clear tables to seat people as quickly as possible. Loved the decor with the old photos framed up the wall and the drink menu is fun as they are named after songs. Quick service and overall a fun vibe. Can't wait to go again and try out the food which all smelled amazing. read more

Wax Social - Whiskey, whiskey, and Whiskey and Brown Eyed Girl. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I brought my husband here for an early Father's Day celebration. This was our first time but definitely not our last! The ambiance was fabulous. Great music, great food and amazing cocktails! The service was some of the best we have ever experienced! We can't wait to come back. read more

Wow so safe to say the cigar bar go but super pleasantly surprised the new vibe!!! Love what the new owners did with this old space and really like the vibes!!! Crazy nonetheless that this is above the Bestwestern but the food and new cocktails are ridunkulous!!! Highly recommended and seriously enjoyed one of everything on the small bites menu plus all the special cocktails....Especially the beet with Mezcal!!! Dj playing the vinyls mixed it up and kept the vibe going mixing a lot of 70's 80's and 90's!!! read more

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Cute little speakeasy tucked away in a Best Western- the vibes were immaculate! Had a live dj with vinyls playing, super fun. Mainly came to try the drinks and they didn't disappoint! The food that we were able to order was okay, because we came so late, a lot was unavailable unfortunately. I definitely want to come back and try different dishes though, and out of what we ordered, the tostada was definitely the best thing! Overall a fun place for date night with friends!! Will definitely be returning!! read more

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I can't believe this place is in a Beaverton Best Western. It has the most vibe of any bar in Beaverton (which is a low bar I know) but it stands up to many nice bars in Portland. check it out for sure. surprise your friends and take them to the downstairs hotel bar. Once they are convinced you have finally lost the plot take them upstairs. read more

Ok to start, the cocktails are really well done. The reason I'm giving it on 3 stars isn't the cocktails. I was super excited to try the poke nachos and it was actually really just wonton chips and the smallest pieces of ahi I've ever seen. I would come back but not for food only drinks. The shrimp were unfortunately very overcooked and the bone marrow didn't have capers or cured yoke insight like the menu said in the description. A bit bummed because we can walk here and probably won't be visiting as much as I had hoped going into it. read more

Great new lounge close to home. In a funky hotel, but worth it. The Hawaiian chef (lovely personality by the way)is bringing some great bites to this bar! We had the deviled eggs- I should have had two orders. The shrimp tostada- shrimp underscored by the other yummy flavors, but still good. Steak bites- delish. Reuben rolls- unique and I would definitely get them again. I need to get the ahi next time, I bet it is perfect. As for drinks- Chain of fools. Perfect! I also had a whiskey Negroni and also spot on. The service was excellent. Really lovely people. Atmosphere is great. We will be back. read more

A speakeasy located inside the best western in Beaverton. Just go inside and up the stairs to the left. Definitely a vibe in there, super cute with a speaker wall and countless celeb photos lining the walls. They have DJs spinning vinyl. A bit on the smaller side. The drinks and food were good. Good date night spot. read more

Wax Social - Back speaker wall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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We recently came to check this place out as we were curious about the new change to the original cigar bar. The inherit has transformed to a clean and relaxed area. The interior was well done and made you feel comfortable to be just there. They had some interesting cocktails which were all pretty enjoyable as well as some small bites. I did enjoy the Chain of Fools and Doctor My Eyes drinks as they were refreshing and easy to go down. The bartender was very knowledgeable and quick to make our drinks. I do like the atmosphere and service here and would come back again. read more

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Gorgeous gem hidden inside a Best Western. No signage- go upstairs in lobby. Beautiful space, FANTASTIC food, wonderful cocktails, excellent Dj, and personable service. Only thing I'd change is that I don't live here and cannot visit it more often. read more

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Our experience was great to start, service was phenomenal, we came for a second round of drinks for a friends birthday, it's a very cute space. It was also kind of shocking to see such a cute spot attracted to a best western. And sadly, I am another customer of the few who had an upsetting experience. We were having a great time, all had a drink, a few had multiple, the servers made a very cute bottle with a candle to let us all sing for our friends birthday, insinuating that singing and clapping and celebrating was okay, but then we were approached by who we later found out was the owner, and told that we needed to keep it down, and that we were disrupting the other guests in the bar, and that it is not a sports bar. This was upsetting, we chose to stay but that interaction definitely changed our experience, we kept coming back to how unsettling it was to be told to be quiet. He stared at us from across the bar, and then eventually came back over and told us we really needed to be more quiet, or he would have to kick us out, and this time his reason was because it was disrupting the vibe. At this point our whole table had been worked up about it, we shared our frustrations, were actually loud, paid and left. Super disappointing, and did not ruin our evening, we now have made a fun memory out of it, but is definitely not a space where everyone is welcome to enjoy leisure. It felt like a spot for the owner to play their favorite records and have everyone sit quietly and listen, which if we had known that was the expectations, would not have stayed, and would not have disrupted his "vibe." My suggestion would be that if you are seeking to have a way of guests behaving in your bar, it should be established as they come in, before they are seated, so that people can choose if they want to stay, or not. If we had known the "vibe" we would not have stayed. It also felt slightly targeted as there were other tables in the bar also laughing, and enjoying themselves who we could hear from across the bar, who were not talked to. We shared we would write reviews, he said please do, but then also expressed concern, and yet I am still writing this because there seems to be room for improvement in how you create and maintain the space at your facility. Best of luck! read more

We had a great experience! The food, drinks, service, and music were all great. We will definitely be returning soon. read more

Wax Social - Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Hidden gem in Bevearton! I first visited Wax Social with my friends after dinner, and wow -- this place really hits different! It's tucked inside a hotel, but once you step inside, the vibe completely changes -- moody lighting, a DJ spinning tracks, and that stylish Portland-meets-LA energy. The cocktails are inventive and absolutely delicious. I didn't get a chance to try the main dish yet, just some appetizers, but definitely plan to come back for the full experience. Love discovering spots like this on the west side. Bevearton seriously needed a place like this! read more

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The owner clearly has run nice places before and knows what he is doing. Terrific touches like specific glasses for well-made, creative cocktails; good menu, plates and silverware. If you are wondering if you are in the right place, as you stare at the lobby of the Best Western, you are. My friends were a bit "concerned" with my choice from the lobby and happily surprised to find the speak easy upstairs. We had a great time and have been back several times. read more

Oh my gosh, I wish I got photos here. But all the photos on here already are accurate, and it's even better in person (yes, I know, the photos are already amazing). I went here on a first date (last night, a Tuesday night). It was funny yet shocking to park at a hotel to go to a cocktail bar/speakeasy. My date and I actually went into Lou's on the first floor to the left at first, which also seemed like an amazing restaurant! (not what we were looking for). Once we went up the stairs to the left of the main lobby, even just the entrance to the speakeasy was gorgeous. Walking into the business made you gasp and look around immediately. They sit you down but ask your preferences on seating. We both had some cocktails, wine, the sake nachos, and the white cheddar and onion pita bread dip. They were allll phenomenal. Our waitress was kind, attentive, fun, and always checking in on us. They had AMAZING music, and it was a pretty decent business for a Tuesday night. Will definitely be coming back! Great first date location! read more

From the moment I walked in, I knew this was more than just another night out -- this was an experience. The lighting is warm and inviting, the music perfectly balanced, and every detail feels intentional. The cocktails? Works of art. Each drink is crafted with precision, creativity, and a clear passion for flavor. The bartenders don't just make drinks -- they curate moments. I tried the a few of their signature drinks, and it was perfectly balanced, with layers of flavor that unfolded sip after sip. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the staff's knowledge of spirits is impressive. They're happy to offer recommendations, and every suggestion we took was spot-on. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a well-made drink in a beautiful setting, this place is a must-visit. I'll be back -- read more

Called 'Wax Social,' which I guess is hipper than 'That weird room in the Best Western lobby.' You walk in expecting this exclusive, vinyl-only Portland experience. Instead, you're greeted by a giant wall of speakers that are just for 'art' and don't actually work. It's the perfect metaphor for this place: looks like it should be cool, but it's all fake and there's no substance. The 'vibe' is being silently judged by 200 portraits of musicians who look like they're just as confused to be there as you are. The only 'wax' I saw was the crusty, melted candle drippings on the tables, which I think was their solution for 'ambiance.' It's less 'speakeasy' and more 'storage room for a failed 90s record store.' We left. read more

Food and cocktails were tasty, very interesting concept inside a motel you wouldn't think to find it. Very fun atmosphere

You really have to see this place for yourself. It is incredible! This is the place to bring a date, a group of friends or just go to have a great cocktail and listen to the music. The food was excellent and the unique cocktails were outstanding. Well worth the trip to find this spot and it is a true hidden gem for the entire Metro area. This place has any other nitespot in Portland beat. read more

The Wax Social team put together an incredible birthday celebration for my friends and me, and it was the perfect mix of class and comfort. Everyone is so accommodating and friendly and eager to ensure your experience is the best, and the atmosphere that has been created is just the right vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink after work or holding a special event, these folks will treat you right! read more