Why Portland’s Bars Are a Liquid Goldmine for Beer Lovers
If you’re in Portland and not sipping on something fermented, you’re doing it wrong. The city’s bar scene is a kaleidoscope of craft beer, inventive cocktails, and enough personality to make even the most stoic bartender smile. But let’s be real: with so many options, how do you pick the best bars in Portland without ending up in a 3AM existential crisis on a park bench? Fear not, fellow imbibers—this guide is your cheat code. We’ve rounded up the top spots that’ll make you feel like a local (or at least like you know where the restrooms are).
Top 5 Bars You’ll Probably Regret Missing
1. Deschutes Public House – The OG of PDX Craft Beer
Address: 111 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Located in a cozy brick building that screams “I’ve seen things,” Deschutes Public House is where craft beer in Portland got its start. Their taproom menu feels like a love letter to hops, with pints of Black Butte Porter that hit like a velvet hammer. Pro tip: Ask for the “Deschutes Flight” to sample a medley of their classics. It’s like a beer buffet without the awkwardness of sharing a single plate with strangers.
2. The Holy Mountain – Cocktails for the Culturally Confident
Address: 828 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209
If you want to feel fancy, Holy Mountain is your ticket. This bar is equal parts speakeasy and science lab, where mixologists craft drinks that would make Da Vinci jealous. Try the “Lemon Drop” (it’s not just for tourists) or the “Bourbon Old Fashioned” if you’re feeling like a 1920s gangster with better taste. The vibe? Think “I’ve paid for this experience and now I’m owed a cigar.”
3. Bar Do Good – Gastrobar with a Side of Guilt-Free Guzzling
Address: 1727 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209
This spot is a masterclass in balancing indulgence and health. Their menu features dishes that make you feel like you deserve the $14 cocktail next to you. The “Braised Short Rib” is so good it’ll make you forget you skipped your morning kale. Pair it with a “Do Good Margarita” (because doing good has never tasted so sour).
4. Exley’s Public House – Dive Bar Goals for the Discerning Drunk
Address: 211 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Exley’s is the kind of bar where the jukebox plays classic rock at 110 dB, and the bartenders know your order before you sit down. It’s a relic in the best way possible—think neon signs, sticky floors, and a menu that includes “The Exley’s Special” (rum, amaro, and a side of nostalgia). If you want to feel like a character in a Coen Brothers movie, this is your spot.
5. Apology Tour – Where Bartenders Apologize for Nothing
Address: 1025 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209
Apology Tour is a literal ode to the word “apology,” but don’t let that fool you. The cocktails here are so good they’ll make you forget you ever needed an apology in the first place. Their “Apology Mule” (vodka, ginger beer, lime) is a modern masterpiece. The bar’s vibe? “We’re sorry about everything, but also not sorry at all.”
Pro Tips for Surviving the PDX Bar Scene Like a Local
- Never Order a Michelob Ultra: Unless you’re trying to be the least popular person in the bar. Portland’s a craft beer town, and the only thing worse than a Michelob is someone who orders one. Opt for something local—check the tap list, and if you see a name with more syllables than a Shakespearean soliloquy, that’s a good sign.
- Flights Are Free (Mostly): Many bars offer free flight tastings for new customers. Use this to your advantage. A $10 flight of five pints is way better than one $10 shot that you’ll regret at 2AM.
- Tipping Is Mandatory (Unless You Want to Be Banned): Bartenders in Portland are artists, not charity cases. Tip 20% and call it a day. If you’re feeling generous, throw in a compliment about their playlist.
Why You Should Care About Portland’s Bar Scene (Even If You Hate Beer)
Portland’s bars aren’t just about the drinks—they’re about the experience. From the retro charm of Exley’s to the avant-garde cocktails at Holy Mountain, these spots are cultural landmarks in their own right. Plus, if you’re ever stuck in line for a food cart, a nearby bar is your best friend. Just remember: in Portland, the only thing more important than your opinion on craft beer is your ability to appreciate the bartender’s playlist.
FAQs: The Drunk and the Curious Edition
1. What’s the best time to visit these bars without feeling like a tourist?
Weeknights after 8PM. Weekends are great for chaos, but if you want to avoid the “I’m here to see my sister, not to drink” crowd, hit up the bars mid-week. You’ll get the same drinks, half the people, and zero judgment.
2. Are there any bars that are actually kid-friendly (i.e., not crowded with parents)?
Unfortunately, Portland’s bars are for adults who take their imbibing seriously. If you’re looking for a place to have a beer while your kid eats a hot dog, you’re in the wrong city. But hey, at least you’ll have a good story when you get home.
3. Can I use a credit card? (This is a real question.)
Most bars accept cards, but always check. If you’re out of cards and cash, try bargaining with your soul. Some bartenders might take that.
Conclusion: Raise a Glass (and a Yelp Review)
Portland’s bar scene is a wild, wonderful, and slightly confusing experience—but that’s what makes it unforgettable. From the classics to the avant-garde, these spots offer something for everyone (except maybe the non-drinkers, but they can just sip on lemonade and pretend it’s craft).
Ready to take your next beer adventure to the next level? Check out Make Your Own Beer for tips on brewing your own liquid gold at home. And if you’re looking to sell your creations, sell your beer online through Dropt.beer to reach a wider audience. Cheers, Portland—here’s to the next round (and the next bar).
