Portland, Oregon Nightlife Spots

Multnomah Whiskey Library cultivates one of Portland’s most extensive whiskey libraries, with all major world distilling styles represented. Popular selections include American-style rye whiskies, international liquors, scotches, bourbons, and local Northwestern varieties, along with extensive lists of sugarcane spirits and Mexican liquors. Classic gastropub fare such as charcuterie boards, gourmet macaroni and cheese, and dry-aged ribeye steak entrees is served at the library’s Green Room bar by executive chef Ben Grossmann, emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients. The library’s Hall Pass Program offers exclusive reserved seating for library non-members, and public special events provide opportunities for tastings, local distillery field trips, and pairing dinners.

1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205, Phone: 503-954-1381

Teardrop Lounge was opened in Portland’s Pearl District in 2007, part of a renaissance of cocktail bars in the neighborhood throughout the decade. The lounge has been named as one of the best bars in the Pacific Northwest by a number of international publications, including Esquire, Travel + Leisure, and Playboy. It offers a wide menu of classic cocktail favorites from throughout the past two centuries, along with inventive new drinks crafted by the bar’s expert mixologists and guest bartenders around the country. Bottled craft and import beers are also served, along with a variety of sparkling, red, and white wines. Light bar snacks include duck fat fingerlings, marrow bones, and breaded asparagus.

1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, Phone: 503-445-8109

Bible Club PDX’s name is an homage to the covert names used for speakeasies during Prohibition, offering tongue-in-cheek theming such as a 24-carat-gold bar area called “The Holy Land” and “Holy Hour” happy hour specials. The throwback bar was designed by Los Angeles bar designers and is housed within an unassuming historic home in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood without outdoor branding or signage. An extensive drink menu classic and modern cocktails, along with a number of wine and craft non-alcoholic offerings. Light bar fare is served, ranging from spiced hazelnuts and house-made breads to duck leg confit and charcuterie boards. Visitors should note that the bar is unable to accommodate parties larger than six due to its limited size and enforces a two-credit-card maximum per party.

6716 SE 16th St, Portland, OR 97202, Phone: 971-279-2198

Restaurants For a Date

Doug Fir Lounge has been recognized by top music publications such as Rolling Stone and Consequence of Sound as one of the best music venues in America, known for presenting indie rock shows by top artists such as MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Sleater-Kinney, and the Shins. The venue was opened in 2004 in the city’s lower Burnside neighborhood within the Jupiter Hotel and hosts performances most nights of the week, with tickets available both at its box office and through online services. Its rustic modernist diner and full-service bar is decorated to evoke the aesthetic of the Pacific Northwest, serving signature dishes such as buttermilk fried chicken, mushroom and gruyere Cascade scrambles, and famous Fir Burgers. In addition to mainstage lounge shows, the bar’s patio hosts free Sunday afternoon concerts with local and regional acts.

830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, Phone: 503-231-9663

Goodfoot Pub and Lounge was opened in 2001 and has become one of Portland’s most-renowned music and arts venues, showcasing rotating exhibits by local artists throughout its cozy upstairs lounge, which also offers vintage pinball machines and pool tables for visitor entertainment. Downstairs, a live music venue hosts 21-and-up shows by regional and national artists in a dive bar environment that evokes exclusive basement parties. A full menu of house-infused cocktails is served, along with a wide selection of local microbrews. Every Friday, a Soul Stew DJ dance night party spins top tunes and turns up the heat on the venue’s intimate dance floor.

2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, Phone: 503-239-9292

Laurelthirst Public House is Portland’s oldest independent music venue, presenting folk, bluegrass, Americana, and world music performances since 1988. Since its opening, the bar has strived to be an inclusive gathering place for the Portland community, offering a wide selection of local and regional microbrews and wines alongside classic American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and shareable bar plates. All meats are sourced from local providers Carlton Farms, with regional favorites such as Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches and Water Avenue Coffee also available for purchase. Open mic nights are offered weekly on Sundays, and themed public special events feature jazz and country music performances, swing dance nights, and more.

2958 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232, Phone: 503-232-1504