The food is SO GOOD and the atmosphere is cool asf. Great service, fun music, and incredible vegan eats. My go-to is a cheeze burger with bakon and fries (the thrilling bakon is amazing) and a lavender mimosa. I can’t recommend this place enough!
RebeccaSullivan
Was in town for a bachelorette party and we’re all vegan. We got in late Friday night and wanted to go somewhere to kick off the weekend. We selected Black Water and arrived around 11pm. Quiet in this area of town and the bar had 10-15 people. We ordered food to take back to the hotel. Waited about 10-15 minutes which was not bad at all. Ordered the buffalo wings, bbq wings, and the mozzarella sticks. Ate it at the hotel a short while later and everything was delicious. We had no complaints whatsoever. We hoped to get back again before heading back to NY but there were just too many vegan spots to hit. We’ll be back next time we’re in Portland!
Brent Ohren
It was good but not great
Damian Rich
Tried the lamb curry — rich, spicy, and perfectly cooked.
Robert Bright
I was a bit overdressed for the night, but the menu was great and the ambiance is absolutely something that spoke to my Metal heart. Cirith Ungol on the PA while I ate my vegan mac and cheese? Absolutely lovely. Next time I'm wearing my leather.
Rein K
I love you black water. Always a good time here :)
Chris Kester
The bartender was also the server and order-taker, which meant you had to get her attention to get served, and she was busy. The atmosphere is dark. Food was good but unremarkable.
FeathersMcGraw
It never ceases to delight me looking at a menu where I can eat all the things. Great beer list. Friendly service. Love the chill dive bar vibe. Last time I was there they played animal videos on the tvs and it was just super sweet.
HK Kahng
Once the home of Laurelhurst Brewing, this spot has been reborn into something even better: a vegan burger bar that serves actual joy. The housemade patties put the Beyond/Impossible stuff to shame—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and paired with fries that hit that improbable sweet spot between fluffy and golden. The Scorpion Burger with sautéed jalapeños is a must if you're craving heat and comfort at the same time.
The bar rotates eclectic local brews and house sodas that make you pause between sips. It's not just about food or drink here—it’s a space for weirdness and wonder: live music, pinball machines, all-ages shows, a record/game store in the same building, and on my last visit? A group playing Gaslands across multiple tables in the main space. Glorious chaos.
Misha Watson
No bike rack and wouldn’t let me bring in my scooter. Seriously mixed messages from a vegan bar. Guess you can only go here if you’re in a car.
Lots of great bar food to choose from with live music!
mandaziegelman
Punk rock vegan utopia. BBQ WINGS & KALE SALAD are my go to’s. Weekend brunch specials are also very exciting. I love this place and the people that run it! The new venue is incredible make sure you check out the record store next door. Love the boozy coffee drinks too.
Updated from previous review on 2025-05-23
MilesDeCoy
New location is a total hit. Give me the option for 10-stars HappyCow!
Throw a dart at the menu and you will be happy!!!
burnsria
I had heard about this place from a lot of my friends that live in pdx and ended up getting takeout while doing a roadtrip. We got the pierogies, which are one of my favorite snacks so i loved them i just wish the dipping sauce was flavorful. The caesar salad, which was underwhelming but not bad. The mac n cheese, which i already wasn't a fan of and then we saw a hair in it. And the cheeseburger, which is a classic and was pretty good. I would definitely try dining in next time and see if that makes a difference with my experience.
Patricia Felts
It's just a fun place with a very relaxed atmosphere.All the food choices are delicious!
The food is SO GOOD and the atmosphere is cool asf. Great service, fun music, and incredible vegan eats. My go-to is a cheeze burger with bakon and fries (the thrilling bakon is amazing) and a lavender mimosa. I can’t recommend this place enough!
Was in town for a bachelorette party and we’re all vegan. We got in late Friday night and wanted to go somewhere to kick off the weekend. We selected Black Water and arrived around 11pm. Quiet in this area of town and the bar had 10-15 people. We ordered food to take back to the hotel. Waited about 10-15 minutes which was not bad at all. Ordered the buffalo wings, bbq wings, and the mozzarella sticks. Ate it at the hotel a short while later and everything was delicious. We had no complaints whatsoever. We hoped to get back again before heading back to NY but there were just too many vegan spots to hit. We’ll be back next time we’re in Portland!
It was good but not great
Tried the lamb curry — rich, spicy, and perfectly cooked.
I was a bit overdressed for the night, but the menu was great and the ambiance is absolutely something that spoke to my Metal heart. Cirith Ungol on the PA while I ate my vegan mac and cheese? Absolutely lovely. Next time I'm wearing my leather.
I love you black water. Always a good time here :)
The bartender was also the server and order-taker, which meant you had to get her attention to get served, and she was busy. The atmosphere is dark. Food was good but unremarkable.
It never ceases to delight me looking at a menu where I can eat all the things. Great beer list. Friendly service. Love the chill dive bar vibe. Last time I was there they played animal videos on the tvs and it was just super sweet.
Once the home of Laurelhurst Brewing, this spot has been reborn into something even better: a vegan burger bar that serves actual joy. The housemade patties put the Beyond/Impossible stuff to shame—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and paired with fries that hit that improbable sweet spot between fluffy and golden. The Scorpion Burger with sautéed jalapeños is a must if you're craving heat and comfort at the same time.
The bar rotates eclectic local brews and house sodas that make you pause between sips. It's not just about food or drink here—it’s a space for weirdness and wonder: live music, pinball machines, all-ages shows, a record/game store in the same building, and on my last visit? A group playing Gaslands across multiple tables in the main space. Glorious chaos.
No bike rack and wouldn’t let me bring in my scooter. Seriously mixed messages from a vegan bar. Guess you can only go here if you’re in a car.
Restaurantji Recommends
Lots of great bar food to choose from with live music!
Punk rock vegan utopia. BBQ WINGS & KALE SALAD are my go to’s. Weekend brunch specials are also very exciting. I love this place and the people that run it! The new venue is incredible make sure you check out the record store next door. Love the boozy coffee drinks too. Updated from previous review on 2025-05-23
New location is a total hit. Give me the option for 10-stars HappyCow! Throw a dart at the menu and you will be happy!!!
I had heard about this place from a lot of my friends that live in pdx and ended up getting takeout while doing a roadtrip. We got the pierogies, which are one of my favorite snacks so i loved them i just wish the dipping sauce was flavorful. The caesar salad, which was underwhelming but not bad. The mac n cheese, which i already wasn't a fan of and then we saw a hair in it. And the cheeseburger, which is a classic and was pretty good. I would definitely try dining in next time and see if that makes a difference with my experience.
It's just a fun place with a very relaxed atmosphere.All the food choices are delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Tater Tot Nachos, Soft Pretzels, Nachos, Patty Melt
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