50 Best Cocktail Bars in Portland

“This is my favorite cocktail bar anywhere in the world. They have literally thousands of custom cocktails, an impeccably stocked selection of rare spirits, and a chic yet casual elegance that invites everyone to enjoy. I’ve been to places in New York, London and Paris that charge triple yet can’t match what’s on offer here. One of PDX’s finest establishments, simply not to be missed.“

“Dead shot was an amazing experience. The point of the pallet is to set the tone and let the masters decide your fate. You won't be disappointed, humbled and ready for my next visit.“

“Fun spot. With decent drinks. Good for a stop.“

“I returned to Comala and Wow! What a pleasant surprise.

Stopped in just to take a little edge off hunger, not a full meal. I ordered a “quesadilla” and a Pacifico. It looked and tasted nothing like any quesadilla I ever had. It had a thick delicious sauce smothering whatever was underneath the sauce. I could not tell you what the sauce was because I’ve never enjoyed anything like it.

The server told me that three things between the tortilla (or crepe or whatever) and the sauce were squash.

Texture and deliciousness off the charts. If someone had just served this to me, I would never have called it a quesadilla, just “Damn good.”

Comala is a hidden gem, one of those where you don't want to tell people to keep it your own. On the other hand, the people there are so nice, you want to support them.

Great atmosphere, excellent food and cocktails.“

“all I can think saying is it’s delicious every spoonful come out and have some …delicious I promise“

“I make it a point to visit Canard Burnside on all of my trips to Portland! The unique flavors and presentations on their menu keep me coming back for more. Had the roasted beets last night for the first time and the flavor was out of this world.“

“Excellent food and service! A fun pre-Timbers match vibe and the place was hopping!“

“This place nails it every time. Service is friendly and efficient. Cocktails are creative and delicious, as you’d expect from a Ninsom operation, his spots always have a great bar setup. Photo here of the prawn curry. Damn was that amazing! Also got the tom yum noodles which ruled.“

“The food at Mestizo is fantastic. Great customer service, creative drinks, and as a bonus, everything is gluten and soy free.“

“The owner is super nice and friendly. I love the decorations. Very warm and inviting. Feels like you are in HaNoi. Food is authentic. Good place to go to for special occasion or hang out with friends.“

“I can't stop thinking about the celery salad and the warm olives“

“food was so very good. and the whiskey sour was lovely.“

“My go to spot for delicious drinks and scrumptious nibbles. The vibes are always great. The servers are all amazing especially Quintin and Johnny! This place is great on summer nights sitting outside or a winter day escaping the rain. It’s always a great time at The Love Shack!“

“I've. eaten all over Southeast Asia including street amrt I've eaten at many Southeast Asian restaurants, including in Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos, and can unequivocally say this is one of the best meals I've ever had. Starters to dessert, the food was unique, inspired and full of multiple flavors. Bravo and five stars!“

“Brunch here was everything I've heard. I've wanted to eat here for ages. The Besaws pancake is life! The crispy potatoes are uniquely delicious. The service is phenomenal.“

“Deli made good food restaurant, outside frescoe atomosphere, good Italian food!“

“great vibe and comfortable. this is as they position it: a bar that has accompanying food and not vice-versa.

you don’t go for the food. its over priced, trying to hard to be cool-ethnic….almost self conscious in its drive to be hip with small portions, as if to signals the quality. it tries to incorporate the taste elements of the culture, but the items i had fall a bit short…almost bland. good for IG eyes but it is the mouth that counts.

contrast this to lulu where the deep ethnic menu is a “hidden treasure” and treat inside a great cocktail lounge. the bar appearance gives you no hint to the great execution that hides behind the curtain. the food is great and well priced. it is about execution and is not self conscious. it works.

silk roads could do it; focus on the value and have fun with it.“

“lovely atmosphere!! and very lovely food!!“

“Great vibes to share a drink and have a conversation.“

“Great live jazz on Thursdays!“

“Tried the Rum Club on a whim while staying down the street and can't wait to go back! The happy hour punch was a steal at $5 and the pineapple fried rice was a huge portion for 2 of us to share. We also tried both the Burning Son & Doors and Corners cocktails, both were delicious. Service was great, friendly and attentive.“

“Great live music here!!!!“

“The atmosphere is AMAZING! 2nd time coming and truly a vibe. Both time staff has been wonderful! Remi and Jasmine were such great time and so knowledgeable as well. Didn’t get to try the food yet, so we definitely will be back for that🤍“

“Nestled in the heart of Portland’s cocktail scene, Fools and Horses isn’t just another upscale bar, it’s where my life began anew.

It was Saturday night, and I was off another 60-hour week at my dead-end job, it was beginning to feel like my life was over. I wandered aimlessly downtown through alleys and intersections before the gates of heaven appeared before me.

From the moment I walked in, the ambiance calmed me instantly. Dark wood, low lighting, and a soundtrack that felt curated just for my mood. Everything was calming me down from another long week. I looked around and saw the real Johnny S. Knuckles and knew I was in the right place. But nothing could have prepared me for the resuscitation of my bleak life.

As I walked up to the bar and sat down, my gaze was instantly locked on one thing. On the other side of the bar stood a man, but not just any man, a figure designed by God. A mountain whose inner elbows sent me into a trance. I couldn’t help but fixate on them as he held them proudly in the air shaking up a cocktail. They were shimmering beneath the glow of the back bar, hinting at stories untold, and in that moment, I knew he could tame a dragon with them.

Then the best moment of my life happened, he walked over and introduced himself. Asher. I watched as he dried his hands on a towel, his velvet bends of the arm flexing as he did. It took all my strength to not drop my glass of water as I took a sip. His voice soothed me, but those silken curves beneath the elbow continued to hypnotize me as we began to talk. I opened the menu and pretended to read it all while stealing every look possible at those grand canyons of flesh that would make the Mona Lisa blush.

Every moment I sat there at the bar with Asher in front of me felt like an eternity, as if even time itself was entranced, slowing down to savor every moment. Flustered, I realized I had yet to pick out a drink, I quickly scrambled through the menu of delicious sounding drinks when my eyes caught one, The Local Hero. I knew this was the one for I had just met my hero. I watched as Asher prepared the drink, his tender crook of the arm once again giving a dance that would win gold. He slid the drink across the bar, his soft bends where secrets live inching towards me as I almost collapsed from my seat.

And as I sat there the rest of the night I stared in awe, watching this man whose golden crescents look as if they were crafted by Zeus himself prepare drink after drink. People talked about it in hushed tones, like sailors sharing tales of sirens. If charisma could be weaponized, these inner altars of forearm lust would need a liquor license and a permit from the Department of Defense.

As I began to leave, I stole one last look as I walked out the door, and I knew life was worth living again. Thank you Fools and Horses, I will always be back to be serenaded by Asher’s inner elbows, my local hero.“

“Sunrice is inside of Roxy hotel. Pleasant ambiance of the lobby tucked behind the hotel front desk for hotel guests and food court eaters.

Excellent Philippine food. Reasonable prices. The cook and helper Kent and Jason were very nice and greeted everyone with friendly smile.“

“A go-to spot in Beaumont Village and my number one cocktail bar recommendation. Kate, one of the owners, always makes us feel at home. The drinks are sophisticated and the atmosphere is cozy yet modern. They have classic cocktails with a twist plus no proof and low proof offerings. Every single food item is top notch…favorites include Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese Curds, and seasonal items like the Beet Salad. The Classique Burger is the absolute best and has been for years. The Olive Oil Cake makes for the perfect finish to any Wonderly evening.“

“Here’s the real deal from a former woman who is learning the hard way how to overtly and ethically weaponize abuse against her abusers, to educate them about safety. A former woman who’s seen and experienced a lot of non-consensual covert abuse, is still standing, and enjoying bars:

I’m all about a world where people can show up exactly as they are, feel seen, appreciated, heard, helped, included, protected, because they deserve it. This was my experience at Grandma’s Secret. This is the kind of place I imagine my version of my grandma from Romania would’ve run, had she not faced a lifetime of limitations, oppression, and systemic abuse, and had she been fortunate to receive all the adequate help she needed from knowledgeable, prepared allies. Grandma’s secret radiates a free, unbreakable spirit, full of strength, kindness, and support for those who value empowerment over oppression, connection over control.

To all the women who’ve been through it, are fighting it, and to the allies who get it—in my opinion, this bar has created a safe haven for women and the allies who stand beside them, and it has been made possible by women who genuinely care. This place deserves to be supported, promoted, and fought for.

It’s a night out, yes, but it’s also a place to breathe, be yourself, connect with those who really get you, and be supported by a team of high-EQ, high-inclusivity, world-class women, who know what it means to make you feel seen, celebrated, and cared for. Walk through the doors, and you’ll feel it instantly: every interaction is real, every smile is there to encourage you to be yourself, every laughter is there to uplift you, every word is there to elevate you, and there’s a vibe here that makes you want to stay all night—and drink creative flavored margaritas, in my case.

To me, Grandma’s Secret is a vibe, a movement, a home base for anyone who’s all about inclusivity, empowerment, safety, and fun, that I am anxiously looking for more of this in Portland.“

“A very cozy bar to hang out in, with extra seating in the back. Love that they have some NA mixed drink options. They have a couple vegan food options (fries, salad, pickles), and I’ll admit those fries are BOMB, would love a couple more options like a vegan burger or hush pups?? Happy to have a great new neighborhood haunt.“

“Definitely enjoyed it. Looking forward to going back.“

“Amazing cocktails, decor and bartenders.“

“Immaculate vibes and delicious sandwiches.
Seriously, they’ve nailed the dark gothic / Victorian atmosphere for those feeling moody and also have beautiful outdoor seating to enjoy the weather.

The sandwiches really couldn’t be better and the extra step of chilling the beer mugs is a much appreciated touch.“

“I frequented this place a lot over the years, it’s nice and intimate inside and a great place for a date night. We don’t usually order food but the cocktails are straight forward and well mixed. It’s not the best place in town to order a cocktail, but it is the best place in “

“My second time here, both visits were impeccable vibes, drinks, and food. Between the two visits I’ve had five things off the menu and three of the cocktails, and I was ecstatic about all of them.

Our go to place is Lift Off Lounge 🍸 in NE, and Double Dragon is its tropical cousin. We would be coming here all the time if we lived in SE!“

“Awesome venue and great atmosphere“

“Saw an ad on Instagram about this spot and boy am I so glad I saw it! This place is so beautifully decorated and immediately sets a fun, polished, welcomIng vibe. I'm a big fan of flights so was very happpy to see that at the forefront of this menu. We went for the bubbles flight - everything was delicious and I had never had a sparkling red! For the food we tried the fondue (delish), deviled eggs, and tuna tartare (definitely the star). Service was amazing as well of course can't wait to come back and also can't believe I had never explored this area before!“

“Best bar in Kerns, and there is stiff competition. The bar staff is terrific, the Monday happy hour is worth the trip, and their selection is well curated. Come by for a drink, stay for some food with the adjacent Zipper restaurants, or hang out for conversation or a corner with a book.“

“Great spot with good people working behind the bar. Usually someone screaming in the mic and a blaring sign that reads KARAOKE out front. Comfortable and confident space themed after The Shining with all the decor centered around the film, including a giant typewriter right when you enter. Great KJs and solid drinks.“

“Russel makes a mean Manhattan!“

“Delicious & immaculately presented, robust drink menu and Tapas done right 😋“

“I've been coming to this restaurant for the past three years with my boyfriend. Last night we re created our first date, with my mother in law and two of our closest friends. After receiving our drinks, we exchanged a small gift, then I proposed. All of the staff came to congratulate us. One staff member gifted us a pair of shot glasses from lavka. The food was incredible, the drinks were amazing. I cant thank the staff enough for helping us to make this day so memorable. Thank you all! Спасибо !!!!“

“Chef Pedro has taken Bellpine to the next level. The menu is exquisite and offers a diverse range of culinary originals. It primarily focuses on small plates and does offer larger portioned dishes as well as I would say table sized dishes that sounded absolutely amazing. We stuck with the smaller plate options. We walked in and were treated warmly and seated quickly. They have a great bar menu. I especially enjoyed the olive oil old fashioned. It may sound strange however it works very well and is a great twist on a classic. We ordered the brioche bread, crab Berliner, pork ribs, wagyu carpaccio, the sliders, and the salmon with potato terrine for dessert we had the campfire s’mores! All dishes were phenomenal. The salmon was perfect and served with crispy salmon skin that was executed flawlessly. The pork ribs and sliders were excellent and balanced with correct seasonings and proportions of salt fat acid and heat. Very well balanced. What made this truly unique was the dessert. They brought out and lit tableside a ramekin with apple brandy to toss our scratch made marshmallows. They make everything from scratch even the graham crackers tasted luxurious. The service from our waitress was five star worthy and she made it so special for us. Fabulous and worth it. You must go and try new things on their menu every time!“

“Absolutely amazing tasty food! We had the tacos and instantly fell in love. I could cry with how good it was. The hosts and staff were so friendly and accommodating all around great atmosphere and learning their story made it all the more heart opening. Thank you so much 🫶🫶🫶🙏“

“Excellent service, cool place. Outdoor seating with fire pits. Tasty beers and cocktails.“

“This place was pretty chill when I went at 7pm on Saturday. There's 2 indoor seating sections and an outdoor section with it's own bar. I didn't get any alcoholic drinks, but the chicken sandwich and fries I got were very nice. My soda refills were quick and staff was very friendly. After 9pm the party is definitely cranking.“

“I rented out the Bad Habit Room for our team holiday party and am so glad I did! Randi made booking and planning a breeze. Our bartender Joffrey was fun and helpful and made some fantastic cocktails (and some creative mocktails!) The appetizer platters we ordered from the catering menu were beautiful and very high quality for the price, and I appreciated that we were able to swap in some vegan options. For the main course, we ordered from Saraveza's menu, and the food was great and came out very quickly. The background music was perfect, and the pinball machines were a nice bonus! Everyone had a fantastic time, and my husband and I are already talking about what event we want to host there next.“

“The food, the cocktails are great along with the staff. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed.“

“Unbelievable amazing food lobster pad Thai was unreal Annie was a great server“

“Love this place. We've been a few times and both the drinks and desserts are so so delicious! Recommend reservations but not required. Seating is a little tight for larger parties, but I've seen them make it work. Ideal for parties of 2-3.“

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.“

“Really fun lil spot to play video games with your friends. Lots of different platforms and plenty of vintage games to choose from.

Pricing was really reasonable for the amount of fun we had. Cocktails were delicious and the food was snackable.

Highly recommend their Thai tea cocktail!“