50 Best Dive Bars in Portland

“Friendly staff, delicious pub food with an interesting twist, a good beer selection, and great cocktails!“

“Solid four star experience. Went in the middle of the day for a burger and wasn't disappointed. Burger was presented nicely, had a nice taste, bun was good, fresh fixings, and melted cheese.

Also got their fried pickle spears. Those were damn good.

Bartender was attentive, friendly, and did her job just fine.

I did enjoy the ambiance and will return to play some pinball and shuffleboard.“

“Best music bar in the city! Good vibes and character all over.“

“If you like funky bars with that 1950's vib this is your place. Lots of fun items for that time period including gas station signs, gas pumps and motorcycles (hanging from the ceiling) great vib. Friendly service. We would go back.“

“One of my all time favorite bars“

“Was the best time Jon and Me had so so so much... What a fun adventure and entertainment!!!“

“The Montavilla Mic returns on April 8th.“

“This is probably the best fried chicken and JoJos on the entire planet. I’m not even kidding. I used to live a couple blocks from here and I would come here a couple times a month. I crave it all the time. It is a super divey bar with a funky atmosphere and kind of cramped, but certainly worth it!“

“They were a lifesaver during the snowstorm because I was stuck at work for 2 days. Ordered a great burger to go. That was warm and fresh“

“The bartender was rude & the server was all over the place. Happy hour and specialty cocktails were definitely lacking. But the food was amazing!“

“Awesome place to grab a brewski. Went here with the wife and had a great time!“

“I am pissed that the bartender changed the music from the juke box. I wasted $5. Never heard a single because she listened to what she wanted. Third time this has happened. I am not coming back here and keeping my friends from going here after this.“

“We had their sweet and sour chicken and it was actually really good. The rice was fresh and fluffy and the chicken was crispy and covered in a delicious, sweet and sour sauce. Karaoke was very fun. Operation of the karaoke unit was very professional and the audio was a spot on. No distortion and you could actually hear people sing. The song selection was, of course great and the ambiance and drinks were on par with what you'd expect on a popular bar in Portland. This is a great place to meet with some friends sing some songs. Have some good food and drink some too.“

“I LOVE THIS PLACE! I feel like I belong here. The clientele are a whole-ass vibe. The owners are some of the most kind-hearted and grounded people I've ever known. If you live in lower SE Portland....you will feel at home here. The staff are all lively characters and make you feel welcome.“

“Just what the Doctor ordered. Great little neighborhood bar even if you aren't from the neighborhood.“

“I'm 59, female, and the cold pilsner beer hit the spot on a stormy day. Casual, comfy atmosphere. Bring a charging cord as there's ports at the bar to charge electronic devices. This was huge for us. A couple pool table so bring your que.

Parking: Small parking lot in back.“

“We loved it here!! Such a fun vibe - like a mix of divey and neighborhood friendly bar. Pool tables and cool stained glass signs, a decent amount of TV’s (Xfinity cable, no NFL Sunday ticket) and a board game cabinet. Our bartender Noelle was absolutely delightful! Can’t wait to come back again soon to check out Saturday night karaoke.“

“Great spot. Its a dive bar! Excellent prices, tasty food and good service. The owner is top notch. Know where you're going and you'll love it. Keep expectations on a mellow setting and enjoy. I attended their anniversary celebration recently and it was clear they are a pillar of the community with a great following and history.“

“Watch our the wild goose! Trivia on Sundays!“

“Have been enjoying this place for more than a decade, when in the neighborhood. Welcoming, mellow, spacious, variety of seating options for small or larger groups, large outdoor area (don't usually sit out there because of the smoking). Good prices. Just all around good bar. Adding current Big Fucking Deals photo for the public good.“

“hipster central good drinks“

“Just moved into the area and wanted to check this place out. Had a great time, inside is like your favorite home bar and outside is like an oasis vacation. Taylor the bartender is great in her craft with margaritas and cocktails. Would recommend this place to all my friends.“

“Love this place! Jill is the best. The place is fun and friendly, clean, cheap beers too! Love the live music too!“

“Breakfast this morning was awesome highly recommended 💯 thnx Gen!“

“Been going here since the doors opened. Still a home base for me even though I don't live in the neighborhood anymore.“

“More like Old Gilbert RAD Tavern“

“Holman's Bar & Grill – Review

Holman's Bar & Grill is a classic neighborhood bar known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere and solid American comfort food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pub-style appetizers, paired with a good selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits.

The food is generally tasty and well-prepared, with generous portions that satisfy casual diners. Service is friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming vibe.

The ambiance is relaxed, with bar seating, casual tables, and often TVs for sports. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends, enjoying a casual meal, or watching a game. Overall, Holman’s offers a reliable, comfortable bar-and-grill experience.“

“Super nice staff. Good food Plenty of beers Dig!“

“"This Ship Don't Sink" is the perfect motto for this bar. A local neighborhood spot that's been kicking up dust since the 40's offering local craft beers and great times. From the welcoming demeanor of the bartenders to the heavy handed drinks, this the place to be in the neighborhood, friendly atmosphere, great locals/regulars that have been coming here for many many years makenit very inviting and wholesome. I've made many a great friend with staff and patron alike. I always felt that the motto was derived from the comradery of the patrons/staff. It's very inclusive and safe with everyone looking out for eachother and also welcoming and accepting of new folks, it's always a good laugh and good times at the ship!

They also have video lottery and a pool table, as well as a big back patio. This is a place where you can come to be by yourself and do work/listen to podcast/etc, or just strike up a random conversation and make a new friend. I highly suggest this bar to anyone new to the neighborhood just looking to scope things out and get more acquainted with their neighbors.“

“Sharon is such a fun & friendly bartender! Husband won on video poker, my drinks were great I went a sweet drink & husband went with rum & coke.
weekly events are fun too like karaoke and line dancing night! And bonus if you play pokemon go; there’s a pokestop“

“the best place to shoot pool and now they got karaoke too 😃“

“Good beer selection, nice people, good feel… great location.“

“Best dive spot lol true Slammer joint. Walk in sit almost a fist to cuffs lol bartenders did great since is the size of a 3 bedroom apartment lol. Cheap fun and entertaining. TV good music and friendly except the 1 guy who just seemed to miss Read his company lol
Did see others food... yup Commissary status but awesome“

“are house in the middle of the street ... HOME“

“Great staff and food! Love it here!“

“Best drinks, friendly atmosphere, great bartenders! Especially liked sitting outside on a warm day having a drink with old friends, and making new ones. Always someone there to play pool with and “talk story”.“

“The bartender had a great story about a person who ordered a disgusting cocktail. 🙂 And then failed to drink it afterward.“

“This had to be one of the best dive bars in Portland. Drinks were cheap! The had an amazing patio and a great area upstairs with pinball machines and a pool table. This was the highlight of the night. There is food up and down the street from Billy Rays so you’ve got plenty of food options for when you get hungry. It is a classic dive bar so don’t expect bright lights and fancy drinks. This is definitely a local spot!“

“love this little hole in the wall, yup one of portland's finest dive bars.On weekends there is a lot of different folks that stop by,Marcee and Stormi always treat them well.“

“Best dive ever“

“Close to home, inexpensive drinks, all the tvs have football, there's keno, 2 pool tables (free on sundays), and slot machines. The other day they let me watch spongebob at 3pm. Who could wish for anything more?!“

“Not many things were open on Christmas during the afternoon but this place was and I spent a few hours here reading a book with fresh drinks aplenty and I was happy about all of it. ⚓️

Vegetarian options: Beer and liquor are available.“

“The blond bartender who works the night shift is absolutely wonderful. She is my favorite bartender. If i ever make plans to go grab a couple drinks or play video poker I will literally drive completely out of my way if i know she is working. She is wonderful to talk to. She remembered my name the second time i went there. She just makes the vibe of the bar so much more than any other bars I've been too. I went in a couple times when another bartender was working the night shift, she was a brunette and she was very snappy and i didn't want to be negative but she seemed really ditzy or sorry to say but maybe a little intoxicated in my opinion. But other than her. GREAT BAR!!!“

“awesome bartenders here...if you like that kind of thing. 😍“

“We were in pretty early, so I can't tell ya if any Creepy Draculas show up later on, but while we were there, there were ZERO Wolf-People and they had plenty of seating in a variety of options, so there's that.

Parking: It's where you park your car? I dunno...“

“To be honest I never would have gone here if it wasn’t for Drag Trivia.
It felt like such a warm, inclusive place and I have made so many new friends.
The bartenders are lovely, and I love that they have CBD soda on tap!“

“Best hot toddy in town. Fact.“

“She told me her name, but I can't remember it. I just remember she was a 49er fan like me. Great service. Really good breakfast but forgot to say no cheese.I don't eat cheese, but the food was still really good. Hash browns were cooked just right. And the bloody Mary hit the spot!“

“A cool neighborhood bar that serves some good fried chicken and wings. The interior is clean and there are plenty of tvs with sports playing in the background. We ordered some wings, fried chicken, and a grilled cheese and tomato soup to eat. The person taking our order at the bar was pretty nice and patient while we figured out what we wanted. The grilled cheese and tomato soup was pretty simple. The wings were good and the fried chicken had a good crunchy exterior, but nice and moist inside. I do want to come here next time for happy hour.“

“All of the staff are amazing and the food is way better than you'd expect from a shady dive like this. Holly, Jenny, and Sarah are always killing it and all make what could be a forgettable neighbourhood video lottery spot a local staple. Give them a raise!“