The recent launch of Bar Loon in the heart of Portland’s Southeast Belmont Street marks an exciting development in the local food and cocktail scene.
Ansel Vickery, who previously played a key role in establishing the cocktail-focused Mount Tabor sister bar Bellwether, shifted his focus to creating a culinary haven.
He envisioned Bar Loon not just as another cocktail bar, but as a space where food and wine take center stage.
However, since its opening last June, it became clear that cocktails were capturing the attention of customers, leading to a prompt reevaluation of the bar’s offerings.
The cocktail menu, initially reserved for the back page, featured playful concoctions like Cheval Blanc, Big Time Sensuality, and Kiss Them for Me, all priced at $15.
Recognizing the enthusiasm for cocktails, Vickery decided to amplify the bar’s mixology focus, inviting veteran bartender Hanna Hogge to take the reins as bar manager.
Hogge’s extensive experience at renowned establishments including P.R.E.A.M. and Expatriate allowed her to infuse the cocktail menu with creativity and artistry.
Under her guidance, Bar Loon is poised to distinguish itself from the many specialized cocktail bars across Portland.
One of her standout creations, the tomato mint gimlet known as Eternal Life, exemplifies this new direction.
As the warmer weather approaches, Hogge’s inventive twist on the classic gin and citrus combination is primed for enjoyment on the patio.
“This cocktail is an invitation to savor the tastes of summer,” she stated.
Crafted from a muddle of cherry tomatoes and mint, infused with Fords Gin, and enhanced with a touch of Accompani Mari Gold amaro, Eternal Life embodies the essence of Portland’s vibrant culinary scene.
While the thought of a tomato-infused cocktail often conjures images of the Bloody Mary, Hogge’s creation is refreshingly different, showcasing a unique blend of flavors.
The cocktail arrives in a gleaming pastel pink and offers a delightful medley of citrus, mint, and a hint of herbal notes reminiscent of freshly picked basil.
It’s culinary creativity like this that sets Bar Loon apart, allowing patrons to enjoy an affordable yet exotic drink experience.
The bar’s food offerings also warrant attention, with a thoughtfully curated menu featuring dishes like albacore tonnato, tuna niçoise, and warm olive oil cake.
“Eternal Life feels like a caprese salad in a glass,” Vickery mentioned, suggesting that it pairs perfectly with the bar’s grilled New York strip served with bordelaise butter.
“Having grilled meat alongside something fresh and savory is a match made in culinary heaven.”
With a wine list rich in diverse selections—including champagne, Alpine red, and pet nat—the bar aims to cater to both wine lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
As Portlanders navigate a post-COVID world, Bar Loon offers a refreshing alternative to the standard cocktail experience, putting originality at the forefront.
In an era where the typical $15 cocktail can often disappoint, Bar Loon emerges as a beacon of risk-taking and innovative flavors that invite exploration.
Hogge emphasizes that her goal is to create drinks that are not only unique but also provide a memorable experience for patrons.
“Let’s make something weird that works but surprises you and brings joy,” she conveyed, highlighting her commitment to thoughtful and intentional mixology.
As Bar Loon settles into its role within Portland’s dynamic food and drink landscape, its blend of inventive cocktails and a dedicated culinary approach is already drawing attention.
Vickery’s initial vision, coupled with Hogge’s fresh take on cocktails, is paving the way for a distinctive experience that promises to be both delightful and refreshing.
This summer, Bar Loon invites you to relax on its boho garage patio, sip on an Eternal Life, and indulge in the joy of expertly crafted food and drinks that capture the spirit of the season.
The bar has transformed the former Sweet Hereafter space into a vibrant destination where creativity and flavor coexist harmoniously, showcasing the best of Portland’s dining scene.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/drink/2025/04/22/bar-loons-eternal-life-is-a-tomato-mint-alternative-to-the-bloody-mary/
