Portland has a rich history of drinking that dates back to the timber era in the 19th century.
Originally a hub for resource industries in the Pacific Northwest, the city has seen a cultural shift in recent years.
Portland’s music, coffee, and food cart scenes have gained national acclaim in the 21st century, attracting ambitious chefs from around the globe.
However, the essence of Portland remains that of a drinking town, where socializing and enjoying well-crafted beverages continues to be a way of life.
In light of this, we’ve curated a list of eight intriguing bars that have recently opened their doors to both locals and visitors.
**Daydream**
Located at 2615 SE Clinton St., Daydream offers a whimsical escape from the ordinary.
With electro-Cumbia beats playing on a high-end hi-fi system and soft red lighting, this bar encapsulates a dreamlike atmosphere.
A live DJ sets the mood every night, while the drink menu features trendy low-ABV options.
Patrons can enjoy around 15 natural-leaning wines by the glass, alongside unique cocktails made from local amari and fresh citrus.
The bar’s selection of draft beers is tight yet impressive, and the ambiance ensures everyone looks their best while sipping on delightful concoctions.
You won’t want to miss the Rye & Spelt ale, a collaboration with local Duality Brewing, crafted with Albariño grapes.
**Side Eye**
Situated at 612 NW 21st Ave., Side Eye is a neo-dive bar that marries a relaxed atmosphere with stiff drinks and good music.
The semi-dark interior features booths and snuggly banquettes, providing cozy seating while a backbar exudes class with elegant deco light fixtures.
The cocktail menu is serious about quality, showcasing drinks like a Rob Roy made with toasted cashew, cacao, and Kummel, an herbal caraway liqueur.
Simple fare like the “Royale With Cheese” burger and olive oil martini exemplifies unfussy yet delicious offerings.
The overall effect evokes a fusion of dive bar charm and upscale ambiance, making it suitable for patrons from places like Silver Lake in LA or Fort Greene in Brooklyn.
Try the highball menu, built around house-carbonated toasted coconut soda on tap, paired with your spirit of choice, particularly enjoyable with blended Scotch.
**Bar Loon**
At 3326 SE Belmont St., Bar Loon is a significant addition to the rejuvenated nightlife along Belmont Avenue.
The bar’s spacious interior, enhanced by mirrors and flickering candlelight, invites customers to relax with snacks and local brews.
Must-try items include fried artichokes and head-on grilled Old Bay prawns, perfectly paired with selections from Away Days and Upright Brewing.
Their “Littles” menu features miniature cocktails, including a tiny vesper or half-sized dirty martini.
One standout drink is the Eternal Life, a savory tropical mix of mint- and tomato-infused gin, coconut, and lime that showcases the bar’s creativity.
**Malpractice**
Found at 77 SE Yamhill St., Malpractice takes cocktail culture to an artistic level.
With a playlist including Thom Yorke and bold fuschia lighting, the ambiance is as striking as its creatively presented drinks.
The half-dozen oysters dressed with roasted bay leaf oil stand out, as does their take on second-dates, enticing mixology, and a stylish atmosphere.
The cocktails are playful, with “My Most Infamous Nude” featuring Chartreuse, a hogo-forward Jamaican rum blend, and falernum, served in a cheeky oversized ceramic banana.
Their dirty martini, made with Paranubes aguardiente, offers a bracingly unique twist with dry vermouth, bay leaf oil, and seawater.
**Cult Classics**
Located at 308 SE Morrison St., Cult Classics embraces the nostalgia of a ‘90s video rental shop.
Opened in February 2025, this video bar boasts over 600 titles, including favorites like Gattaca and Hellraiser III.
The decor is playful, featuring bubble glass columns and Flamingo Pink neon lighting, creating a fun environment.
The food is humorously simple, but the micro-draft beer list shines with selections from breweries like Barley Brown’s.
On Sundays, patrons enjoy classic films at full volume, creating a lively communal experience, and during one visit, viewers immersed themselves in Total Recall from 1990.
The “Hard Ticket to Hawaii” cocktail, featuring Hpnotiq, Tito’s vodka, peach schnapps, and soda, serves as a nostalgic nod to youthful drinking adventures.
**Jerry’s Tavern**
Jerry’s Tavern, located at 3010 NW Nicolai St., embraces a Midwestern dive bar culture in SE Portland.
The interior is adorned with sports memorabilia from owner Jerry Benedetto’s childhood, creating a familiar and comfortable environment.
Known for its impressive bar program, Jerry’s highlights drinks like Miller High Life and an extravagant Bloody Mary with a plethora of toppings, from summer sausage to smoked cheese.
Their fried buffalo wings are touted as the best in town, alongside crispy cheese curds served with ranch.
This bar encourages patrons to engage without the distraction of their phones, fostering a community atmosphere.
If you’re new to Malört, Jerry’s is an ideal spot for a first shot.
A refreshing pint of Point Special Lager or a Pudding Shot from the specials board is also highly recommended.
**Fancy Baby**
Located at 1204 NW Glisan St., Fancy Baby is a wine lover’s paradise.
With over 10 different Champagnes available by the glass, and a selection of Burgundies and Barolos, it caters to serious wine enthusiasts.
The bar focuses on classic wines, though many offerings align with the natural wine trend.
Cozy booths and intimate tables encourage a relaxed social experience, complemented by live DJs on weekends.
Bartenders here are knowledgeable and can assist in selecting a delightful wine to pair with housemade snacks, like potato chips and Gribiche dip adorned with edible flowers and pickled chilis.
**Pleasure Mountain**
Opened in January 2025, Pleasure Mountain is a celebration of India’s vibrant beverage culture.
This bar features bold Bollywood-inspired decor and a no-phone policy sign in Hindi, creating an immersive atmosphere.
The menu is diverse, offering house infusions and a broad range of drinks, from ghee-washed rum to floral jasmine-washed gin.
Guests are treated to spiced lotus nuts, and the menu boasts exquisite choices like chura vada pav and pani puri.
A standout is the Baarish, a non-alcoholic cocktail renowned for its flavorful blend akin to liquid incense.
You’ll also find Indian microbreweries and single malt whiskeys from Indian distilleries on the menu.
The bar proudly credits its inspirations, citing both Wink Bar in Mumbai and Death & Company in New York as influences.
This combination creates a rich tapestry of subcontinental flavors that make a visit truly special.
As Portland continues to evolve, these new establishments represent a vibrant aspect of the city’s drinking culture, paying homage to its roots while embracing contemporary trends.
image source from：bonappetit
