Weather you’ve been exploring Portland all day, working hard for ‘THE MAN’, or hell, even cooped up in your home office working working on your novel (instead of actually working), it sure is nice to go down to one of the local cocktail bars and let out some steam. Right?

Portland is a city bursting with culinary (nay, gastonomical!) experiences, and it’s mixology scene is no different. I’ve compiled my “Best Of” list of cocktail bars sure to loosen up even the stiffest of patrons. I have tried my best to give you a broad range of establishments which sooth the taste buds, loosen the tongue, and have atmosphere up the yin-yang.

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Cocktail Bars in Portland

Portland is renowned not just for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes but also for its exceptional cocktail bars that dot the cityscape. Each bar brings a unique twist to the cocktail scene, offering a blend of innovative creations, classic drinks with a modern twist, and an unforgettable ambiance that sets them apart. From hidden speakeasies that transport you back in time to modern establishments pushing the boundaries of mixology, Portland’s cocktail bars are a testament to the city’s creative spirit and dedication to culinary excellence.

Fools and Horses

Fools and Horses, another gem in Portland’s bustling cocktail scene, distinguishes itself with a focus on the craft of cocktail making, using a mix of classic techniques and avant-garde methods. This quaint bar, with its cozy and intimate atmosphere, invites guests to explore a menu brimming with inventive concoctions.

What makes Fools and Horses truly stand out in Portland is their specialization in barrel-aged cocktails, a technique that allows the flavors to mellow and meld together over time, creating a depth and complexity that can’t be rushed.

They also have a significant emphasis on using house-made syrups and bitters, ensuring that each drink delivers a unique experience. The dedication to craft, coupled with a warm, welcoming vibe, makes Fools and Horses a must-visit for those seeking a memorable night out in the city.

Teardrop Lounge

There’s a reason why this cocktail bar is on every best bar in Portland list. Even I, with my incessant need to be different, threw up my hands and resigned myself to the fact that this COULD NOT escape my list. They have a clean, concise menu with a mix of the classics and their signature drinks ‘mixed’ in. Ha! See what I did there? Happy hour 4 to 7pm weekdays.

Rum Club

They have a limited selection of signature cocktails, rum and otherwise (but holy bejezzus, are they gooood), a unique bar food menu, and happy hour is 4 to 6pm every day. They also serve a fine selection of beer and wine. Try the ‘Serenity Now!’ cocktail.

Hey Love

Hey Love, nestled in the heart of Portland, stands out as a vibrant jewel among the city’s cocktail scene. This bar encapsulates the eclectic spirit of Portland, blending a lively atmosphere with a distinctly tropical vibe that invites patrons into a world away from the ordinary.

The drink menu at Hey Love is a testament to the bar’s innovation and creativity, offering a dazzling array of cocktails that combine exotic flavors with locally sourced ingredients. From their signature slushies to the meticulously crafted tiki drinks, each beverage is designed to surprise and delight the senses. . With its lush, green interior and open, inviting spaces, Hey Love creates a unique setting where every patron feels part of the Portland community.

Victoria

I just love the bar area here: they use minimalistic décor, with box shelves touting their alcoholic wares, and a black and white tiled ‘spout factory’. Don’t ask me to explain….just go there! The seating area is pleasant with clean, plank-wood benches and tables. Happy Hour is 3 – 6pm every day.

McMenamins Kennedy School

This is where I come for my (ahem) weekly coffee nudge. Mind you, this is a hotel with five bars! What? Go to the Dentention Room! Yeah, that’s also one of the bars. Sorry, teacher. Oh, and Kennedy School also has a brewery, a couple of restaurants and a theater. But I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, my favorite bar here is the Boiler Room Bar. A nice little basement-like enclave where you can order a full meal with your chosen libation, then play pool over in the next room.

Bartini

These guys specialize in….you guessed it…martinis. Classic, lemon drops, cosmos, herbaceous, fresh & fruity….the list go on! They have a full menu, even small plates! And don’t get me started on the Tastini Trio: a full meal deal It’s a hand-selected monthly pairing of 3 martinis and a 3-course small plates for $30. Not bad! Happy hour starts at 4pm. Going next door? I’ve got two words for you: Urban Fondue. Sip, dip and dive. Okay, that’s five words. Beer and wine also available.

Bible Club

I found this to be a super cozy, neighborhood bar with a ‘Cheers’ type of feel. They serve their coctails in antique crystal glassware, which begs the question, how many of them do they have, for surely they must get a breakage one in a while. Like, every night! Well, they say that the party doesn’t start until something breaks, so there ya go. They have a limited food menu, mostly fancy snacks to go with your drink. Beer and wine is also available.

Angel Face

Angel Face offers a refreshingly unique approach to the art of cocktail making. Unlike traditional bars, Angel Face does not rely on a set drink menu; instead, bartenders craft personalized beverages based on patrons’ preferences and whims. This innovative method allows for a truly bespoke cocktail experience, with drinks that are tailor-made to suit each individual’s taste.

The bar’s interior, reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, provides an elegant backdrop to this personalized service, setting Angel Face apart in Portland’s competitive cocktail landscape. Their use of rare, small-batch spirits and fresh, locally sourced ingredients further distinguishes them, ensuring that every visit is a novel and memorable adventure in mixology.

BONUS (honorable mention): There are other places I’ve been which I highly recommend, but for one reason or another didn’t make my ‘Top 10’. Trust me, it was pretty difficult to choose which wonderful Portland bar made the cut!