10 Amazing Bars On Portland's Alberta Street

Alberta Street is a microcosm of all the best offerings in Portland. Packed with quirky bars and eateries, this is the place to kick back and experience this friendly city’s cutting edge drinking culture: hoppy, local beer, mixed drinks bordering on fine art, and bar food that’s as ethical as it is delicious. Here are the Culture Trip’s top ten picks for barhopping on Alberta Street.

The Aviary

The Aviary serves French-Japanese fusion cuisine in a fresh, minimalistic setting. The meticulous attention to detail and passion for fine food is evident in every bite here; enjoy surprising dishes such as tempura green beans, oysters and charred octopus, and tender slow-roasted leg of lamb. There’s also an innovative cocktail list: try the Smoke & Iron (cynar, lapsang suchong, lemon, duchesse de bourgogne, bitters, orange peel), or the Passport, a mysterious scotch-based drink whose ingredient list includes an ‘absinthe rinse’ and, coyly, ‘secrets.’
1733 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503 287 2400

Alberta Street Pub is an effortlessly cool high-end pub which attracts beer lovers of all stripes with over 20 varieties of beer on tap, as well as a tempting selection of craft cocktails. The food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, there’s something on this menu for health nuts and burger lovers alike. The great selection of music and personalized service is a bonus, as are chic details like the authentic copper mule cups and wooden tables. There’s also an expansive terrace for lingering with afternoon drinks in the sun.
1036 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503-284-7665

The Know

The Know has an authentic grunge vibe circa 1994, as though Nirvana may take to the stage at any moment. Renowned for its cheap beer and nightly performances featuring live punk and metal shows, The Know is rough around the edges, and its regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
2026 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503-473-8729

Yazuka Lounge

Yazuka Lounge offers a foodie experience like no other. Enjoy locally sourced spicy salmon rolls and made-from-scratch Yazuka burgers, also known as the ‘best damn burger in Portland’. Yazuka also offers a variety of vegan delights, such as the togarashi-dusted jicama avocado salad. The drink menu is extensive offering a comprehensive sake list; beers ranging from Japanese Black Soba Ale to home-brewed IPAs; and an inventive cocktail list. Try the Yuzu Bee, a Japanese spin on the prohibition classic Bees Knees with Union Gin, yuzu, muddled shiso, and honey.
5411 NE 30th Ave, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503 450 0893

The Knock Back

The Knock Back is a hip and relaxed venue where the bartender is happy to make you personalized drinks. The margaritas here are unbeatable, as is the food. Not your typical pub grub, The Knock Back serves gourmet burgers and tons of gluten free and vegan options.
2315 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503 284 4090

Branch Whiskey Bar

Branch Whiskey offers an intense spirits collection (including dozens of Canadian, American, Scotch, Irish and locally brewed whiskies), an extensive list of cocktails, and a number of obscure Portland brewed beers. Their food menu redefines pub fare with delicacies like duck fat fries, bacon wrapped dates with rosemary, gourmet macaroni and cheese and sumptuous burgers.
2926 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, +1 503 206 6266

1. Expatriate

Bar, Pub Grub, Asian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Street Food, American

Expatriate is the place to go to witness a true mixology genius at work and grab some quick bites before hitting up a show. The food has been dubbed Asian-international fusion, with creatively conceived dishes such as Burmese tea leaf salad, Laotian tacos, and hot and sour Indian spiced fries. The scene is hip but unpretentious: it’s all about well-crafted drinks and a chill atmosphere. If there’s room when you go, try and nab a spot at the bar to watch the master in his element and have him whip up a special concoction just for you.

Radio Room

Housed in an old Art Deco Texaco station Radio Room is an authentic taste of Portland’s upcycled style. There are drafts and house cocktails for every taste, whether you’d prefer a refreshing Lavender Gin Fizz or a sweet, roasty espresso stout from a local brewery. The food is satisfying: think upgraded eggs Benedict, ultra filling veggie burgers and lots of gluten free and vegan options. Best of all, they host two Happy Hours here, an early and and a late one.
1101 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503 287 2346

Bye and Bye

The Bye and Bye is a laid-back hipster haven: this is a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy a craft draft list, full of hoppy, full-bodied IPAs and flavorful hard ciders. There are also plenty of cocktail options: try the Little Cottonwood, with Earl Gray Vodka, lemon, sugar, dandelion and burdock bitters, or the North Williams, a full pint of Rebel Yell bourbon and spicy ginger beer. The food is Southern inspired vegan cuisine, and as you would expect on Alberta Street, everything comes from locally sourced, organic ingredients.
1011 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1-503-281-0537

Alleyway Bar

A dark, grungy dive where anything goes in the live music rotation, expect to see lots of plaid flannel, mismatched clothes, and beards in the Alleyway‘s crowd, with a too-cool-to-care interior to match. The venue is equipped with a photo booth, a pool table and regular karaoke nights; you’ll also find solid pub food consistent with Alberta Street’s ample vegan options, and an extensive list of cheap beer and generously portioned mixed drinks.
2415 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon, US, +1 503-287-7760

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