The Best Bars In Downtown Portland Oregon

The drink options in downtown Portland are as diverse and unique as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost happy hour or carefully crafted cocktail, you can find it here. This guide will introduce you to the best bars, lounges and taverns the neighborhood has to offer. Come thirsty, and read on for a round-up of the best places to drink in downtown Portland.

1. Multnomah Whiskey Library

Bar, American, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Pub Grub

Featuring over 1,500 spirits, Multnomah Whiskey Library is a whiskey lovers dream come true. The aptly named bar has the façade of a library with shelves covering the walls filled with whiskey bottles. The ambiance is reflective of the prohibition-era speakeasy theme, where large comfy couches and chairs meet old paintings and a cozy fireplace. While bar is fairly hidden and doesn’t have much signage, you will be transported back in time once enter. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and will roll an old-style bar cart over to your table to make your drink right in front of you. The food, the cocktails, the ambiance, everything about this bar is perfect. Most of the time there will be a wait to get in, however, they take your phone number so you can explore other nearby bars or restaurants while you wait. Don’t let the wait time deter you, as this place is a ‘must’ when visiting Portland.

2. The Rookery at Raven & Rose

Gastropub, Bar, American, Pub Grub, Beer, Wine, Cocktails

Raven & Rose is located in the historic Ladd carriage house, and The Rookery is actually the hayloft of the carriage house. There are numerous reasons to love this bar, but people keep coming back for the cocktails. The Rookery takes craft cocktails to a whole new level, and the mixologist behind them is arguably the best in Portland. The custom cocktail menu changes seasonally, and everything is good. The bar atmosphere (and the history behind the it) is equally impressive. The space features a fireplace, leather couches, a billiards table and a custom-made bar. If you’re in town and looking to meet your new favorite cocktail, stop by The Rookery bar.

3. Huber’s

Cafe, Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, Seafood

Established in 1879, Huber’s Café is Portland’s oldest restaurant. While Huber’s specializes in traditional turkey dinner, their best menu item is served in a glass, rather than on a plate. Huber’s has the best Spanish Coffees in Portland. Spanish Coffees are prepared tableside and can be served hot or iced. You will enjoy watching them make the luscious libation, almost as much as you’ll enjoy drinking it.

5. Kelly’s Olympian

Bar, Restaurant, American

Everyone loves a good dive bar, and Kelly’s Olympian is one of the best in Portland. Kelly’s Olympian is Portland’s third oldest continuously opened and operated bar-restaurant. It’s where cheap, stiff drinks meet above average bar food, and a myriad of antique neon signs shed light on vintage motorcycles that hang from the ceiling. At first glance, Kelly’s may seem like a classic biker bar, but the guests who frequent the establishment range from businessmen to students and bikers to hipsters. The bar is a favorite gathering place for locals from all walks of life (which makes for great people-watching).

6. Pépé le Moko

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

If you want to go underground, Pépé le Moko is the perfect place to hide away for an hour or so and enjoy some amazing classic cocktails in a small, intimate setting. Plus, the bar is literally underground, so it’s easy to lose track of time in the dimly lit basement booths. Upon entering the small, neon-signed storefront, you are greeted by a man in a tuxedo shucking oysters. Once said man allows you to descend the steep staircase and enter the subterranean speakeasy, you will feel decades away from the rest of Portland. The drinks are on the expensive side, but they’re so good. Think classic cocktails (Amaretto Sour, Old Fashioned and Grasshopper) with a modern twist. If you’re in the area, don’t pass up this hidden gem.

7. Portland City Grill

Bar, Restaurant, North American

Portland City Grill is a must for anyone visiting from out of town. Situated on the 35th floor of the US Bank Building (or ‘Big Pink’ as locals call it), Portland City Grill boasts stunning views of the entire city. The cocktails are amazing (try the Champagne Supernova), the food is delicious, and the happy hour is one of the best in Portland, get there early to snag a booth by the window.

8. MoMo’s

Bar, Pub Grub, Beer

MoMo’s is another favorite downtown dive bar. Conveniently situated between two MAX lines, locals love MoMo’s great location and cheap drinks. While the unassuming bar may not look like much from the outside, MoMo’s has a hidden back patio that’s one of the few outdoor drinking areas in the neighborhood. The large patio is open all year and has heat lamps and covered seating areas for cold nights. The bar food is good, and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable.

Looking for somewhere to stay downtown? Book into one of the best hotels near Portland Art Museum with Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.