The Best Portland Bars

Kir

Kir is a great low-key wine bar where mostly couples and small groups go out to enjoy great wine with yummy tapas made in Kir’s tiny kitchen. Here, you can get heavily discounted bottles of Old World wines served by professional, friendly, and knowledgeable bartenders.

This, along with Kir’s notably enjoyable atmosphere—cozy and relaxing—makes Kir one of the best Portland bars around, especially if you love wine.

Vendetta

The beautiful Portland summers yield to great outdoor bars. Try Vendetta, one of the best Portland bars for an outdoor patio, great sangria, and not too big of a crowd. Once a roofing company’s house, Vendetta’s hip decor includes retractable garage-door walls that open up to a back garden and mid-century chairs.

This is a true neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and great drinks. Watch out for the lack of signs. Vendetta is hard to spot for this reason, but helps keep out huge mobs of tourists.

Bluehour

Bluehour is a great after work, urban bar featuring relaxing music, high ceilings, lavish curtains, and warm lighting. You can enjoy drinks in their dining room or at the trendy bar.

Many just go for the options at the bar, but Bluhour also highlights a nice and somewhat pricey menu. This is one of Portland’s best bars because of its elegant and classy ambiance. 

The Gilt Club

Go to the Gilt Club for cocktails, cocktails, and more fancy cocktails. The trendy and sultry decor attracts people from off the street.

Featuring dinner and drinks, the Gilt Club is highlighted as one of the best Portland bars maybe because of its 1920s speak-easy style, a romantic ambiance with sexy red booths where you can enjoy your creative drinks. 

Alberta Street Public House

Want to listen to some music while sipping your pale ale? Visit Alberta Street Public House, one of the best Portland bars for live Irish music and single malts. While Alberta’s mostly attracts an older crowd, many will enjoy this joint especially for some of the great bands that pass through here.

With fun dancing and a lively crowd, this little Irish pub highlights a great bar on one end and a pastel-colored music room on the other.

La Calaca Comelona

Want a colorful night out? Visit La Calaca Comelona, one of the best Portland bars for its eclectic and high-energy atmosphere. Here you’ll find a great selection of worldly jazz, percussion, and rock music.

The Spanish-inspired bar features great music, art, and drinks. Walking around you can enjoy the interesting art on the wall while sipping your fancy cocktail and waiting for your caritas-stuffed quesadilla.

Need some late-night food after the bars? A Voodoo doughnut is always a good idea.