Summer is the time to be out on the town, and in Portland, there is plenty to enjoy! Meet your friends at some of Bridgetown’s most spectacular Happy Hours, and then head out to savor long evenings of outdoor concerts, movies, art openings, and performing arts and … another Happy Hour, perhaps? These Dog Days won’t last long--we might as well live them to the fullest! Here are some of the best Happy Hours to savor:
Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
930 SW 6th Ave
There’s no denying that Fogo De Chao’s Brazilian churrascaria experience is thrilling for lunch or dinner-- jaunty gauchos will bring you swordfuls of succulent meats while you help yourself to a plenteous buffet of fresh, crisp salads. Delicious sides like grilled polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, Brazilian cheese bread, and caramelized bananas are shared at the table. But Fogo De Chao’s Happy Hour gives you a chance to experience just a nibble of how amazing Brazilian food can be. Try filet mignon skewers with chimichurri or spiced shrimp skewers with passion fruit sauce. The craft cocktail menu includes a Black Cherry Manhattan or Cucumber Smash (both seasonal) and, of course, Caipirinhas. Fogo De Chao is in the center of downtown Portland, which makes it a great place to pair with a shopping trip, a movie, or a walk on the Waterfront.
611 SW 10th Ave
An eternal Portland favorite and one of downtown Portland’s two “Jake’s” locations, Jake’s Grill boasts an unrivaled Happy Hour with classic American seafood and meats. Happy Hour times are Monday - Friday, 3-6 pm and 9 pm-close, Saturday 1-4 pm and 9 pm-close, and Sunday 3 pm-close. The Happy Hour menu is available in the bar only and includes small plates ranging from $2.95 - $5.95. Here are some tempting options: Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Braised Pork Ribs, Spiced Pork Sliders, Dungeness Crab and Lobster Croquettes, Raw Oyster Shooters, and a $3.95 Cheeseburger that includes fries! With Portland Center Stage and Artists Repertory Theater both within walking distance, this is a great place to share bites with your friends before or after a performance.
932 SW 3rd Ave
This classic American bar and grill is casual and fun, a Portland “Cheers.” Happy Hour includes drink specials for domestic and craft pints, well drinks, and house wine, as well as comestibles like Black Bean Quesadillas, Gourmet Deviled Eggs, Tempura Fried Green Beans, and Tuscan Kale Salad with Currants and Almonds. Want more of a challenge? Dive into Loaded Tater Tots or Ultimate Nachos. Ask about Paint Night on Fridays and Saturdays!
615 SW Park Ave
Saké is one of the most under-celebrated spots in downtown Portland. Where else can you enjoy sushi and Pad Thai?! Be sure to go at the right time. Happy Hour is Tuesday - Friday, 5-6 pm. Enjoy a light repast that includes Gyoza, Crab Rangoon, Tom Yum or Tom Kha Soup, and a Spicy Tuna Roll or Shrimp Tempura Roll. Plates are a steal at $2.00 - $5.00. Enjoy a $6.00 cocktail with them, like a Chili Mango Martini or a Tamarind Whiskey Sour. Saké’s atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, which can be a welcome change of pace during the hot summer months. The downtown location is right smack dab in the middle of the hotel district, which makes it a fantastic pick to swing by with your out-of-town guests. Also, check out the new location at SE 32nd and Hawthorne!
135 NW 5th Ave
This favorite Old Town Chinatown bistro is a short walk to First Thursday events, as well as Powell’s Books and Lan Su Chinese Garden. The Happy Hour menu includes Netarts Bay Oysters, Fish Tacos, and arguably one of the creamiest, most velvety Mac-N-Cheese offerings in town. Also try the Steak Frites, Caesar Salad, or Natural Beef Burger and finish with a Chocolate Truffle! Drink specials include $4.00 beers, $5.00 wines and $6.00 cocktails. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday, 4-6 pm and Saturday 3-5 pm.
830 E. Burnside St
Who doesn’t love Doug Fir of the Jupiter Hotel, the Portlandia-esque star of Lower East Burnside? It is open from 7 am – 2:30 am, and Happy Hour is 3-6 pm. Check out the amazing outdoor fire pits and pair your Happy Hour festivities with a live show! Must-try Happy Hour menu items include the Jalapeno Artichoke Dip, Chicken Tenders, Wagyu Beef Sliders, Twice Baked Potato Skins, and the Smoked Salmon Burger. Ask the bartender to satisfy your curiosity about what is in an El Camino, a Cool Shades, or a Ginger Ninja!
2165 W Burnside
Portland’s premier steakhouse since 1944 also offers a memorable Happy Hour. In 2014, Ringside’s wine list was recognized by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. Don’t forget to order some fresh, warm sourdough rolls to enjoy with your Prime Rib Dip Sandwich, Dungeness Crab Cakes, House-made Surf Clam Strips and--of course--Steak Bites with Creamy Horseradish. Pair this Happy Hour with a moonlit stroll down trendy NW 23rd Ave, or the Washington Park Summer Concert Series. Happy Hour times are Monday - Saturday, 9:30-close, and Sunday 4-5:30 pm as well as 9:30 pm-close.
1987 NW Kearney St
Café Nell’s off-the-beaten-path location offers a welcome respite on hot summer days. The beloved Portland bistro presents French-inspired American classics prepared with Northwest ingredients. Enjoy Candied Walnuts, Happy Cheese, Barbacoa Tacos, a Deep Fried Liver Po-Boy, or a Bay Shrimp Roll. Imbibe a special Café Nell Champagne Cocktai such as the Lemon Sparkler, a Classic Martini, or whatever rotating Bartender’s Cocktail has been dreamed up this evening! Happy Hour is Monday - Friday, 3-6 pm, Wednesday 3-10 pm, and Saturday 4-6 pm. Café Nell is a fabulous place to go before or after a film at Cinema 21 or a night of improv at Comedy Sportz!
1313 NW Marshall St
The brewpub at “Oregon’s Oldest Craft Brewery” is sensational. Bridgeport prepares food the same way they prepare beer--“well-crafted and full of character.” Dive into Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday, 4-6 pm, with beer specials all day on Monday. Menu items you will love are the fresh popcorn of the day, House-made Sausages, Beer Cheese Fries, Spicy Buffalo Wings, and Sausages. Bridgeport Brewpub is a destination on its own--call about tours!
Photo Credit: Natalie Migliarini
