Sure, greasy bar food can sound tasty after a night of drinking, but so does a 7-Eleven MSG-injected hot dog that’s been rotating on metal tubes for two days. Treat yourself better than that. These are some spots where you’ll find good drinks and good food.
Plan B
1305 SE Eighth Ave.
503-230-9020
If you think Potato Champion has the knowhow on fries, think again. This punked-out dive bar serves up giant plates of vegan chili cheese fries—plus good ol’ meaty fries for you carnivores—and other greasy fare. Their drink pours don’t mess around either, so be sure to have a friend’s shoulder to lean on when you leave. The service is Portland-style: slow but damn friendly. Be prepared to encounter a serious dose of the goth and industrial crowds.
Moon and Six Pence British Pub
2014 NE 42nd Ave.
503-288-7802
This is a taste of true British food, from steak-and-mushroom pie to a fish-and-chips plate that an Englishman would cry over. The beer, too, is worth a few tears of joy. A huge selection of domestics and imports will leave you blank-faced as you stare at the menu. After chatting with the adorable wait staff, head to the dartboards and work off that delicious meat pie you just consumed.
Shanghai Tunnel
211 SW Ankeny St.
503-220-4001
It’s true that the food here is great, but don’t expect anything but awful service and a crappy dive bar atmosphere. The seared ahi tuna is worth a stop, especially considering that the mixed drinks tend to be pretty tasty and quite strong.
Saucebox Café and Bar
214 SW Broadway Ave.
503-241-3393
It’s best to hit this bar at happy hour when food prices hang around $5 a dish. In addition to an enormous and creative cocktail menu, you’ll find some of the best pan-Asian and Pacific Island food in town. The pulled pork and udon noodles are a good hint. Overlook the swanky décor and enjoy the great food and cocktails this bar offers.
Jake’s Grill
611 SW 10th Ave.
503-220-1850
While the beer selection is mediocre at best, Jake’s is the spot for cheap-yet-scrumptious food after a night of cruising the bars. Their happy hours are twice a day, including one that runs late, touting a $2.95 half-pound cheeseburger and fries that will sober you up faster than a call from your mom. Jake’s is owned by McCormick and Schmick’s, which has a number of bars around the city with similar happy hour menus, so keep your eyes peeled for other deals at similar restaurants.
Leisure Public House
8002 N Lombard St.
503-289-7606
This dive bar isn’t quite a dive bar, not with a menu that sports a panini sandwich with applewood-smoked bacon, apple butter and arugula. Nor does a dive bar typically have a charming wait staff that remembers your name. The excellent cocktails aren’t normal dive-bar fare, nor is the option for Bocce ball. Maybe it’s best not to call this dive bar a dive bar. But see for yourself: Eat some grilled cheese sandwiches that are out of this world as you check out their popular weekly pub quiz.
Clyde Common
1014 SW Stark St.
503-228-3333
This swanky bar and restaurant isn’t as pompous as you might think, nor is the food terribly pricey for how upscale it is. Happy hour is, as usual, the best time to go. In addition to baguettes smeared with Nutella and hazelnuts, as well as savory sandwiches with goat cheese, pesto and grilled onions, this joint’s classic burger never fails and their crispy fries with harissa and crème fraîche dipping sauce will make your mouth water with delight.
Green Dragon Bistro and Brew Pub
928 SE Ninth Ave.
503-517-0606
Finally, a brewpub that feels like home. The constantly rotating selection of microbrews is certain to provide a tasty beverage to go with your food. Hit up the strawberry Gorgonzola salad or hunker down for some catfish with Cajun gravy. The menu is a strange mishmash of American foods, but the options are good and the happy hour is cheap. While you’re waiting for a plate, check out the foosball table or work on your shuffleboard skills.