Happy Hour HotspotsMelinda Bardon
Jake’s Grill611 S.W. 10th Ave. 503-220-1850Happy Hour: M – F 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.M – Th 9:30 p.m. to closeF – Sat. 10 p.m. to closeSun. 3 p.m. to closeDelicious food served up cheap: $2 bar menu and stiff drinks in a laid-back, old-school downtown atmosphere.
820820 N. Russell St.503-460-0820Happy Hour: M – Sat. 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.W 4 p.m. to midnightLucy Brennan’s greatest contribution to Portland. Quite possibly the best and most creative drinks in town, and sometimes, for around only $5.
Voleur111 S.W. Ash St.503-227-3764Happy Hour: M – F 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.The best french fries in Portland, hands down, served up with a side of their blackberry-habanero ketchup. Great house-infused alcohols (cinnamon-raisin rum, anyone?) and a $4 happy hour menu.
Dragonfish Asian Cafe909 S.W. Park Ave.503-243-5991Happy hour:Every day 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to closeDelicious sushi plates are $1.95, with inventive drinks served up for $3.
Ten 011001 N.W. Couch St.503-226-3463Happy hour:M – Sat. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Fried potatoes tossed in truffle oil and fancy cocktails with names like “Henry II” and “The Bentley” can be had at Ten 01.
Saucebox214 S.W. Broadway503-241-3393Happy hour:T – F 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Sat. 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.T 10:30 p.m. to closeWorld-renowned cocktails and a pan-Asian happy hour food menu with pricing anywhere from $1-$5 per item. The Happy Hour here is short, but runs every day but Sunday, giving the rare opportunity to imbibe on the cheap over the weekend.
Cheerful Tortoise 1939 S.W. Sixth Ave.503-224-3377Happy hour:M – F 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.M – F 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Every day 10 p.m. to midnightThis smoky little sports bar on campus with a bazillion televisions boasts not one but two happy hours: one in the evening and one in the morning. Start your classes off right with a $1.99 breakfast and a bit of the old hair o’ the dog.
Brazen Bean2075 N.W. Glisan St.503-294-0636Happy hour:M – Sat. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.M – Sat. 9 p.m. to closeHighly potent $4 martinis can be had here during their Happy Hour, with interesting flavors such as lavender or blueberry-lemon. It’s also set in a dark, sexy old Victorian house, complete with shady corners and comfy sofas.
Virginia Cafe820 S.W. 10th Ave.503-227-0033Happy hour:Every day 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.While some may be bummed about the Virginia’s new, and non-smoking, location, the Happy Hour is still the same–confusing. Happy hour specials seem to change with the wind, but every day has a good deal.
The Leaky Roof1538 S.W. Jefferson St.503-222-3745Happy hour:M – F 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.At this cute little bar on Jefferson, cheap drinks are served up by hot Irish men. Happy hour indeed.
High-end for less: fancy food at prices you can’t afford to missDeeda Schroeder
Heathman Hotel 1001 S.W. Broadway503-790-7752Happy hour: Every day 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 9 p.m. to closeTh 4 p.m. to closePrices are so low here, you’d think you weren’t at one of the city’s swankiest restaurants-until you get your food. Don’t miss the burger ($4.50), easily one of the city’s best. There is a one-drink minimum per person, and cocktails start at about $7.
BlueHour250 N.W. 13th Ave.503-226-3394Happy hour: M – F 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Sat. – Sun. 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.A posh Pearl hotspot, BlueHour’s menu has Caesar salad, cheese fondue and Mediterranean snacks at rock-bottom prices.
Masu406 S.W. 13th Ave.503-221-MASUHappy hourEvery day 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.Sun. – Th 10 p.m. to midnightF – Sat. 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. During happy hour, the chef chooses a handful of their super high-quality rolls ($3) and nigiri sushi ($3) to discount deeply. A selection of house cocktails are priced lower too ($3.50-$5), so you can … buy more sushi! Elegant, modern and up atmosphere.
Biwa215 S.E. Ninth Ave.503-239-8830Happy hour:Every day 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Extra specials on noodles after 10 p.m.This Japanese upscale noodle house has incredibly low prices on a number of its skewers, homemade noodle bowls ($5) and homemade pot stickers ($4). Big bottles of Japanese Sapporo beer are just $3, and a number of great sakes are discounted as well. Order smart, and you can have dinner for $5.
Clyde Common1014 S.W. Stark St.503-228-3333Happy hour: M – F 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Come here when you want to graze and drink with a group of friends around a large table. Snacky bar food is discounted (all under $5), and the capable burger ($5) is always a good choice. Inventive house cocktails are discounted as well.
Oba! 555 N.W. 12th Ave. 503-228-6161Happy hour: Every day 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.M – Th 9:30 p.m. to closeThe lust for all things Latin inspires this classy, big bar. Try coconut prawns ($5) or a salmon quesadilla ($4.50), and wash it down with a fab margarita.