What was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s research ship? What coin did the first slot machine use? What’s an infant eagle called? If you have a head for trivia—or you simply like to play—you should check out one of the many trivia and quiz nights around town.
Feeling quizzical
What was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s research ship? What coin did the first slot machine use? What’s an infant eagle called? If you have a head for trivia—or you simply like to play—you should check out one of the many trivia and quiz nights around town. Good luck finding quizzes on Friday and Saturday nights, but Portland’s got you covered for every other night of the week. So why waste your time studying at home when you can study up at the bars? Below is a list of countless trivia nights throughout the city. Now go read up on your trivial facts.
Sunday
East Burn, 6 p.m.
1800 E Burnside St.
This is one of many pub quizzes that Trivia Jock ShanRock hosts around town. The winning team can expect to leave with cash or prizes. Like all of ShanRock’s quizzes, this one is free.
Basement Pub, 9 p.m.
1028 SE 12th Ave.
The winning team scores $25 in cash. It’s best to show up early for seating. And if you give up, don’t cry—play some pinball and Pac-Man while you recuperate.
Monday
Hawthorne Hideaway, 8 p.m.
2221 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Show up before 7 p.m. to catch the $3 microbrews or $1.25 Pabst to fine tune your brain before the quizzing begins. It’s a bit of a dive and has a fair share of the hipster crowd, but the bartenders are friendly and there’s free pool to keep you otherwise occupied.
CC Slaughters, 7 p.m.
200 NW Third Ave.
This trivia night is followed by Monday Movie Madness at 9 pm. It wins the prize for being the only LBGT bar in town that hosts weekly trivia.
Tuesday
Schmizza Pub and Grub, 6:30 p.m.
415 SW Montgomery St.
Located on the PSU campus, this recently opened beer-and-pizza joint hosts a quiz that’s frequented by students in need of some trivial affairs after chemistry class.
Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge
8 p.m.
625 NW 21st Ave.
Though this trivia night draws a crowd, beware the yuppie atmosphere. The bar is kind of a dive and the patrons leave something to be desired but if you’re looking for a 24-ounce Pabst for $2.50, this is your place.
Wednesday
Space Room Lounge, 7 p.m.
4800 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
This bar’s quiz is coupled with silly cocktail names like Purple Rain and Yazi Fresh Underwear. The quiz is a popular one, so expect a crowd under all those black lights. Drinks are also cheap and strong here.
Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill, 7 p.m.
71 SW Second Ave.
This pub doesn’t have anything too special to offer, but it is downtown, which means that if you live near Portland State, you can stumble home from this trivia night and forget about parking or finding a designated driver.
Thursday
The Belmont Inn, 7 p.m.
3357 SE Belmont St.
Aside from serving delicious burgers, this bar has a popular pub quiz from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Beware the $3 entry and 6:30 p.m. signup time, though.
Kenton Club, 9 p.m.
2025 N Kilpatrick St.
Kenton might be pretty far north for some, but the cheap, liberally poured cocktails can be worth it. The neighborhood feel brings everyone together for this trivia night.
