Perhaps the only thing Portland has more of per capita than food and strip clubs is musicians. Since it’s a lot easier to feature live music with dinner than naked women, it seems only natural that a marriage would emerge. Many restaurants have tried to expand into a music venue without proper consideration of the investments required to do it right. On the other hand, many music venues offer an enormous range of completely typical, anti-climactic bar food that forces patrons to leave feeling worse off than they came. After searching the city, this is a list of the most talked about places to eat and listen, each with their own unique appeal.
Slim’s Cocktail Bar (St. Johns)
Why go: Neighborhood dive bar worth moving to the neighborhood for.
What to order: A burger—quite possibly the tastiest burgers in town.
Slim’s may be the original dive bar. Open since 1911 and right smack in the center of St. Johns, it has an authenticity to its divey-ness that simply can’t be faked. Their menu, however, is anything but outdated. A huge selection of creative options like “Tachos” (Tater Tot nachos) sit alongside traditional favorites, like their life-changing Western Burger—enough to make any vegetarian reconsider. Since falling under new management, Slim’s has also built a reputation for their weekend performances of live rock music, as well as their Acoustic Showcase every third Thursday. There is a freeing lack of expectation here. White collar, blue collar, hip, ironic collar; everyone comes together as they are to experience the original in great food and rock ‘n’ roll.
Jimmy Mak’s (Pearl District)
Why go: Impress your date.
What to order: Coffee-rubbed sirloin.
One of the last in a dying breed of Portland jazz clubs, Jimmy Mak’s may be Portland’s most well-rounded and affordable romantic venue. What it lacks in diversity, it makes up for in excellent musical offerings and Greek cuisine. With reasonable covers rarely surpassing $10 and dim lighting to set the mood, Jimmy Mak’s may be the best place in Portland to charm your date without breaking the bank.
Note: This is not background music. People go to pay attention to jazz in that oh-so-sophisticated Pearl District sort of way. Plus, their hummus is amazing.
Doug Fir (East Burnside)
Why go: The golden child of music venues for foodies.
What to order: Butternut squash ravioli.
Doug Fir is the venue to beat in Portland and everyone knows it. Musicians love the sound quality. Tourists love the “Portland” vibe. Locals love the happy hour. It’s a music venue, breakfast spot and architectural gem with an attached hotel in case you have a few too many. With its extensive meal offerings, handpicked lineups and chic, lodge-style décor, it is a slam-dunk no matter when you go or who you take. In fact, if zombies attacked, you would be well suited to board up inside the Doug Fir.
Backspace (Northwest Portland/South Waterfront)
Why go: Safe haven for non-drinkers, under-agers and vegans.
What to order: Veggie turkey pesto sandwich and Stumptown Coffee or a nice local beer on tap.
People who complain that there is nothing to do in this city until you’re 21 have clearly never been to Backspace. The work of local artists lines the gallery walls, tons of computers are up for rent, coffee flows, vegetarians nosh and indie bands play to giant, sweaty mobs of happy scenesters. It is an excellent place to be all the Portlander you can be, while supporting talented musicians and catching up on the latest artsy-fartsy trends. And with a midnight closing, grab an espresso to go and you can still get home in time to study.
East Burn (Southeast Portland)
Why go: Beer is your priority. And you also like music.
What to order: Uder Sonzich.
East Burn offers the best of Portland’s traits without any overkill. Most of their menu comes from organic sources around the Northwest, they show art without commission, keep 16 beers on tap and book Americana, bluegrass and acoustic performers actually worth their salt. Add a year-round patio, with nifty swings set up and fire pits, and you’ve got a mecca for local entertainment. Despite being a go-to place for beer connoisseurs, they maintain one hell of a menu. One of their signature dishes, the Uder Sonzich, is a pork medallion with potato pancakes, scallion sour cream, caramelized onions and bourbon apple chutney on grilled ciabatta bread. Enough said.