Top five blues and jazz bars

Doc George’s Jazz Kitchen

605 NE Fremont St.

Jazz fiends unite! Doc George’s Jazz Kitchen provides Portlanders with a little taste of New Orleans. Aside from the friendly staff and great atmosphere, this place features live jazz bands nearly every night. There is no cover charge, and recurring artists include Jay Harris and the lovely and talented Karen Maria Capo. The prices are fairly reasonable (entrées range anywhere from around $15 to $20), and the Creole dishes are wonderful—don’t miss out on the jambalaya! If you’re on a tight budget, make sure to check out this place during its happy hour (well drinks are only $4). You should also try the “Hurricane,” a rum-infused Mardi Gras favorite.

The Blue Monk

3341 SE Belmont St.

This quaint little neighborhood bar is a great place to escape for a night. It hosts a variety of jazz ensembles every Sunday night from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in its ambient basement. Located in the trendy Belmont neighborhood, the Blue Monk is also known for its large assortment of beer. It’s easy on the wallet, too; during happy hour, well drinks are only $4 and draft beers hover around $4 to $5. The only downsides are that it’s often understaffed, so you might have to wait a while for your drinks.

Jimmy Mak’s

221 NW 10th Ave.

Want to hear real jazz? Check out Jimmy Mak’s, located in Old Town. This intimate little Rose City gem has featured great jazz bands, including both up-and-coming artists and veteran favorites such as the Mel Brown Jazz Orchestra. The prices are reasonable, though entrees run upwards of $15. And oddly enough, the menu consists primarily of Greek dishes. It’s best to make reservations if you don’t want to wait for a table. In addition, Jimmy Mak’s has a variety of spirits, wine and beer to choose from. Check out its website for the events calendar.

Duff’s Garage

1635 SE 7th Ave.

From the outside, this place doesn’t look like much. But don’t let appearances fool you—Duff’s Garage is one of the most exciting bars in the city, especially if you’re into dancing and good ol’ Americana madness. Walking into the place feels as though you’ve walked into a time warp (and that’s a good thing). It features live bands nearly every night, from blues and jazz to rockabilly and swing music. A wide variety of patrons visit Duff’s—both young and old—making this bar a nice haven from your regular Portland scene. But get there early if you want to find a seat; this place gets packed!

Benson Hotel

309 SW Broadway

Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Portland, this bar is snuggled in one of the city’s most historic hotels (the Benson Hotel opened in 1913). If you can stand the prices, this is the perfect place for jazz lovers who enjoy a little bit of class. It’s also a great place to impress a date or a visiting friend. Keep in mind that it’s in a hotel, so it’s probably not the best bar to get hammered in. Live bands play every Friday and Saturday.