Set in a contemporary industrial decor complete with leather-black paint, low lights and comfy booths, the White Owl Social Club is the Mecca for rock music. While the bar offers specialty cocktails, wine and craft beer from local breweries and wineries, the kitchen serves delish vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian fares. If you are a die-hard rock music enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy the music being played here. It's open till wee hours of the morning making it a great spot to stay put with friends on a weekend until you have had your fair share of music, food and potent drinks.
Great entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and the Grateful Dead have performed in this historic ballroom that is now owned by the McMenamin Brothers. Three on-site bars—including a popular nightclub, Ringlers - will satiate your hunger and thirst. It is worth a visit just to behold the local landmark's ornate chandeliers, picturesque windows and a 7500-square -foot (696.7728 square meters) dance floor that floats on ball-bearings.
In a town that is mostly lacking in good dance clubs, Holocene stands out as a place that welcomes just about anyone who wants to shake a leg to good music. The vast space is divided in to rooms and sunken areas with most nights having a theme, so it's always good to check their calendar first. Bands tend to be eclectic or experimental, whereas DJs crank up dance beats most nights. Their bar is known for mixing cool cocktails, but being that the place is so popular, it's always best to order your second one while still working on the first. Holocene is overall a good place to see and be seen.
As Irish as its namesake, this cheery downtown establishment is warm, welcoming and close to the city's heartbeat. The wood and brass tones exude an authentic yet casual tone. Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub's full bar is accommodating, boasting one of the largest selections of malt scotches in the Northwest. Varied menu offerings include traditional Irish cuisine as well as salads, sandwiches and more. Catch your favorite football team, Gaelic games or rugby on their television screens or tap your feet to the nightly live music.
Horse Brass Pub is the perfect place to raise a pint and get lost in a very colorful crowd. Do not be surprised if someone offers to play a tune on a bagpipe. The Northwest's best microbreweries are here, including Rouge YSB, as well as a huge selection of scotches. A full menu of British cuisine is offered. If you have ever wanted to order steak and kidney pie or see someone who actually would, bring a friend and have a ball.
One of Portland's busiest nightclubs, Dante's is a mid-sized venue that hosts live music events through the week. The menu has a bit of Americana favorites as well as an Italian touch; Dante's pizzas have even won an award! You can even do karaoke with the live band whose performance is slated for that day.
If you love beer, then you will walk out all smiles after a visit to Saraveza. Located on Killingsworth Street, the pub has a unique selection of local brews available in bottles and on taps, which are hard to find elsewhere. It prides on its award winning selections like Barley Brown’s Turmoil and He'Brew Jubelation. And that's not all, as you can munch on the varieties of pasties on offer. Try the specialty Reuben pasty and Potater pasty or you can also savor the pickled deviled eggs and charcuterie board. Call ahead to know more.
If the wine selection is not incentive enough, you may want to visit Corkscrew for the cozy decor, superlative service, live entertainment and tasty bites. Although you may not be offered as varied a selection as some of the bigger bars in the city of Portland, the wines-by-the-glass are excellent. A visit on a French Cafe Tuesday (6p to 10p) is particularly rewarding, for that is when you get to enjoy a great French meal with its perfect wine partner.
Established in 2012, Gigantic Brewing Company is the brainchild of reputed brewers, Ben Love and Van Havig. Specializing in the Indian Pale Ale (IPA) variety of beer, this brewery produces some delicious flavors. Freshly brewed beers can be tasted at the tap room. If your taste buds take fancy to any of their beers on tap, you can take home a growler filled with their delicious brews. The tap room is more than just a tasting zone, it houses television screens broadcasting soccer matches and also features a beautiful outdoor patio area.
Located in the basement of the Leftbank Building, the Upright Brewing Company is a delightful beer-producing gem headed by beer maestro Alex Ganum. This ingenious micro-brewery is inspired by the rustic tradition of French and Belgian farmhouse-style beer making, to which Ganum provides its own Pacific Northwestern twist. An adjacent tasting room invites beer mavens and enthusiasts alike to participate in pairings and tastings, accompanied by live blues music. This brewery is also part of a celebrated beer tour around Portland.
Established in 2000, Aurora Colony Vineyards is located in Portland. This scenic winery is run by John Moore. It features a state-of-the-art wine-making facility, a tasting room and an amphitheater. This scenic estate hosts a number of dream weddings and other events like parties and music concerts. Visit the winery’s wine shop and pick yourself some delicious wines.