Jason Notte: There are Portland bars, and then there's this one. On one of my favorite circuits in a great corner of town. If there isn't a Blazers, Timbers or big Euro soccer game on, it's just the most well-curated bartender mixes available.
Jason Notte: Pay your respects for Fred Eckhardt and try a Blue Dot IPA that was hazy before haze was a thing.
Jason Notte: Last of the big three in this neighborhood. Well worth your time.
Jason Notte: It is what it says it is, but the dancers don't hassle you, the tap list is extensive and $2 happy hour is roughly all day.
Jason Notte: Kind of a training-wheels guide to food carts around here, but well worth your time.
Jason Notte: Not a bad little launching point for the neighborhood, and it's basically a nonprofit.
Jason Notte: Our barcade that recently expanded. One of my favorite places on earth.
Jason Notte: Best drag show in town, and that's saying a lot given that there are about four others within walking distance.
Jason Notte: Diner. Neon Jesus. Jukebox. Run by one of our town's longest-tenured drag queens. Skip Blue Star, the Ankeny Carts and Kenny and Zuke's. Just go here.
Jason Notte: Quality old-man bar, but also a mainstay restaurant. Stay on the bar side, order the burger.
Jason Notte: It says record shop, and it is (kinda), but the vintage porn and knick knacks are worth your time.
Jason Notte: My East Coast biased first choice for pizza. It's on 23rd, which looks like it was transplanted from the northeast, but this spot is legit.
Jason Notte: Somebody is going to point you to Hawthorne. It's inevitable. This is a place where you can eat without a wait, get a beer cheaply and not get hassled.
Jason Notte: Again, just a great little dive bar on Belmont that won't be packed and will launch you into the rest of the neighborhood.
Jason Notte: Lots of taprooms in this town, but this is Don Younger's classic. Dark, filled with fried food and featuring a formidable list of regular and guest taps.
Jason Notte: It's the taproom that I'd want to make my regular bar. Like eight taps, pasties, Wisconsin games on the one screen, lots of bottles, animal heads.
Jason Notte: Italian, but done correctly. It's on a whole strip of Division with XICO, Roman Candle and a bunch of other hits, but this is great for a special night out.
Jason Notte: $4 movies, $3 before five. Beer, pizza and a whole lot of neon.
Jason Notte: Get here while you can. Vintage bowling alley that's giving up the ghost by May.
Jason Notte: If you're on a budget and need a place to stay near Widmer, Ecliptic, Labrewtory, StormChaser and a whole lot of other breweries, I recommend it with the caveat that you only go to bed after the band is done.
Jason Notte: Somebody will point you toward Bailey's. They should have pointed you toward tugboat and this place. Come for the do-it-yourself approach to strip-club DJing, stay for the great Mexican food right next door.
Jason Notte: Just reopened after a huge remodel. Puts you up near the arboretum and Forest Park as well.
