You worked all day. You deserve to relax with a few friends. It’s officially happy hour! Grab a seat at one of Portland’s best bars for an early-evening drink or snack.
1. 820 (the bar attached to Mint)
820 North Russell Street (next door to Mint)The luxe interior of this North Portland bar is perfect for a date. In warm weather, the patio is the perfect spot for sipping.
When: Monday - Saturday, 4 - 6:30 p.m., all night Wednesdays (4 p.m. - midnight)
Drink: Amazing $5 house-made cocktails including the delightfully citrus-y 816 and the savory Ruby, which has a surprising ingredient (you'll have to check the menu to find out). Beer and well drinks are also inexpensive, but people come here for the cocktails.
Food: A few well-chosen (and perfectly prepared) items. We recommend the calamari ($5), sweet potato fries ($2.75) and the (huge!) caesar salad ($4.50).
2. Sapphire Hotel
5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd
The romantic atmosphere makes this a prime date-night destination.
When:
Daily 4 – 6 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. - Midnight!
Drinks:
$3 well drinks and select top-shelf cocktails such as Tangueray and Tonic and Dewar’s scotch and soda for $4; select wines, $4; PBR Tall Boys, $1.
Food:
Appetizers and snacks from $2 to $5. The meze platter, with hummus, tapenade, and baba gannouj is great for sharing.
3. Basil Bar
3135 NE Broadway (first floor of Sweet Basil restaurant)
The restaurant upstairs is known for having some of Portland's best Thai food, and this happy hour serves up some of the menu's most popular appetizers.
When:
Mon–Sat, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 4:30 p.m. to close.
Drinks:
No special prices on drinks, but the food menu makes up for it.
Food:
With 14 items at $4 or less, why not create your own tasting menu? Try the crab rangoon, the Thai buffalo wings, and the Tom Kah soup. Like most happy hours, there's a one-drink minimum.
4. Imbibe
2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Great for groups, this lively Hawthorne restaurant and bar is also a venue for live music.
When:
Daily 4–7pm
Sunday–Thursday 11pm—midnight
Drinks:
$3 well drinks and .75 off beer
Food:
Substantial snacks that are large enough for dinner and only cost $3.95. Try the Painted Hills burger or the macaroni and cheese.
5. Oba!
555 NW 12th Avenue
It’s one of the busiest spots in the Pearl District. FYI: No happy hour on First Thursday.
When:
Daily 4:30–6:30pm
Late-night happy hour (food only) 9:30–close, Monday–Thursday
Drinks:
Margaritas, cosmopolitans, lemon drops, and fresh fruit margaritas, $3
Selected wine and beer, $3
Food:
Nearly a dozen options,($3-$6). Tempting choices include crispy coconut prawns, chicken tacos and a cheeseburger.
6. Saucebox
214 SW Broadway
Low lighting, cool clientele, and delicious food and drinks make this restaurant/bar a top pick.
When:
Tuesday–Friday 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Drinks:
Sapporo on draught, $2.50;
Select sake, $4;
Select red wine, $5;
A few special cocktails, including a pineapple daiquiri made with house-infused pineapple rum, $5
Food:
A long list of snacks, ranging from $1 - $4. Standouts include crispy Saucebox french fries, spicy grilled squid skewers, and fresh Vietnamese salad rolls.
