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What to Do in Portland

This list was compiled from Portland Mercury's readers' and editors' top picks.

Restaurant/Cafe

Aalto Lounge (Bar, Pub Grub, Small Plates)

3356 SE Belmont St. Portland OR
503.235.6041

dotvision says: Great drink Great food. I've been here consistently over the past 8 years and have never had a bad evening. It's close to everything on Belmont... it's one of my favorite spots in SE Portland. More...

Ash Street Saloon (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)

225 SW Ash St. Portland OR
503.226.0430

twist969 says: I saw a show from Amber Voltaire last Thursday and holy balls! They really rocked, seriously great local band. The food at ash street was good and the drinks were better. Good show! More...

Aura (Bar, Club, American, Haute Cuisine)

1022 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.597.2872

J says: For those who have never been to Aura then you should try it out, more than likely you will come back again. The place is always upbeat with good music. The food service is a little slow but not bad More...

Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)

727 SE Washington Portland OR
503-235-8180

caliente says: Beaker & Flask is nowhere near a dump. True, you're not going to go there to order fried mac & cheese and a PBR, or play video poker. But it's a supreme bargain for the talent and quality you get. More...

Berbati's Pan (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern)

10 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2122

Ren says: There is definitely something to be said for really good not-too-expensive food in a bar atmosphere. It is great to be able to play pool grab some drinks and have delicious greek food downtown after a show. The pita and More...

Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)

1332 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.225.0047

Dante's (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Italian, Pizza)

1 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.6630

Doug Fir (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner)

830 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.221.9663

penguinheart says: Doug Fir isn't the best, but this show will be! Team Evil +Alan Singley= Worth It! More...

East End (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)

203 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.232.0056

Big Tree says: I love the food at East End. The French Onion soup rules! The home made pot stickers I love. But the Tacos are amazing!! More...

Gold Dust Meridian (Bar, American, Seafood, Soup and/or Sandwich)

3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland OR
503.239.1143

Tempe says: Great food, cheap drinks, nice atmosphere, and a damn cute bartender. More...

Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup and/or Sandwich)

2845 SE Stark St. Portland OR
503.239.9292

knickatknite says: Bar none, the Goodfoot lounge is my favorite PDX bar. Tucked away in a quiet and cozy Southeast neighborhood, the GF conjures up feelings of an old college basement party. Friday nights are paramount especially if you adore ol' school More...

Holocene (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Haute Cuisine)

1001 SE Morrison Portland OR
503-239-7639

forlornfox says: They make a fine whiskey ginger using fresh ginger root - awesome! More...

Kelly's Olympian (Bar, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner, Breakfast Brunch)

426 SW Washington Portland OR
503-228-3669

blackoutonthebushome says: I love this bar. The bartenders have to be some of the coolest,friendliest,in town.Perfet place to relax after work.The happy hour menu is decent. I recommend the chicken sliders and french fries.Wherever I am in downtown, I will wind up More...

LaurelThirst Public House (Bar, DistroLocation, Burgers)

2958 NE Glisan St. Portland OR
503.232.1504

JONES says: Dear The Laurelthirst, Your breakfasts are the best in this part of the city. You make my hangovers better. I've tried new things every time I have been there and my mind has always been completely blown. I appreciate your More...

Matador (Bar, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)

1967 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.222.5822

Rontoms (Bar, American, Small Plates, German)

600 E Burnside Portland OR
503-236-4536

Backer than the blackest times infinity says: Seantos is the greatest bartender of all time- Seanturage! More...

Roseland (Bar, Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Pub Grub)

8 NW 6th Portland OR
503-224-2038

Rotture (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)

315 SE 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503-234-5683

dj gray says: This is the ONLY place in town to consistently get down to dirty electro with Neon Knights, SuperKids and FuckBadMusic holding down repeat events. More...

Saucebox (Bar, Club, Asian, Haute Cuisine)

214 SW Broadway Portland OR
503.241.3393

retr0urbanc0wb0y says: what a great spot. i have yet to find a drink on there amazing drink menu that i did not like. the food never disapoints and the staff is very atentave. this is a great spot to start your night More...

Slow Bar (Bar, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub)

533 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.230.7767

Louise says: For such a little bar, their food is really fantastic! I was blown away by their seared tuna salad. It's a little small, so go for lunch when it's not crowded. More...

Someday Lounge (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Arts Center, Soup and/or Sandwich, Vegetarian/Vegan)

125 NW 5th Portland OR
503-248-1030

Teardrop Lounge (Bar, American, Asian, Small Plates, International)

1015 NW Everett St. Portland OR
503.445.8109

Liebekrieg says: Stunning drinks (like a perfect sidecar) mixed with the skill of an artist high on life. The absinthe is served with a fantastic ice decanter that makes you and your date the center of attention. Silent films projected on the More...

Tonic Lounge (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)

3100 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR
503.238.0543

I'm New Here says: dskasdklaskl

More....

Arts

Charles A. Hartman Fine Art (Gallery)

134 NW 8th Portland OR
503-287-3886

CoHo Theater (Theater)

2257 NW Raleigh Portland OR
(503) 220-2646

DJSnoopy says: Wonderful theater!! Very good use of space, the seating was great. Parking was not bad at all. The staff made you feel very at home and welcomed. More...

Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)

1332 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.225.0047

Dante's (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Italian, Pizza)

1 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.6630

Floating World Comics (Books/Magazines/Comics, Movie Theater)

20 NW 5th Ave. #101 Portland OR
241-0227

Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup and/or Sandwich)

2845 SE Stark St. Portland OR
503.239.9292

Grass Hut (Gallery, Store, DistroLocation)

811 E Burnside Portland OR
503-445-9924

Hawthorne Theatre (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Theater)

1507 SE 39th Portland OR
503-233-7100

Holocene (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Haute Cuisine)

1001 SE Morrison Portland OR
503-239-7639

forlornfox says: They make a fine whiskey ginger using fresh ginger root - awesome! More...

Keller Auditorium (Arts Center, Theater)

222 SW Clay St. Portland OR
503.248.4335.

Laura Russo Gallery (Gallery)

805 NW 21st Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2754

Marylhurst University (School/Instruction, Gallery)

17600 Pacific Hwy. Portland OR
503.636.8141

Museum of Contemporary Craft (Gallery, Museum)

724 NW Davis St. Portland OR
503.223.2654

New American Art Union (Arts Center, Gallery, Movie Theater)

922 SE Ankeny Portland OR
231-8294

Newmark Theatre (Arts Center, Movie Theater, Theater)

1111 SW Broadway Portland OR
503.248.4335

Newspace (Arts Center)

1632 SE 10th Ave. Portland OR
503.963.1935

PNCA Feldman Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)

1241 NW Johnson St. Portland OR
503.226.4391

Portland Playhouse (Theater)

602 NE Prescott St. Portland OR
503.488.5822

Pushdot Studio (Gallery)

1021 SE Caruthers St. Portland OR
503.224.5925

Rocksbox Fine Art (Gallery)

6540 N Interstate Ave. Portland OR
971.506.8938

Shaking the Tree Studio (Theater)

1407 SE Stark Portland OR
503-235-0635

The Brody Theater (Theater)

16 NW Broadway Portland OR
503-224-2227

Theater! Theatre! (Theater)

3430 SE Belmont Portland OR

the other Juan says: someone told me it was like the first time they ate bacon. Yum More...

Winningstad Theatre (Arts Center)

"PCPA Building, 1111 SW Broadway" Portland OR

Worksound (Arts Center, Gallery, Movie Theater)

820 SE Alder St. Portland OR

More....

Bars & Clubs

Aalto Lounge (Bar, Pub Grub, Small Plates)

3356 SE Belmont St. Portland OR
503.235.6041

Aladdin Theater (Club, DistroLocation, Theater, Movie Theater)

3017 SE Milwaukie Portland OR
233-1994

Ash Street Saloon (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)

225 SW Ash St. Portland OR
503.226.0430

Aura (Bar, Club, American, Haute Cuisine)

1022 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.597.2872

Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)

727 SE Washington Portland OR
503-235-8180

Berbati's Pan (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern)

10 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2122

Louise says: Affordable, tasty, and a decent atmosphere. I cannot tell you how many times I've played shows at Dante's, and trekked over to Berbati's beforehand to eat a gyro and some fries, chug a beer, and play some pool before sound More...

Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)

1332 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.225.0047

Dante's (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Italian, Pizza)

1 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.6630

Doug Fir (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner)

830 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.221.9663

penguinheart says: Doug Fir isn't the best, but this show will be! Team Evil +Alan Singley= Worth It! More...

Fez Ballroom (Ballroom/Event hall, Bar, Club, DistroLocation)

316 SW 11th Ave. Portland OR
503.221.7262

Gold Dust Meridian (Bar, American, Seafood, Soup and/or Sandwich)

3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland OR
503.239.1143

Lyrical Genius says: I went recently with a girlfriend around 10pm on a weeknight. I was impressed. Chill crowd. Excellent DJ spinnin hip hop and some other stuff at an enjoyable, not earbleeding volume level. The cocktails are spending but excellent if your More...

Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup and/or Sandwich)

2845 SE Stark St. Portland OR
503.239.9292

Ground Kontrol (Bar, Club, DistroLocation)

511 NW Couch St. Portland OR
503.796.9364

Lanceonfire says: Ground Kontrol is a place and a hero at the same time! G.C. sports classic video games, pinball, live music, beer--they have everything for your non-libidinous entertainment needs!! Room for improvement? Maybe a gun range and/or a laundromat. More...

Hawthorne Theatre (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Theater)

1507 SE 39th Portland OR
503-233-7100

Holocene (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Haute Cuisine)

1001 SE Morrison Portland OR
503-239-7639

forlornfox says: They make a fine whiskey ginger using fresh ginger root - awesome! More...

LaurelThirst Public House (Bar, DistroLocation, Burgers)

2958 NE Glisan St. Portland OR
503.232.1504

pj says: Regardless of what you like or know about the Laurelthirst you just SHOULDN'T miss Too Loose! They are fabulous and fun...and you'll just HAVE to dance! What a way to spend a few hours on the Fourth! More...

Mary's Club (Bar, DistroLocation, Strip Club)

129 SW Broadway Portland OR
5030.227.3023

tommyrusso says: I loved this bar as a tourist and totally agree with above comments. The connecting burrito joint was pretty decent as well. More...

Rontoms (Bar, American, Small Plates, German)

600 E Burnside Portland OR
503-236-4536

Stop being predictable says: Sometimes self-righteousness is a good thing. It preserves a sense of pride and quality that is so-often lacking at other bars (and people) who opt for the cheapest, dumbed-down versions of everything. Rontoms nails it with his constant commitment to More...

Roseland (Bar, Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Pub Grub)

8 NW 6th Portland OR
503-224-2038

Saucebox (Bar, Club, Asian, Haute Cuisine)

214 SW Broadway Portland OR
503.241.3393

Dallas Maverick says: Saucebox may look hoity-toity and intimidating... And rightfully so, the decor is fancy schmancy, and the servers are all quite well groomed... But everyone is nice and attentive, there's good music, the drinks are always on point, and most importantly, More...

Slow Bar (Bar, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub)

533 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.230.7767

Louise says: For such a little bar, their food is really fantastic! I was blown away by their seared tuna salad. It's a little small, so go for lunch when it's not crowded. More...

Someday Lounge (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Arts Center, Soup and/or Sandwich, Vegetarian/Vegan)

125 NW 5th Portland OR
503-248-1030

Teardrop Lounge (Bar, American, Asian, Small Plates, International)

1015 NW Everett St. Portland OR
503.445.8109

Union Jack's (Bar, Strip Club)

938 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.236.1125

Wonder Ballroom (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, DistroLocation)

128 NE Russell Portland OR
503-284-8686

More....