Nomad - Portland, OR
Eem, Thai Cuisine
Texas Barbeque meets Thai meets Tropical. A solid blend of flavors presented in unique ways. Interesting take on both classic and tiki cocktails. Great hospitality from our server who also recommended the next few spots we hit.
Vendetta, Local Pub
Zen style patio with shuffleboard and pinball inside. Cheap, heavy pours of great well liquors! (ie. Espolon)
Broder, Nordic Cafe & Bar
National Aquavit Week Dinner Welcome cocktails, paired aquavit cocktails, and pastries
Roseland Theatre, Patron Sponsored Bartender Karaoke
What an awesome set of performers and set lists. The Patron sponsored event was a part of PDXCW and the kick off for the week of knowledge and fun.
Jack Rabbit, inside the Duniway Hotel
After an amazing 4 hours of classes focusing on Bar Consulting we decided to walk a few blocks to Jack Rabbit, a hotel bar with an exceptional menu, a solid happy hour, and a great wine selection. The bar staff was very knowledgeable and even offered us tastes of his favorite wines. Their Chili Cauliflower was my favorite way I’ve had cauliflower
Then it was back to class for another 3 hours or so. The knowledge learned and the welcoming presence I felt the entire time was next to none. I asked way too many questions, but got so many answers in return.
Pok Pok, Asian Cuisine
Creative Thai Street Food. The hip, house turned restaurant had an interesting menu. The menu ranged from typical Thai dishes to modern American dishes, thrown together with such art that the food was beautiful. The cocktail’s we got were a play on a spicy margarita, “Heat Ray”, served up and with Thai spices, and a Aperol Spritz like cocktail with rhubarb and lime, called “Rhubarb Blush”. The Vietnamese coffee spiked with brandy was a good call at the end of dinner too!
Paydirt, Dive Bar
Large, 30 seat bar with multiple tables, dive bar playing great Rock. They had a large selection of rare spirits, like Aquavit, Cachaca, and agave distillates. The bartender was really cool, down to earth, and very patient with the guests I happen to be by. This place also gave us 3 oz shots of Espolon for 7$ a piece. The prices are so good and the quality of service is top.
Hale Pale, Tropical Themed Restaurant
We walked to Hale Pale, mainly because my friend Jeff said it was a 10 minute walk. Turns out it was a 10 minute drive and around a 35 minute walk, but once we started walking we also started talking and next thing we knew we were almost there. Hale Pale was the quintessential tiki bar, with the decor, menu design, music, and even light snacks. The food was a Hawaiian-American barbeque with some asian inspired dishes. The service was decent, considering that we were a larger party and the place was full when we arrived. The cocktails were great, we had some off menu Sriracha and Tequila cocktails that were frozen, but melted my heart.
Hey Love, Lobby Bar
Located inside a sleek modernist inspired hotel is one of the best bars I’ve been to in a while. The service and hospitality that we received when it was over three deep was great. They never stopped moving and never stopped interacting with guests either. That’s one thing I love about this industry. The respect you can get for bartenders by just watching them work and crush it. This industry has brought me so many friends, mentors, and inspirations that I don’t know where I would be without it. The opportunities, the growth, and the satisfaction I feel daily is something I’ll always cherish.
Although, We were only in Portland, Oregon for 1 day, it was a day well spent. We didn’t get to go to a lot of spots on our list, but we plan on coming back for a few days next time.
Spots still needing to hit: Clyde Common, The Rambler, Angel Face, Interurban, Pépé le Moko, Bit House Saloon, Circa 33, Teardrop Lounge, Shift Drinks, and so many more!