What makes a bar a true neighborhood bar?! The City Cast Portland team recently got together to explore why we love our local digs and what defining characteristics a bar should (and shouldn’t) have, to make it worthy of being a neighborhood fave. To add to the thirsty debate, we asked you, the City Cast Portland listeners and readers, for your favorites. Here are a few of those places:
Dear Sandy | 2800 NE Sandy Blvd. (Kerns)
We love this neighborhood bar for its thoughtful nonalcoholic cocktails. City Cast Portland producer Giulia Fiaoni raves about finding persimmon juice on their menu. Plus, Dear Sandy was the most submitted favorite amongst City Cast Portland listeners. Bri M. shared that the staff “wear their hearts on their sleeves and I love how actively involved they are in the community.”
Wilder | 5501 NE 30th Ave. (Concordia)
This is the quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar. Their menu is short and spirit-forward. The Baso Profundo cocktail with mezcal, tequila, cynar, amaro, and ancho chiles is a favorite of City Cast Portland executive producer John Notarianni. Our friend @criblyfe on Instagram loves that Wilder is super cozy inside, but has learned that they’re expanding into the former bakery space next door.
LaVerne's | 700 NE Dekum S. (Woodlawn)
We think this spot hits all the marks of a great neighborhood bar: it’s kid-friendly, accommodating family-style options, and a wide variety of drink options. LaVerne’s also has great food, with a menu that features Yucatan-style rotisserie chicken.
The Old Gold | 2105 N. Killingsworth (Overlook)
Go here for the incredible whiskey selection, solid beer list, and good cocktails. Things can get pretty busy and loud here, but kids are still welcome before 9 p.m. Their entree salads are also totally respectable.
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge | 2524 SE Clinton St. (Hosford-Abernethy)
This neighborhood bar provides everything you want and need it to do. Grab a quick drink before heading to see a movie at the nearby Clinton Street Theater, pop in for fun vibes, and get some great Italian food.
Mosaic Taphouse | 7955 N Lombard St. (St. Johns)
Another great characteristic of a neighborhood bar is its events calendar, and Mosaic hosts fun events, including drag bingo. While it doesn’t have a cocktail list, check out their beers on tap.
