When the shift is over and the last tab is closed, where does Portland’s bar crowd go? We asked local bartenders to share their favorite post-shift haunts, from late-night bites to neighborhood watering holes. Consider this your insider’s guide to where the industry unwinds after hours.
Couper Jepson / Lucky Cheetah
I specifically like to go to Blythe & Burrows, as they have a phenomenal cocktail program. It’s a place I like to get inspiration from—the creative director there is always fun to talk to. However, I think I can speak for the entire Cheetah staff and say that Room for Improvement is their fave spot. The vibes are always high there post shift. Ana (Lucky Cheetah’s General Manager) especially loves the espresso martini with the coconut foam.
Jacob Coombs / The Marquis Lounge
I typically go to whichever bar has the best energy at the end of the night. As long as they have Maletti and gin and tonics, I am not that picky. Most bartenders, even the ones that work at high-end lounges, are just looking for a beer and a shot at the end of the night before they head home. Some are looking for that to be the amuse bouche before they go off and party!
LyAnna Sanabria / Papi
I don’t often make last call because of my hours, but when I do, I usually look for a trifecta within walking vicinity: open late, has food, and there are friends or Portland icons involved. The perfect trifecta is Tomaso’s with a full menu and a shifty beer. Room for Improvement is a trifecta too, if you count a red snapper. I do love Off Track and Commercial Street Pub for the nights I want to chill solo with a cold beverage while looking out a window.
Arvid Brown / Room for Improvement
My favorite spot to grab a drink is Supper Club on Congress. They have a great cocktail program, fun staff, and the space is really unique. I like to head straight to the back room and settle into the bar there. I usually get their house Daiquiri, which has chamomile in it and a side of Labatt Blue. They haven’t been open long but they’ve already made themselves a staple stop on a night out.