1. Church
2600 NE Sandy Blvd.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Eat. Drink. Repent.” Church made its way into the number one spot for music-themed bars in Portland because of its vivacious, snarky attitude toward a sinister night out, amazing bartenders, and its dedication to hosting parties on a nightly basis for dance and hip-hop enthusiasts. The food and drink menu is great and affordable, and they even have a “confession” booth, which is actually a photo booth with amazing lighting. Acts such as Booty Bassment, Wu Tang Wednesdays and Free Music Mondays are guaranteed to keep the party going any day of the week!
2. Blackwater Bar
835 NE Broadway
Hours: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Blackwater Bar holds a special place these days in the Portland area because it’s one of very few bars that allows minors up until 11 p.m. and serves alcohol like it’s going out of style. Blackwater hosts exclusively punk/metal shows on a regular basis, allowing the underground Portland music scene to thrive and allowing a safe place for music enthusiasts of all ages. With many venues such as The Know or Dante’s closing, hopefully Blackwater will stick around and keep the music alive. The food menu is plentiful, the staff are great, and it’s two steps away from the next bus stop outside.
3. Turn! Turn! Turn!
8 NE Killingsworth St.
Hours: 4–11 p.m.
Turn! Turn! Turn! rests along a corner of Killingsworth, slightly inconspicuous to the fun hidden inside. This bar serves great drinks, food, vinyl records and clothes! Being one of the few bars that sticks to the traditional Portland folk-alternative scene in regard to original acts and artist appreciation, make sure you stop by and show your respect! You will not be disappointed.
4. Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
If you’re looking for a way to swoop your jazz loving date off their feet, make sure you take them here first. It’s dark, swanky, romantic and inspiring to any music enthusiast. If you’re feeling up for a good steak, you can order that too.
5. Kell’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
112 SW Second Ave.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Even if Kell’s is notoriously rough around the edges at times, if you’re looking for great Irish folk music to jig and sing along with, then you’re in good hands. There is usually a cover fee, and the service can be slightly discouraging at times; however, the music is fantastic and the atmosphere is perfect for any rowdy team of weekend warriors.
6. Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Landmark is slightly hidden from Division Street by all of the growing apartment construction and heavy traffic, but once inside you will be greeted by an environment perfect for any country music enthusiast looking to get away from the usual Portland hipster scene. Landmark offers a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating, as well as folky scenery and a full stage for rotating acts. There is even a breathalyzer at the door in case you’re worried about the damage caused.
7. Foster Burger
5339 SE Foster Rd.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Foster Burger is a hidden gem within the growing Felony Flats area of Portland. FB is primarily a burger joint (one of the best in town), but also offers a full bar and an amazing selection of blaring rock music. Concert posters dating back to the early ’90s cover every inch of wall space. Head banging, burgers, and rock ‘n’ roll. What more could you want? If your answer is strippers, you could literally walk one block away and have that too!
8. Voicebox Karaoke Northwest
2112 NW Hoyt St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Voicebox is located in the semi-industrial part of inner Southeast Portland and is provided to party groups on a reserved basis. The bar can be expensive, but the bartenders really know what they’re doing. Once inside you can sing along to over 800+ songs, request them using your smartphone, and dance along under a disco light in your own private room. Nobody needs to see me rap along to NWA in public; the privacy is honorable.
