We had a decent meal and a whole lot of dancing. The band was great. My husband and I will be back, but this time, we'll bring friends..

The place was not full. I paid the cover, ordered a drink, tipped the band, and danced for an hour. When I was ready to pay and leave, the waittress was so nasty I couldn't believe it! My take was that spending $21. wasn't enough, although maybe she just didn't like the look of me?! Sadly, I won't be back. read more

This place has been in business for a very long time. Comfortable and friendly Many locals create a family atmosphere Blues/ jazz bar Service was fast and pleasant , food good and even some twists to regular bar food Will go back read more

Community feeling, excellent music and lots of dancing. The people that work there are awesome.

Try the food.. the chef loves what he does and it's obvious in every bite. Everything on the menu is top notch Drinks get an A Food gets an A+ read more

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We come here to dance on Thursdays to the fabulous band, Fenix Rising. The space is cozy, with a small dance floor, welcoming wait staff and overall good vibes from the happy dancers and listeners. This place is a treasure. read more

This used to be a fun place to go to. FREE music, good foo and drinks. Now there is a new owner. Cover always, and it is big. The bands are no longer as good as they were. I always skip where I used to always go to. See what happens when you do not know how to run a business. read more

Went on Sunday to hear a blues band. The sound was great. Not a large place but a good bar, good service and a friendly crowd. Menu looked good. We will be back. read more

If you like blues music it is a good place for a few beers. I think there is a new cook so maybe the food has improved, they used to have good Halibut & Chips before ownership changed. Last time I tried their fries or tater tots were not as good as before. Don't eat there anymore. read more

Enjoyed the best Butter-Basted Shrimp and Bacon Caesar Salad I've ever been professionally served in my 80 years last night in my first visit to Sonny Hess's and their partner's Blue Diamond dinner and dance club at NE 20th and Sandy. Four of us met to celebrate a younger friend's birthday. The extraordinary Kim Field and the Gentlemen five-piece group played the "swingiest," get-off-your-butt-work-the-calories-off sets to a floor-filled appreciative audience of all ages. As for the wait staff, they never stopped moving either. First Class!!! We'll be so back. read more

Small & intimate. Great bands, food is delicious, friendly wait staff. Enjoyable all around.

If you are going to play some killer blues and feed me outdoors while heating me from above I can't say I'm going to leave. Music was playing to my soul. We ordered the homemade cheesecake $7 , bowl of clam chowder $5 and onion rings $6. So have to say the clam chowder literally tasted like Campbells chicken noodles soup was called a clam chowder. No seafood taste. I get that it was the thin type of chowder and it was warm and good enough to warm us up, but by no means a good clam chowder. They should try out my recipe and I will never order it again. The onion rings were very good, not typical, but softer, very much on point with the Outback's blooming onion used to be. The homemade cheesecake with raspberry sauce was pretty well done. Very good cheesecake with a hard dry thick gramcracker crust. We enjoyied it though. read more

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I know I have reviewed The Blue Diamond before and I will say it again. Come for the food and stay for the music. If you want the best dark chocolate, caramel, pecan brownie I recommend Patrick's. I treat myself to one a week. They have a fabulous bartender named Becky. We all love both her and Patrick. The Blue Diamond is a safe place for anyone. The crowd is very friendly. If you remember Cheers this is Portland's version, ,without the pool table but with live music. Thursday nights with Fenix Sander and his band is our favorite night. Fenix has and out standing band, J T Thomas Pat McDougall, Jim Solberg and Brian Foxworth. Any night you are there is a good night. read more

I am not one who usually writes yelp reviews but I have been coming to the diamond for years and I am really upset about the lies on the last review . That was not a valid review but was written by an employee who was fired. The whole staff is amazing . The blonde bartender Katie is fast, provides excellent customer service and wonderful drinks every time! Patrick creates a new food special every week and Katie creates a cocktail to pair . My favorite staff at my favorite bar! read more

Blue Diamond - a variety of drinks and snacks - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A friend suggested meeting at the Blue Diamond, to hear Lisa Mann, who he had seen at another venue. Everything about my experience was fun - the music, the sound system, the drinks, and unexpectedly, the food. I wasn't expecting good food at a bar, but they delivered on both taste and value. And I'm very glad to have gotten to hear Lisa Mann - a bassist and singer who really knows her stuff. We were seated at a table fairly close to the entrance and consequently, not particularly near the band or the dance floor - but sight lines were fine, and the sound was great. I've been to music events at other places where once is enough for me, but I could see myself becoming a regular at the Blue Diamond. read more

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The bar has potential. I was here to watch my girlfriends band perform and WOW I had trouble getting drinks at the bar the bartender yelled at me twice about asking her for a drink. She had an attitude cause she was slammed I get it tho. Had a friend who literally wanted to return used glasses and couldn't. My girl thinks micro aggressions against me she was really aggressive towards me. I can't recommend this bar to anybody. read more

Went for the first time last night and was more than thrilled with the experience. The atmosphere screams the Blues with amazing paintings, low light, and fun patrons. The food was very good. I had beef ends and Manhattan clam chowder. The service was amazing. I told the bartender how I would like my evening to go and she made sure I never had to order another drink, including ending with water and club soda. Finally, the Blues music filled my soul. Get back to live music and give Blue diamond a try. read more

Blue Diamond - Phenix Rising. Pat , Phenix, AL, Jason and Kaylor giving us amazing blues. - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Friendly service, nice food options, always great live music! My favorite bar in town.

Black mold in ice. Short blonde bartender eats in front of guest and serves people after without washing hands. Also saw bartender smoking a cigarette instead of helping guest and then when returned didnt was her hands. Shards of glass in my drink because they put the glass in there ice instead of using a scoop. Food has no flavor and owners are rude. read more

Always enjoyed the Blue Diamond, providing consistent, local blues n=bands for a little dancing. But a rude bartender / waitress grabbed my girl friend's half finished drink away at 10:30 pm (closing at 11 pm), and even when asked if she could finish it, the lady said no. Not going back. read more

Great music from just friends, dancing engaged crowd, good service, weak drinks, crappy food. Come for the music, dance, but eat somewhere else. read more

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I'm a tourist. A good one. Good enough to find places like this. And I'm from Chicago. I know blues bars ... the good, the bad and the touristy. This is a Great great blues bar. All the essential ingredients. Super friendly. Great characters. And oh yea the music was good too. Danced my ass off. Thanks. read more

The Blue Diamond is very unassuming. It is so unassuming that there are only 9 other reviews on Yelp about it. It is so unassuming that you've driven past it thousands of times as you are on your way to Hollywood along NE Sandy Blvd and probably never noticed it. I notice it all the time, but it took an article in a paper I saw within the last 6 months or so that finally prompted me to go check the place out. How happy am I that I know how to read? Very. They have live music here 7 days a week. There is never a cover. The music is mostly (maybe all) blues. There aren't many bars like this in Portland. The Blue Diamond is a diamond in the rough in this town. Sue and I came over here on a Saturday night. The place wasn't very packed when we walked in the door shortly after 9pm. The band had just started their first set, so we found our way to the bar, ordered some drinks (we found out later that there is table service) and found a seat at one of the communal tables near the stage. Most of the tables are near the stage as the place isn't very big. As I said there is no cover charge, but you do have to spend a minimum of $5 if you want to stay. Within 30 minutes or so of us arriving, the place packed up nicely. The crowd was very mixed. Young and old. I would say this is an "old man bar" if there ever was one in Portland, but there were plenty of younger folks here on this night as well. People were up dancing and just having an all around good time. The band was really good and it wasn't too loud. Later on we ordered some food. Greasy fare dominates the menu, but they also seemed to have a good variety of salads. There were only 2 bartenders. One stayed behind the bar and the other ran around the room taking orders while still mixing drinks behind the bar. Saying that, the service was very friendly and very good. I plan to make my way back here again very soon. read more

Blue Diamond - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What a great lil neighborhood bar. The service was very attentive. The drinks were well poured but let me just say the band was great! I didn't get a chance to have dinner there but the music is definitely a draw. I wish I had gotten the name of the band. They do have dancing which is my fave. I guess I'm going back to try dinner. The place was not too crowded but busy enough to make it a very lively place. read more

This smallish spot is a great place to hear live music. If I'm not mistaken, there's someone playing here every night of the week. The food is typical bar food. I've had items that were just so-so and others that were really good. Maybe it depends on the cook. Service is also a bit hit-or-miss. Some nights, the wait staff is fantastic while other nights it's just been one server doing her best to keep up. The music is fantastic so it's always been worth the inconsistencies. read more

Blue Diamond - Interior shot - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This bar has been one of my favorites for live music and friendly people. I went in last night at 9:30 hoping to hear a good band and maybe see some old friends. The band was already taking a break. There were very few people in there. I went to the bar and planned to get a drink and wait for the music even though it was very dead feeling in there, The bartender was busy making drinks, which was fine, but she never acknowledged me. No hi, I'll be with you in a minute. No hi, how are you.. nothing. I stood there for a couple of minutes and then decided paying $10 to hear the band was not with it, so I left. The people that left as I was coming in said the band was good! Too bad it didn't have an inviting vibe to make me want to stay! read more

I really enjoy the blue Diamond when I am in the area from Colorado. Great music nice drinks and food and friendly people can wait to get back to the area read more

Blue Diamond - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Live music is great. The atmosphere is wonderful. Great little place on sandy blvd. I am a Vancouver resident that rarely finds himself crossing the river for my entertainment but this place will be seeing me again. I came for the music and stayed for the atmosphere. Thanks Blue Diamond. read more

Blue Diamond - Kevin Selfe and the tornadoes. - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Not a GREAT experience. We ordered food from them online only to find out 25 minutes after placing the order they changed their menu completely from what they listed online and did not have half our order... One of the items we ordered was grilled cheese which is literally cheese and bread. So they no longer carried "cheese and bread" even though it can still be ordered on their menu online (they also no longer carried the appetizer we ordered). Poor service, if you are going to be part of an online delivery service keep your menu up to date. read more

I've been looking for a place like this, and I'm glad I found it. I went on a Sunday night. Good music, dancing, friendly people, and good service. read more

This place is great! The general client's are a bit older 27-77 and it makes for a fun atmosphere. The waitress are great and bring drinks to your table. We have not tried much of the food but from what we have had it's great bar food. Also the music is great and the performers are fantastic! This place makes for a great night out! Just make sure you come early because its small. read more

I came here Saturday night for a special event. I knew there was going to be a band so went a tad early to grab a seat. Well, was I surprised when I walked in and discovered that every seat in the place was filled half an hour before the band started playing. They were even setting up more tables and chairs in the aisles to try to offer up some more seating. I finally wormed my way into a free seat at a table of about 16. The waitress (Barb I think) was amazing! She was waiting on about 50 people and though a tiny bit surly was super quick to offer service. The bartender must have had about a dozen arms as quickly as Barb was bringing drinks out. I was definitely impressed with the service. I ordered my typical Long Island Iced Tea ($6 by the way) and was told that I could only have two of these. I haven't heard that for a while. I was told by the man next to me that the Fish and Chips was great but I just wanted a little 'snack' so ordered a chicken quesadilla. I didn't see the price but when I gave her a $10 all she gave me back was three quarters. $9.25 for a quesadilla? WTF? I have a feeling she might have charged me for the fries the lady next to me also ordered. The quesadilla was great. It filled so full of chicken, peppers, onions, cheese, and (bacon?) that I had to use the utensils provided instead of picking it up with my hands. Maybe it was $9.25. It would have been worth it even at that price. I didn't stick around for the second Long Island as it was so crowded you couldn't even dance. I definitely want to come back here for dinner sometime and another of their $6 drinks! (I hear the steak dinners are killer) read more

Blue Diamond is your garden variety Portland dive bar with a little character. Apparently they are proud of the jazz scene here, but I might beg to differ. it seemed more like a band slammed in the corner playing a deafening keyboard solo that sounded like Max Headroom short circuiting. Music wasn't the cause of my visit though, was just there to catch up with friends over cheap drinks, that was a success. In a state of starving we decided to order some eats. Food is basic to be sure, I ordered a veggie burger and chowder. Veggie burger is as you might expect, but chowder was actually not too shabby. Overall this joint is about a C, but the bartendress has enough character to warrant an a-ok. read more

When I used to go to the Blue Diamond in the Early 2000s, it was because someone in a Band that I followed ( I was NOT a Groupie )... was going or was Playing here on any Specific Night. I Really, Really like Lisa Mann's Band!!! Anyway, it gets PACKED at the Blue Diamond, and Seating is Limited. I have Danced mostly By myself... or alongside other Dancers. Then, I met my Darling Husband, and I moved in with him. We live Very Far from the Blue Diamond now, and there isn't much Parking in this Area. I guess.... if One of my friends invites me to go Out again to the Blue Diamond I'll just Take the Bus. There are a few Buses that Go Very Close to the Blue Diamond now. read more

To the one person who gave a low 2 star review, people don't come for the food. They come for the live music, especially blues and jazz. In that context the food is good enough. They have a full bar including about 7 brews on tap. Not an outstanding wine selection, but good enough to keep you happy during the live music just about every night 9pm to Midnight. Also they serve a full menu I think to almost midnight every night. The crowd tends to be older but also plenty of 20 and 30 year Olds around. Dancing to the music too! read more

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Funky little spot. Great bands play here. The seating was not good, they could do a lot to rearrange the tables and chairs. I didn't order food but the drinks were fine. It could be a little cleaner (carpet table and windows) read more

This is my favorite venue to listen to the Blues. Every Sunday evening there is a Jam led by Kevin Selfe and the Tornados. Food is very good! Wait staff is the BOMB! The girls. Janessa, Kaylee and Lauren are the best! Friendly, energetic, fun! read more

The Blue Diamond is on my way home. The food, the drinks, the service--all are topnotch! And there is live music every evening. No cover, just spend $5 at least on something you will enjoy. I've been coming here since October 2012 and have witnessed the kind of consistency that keeps folks ready to return. read more

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Haven't tried the food, but the music vibe is terrific. Some of my favorite local bands perform here now. Update: I tried the steak tidbits and fries. Yummy delish! read more

Great live music! We went on a Tuesday and just so happened that Anthony Hamilton's band, the Hamiltone's, decided to stop in as well and they kilt it! Amazing. Just to be clear before they came on the local band was great too. Friendly atmosphere, great people, great bartender. Would definitely return. read more