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    Blue

    4.0 (69 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Blue Photos

    Business Info

    BLUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Classy
    Live music
    Loud

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    Recommended Reviews - Blue

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    Reviews With Photos

    Aperol Spritz and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
    Sheri M.

    Blue is one of my favorite venues in Portland for live local music. It's so Portland--an understated room where one owner mixes your drink and the other runs the sound board and passes the basket to ensure the musicians get paid, because there is often no cover. There is a surprising variety on the seasonally changing drink menu: hot toddies, various margaritas, pumpkin spice espresso martinis, along with the currently offered "No BS Old Fashioned". On my last visit I had an Aperol Spritz and my friend had the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini--we enjoyed both. They have a food menu as well. I had some very good ratatouille served with pita bread on one visit. They often have cupcakes, although I've never had one. The best thing about Blue is the local music, which draws some extraordinarily talented musicians, many of whom have appeared on national tv and have sold out much larger venues like Thompson's Point and The State Theater, closely followed by the respectful local audience, whose primary purpose is to listen to the music and support the musicians.

    a group of people sitting at a table in front of a stage
    Taals B.

    NO COVER OR TICKET NEEDED UNLESS A SHOW CALLS FOR IT. Tips are welcome! Nice place to listen to some blues/jazz. We went for a local band. Not a place to order food, the flatbread was very bland. Good drinks and the bartender were the quietest and yet very attentive.

    Outside
    Shaji K.

    Friday night, many people inside here to check out the live music on stage. Intimate setup for a venue with a bar in the back and some seating up front and to the side. No cover to get in, which is a huge plus. Drinks are well-priced, beers being around $6-8 and good cocktail options. Local beer on draft, including a couple of nice IPAs. For food they have a bunch of snacks and desserts, with a few tables to sit and enjoy. The ambiance here is very chill, as people are respectful of the acts on stage. The bartender gets drinks out pretty quickly as there never is a giant line to order. Well worth a visit at night when in town.

    Menu
    Marietta C.

    Small intimate blues bar no cover charge! Stumbled into this cool little spot while visiting Portland some friends. It was five of us and they quickly accommodated us. What I loved most is that there was no cover charge. We ordered a few beers and some food and enjoyed the night watching some locals kill the stage. They do pass around a little basket for donations. You don't have to give anything but it's definitely greatly appreciated by the musicians. They have different people playing each time so it's pretty cool! Definitely worth stopping by here if you're in the area. Friendly ambiance. Vegan and vegetarian options available!

    Wil J.

    I strolled in just after 9p on a Saturday. Pretty crowded, as it's a small place. A nice lady gave me her seat at the bar, since she was leaving. If I was with someone, I don't think that I would have got a seat. Old Fashioned was all right. They didn't have salad, so I got the pretzel bites + cheese. It was all right. Service was great, friendly staff. Second band was really good! Third band was all right. Acoustics were good, and I liked the intimacy. As the third band was starting, there were a few small tables open. So either get there before 8p, or after 10p.

    a group of people playing music in a bar
    Dawn T.

    Well this is a mixed review. There were several things about Blue that put me off. That said, there were some things that I appreciated. Many reviews commented on the intimate atmosphere in Blue which is code for this place is very small. There's seating for about 22 people at tables, then additional seating at the L shaped bar. On the evening I attended, there were only two servers and one of them was the bar hostess. That means there was a lot of work for only two people with a full house. The bartender and hostess had to pour all the drinks in addition to making all the food and managing the audience. Granted the food menu is small plates and nothing requires cooking. The pricing on the menu seemed in line with other bars with similar offerings. For my budget, it's pricey for very small bits of food. 2 very small pieces of cheese, an ounce of honey, 8 olives, and 15 almonds = $12. Like I said, normal for Portland, but still pricey for what gets served. The food and drink menus are on big chalkboards on a wall over 3 tables. If you don't have great vision, you have to stand over seated people to see the menus. This was a little uncomfortable for me, and I imagine those seated. This is not a cocktail bar, only wine and beer are served. For that reason I would have expected a better wine list. There were only three whites, I ordered one and wasn't that thrilled with it, but that's a matter of taste, you might love all the choices. The part I enjoyed the least was when the hostess addressed the audience, as the band stands watch, to explain that this bar doesn't charge a cover but expects that you will contribute cash to a basket that she brings around and puts in your face. There was a distinct sensation that this was not optional. Imagine the discomfort of those lured in by seemingly free live music (which exists all around Portland) then faced with having to stare down the lady with the basket if you didn't want to 'voluntarily' contribute. Additionally, when I sat at the bar I immediately ordered a bottled water, then a glass of wine, then (when I could get her attention) a food plate. When my friend joined me at the bar I gave him my glass of wine but the bartender insisted that he had to order a drink because the bar has a one drink minimum. This policy is in place because they don't charge a cover and they offer live music which is understandable. So I ordered another bottle water and a cup of tea for my friend. When I was finished and ready to pay, I waited through 4 songs and the banter between the songs before I was able to get the attention of the bartender without shouting at her. She washed a sink full of dishes with her back to the bar while I studiously watched for even a glimpse over her shoulder. Eventually, waving my credit card, she noticed and brought me a bill. I agree with the other reviewers that there's an intimate atmosphere for live music at Blue and that deserves to be appreciated. I added a star to this otherwise 3 star review. It was the aura, the ultimate price tag, and the service that made me decide this place is out of my league.

    Blue
    Justin H.

    Magic. One of the best venues I've been in, in any town. Intimate and cozy, friendly and neighborly. Listen to local legends like Samuel James and Dana Gross play like they are in the living room of your good friend. Always good beer on tap, and a well curated wine list. The food is home, yet sophisticated - the pasta bowl, the olives, Barry's hummus. Barry and Terez make this place feel like the hippest B&B you've ever seen.

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    23 days ago

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    2 months ago

    Favorite place to catch a random show or a drink. Always such special talent on that stage.

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    2 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Such a cool place to hangout and listen to live music! I love their system of donating whatever you wish for the performers!

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    5 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Rude staff. Stopped serving me after two beers. Seemed sexist in their service. Won't be back despite great bands.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Love this jazz bar! Amazing bands, positive atmosphere, great wine list. One of my favorite places in Portland.....

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    It seems like a really nice place but the night we were there a conceptual jazz band was playing and I just wasn't in the mood for it

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    15 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Blue

    Review Highlights - Blue

    It is serve on what is more of a mini-baguette than a hot dog roll, with curry aioli, jalapeño bacon and chopped pickles.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Room for Improvement

    Room for Improvement

    4.6(57 reviews)
    0.6 miOld Port

    I've only heard good things about room for improvement and I was so glad to finally make it there!…read moreThis low ceiling, cozy bar has moody, lighting, booths, bar seating, and an outdoor standing bar. It's such a vibe for a late night drinking or grabbing a quick bite as they have such good food! They've made using the restroom fun as it's decorated with Polaroids from guests, and another funny item (you'll have to see for yourself) You need to get their espresso martini. The cold foam topping it off is the most delicious thing I've ever had.

    I enjoyed the bar that use to be located here that was called Jager. It was all German themed and I…read moremostly went for the beers. Room for Improvement has been around for quite awhile at this point and I have heard nothing but positive about it. My wife and I finally made the time to come here and glad we did. With it being Halloween they have a special theme this week called Doom for Improvement so we thought it was the perfect time to visit! We showed up at opening for a spot to beat Halloween crowd on wharf street. I was reminded of Jager right away in the sense it felt familiar while also feeling new. They decked it out with Halloween decorations and bartenders were dressed up. We had Bojack Horseman serving us who was a top notch bartender, friendly, answered any questions and had good vibes! My wife tried their Pineapple Daiquiri and their Espresso Martini. I went with the Halloween themed drinks and got the Rest In Peeses that was a peanut butter (Reese's) themed Old Fashioned. Secondly I grabbed their Plenty Evil that was inspired by the Good & Plenty candy Absinthe Frappe. My wife's drinks were phenomenal and would both be go to orders for her and we both found a new favorite Espresso Martini. My first drink nailed the perfect mix of peanut butter flavor with a classic Old Fashioned. Secondly despite not being a huge licorice/good & plenty candy this drink was delicious! I look forward to returning for a non Halloween themed visit but we were both extremely impressed. If you are looking for a bar to grab drinks and want a nice and chill vibe this is your spot. Expect friendly bartenders who make high quality drinks!

    Photos
    Room for Improvement - Inside at the bar

    Inside at the bar

    Room for Improvement - Sauerkraut dog

    Sauerkraut dog

    Room for Improvement - Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

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    Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

    Blue - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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