The good news is that if you're looking to go out for just drinks, this is a really good cocktail bar option re: pages of choices and friendly service. Then head elsewhere for dinner. The food was surprisingly basic in the choices and lackluster in flavor. Yes, the salad and nacho plate portions are large and meant for sharing, but people aren't craving larger portions at higher prices. We went for early dinner on a Friday night and by 6pm they were already sold out of the fried fish weekly special and the deviled eggs and something else. They've only been open a few weeks in this new location so wishing them well. People who've been around awhile will enjoy noting for you that the business used to be in a basement below the Wonder Ballroom on NE Russell until the lease wasn't renewed. read more

Cliff’s PDX - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Had a great time at their new location on NE Alberta. The space is great. Neat bar and plenty of large and small tables. Lots of outside seating, both out front on the sidewalk as well as a large patio in the back. And the entire set of windows at the front of the place opens during the summer to let the outside in. They have a rich menu of snacks, entrees, and drinks. Burger and fries were great. I especially appreciated the Dealer's Choice Mocktail. Service is always great! read more

Cliff’s PDX - Dealer's Choice Mocktail - Nice! - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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First I would like to start off by saying how amazing the service was here. The waitress was attentive, welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the menu. I really love that this establishment is a "scratch kitchen", which is hard to find. The menu had a variety choices and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. I loved the baked oysters. Made my mouth water. The tostada w/steak was amazing. The root beer here was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to go back and eat more. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Plenty of seating inside, outback and out front. Good for groups of 4. If you want to try a delicious meal I definitely check em out, cheers! read more

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Friendliest bar we've ever walked into! Big cocktail menu, all good solid choices alongside classics. I had The Sawtooth - great whiskey drink with a fun balance of fernet and spices. We ordered the veggie nachos - one plate big enough for two and tasty. After that, we split the chicken sandwich - generously big, properly spicy. Aiming to go back soon. read more

My friend and I have been on this year long quest to order nachos everywhere in town and Cliff's is in the Mt Rushmore of nachos for us in Portland. While you see it mentioned occasionally for nachos, it's not definitively on everyone's list and for that reason I think it's extremely underrated and slept on. It's an incredible value, and everything is made from scratch here from the toppings, salsas, and chips. It's got multiple types of cheeses and cheese sauces, and some unique toppings that aren't common to nachos around here but not only are good but kinda make these nachos stand out like charred corn, roasted pepita seeds, and cabbage. I was sad to learn on this most recent meal that Cliff's PDX is closing/moving around the end of the year so if you are wanting to try this place...you have 5 weeks or so to do it. read more

Nachos were the best I've ever had!!!! The vegetarian ones had so many fabulous cheeses and flavors- HUGE portions.... small arugula salad $6 was enough for 4 people. Hamburgers great too! read more

Cliff’s PDX - Vegetarian nachos - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Best veggie nachos/ nachos I've ever freaking had, n they're huge and filling! I'm a meat eater and it taste so good. I don't even care if there's meat on it, it's so good you don't even realize it. There is an option for meat , but it's the best veggie nachos I've ever had! definitely recommend. Me and my sister had it twice now, consistent every time, and we share it. read more

Cliff’s PDX - Veggie nachos - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Uh-MAZING! Cliffs has stellar cocktails and delicious food. Their new location on Alberta is rad, outdoor seating out back and in front. The people working there are super friendly .... if you have not gone yet, go! read more

We stopped into Cliffs for a nightcap after a show at the Alberta Rose Theatre across the street. Food (steak frites) and drinks hit the spot, vibes were super chill, and the servers were all very cool. We had a great time and got to say good night to everyone at closing. The next morning I saw my bill had a couple extra zeros! I called them and they were mortified. Sierra, the manager, took extra steps to make sure everything was resolved. Shout out to her for being so thoughtful. She spent lots of time she didnʻt need to to make sure everything was resolved. I think thatʻs just a reflection of the whole place. Big thanks to the staff for being really kind. When weʻre back in town, weʻll find our way back to thank them all in person and cool out with them again. read more

Nice neighborhood spot in the old Lardo space beneath Wonder Ballroom. Limited, but solid wine selection for a "beer bar" and elevated food. Their baked oysters were excellent as was my shrimp po-boy! Eclectic Portland at its best! I love to find these types of places. Service was on the slow side, but the environment is so cool that you don't notice. Try it out! read more

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Cliffs just moved to Alberta and 30th and WOWZA, the new location is amazing - more space and light and patio! Same amazing food (get the fries, get the popcorn, GET THE NACHOS) and beautifully created cocktails. The staff are so friendly and they've made me feel like family - and especially made me feel welcome and safe and cared for if I'm at the bar alone (as a woman in this crazy world). Go check them out! read more

The food was delicious....i had the smoke chicken sandwich and hubby had the steak and fries. Loved the service and ambiance. We also took the popcorn to go - OMG read more

Cliff’s PDX - Cider - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is amazing! I had the steak and fries, which came with a little aioli and an arugala salad, and my friend had the nachos with steak. Both landed as something between perfectly sized and ridiculously massive, and both were so delicious! For drinks, I had an old fashioned that was great and my friend had ginger ale. I didn't taste his drink but he said it was amazing, definitely not out of a can. Staff was quick to serve, and the interior has this super cool dark vibe that is perfect. Even though it's under the wonder ballroom, it still has plenty of windows so there's natural light. Between the two of us, the total ran $64. Definitely need to come here again, so much more on the menu I want to try! read more

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Being from Portland, it is fun to discover new restaurants and pubs - which is exactly what we did with Cliffs. My wife and I and good friend had a very enjoyable evening. The nachos were delicious and the staff excellent! Highly recommend. read more

This place is too cute! Photos do not do it justice. The food was the bomb.com. Service was amazing. Our new regular spot for sure!!!

Service was VERY slow with only about 4 people besides our table in the entire place. Although Mac n cheese was good my friends chicken was not partially overcooks and hard. Waitress just made excuses trying to tell us it was cooked properly. read more

we wanted to try cliff's pdx on ne alberta, and did so last evening with a friend....previously the place housed bella pizza for over 20 yrs, and assembly brewing more recently til they closed...we miss both....it was chilly, and real busy at 5pm, and found a table by the window..one of the staff told me i could take the reserved table, til 7pm, and i said we won't be that long, and thanked her........i tried a superior mexican lager which was great...my partner had the dry cider on tap, and our friend had a glass of red wine....you can order at the bar or order from your table....i had the veggie tostada, she had the boar bbq sandwich, and our friend had the mushroom crostini, and the chicken wings....all the food/drink was fabulous....the atmosphere is festive and comfortable...they kept the picnic tables out front, and the patio out back thank goodness....we asked the staff if they will ever open for lunch one day, and they said maybe, as ne alberta has a lot of foot traffic.....they are very busy now, and might revisit that one day....we loved trying this out.....thx so much..... read more

I love this place and the owners are so dope. Frequently flier at this establishment and recommend

This was a pleasant surprise. One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Others in my group were also happy with their meal, particularly my wife who had the nachos. I don't love having to order at the bar but it's a small price to pay. Servers were efficient and friendly. I will be back! read more

We branched out and tried their nachos and the most incredible steak and fries. Beautifully seasoned, cooked to perfection and the portions were just what I wanted. Now the nachos are next level HUGE and just the right about of cheese to chip ratio. Top five favorite places in Portland, hands down. read more

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Great atmosphere and good food, drinks are pretty good as well. Cool dive bar vibe and the service is good. Right beside Wonder Ballroom, just the right spot to get a quick bites and drinks before the show. 10/10 read more

Cliff’s PDX - Tater tots and Fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I wasn't aware that this changed business until I went in there and noticed a different decor and menu items. The location is perfect if you are waiting for a show next door or just want to get a couple of drinks before going out. It was pretty packed as there was a show next door. I had the Jack Knife Cocktail, which was very good and definitely a good way to start the night. The bartenders were quick and friendly even when it was packed. They have a good selection of bourbons and I can't wait to go back. read more

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Moved away from Portland and I still think about the food this place serves a year later. Whoever is grinding in that kitchen really cares about what they serve. Their poboys are incredible especially considering good southern food can be hard to find in the PNW. Sidepipe (marg with mini Modelo) is a drink I wish every bar in America served. Thanks Cliff's, I miss you. read more

I didn't get any food here but I got some drinks and they were delicious. Loved the aesthetic with the red light. Service was good considering how busy it was. read more

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There were 5 tables with people at them when I was here. Food took 50 minutes to come out. I ordered the burger. Very thin and burnt. Food was somewhat reasonably priced. Legitimately would never return. read more

Cliff's PDX is located in the basement of Wonder Ballroom. While attending a concert at Wonder Ballroom, I got hungry & decided to go downstairs for a snack. There was plenty of seating, and there was an outdoor portion too. I ordered a grilled cheese with tomato soup. The sandwich was much bigger than I had expected. I was originally going to eat after the concert, but I was pretty happy with my sandwich that I wasn't hungry after. The sandwich and soup was pretty standard, but perfect on a cold evening. The bartender I ordered from was also super nice. She let me know that the food comes from a different kitchen so there might be a longer than expected wait before I ordered. I appreciate the heads up. TL;DR - wouldn't mind eating here again when I'm at Wonder Ballroom read more

Cliff’s PDX - Grilled cheese & tomato soup - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Everything about tonight was amazing. I loved the feel of this local gem. We had the tots, a couple cocktails and the steak frites. They all live up to the reviews. It was delicious, I wish I remembered my server/bartenders name. She was the highlight of our night. We will remember her. read more

OBSESSED with this place. My boyfriend lives a few blocks away so we usually walk over and sit at the bar while we watch the bartender make cocktails (which are always delicious). I don't actually think I've ever had one I didn't like there. The stuffed *pheasants*? Remind me of my childhood, having grown up in the country and Don't even get me started on the food. I had a tuna salad last time I was in and it was delicious. It's a very laid back atmosphere unless they're having a show upstairs (they're below Wonder Ballroom). Employees are always cool and fun to chat with. read more

Stopped in here en route to Seattle and LET....ME....TELL....YOU. This food is . dot com. Whatever your preferred phrase of joyous outburst calls for grammatically....this place is it. The ambience is chill, the music is perfect for the vibe here and did I mention the food is amazing? Home cooked meals and food made with love. I got the Smoked Fried Chicken sandwich and it was love at first bite. If you are passing through and have a little time to kill or hanging out in Portland....this is definitely a good choice. read more

Love this place. The food is so good. Delicious burger, fried shrimp salad & steak. The ambience and bar tenders are also great.

Drinks were excellent! Service and food was great as well. Friendly staff! This place is awesome!

Best cocktail bar in Portland! The food and the drinks are amazing. Everyone behind the bar and all of the regulars are extremely friendly! This is a place you will want to come back to over and over again. It never disappoints. read more

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Very nice staff, great wings (a little heavy on the soy but very well prepared), good drinks. Sat outside to enjoy this extended summer while my daughter attended a concert upstairs. The regulars I spoke with were all very nice and contributed to the great ambiance. Will definitely return! read more

We love Cliffs! Great drinks and amazing food! Convenienly located below the Wonder Ballroom. read more

Cliff’s PDX - We love Cliffs! Great drinks and amazing food! Convenienly located below the Wonder Ballroom. - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I. LOVE. CLIFF'S PDX. The vibe is so chill, awesome music and decor. The food is incredible. The drinks are so damn good. The owners and staff are the nicest people ever. It's dog-friendly. 5 stars in an understatement. Hands down, one of my absolute favorite places in Portland. GO HERE!!! read more

Oh my God. This is literally the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. It's all gone now. I tried to save the other half for later, but I was unsuccessful. Just damn, so good. read more

Cliff’s PDX - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I found Cliff's during the start of the pandemic. The food, service, and ambiance are excellent. I enjoy food and drinks from here about once a week. The pork nachos and the chicken wings are two of my favorite dishes. This place is a must visit. read more

This place is awesome! I can't recommend the smoke fried chicken sandwich enough. All of the food and drinks great. The atmosphere has a very cool vibe too. Check it out. read more

Um, does Cliff's have the best Mac n cheese? With Dig a Pony gone, the answer is "most definitely" although they may have taken the title anyways. We love Cliffs. It's the ideal bar. The owners are amazing, the food slaps, drinks are creative, and the ambiance is cozy. Will be back again and again. read more

The food was okay. My sandwich was soggy when it should have been toasted. The meat very tender. Tots were crispy and tasty. The service was very slow. My biggest complaint is that the place is dirty. The bathroom was filthy. You can see the kitchen from the hall to the restrooms and I just wanted to leave even though the food hadn't yet arrived. read more