It's been 9 years since I've written a review for Sam's establishment... when you've got something that works... you don't need to necessarily change it and Sam has not... not even the prices for as long as I can remember. Tell me where you can get a top tier Vesper, cosmopolitan, kamikaze, or hazelnut chocolate martini lower than anywhere else in downtown PDX? It's just a nice comfortable place to hang out and chat, whether heavy or light topics... Come for the booze, come for the Jazz, come for the atmosphere... you won't be disappointed. read more

Olive or Twist - Marionberry cosmo - oh Gabe how I love thee... - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Consistently an amazing place. The service is top notch, the cocktails are delicious and you know they've been given the attention they deserve. I like my martini to show me the shake has been on point via ice shards...the bartenders never disappoint. And Sam, the owner is essentially ALWAYS there to greet folks with a smile and let you know how much it means to him that you chose to come to his establishment. Top of mind...always. read more

They have great craft cocktails that are reasonably priced. Friendly and engaging staff.

BEST MARTINI'S EVER I hate to admit it... but I'm a martini snob... It's hard to get the classic martini down right. Often times it's too dry, they skip out entirely on the vermouth, or it's not salty enough, or cold enough. -Olive or twist made me the best martini I've ever had. It was light and flavorful. Perfectly chipped ice (I like my martini shaken not stirred) and perfect amount of dryness and olive juice. -The service was 100/10. Not once did I look around to get help. They were so on top of asking us (but not too frequently) if we needed anything. The waiter and I think manager? Owner? Came by the table to check on us and make polite conversation. Waiter was very knowledgeable and provided lovely recommendations I actually liked! -cheese and bread were just enough in terms of portion. I didn't leave any behind but I also didn't feel it wasn't enough. Just the right amount! Although I wish the bread was a bit fresher. 8/10 -classic martini 10/10 -fruity martini (elderberry? I forget, some kind of berry) 10/10 100/10 look forward to coming back when I visit Portland again! read more

Olive or Twist - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Just a fantastic cocktail. The vesper is my new favorite! The bartender was extremely knowledgeable as well! Highly recommend read more

Olive or Twist - Fantastic cocktail with a great atmosphere and passionate bartender! - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is a wonderful Martini bar in the Pearl District that also serves mixed cocktails, sparkling wines, wine and limited beer along with a nice but short rotating food menu. We have been in several times, but I haven't taken the time to sit down and write a review. My review below is a combination of the experiences we have had over the last two years. First, neither my husband or I are big "bar fans" but because we can also enjoy the food menu which serves appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts until late; almost to close, it's a great choice for a later evening drop in; they are open until midnight. This is a huge plus since I am originally from a much bigger city and I feel like the streets roll up early here in Portland. :-) Last night we stopped by and met up with friends who had a relative in town around 10 pm. There were six of us and we sat down and relaxed, laughed and had a great time. The bar wasn't too busy, although we heard from the bartender that if we had come in earlier in the evening it was standing room only. I liked it being relatively empty, although I am sure that is not the desired outcome of the bar. I ordered the Blood Orange Kamazi; vodka, orange liquer, line juice, and blood orange juice. The atmosphere of this bar is warm, chill and relaxed. It almost gives you a smooth jazz kind of feel if that can describe the experience without the music. The seatting is comfortable, the staff is attentive and the drinks and food are tasty. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

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The atmosphere is wonderful - warm, darker, and cozy. I wandered in wanting just a little while in a cozy establishment where I could read my book and have a real martini. As the name suggests, this is just the place! The owner came around to check on me, the bartender was fantastic, and even with a large party in the bar, it was quiet enough to keep from being distracted. I love the interior. I will definitely be back. This place should be more busy than it was!! read more

The drinks are amazing! So tasty and refreshing! The food is not so bad either! I love the dimmed lights and the whole vibe of this place. Also thee owner seems like an amazing gentleman. Down to earth and very friendly. We can't wait to go back! read more

Great neighborhood feel, the owner is so sociable, makes you feel welcome. One of few places in the area with a great European outside area.

One of the smoothest places to hangout in downtown. The staff is very cool and relaxed. We stopped in for a cocktail and dinner after the symphony. Of course, it's a bar more than a restaurant however with the limited menu the choices are sufficient for a late night meal. We ordered the salmon and salad. Great choices because both were super! If you're looking for a nice, relaxing, quiet, mood place...Go check out Olive & Twist. read more

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Let me start off with the pleasant owner and staff, our large party just left our business meeting and we wanted to support a locally owned minority business. This was one of the suggestions and it was a great choice. Upon entering the owner greeted us, helped get us situated with seating and made it extremely comfortable for us. We ordered a variety of drinks from their drink menu, all delicious. Every person at our table tried something different. The spicy peach was phenomenal. The lemon drop was so delicious as was the marion berry cosmo. There were so many drinks to choose from and none were a wrong turn. The food is a tad llimited for my liking, especially since I would buy soooooo much more alcohol if I can snack too. The wait staff and bar were so nice and very helpful and patient with such a large crowd. I will say the only smallllllll critique I had was we were on a business trip and asked for separate checks to which we were told they could only do 3 tops. I dislike that because on business we all need receipts and each of expense differently depending on our position. While it didn't end up being an issue for us, thankfully. I do think businesses should offer this because 9 out of 10x there will be a higher tip and when people don't have to stress about dividing checks ans sending cash, they tend to buy more since they can just throw it on their own check. Just food for thought. Other than that we had good music, delicious drinks and super friendly service. When I'm back to Portland, I'll definitely visit again. You must go try these drinks!!! read more

My friends and I visited Olive or Twist for a joint birthday celebration. We arrived around 4 pm and were the only people in the bar. We chose to sit at a table around the corner from the bar. Our server came and took our orders. For my first round, I tried the Blood Orange Kamikaze. It was dangerously delicious and a cocktail that could definitely sneak up on you. For my second round, I tried the Marionberry Cosmopolitan. It was good, but a bit sweet for my liking. Our group would have ordered more drinks, but our server seemed to stay on the front side of the bar. There were times when we had empty glasses, and our glasses piled up on the table and were not cleared. The food menu was also different from the one we had seen online and was very limited. We ended up going somewhere else to eat. Good cocktails, but average service and wanted more food options. read more

Stopped by Olive or Twist as I needed a big drink and they did not disappoint. A perfect Extra Dry Grey Goose Martini, shaken not stirred, with ice crystals. Beautifully done! As well as a night cap of an amazing Old Fashioned!! Good clean bar. Excellent service! Amazing adult beverages! read more

Olive or Twist - An amazing Old Fashioned! - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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You want a martini? You want a martini? You want a martini? Everybody gets a martini! Classic to neo-classic to out there - they got it. Very good martinis, indoors or outdoors, and with engaging, attentive waitstaff. And for the nin martini drinkers, their "standard" drinks br #StrongLikeBull . IYKYK. read more

Olive or Twist - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Ordered a dry martini stirred. It was served shaken. I dislike the ice chips when shaken. Also, very watered down tasting. I was very specific about stirred. My wife ordered and espresso martini, also watery. read more

No private parking but plenty of street parking. The inside is very clean and sleek. There were plenty of seats and the seats were very comfortable. There is also an outside patio that is pretty nice. The staff is great. They consistently checked up on us. The drinks are quite tasty. I will be returning. I do not think that this place is open on Mondays and they open at 4pm for all the other days. read more

Olive or Twist - Red Apple - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Nice neighborhood cocktail bar in Pearl. Inside, they have many seating and have enough distance from the the table. Simple interior and noise level is perfect. Drinks are very delicious, I needed strong will to not to order my third drink. They use all fresh ingredients, naturally drinks are so yummy. They also have outside seating and it must be nice to stay outside when it's nice and warm. They have many cocktails on the mine and they are all enticing. I will try more next time I'm there. read more

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Had to request 2 olives and a lemon twist, before being chastised by the annoyed bartender for saying "lime" apparently. It was quite loud, but guessing it was a misunderstanding? Not used to being chastised by my bartender, but God bless him! Maybe he had a long day? But once I received my martini, it was quite good! Kinda had a hotel lobby feel. Food menu was limited, but other than that....it was ok. Won't be back! read more

Olive or Twist - Dirty martini - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Isn't the name catchie? I have been going to this bar since it opened more then 18 years ago. When businesses last past 5 years and people continue to go; you know its solid!! Its a martini bar.Order something that Bri gs back old memories or something that will create memories. You 'll not be disappointed. What stands out in my mind is the neighborhood bar feeling. Walk in and you may see people that you know. Whats even better, the movie,entertainment industry, Sports, Interstate and otherwise find their way to The OT! What to cuddle up wi the you sweetheart, its dark and sexy I side. The staff are fully invested in your satisfaction. The owner is 100% himself. Its all good. Go! read more

We celebrated our 29th anniversary with Sam and the fantastic crew. The martinis rank amongst the best ever and the food was delicious. Go visit and you will plan your next trip back like we are. John and Liz. read more

I walked in not knowing this was a Martini Bar. I was pleasantly surprised. Great vibe, great drink, great service. I'll absolutely be back. read more

Really cute cozy spot with delicious drinks. The spicy peach was incredible and the service was excellent

Love me some IPA, the better bitter brew for beer peeps! Drink some biodynamic red and white wines. Scotch rocks insured no hang-overs in my younger sex, drugs and rock'n-roll days (LOL)! Never was I a martini guy until NOW! WOW! WOW for the Hazelnut Chocolate Martini Vodka, Godiva Dark chocolate liqueur, and Hazelnut Espresso vodka from Bend Distillery with a powdered chocolate rim. Chocolate lovers rejoice! Oh yea! Smooth! Creamy! Tasty and easy down the hatch sip sip sip! WOW for the Marionberry Cosmopolitan Vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice with a squeeze of Marionberry puree. You'll never back to your old cosmo! Bottoms up! Pinky finger up for style points! Remember sip sip sip! Ok, slip slide your tongue across your upper lip. Smack them lips if no one is watching! Wow just do it! For real martini lovers, there is a complete list of classics. Maybe I will try one sometime. But I will start off with the Hazelnut Chocolate Martini next time. WOW! The dim lighting in the bar / lounge presents a casual space to get a buzz while holding a buzz conversation with your bud or gal or friends. I was hanging in a group and did not feel like taking pics in this setting, so hope you read the ingredients. Use some imagination. If you do not get it, then, come here and "get a martini!" Servers serve and serve and serve. All you have to do is sip sip sip! Trivia: An episode of Universal pictures 8-year running hit show, Grimm, filmed inside. I met the main characters and directors as they filmed about a week in the neighborhood. read more

Great cocktails and service. Great ambiance and very nice decor. Nice place to hang and talk.

We ordered their spin on the cosmopolitan and although slightly sweeter than expected (we were told it would not be very sweet just fruit forward) it was done well Also their chocolate martini was a big hit Disappointed at their limited food menu- it was from Grassroots and very meat heavy and not typical food that you would pair with martinis (jerk chicken, pork shoulder, curry, chickpea salad), would have to make a plan to come after dinner or before dinner next time. read more

New favorite martini place! I love my martinis in various forms, so Olive or Twist is right up my alley. It's nice and intimate inside with lots of seating. Their menu features everything from the classics (dry martini, dirty martini, etc) to the more imaginative (Spicy peach, etc) The standout 5-star moment of this place is their hazelnut chocolate martini! I always thought I hated all sweet drinks, especially any martini variation that didn't just involve gin/vermouth, but this place singlehandedly changed my mind. So glad I discovered a new go-to spot! read more

Absolutely delicious cocktails. The alcohol really sneaks up on you. The cocktails taste amazing but are potent so don't take them lightly. Shane (waiter) was great. Very hospitable and recommended great drinks. We had the following, which I recommend: The Peruvian Spicy peach Hazelnut chocolate martini We also had the Blood Orange Kamikaze but it was a little light on the flavor spectrum for us. The ambience is good. Jazz is playing in the background. The lights are a little high for our taste but it's still a vibe. The booth is comfy. read more

The bar with the clever name. Comfortable seats, great drinks, low lighting and great slaps to get you dancing. Just a couple of stand outs at this hot spot in the Pearl District. Great place for an after party or late night drink and bite. Bartenders and staff are cool and accommodating. Candle lit tables add a comfortable, inviting touch . I had the Peruvian cocktail, it was spicy, sweet and savory. what I call the "triple threat" But most of all, this place is built for comfort and plenty of privacy to have convo with friends. I'll be back for sure. read more

Olive or Twist - The Peruvian - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We were early for our dinner reservation, so we decided to pop in here for a pre-dinner drink. This bar is located in the Pearl District, across the street from The Hairy Lobster. The interior is contemporary and has a trendy, hip vibe. And I love the clever name. You just know it's a bar! Hubby ordered a Dirty Martini and I ordered a Limoncello Drop. Drinks were strong but smooth. I probably wouldn't order more than one drink without food. Service was friendly, and parking was ample when we arrived at 4:45 pm. Based on the overall experience, I would return and try their other cocktails, even food! P.S. Olive or Twist made it in the 'Best Place to Pee in Portland' book, they're on page 25 (see photo)! read more

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I love that this place is only a block away from where we live! This is my favorite bar in Portland! Their hazelnut chocolate martinis are to die for!!! I can prob drink 4 of those. LOL. Their staff is very friendly and attentive! I highly recommend their baked Brie but everything on the menu is YUMMY! read more

This place is super chill. Great bartenders and extra olives if u want them. Definitely a metro shiek atmosphere.

Come here for classy martinis and sophisticated repartee You will not want to leave The fettuccini and panini combo is plenty for two people Fresh pasta and sourdough bread panini Perfect sumptuous meal with the martini from heaven. You will be so satisfied I promise read more

Olive or Twist - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Upscale martini bar. Nicely decorated and reasonably priced for the location. The service was good and the martini was as well. read more

Olive or Twist - Red apple martini - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've loved every cocktail I've gotten here and I have never had to wait. It's a secret in the Pearl! I think I've been 3 times now in the last 6-12 months. I have had chocolate-based Godiva cocktails (they have a white and a dark chocolate variety), a fruity apple cocktail and the spicy peach drink (not the super spicy one, just the less-spicy cousin). The bartenders are regular people, which I appreciate. My boyfriend gets the dirty martinis with vodka. Word to the wise though, maybe I'm just fat: if you sit on the banquette long bench seats against the windows that are red vinyl-y pleather, and you lean forward, the whole banquette/bleacher will tip forward. They are hinged at the outermost edge and open towards the floor/bar. I spoiled a drink that way, and they remade it, even though it was my fault. My boyfriend stepped away for a moment and returned to this soggy mess I made, haha. read more

Absolutely LOVE Olive or Twist My husband is in there weekly and We hosted his birthday party here. The atmosphere is laid back and friendly with impeccable service. Have been going here for years best cocktails in town! I am so happy my favorite place in Portland made it through COVID read more

Great bar and great drinks but the food was below mediocre! Go there for drinks and pass on the food! Too bad they don't have olives, chip and dip, pretzels vs crab(90% breading) cakes and maybe 10% crab. I think it would be great to have some form of appetizers but a cheese plate would be better than their prepared food! Great patio and nice bar! read more

Love the martinis here. This is the only place I would drink a martini from tbh. I would come here more often if the place was more welcoming for single person. read more

The ambiance here is amazing! It has the perfect date night vibe, where you're out but still feels intimate! I'm giving them 5 stars due largely to the food they are serving currently! If you go on on Thursday through Saturday evenings, you can find Grassroots Food PDX serving up some amazing food! As someone who's followed them through there pop ups to now being served here, I can guarantee your taste buds will thank you each time you come in! Chef Jamal clearly knows what he's doing in the kitchen! Not only that, but you'll see him throughout the restaurant talking to guests who have ordered, making it a formal experience you can't ignore! Tonight I had the Curry Beef and let me just tell you, I was just short of licking my plate clean! The beef is juicy and falls apart as you'd hope! The rice placed on top of a curry sauce is just delectable! Head out to Oliver or Twist, relax, order a drink and some AMAZING food from Grassroots Food PDX; I promise you won't regret it! read more

Olive or Twist - Curry Beef with a green-bean and pea rice dressed with a curry sauce and a side of fried plantains. - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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We were walking around The Pearl District and wanted to relax for a bit, so we stopped into Olive or Twist to grab cocktails. It was completely empty inside so we grabbed a table and ordered a Marionberry Cosmopolitan & a Moscow Mule along with some bread and olive oil. I actually really liked the Marionberry Martini. I had never heard of Marionberry prior to this, it was similar to blackberry but also tasted a bit like strawberry ... Overall, it had a nice flavor to it. The Moscow Mule on the other hand was just okay. It had a very strong ginger beer flavor, but there was also a lot of ice in it which watered it down quickly. We could really have skipped on the bread & olive oil and been completely fine. The bread was way too dry. I'd still recommend stopping by for drinks. The bar seemed like a good place to wind down & enjoy with friends. read more

Still my favorite bar in Portland. I can't believe it's been over two years since I've updated my review. In that time I've: gotten married, gained a niece, gained a sister-in-law and lost a grandparent, not to mention stopped in to see Sam at Olive or Twist probably 20 times or so. I try to make it in at least to say hi every time I'm in town. I am always treated like the prodigal son coming home (PDX) from living with the heathens (Tillamook County). Sam and his staff (particularly Gabe) have always treated me as if I had never been gone, even when it has been months between visits. The drinks are still top notch. They have recently added one of my favorite scotches (Laphroaig) which has become one of my favorites. Super smokey from the peat and a pretty decent value as well. The service is still unsurpassed and one of the main reasons I keep returning. As said, the drinks are awesome and the food menu they've put together, while limited in its selection, is definitely quality stuff. Truly a 5-star yelp experience for me. read more