Paymaster is a great place to go weekday or weekend for a night out with friends. Usually pretty busy and lively but there is lots of space including indoor and outdoor seating! They have vegan and veggie options as well. read more

Paymaster Lounge - Drink specials menu and espresso martini shots! - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Thank you to the male bartender for handing me back my phone when I left it. Green horizontal striped sweater bitch had a bad attitude, and so did the bitch bouncer who told me "maybe expect me to remember everybody" when I had just left 2 minutes prior. Never coming back read more

Great smashed burger, drinks are pretty good too. Always busy, so you have to be a bit patient to get a table sometimes! But it's definitely worthy!!! read more

Paymaster Lounge - Best smashed burger - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Five-star review for a weekday night at Paymaster with friends. The booths in the front room of the bar make for a great place to gather, share nachos, eat a burger, and have a Jell-O shot. A friend of mine calls the $8.50 cheeseburger his favorite burger in Portland, so I had to try it. He's right that it's great--a tasty bun, crispy pickles (near cucumber), and gooey cheese. My man got the Fancy burger and loved the bacon and balsamic. It is a special treat that you can order a cup of chili instead of fries. Had to treat my man. Service is chill, order at the bar, get a number, they drop your food, and make rounds to clean up your table. There is pinball in the annex-like back area and a full, warmed patio that is fun too. Baked mac and cheese is also legit. Paymaster is cool any day of the week! read more

Paymaster Lounge - Fancy Burger with side cup of chili - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We had a great time at the Paymaster Lounge in Slabtown, located in Portland's Northwest District. We did a mini bar hop from The Triple Lindy ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-triple-lindy-portland ) a few doors down. We visited around 6:00-8:00pm on a Friday night. This is a hip, popular spot and much bigger than the place we'd just come from. Both are good places - they just have different vibes. Here, there was a bouncer checking IDs at the door. This place is eclectic in terms of both decor/ambiance and patrons, who were mostly 20 and 30-somethings. There are several different indoor and outdoor spaces to hang out. There are two indoor bars, front and back, a room with pinball machines (including a Sopranos pinball machine which I thought was cool) and a photo booth, a spacious, covered outdoor patio, and a narrow, fenced-in, string-lit, uncovered patio for smokers. The latter was the busiest area and apparently the place to be. There's also seating in front of the storefront, next to the sidewalk on NW 17th Ave. Our group of 10 sat at a couple of the picnic tables outside on the covered patio. This place was loud (but not too loud) and busy. All of us got drinks and some got some food as well. Service was fine and the bathroom I used, by the back bar, was as clean as one could reasonably expect. Upon leaving, we bused the tables ourselves. This is a fun spot. I'd come back. Paymaster Lounge originally opened as Moonshine Kitchen & Lounge in July 2011. From an April 8, 2014 article by Rebecca Jacobson of Willamette Week: "After an Austin, Texas, bar called Moonshine sent a cease-and-desist, Moonshine became Balls the Cat's Moonshine Kitchen and Lounge, and then finally Paymaster, named after the building's previous check-writing business." https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-22303-bar-guide-2014-paymaster-lounge.html read more

Paymaster Lounge - Inside. The Sopranos pinball machine in the back. Cool. - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A super cozy spot with lots of seatings inside and out. Love how the inside is a bit of a maze with different sections. The outdoor is also very open, heated, and covered. Drinks are reasonably priced and the food looks great. We'll definitely be coming back. read more

Great bartender! Good vibes and omg jello shots lol, just noticed they got food too. Will be checking that out next visit!

Cool venue, great patio. There's even a pool table out there! Food and drink is so-so. Would avoid cocktails and burgers, specifically. Cocktail bar prices for dive bar quality. Bartenders seem kind of sour. Don't expect friendly service. Get a beer, pop a squat on the patio, and definitely, DEFINITELY, order the spicy cheese balls! read more

Paymaster lounge is located near the pear district downtown Portland. Street parking is available as well as nearby public transit. Paymasters offers indoor and outdoor seating. This bar is great for large groups as well as accommodates good seating for small and single person parties. I don't drink alcohol often and was pleased with their mocktail offerings. I enjoyed the lavender lemonade and the zero proof hot apple cider. I was surprised by how good their food offering were, definitely bar type food but elevated. Definitely get the nacho or queso! All of the staff were friendly and quick despite there being a decent line for a Thursday night. I will be back! read more

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We went early and there was a modest crowd but definitely got busier as the night went on, great location. Good vibes all around. Great drinks and good selection, indoors and outdoors seating, fun vending machines and pinball. You order everything at the bar but the employees do a great job of walking around, busing tables and clearly any finished plates a drinks. Great hang out, would go again read more

Cass and crew help create a positive vibe that welcomes everyone who walks into the Paymaster. This bar is special and has rooms out back like layers to an onion. Also the best burger in NW/SW Portland. A++! read more

Paymaster Lounge - Tasty smash burger. Esculent bun and amazing patty. - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I used to ride my bike to work when I lived in Slabtown, and I would always ride past this place. It was always dimly lit, and looked warm and cozy. One night I needed some decompression and a drink so I decided to stop by because there wasn't many people inside as I usually would see. I was helped by a girl name Destiny who was super sweet. The drinks were reasonably priced and very good. I can't remember the name of the ones I had, but if I see it on a menu, I'd remember. I also had the nachos which was bomb. And now that I'm thinking about it, I think I might pay them a visit after this review! read more

Solid bar with a few different elements to it. There is a cocktail lounge type side, a dive bar type side, and a patio. Can get fairly crowded on weekends and if memory serves correct the beers were reasonably priced. Will come back to Paymaster. read more

A casual ambiance place for hanging out with friends if one is in the mood for drinks and some light food.

Cameron is the best bartender and he's so welcoming to every type of crowd. I've never had a bad run in with him before. He has the best vibe and makes the best drinks. 100% worth it to stop in to get a drink from him. read more

I met a couple of friends here recently and we hung out on their awesome patio. The first thing I noticed is that they have a guy working the door checking ID's. Which I thought was smart as it keeps the ankle biters out and you only show your ID once. I was here probably 7 years ago and don't remember the patio looking like this. Now it's covered and the cover is some sort of plastic that isn't clear, yet isn't so opaque as to keep out the natural light. This is a great spot for large groups. They have several picnic tables set end to end that could easily accommodate a group of up to 14 people. Me and Robert H. noticed that they also have a pool table out on the patio. When Rose E. arrived we decided we would share the nachos. I elected to have artichokes added to the nachos. What I really liked about the nachos, besides the fact that they use Juanita's corn chips, is they use fresh avocado instead of guacamole. I would totally come back here for their nachos. This was during the second mask mandate so they took mask precautions pretty seriously. You couldn't order at the bar without a mask on. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because everything is self service with the exception of somebody bringing out the food order. You're expected to go order your drinks at the bar and the pours aren't that generous and you have to bus your own table. None of those reasons will keep me away. I really dig those nachos. 2021 - Review # 42 read more

Paymaster Lounge - Nachos with artichoke hearts - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of the most unique spots in Portland has all the vibes. The food is tasty, and the drinks are refreshing, especially on a warm summer night. All hail the lemon drop! read more

I haven't been here since pre-covid. I really like the renovation to the place. Both the indoor bars (one in the front and one on the back) are easy to get drinks from. The outside back patio is nice and spacious. They have some efficient heating lamps to help keep you warm during the cold days. The drinks are reasonably priced and are the food. We only ordered some fries and tots this visit. read more

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My friends and dog enjoyed this place as our nightcap. Unpretentious but effortlessly cool atmosphere. Pool table, dog-friendly, nice bartenders. Would definitely go back. read more

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Been here a few times and still love it!The service and staff are amazing. They are kind and make a fun atmosphere. I only had drinks which were delish. Can't recommend this place enough I only had drinks but next time I'll grab some bites! read more

The burgers were amazing, service was excellent, and it was such a cute spot! 10s across the board!

sitting here finishing off the Happy Hour Burger which is a $7.50 smashy that's one of the most well-arranged and tasty smash boy i've had in a very long time. Cool interior, nice patio. seems like a winner to me. read more

This is a great bar! Was lucky to find this place not too far from Pearl. I loved that it had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I went when it was chilly out but still wanted to stay safe and eat outside so I loved this option. Also eclectic menu of vegan and non v options, like some tasty nachos. Perfect quasi dive fun place all around! read more

Want to go somewhere unpretentious, great food, drinks and service that deserves this review? Then look no further than Paymaster Lounge. The burgers are ridiculously good, drinks are splendid and if you live in Portland, you know service can be hit or miss. It is a hit here. This is a place you will regret not going....and I highly recommend the cheeseburger (extra pickles please!). The cook even came out to make sure my meal was to my perfection- I believe her name was Riley. Have her burger and settle in for a delicious evening. read more

I had not even had one drink that night, went in to one of my favorite bars for a good time and a fantastic patty melt, then dropped my wallet, and wasn't let in because I was "too drunk for dropping my wallet." My friend was accused of crashing a car out front that wasn't even ours??? We peacefully left and respected his decision to deny me service, then went to Yurs and had a way better time. Watch your doormen. It just makes me really sad to lose a local spot that I loved from my rotation. read more

Great food and great prices keep me coming back. Their happy hour is also great with food and drink specials. Their burgers are awesome and the fries with the spicy garlic aoli are to die for. A bar with good food and cheap drinks, with an awesome patio, what more could you ask for? read more

Paymaster Lounge - Angry Burger Happy Hour - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Really great local bar. It's much bigger than it looks inside with 3-4 ish different areas. There's the main entrance where the bar is, small group or 1:1 seating. Then go through the doors and some games, but to left of it is the next bar. That area is pretty small and can get packed easily. Lots of traffic since you'll have to go through to get to the bathroom or the large patio area. The patio area has a pool table, long picnic tables, then an uncovered area. It's a great place to grab a drink and chat. read more

Dive bar? Check Cheap drinks? Check Boozy Slushies? Check Big outdoor patio? Check Kitschy decor and vending machines? Check Check! Overall, a very "Portland" dive bar. read more

Paymaster Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It smells so bad there. It's mostly 23 year olds but the drinks are cheaper, the Jell-O shots are good and I recommend trying the spiked kombucha for fun. It's better in the summer when the back is opened up and warm. More of the place you just grab a quick beer after work and then go home. read more

One of my favorite bars in Portland. At first it seems like a normal cocktail bar. Then you go back to find arcade games, an outdoor patio, smoke space, and second bar. Heated lamps, dimly lit picnic tables filed with hipsters and divas, pool. Such a hidden gem. Mulled wine was delish. read more

This used to be my go to spot when I lived in the area. I recently moved back after 15 years and while the bar has improved the food quality has gone downhill. The vegetarian nachos I ordered were easily the worst I've ever had. Artichoke and kale don't belong on a nacho ever. Keep it simple, keep it traditional and don't mess with a good thing. I used to love their burgers as well, mine was just meh. With that being said, the bar is cool and has a great outdoor patio equipped with pool if that's your thing. I prefer the back bar that they open when things get busy. read more

Great service on front and back bar. Very neighborhood feel. Easy to meet new petiole and run into old friends!

I've been a few times so far. It gives you exactly what you would expect. It's that small town home vibe bar. I love the outdoor patio with picnic tables and lights. They have delicious vegan nachos and hot dogs. The prices are more then fair and they have great deals. The staff is very friendly and it's a very comfortable place to hang out. read more

Paymaster is a great spot for drinks in NW Portland. Very ample outdoor covered patio, with heat lamps and a pool table. It's great in the summer because of the outdoor patio. We recently came for BURGER WEEK for the Mushroom Burger - a smash patty with grilled mushrooms, onions, pickles, mayo and American cheese. Overall it was a tasty burger and the bun held up from the burger juice. The back patio is a great hangout spot on a nice summer evening. And the ambiance feels kind of tiki bar-esque read more

Paymaster Lounge - Mushroom Burger - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

They're FINALLY open again after COVID-19 renovations. The patio is absolutely gorgeous. No smoking on the patio anymore, but they did create a comfortable smoking alley complete with bench seating, planters (there's a super cute little Christmas tree in one), and a chain link fence to lean against (in my opinion, much more comfortable on my back than the wooden fencing). You now order drinks and delicious burgers from a walk up window on the patio. All the liquor, ciders, and fun artwork have been moved to the back area. Mmmm... Jell-O shots. No more vending machine or photo booth. (I've been told that they're renovating the interior to be Paymaster Cafe... and I'm excited to see how that turns out). The ONLY reason why I didn't give them 5 stars is because after the initial lockdown, the fries that come with the burgers are now seasoned curly fries. I thought that their regular fries before (that they had for years) were delightful and the sauces accompanied them better. I find seasoned curly fries (or really any fry that has the seasoning in the batter) to be grotesque. It actually saddens me a lot because Paymaster has my favorite burger in town, but now I need to go procure edible potatoes to accompany my cheddar bacon burger with grilled onions. (Also, not sure why I was charged $2 extra for grilled onions the last time I went.) Actually, I'm quite disappointed in the fries now. Other than that, love the place. read more

For when you're in Nob Hill and feel like things are getting too douchey: Paymaster Lounge. Great place for drinks out on the patio on a sunny day. The drink and food menus are fairly love, and not expensive. We did try the deep fried Twinkie. It was much better deep fried, as all things are. But the drinks in general are just perfect for when the sun is out. It does, however, feel like cigarette smoke gets trapped in the patio space with you. It's very well covered, so air can't leave the space too easily. It's not a place I'd go out of my way for, but I'll definitely come back when I'm in the area. read more

Paymaster Lounge - Deep fried Twinkie - Lounges Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Funky place with two bars and outdoor seating. Great beers and food. Has a dive feeling that is really cool. Great place to hang.

Jenny loves this bar and its people. 10 million stars from Jenny and she loved the hot dog. Great.

This dive bar has something to offer everyone. The happy hour prices make Paymasters a great option for post-work hangouts, and the spacious (covered) patio with heaters is ideal for those longing for outdoor drinks during the off-season. I would highly recommend any of the ciders, and the sparkling wines as drinks. I can't wait to come back to Paymaster when it's summer, and to enjoy evenings with friends. Check this place out! read more

I'll admit: when my friends suggested we go to a bar named "Paymaster" I was like "Are we getting drinks or payday loans?!" But I'm glad I didn't let that snarky side of me deter from this spot, because I love it! My only complaint about Paymaster is that it's not in my neighborhood. Because, seriously, this is the perfect neighborhood bar. The bartenders are super nice and efficient, the menu is not fancy but everything we tasted was awesome bar food, I love that there is (covered) outdoor seating (though I wish I could bring my dog!) with a pool table, and two separate indoor spaces - with things like games, pinball machines, a photo booth, and all the cool kids having drinks. Oh, and I get the name now. ;) The building they're in was the Paymaster Check Writers & Signers Swingline Business Machine Company back in the day, and the old sign is still above the bar. Fun! read more