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    Roadside Attraction

    4.0 (318 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Roadside Attraction Photos

    Business Info

    ROADSIDE ATTRACTION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Juke Box

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    Recommended Reviews - Roadside Attraction

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    Outdoor seating
    Ainsley E.

    Cool as hell spot. We just stopped in quick for drinks (no complaints), but my friend's a regular and enjoyed his burger.

    Isabella G.

    I came here to have a drink on my birthday. The interior is unique and gorgeous, with lots of chinoiserie and ornate elements. I had a lot of fun with the pool table (something I only do when the drinks are particularly strong and delicious). Our bartender was very sweet, she gave us a lot of extra cherries on our second round.

    Kareem A.

    Quality dive with a decent beer selection. Not a lot of food, but a good Portland vibe with cool art, and nice bartenders.

    Alex W.

    Very Portland-style type of bar that truly does feel like a roadside bar The patio is great if you like to smoke and not so great if you don't. The swing in the patio though is my favorite feature here. It is cash only so beware. Also steer clear of the well tequila. Worst well tequila I've tasted. It's right behind my place so I occasionally come but probably wouldn't go out of the way for it.

    front patio
    Maeve M.

    i like how i never know what to expect when i order a drink even if i've gotten it there before. how much will it cost? will it taste good? one shall never know and fortunately i like to live on the edge.

    Mac and cheese, chili dog, and sauerkraut sausage dog!
    Melissa G.

    This is such a great spot to come in, sit under the beautiful foliage and trees, all while having a nice cold beer and a stiff shot of liquor at one of the coolest neighborhood bars we could find in PDX. This is such a cool little spot that I could not get enough of and made sure to have enough cash to be able to keep the beers flowing and even partake in some of their tasty snacks and food they have on the menu at the bar. We ended up having a couple of great and filling hotdogs along with some good mac and cheese for some late night eats after exploring Portland during the day. All the nooks and crannies of spots to hang out in this bar is what charmed me to keep wanting to come back! Although parking can be difficult (street and neighborhood parking) it was all worth it when we walked in and we couldn't get our eyes off of the knick knacks and decor around the bar. Bartenders and server was super friendly and attentive. I love the whole idea of having cash only bar in the neighborhood. It allows me to keep a low profile of my late night eats and drinks from my debit/credit card account. HEHE! This spot is worth brining all of your friends, ordering some cool cocktails, and enjoying the Portland weather under some cool and unique and eclectic decor at one of the most unique bars I have ever seen.

    Katy C.

    Roadside Attraction is a really interesting, funky place. I can't even really think of how to describe it since there is just so much going on! It's hidden away behind a foliage-covered fence. When you enter through the gate, you walk into the front patio area which I can only describe as a grotto. There is varied seating; benches, picnic tables, a swing, and some little nooks. There are signs and some interesting decor around. Inside is a mix of a dive bar and what seems to be an old Chinese restaurant-turned pool hall? I honestly don't know. Again, lots of interesting decor and art to be seen inside. They only take cash but there is an ATM. The vibe is a bit dingy and seedy inside. We sat outside but the smokers really killed the vibe for me. I wish they didn't allow smoking directly on the patio. Service was quick and effective. We only had drinks but I was a little surprised when I just found out they do serve food- definitely doesn't seem like the type of place that would have a kitchen.

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    2 years ago

    My favorite bar in town. The cash only keeps the dummies at bay and the patio is the best ever.

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    2 years ago

    So cute, and the bartender was so friendly! The outside area has a fire and heaters that make it enjoyable all year long!

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Love the creepy vibe inside..great for anytime but especially halloween! Thanks for always coming through for me!!!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Roadside Attraction

    Is it still Cash only?

    Yes

    Is this place still cash only even during COVID-19?

    Yes

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Roadside Attraction

    Packed patio full of smokers, stiff drinks, free jukebox, awesome weird decor everywhere, oh and it's cash only.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Charcuterie and cheese board

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

    4.4(1k reviews)
    1.5 miPearl District
    $$

    To speak about Teardrop Lounge, I should probably start with this:…read more Ladies and gentlemen, I present my favorite cocktail bar. Not the best -- I'm not arrogant enough to claim that. I haven't been to every cocktail bar in Portland, and saying something is the best usually says more about your lack of experience than your conviction. But favorite? That I can stand behind. And I want to get that out of the way early, because of the amount of praise I'm about to pour on this place -- fully earned, completely intentional. The biggest crime here is that I only discovered it two weeks ago, after living in Portland for a year. It had been recommended to me countless times, and I ignored it. A mistake. A painful one. But now that I've found it, I don't plan on making that mistake again. I'm not typically an Old Fashioned drinker. In fact, I usually hate them. But somewhere between curiosity and too many episodes of Mad Men, I decided to try one anyway -- fully expecting to confirm my bias. Instead, it completely flipped me. Bright, almost citrus-forward in a way that felt unusual but entirely intentional. Balanced, smooth, just enough burn to remind you what you're drinking without overwhelming it. It was the first time I actually understood the appeal. I'm pretty sure I grew a few chest hairs that night. That alone would've been impressive. But it didn't stop there. The space is beautiful -- clean, intentional, but not cold. The staff are excellent: personable, engaged, and most importantly, authentic. Not scripted, not performative. The kind of people you actually want to talk to, and hopefully, eventually be on a first-name basis with. Now, all of that gets it close to a perfect score. But what pushes it over the edge -- what makes this place stick -- is the White Russian. One of the first drinks I ever had. My dad's drink. Not because of The Big Lebowski -- that came later -- but because it's just always been his thing. And at some point, it became mine too. Typically, when bars try to "elevate" a White Russian, they ruin it. They overthink it. Swap ingredients, tweak ratios, add unnecessary flair. And more often than not, it ends in disappointment. Teardrop does the opposite. They respect it -- but refine it. The coffee liqueur actually tastes like coffee. The heavy cream is properly integrated, not just dumped on top. The vodka -- whatever they're using -- is clean, present, and perfectly measured. There's a subtle complexity to it without losing what makes the drink what it is. It's the best White Russian I've ever had. No hesitation. I've gone back twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. If someone asked me what my death row drink would be -- this specific cocktail, from this specific bar, is in the conversation. Easily. Teardrop Lounge doesn't just make great cocktails. It reminds you why cocktails matter in the first place. And that's why it's my favorite.

    We came to Teardrop Cocktail Lounge while visiting Portland and were genuinely impressed…read more The cocktails were excellent -- thoughtful, well-balanced, and clearly made by people who know what they're doing. One of the best parts was how approachable the bartenders were. We asked for custom drinks based on our preferences, and both came out perfectly tailored. Creative without being weird, and strong without being sloppy. What really stood out was the price point. For the quality of cocktails, the prices felt very reasonable compared to similar craft cocktail bars in other cities. The vibe was also great -- relaxed, cozy, and not pretentious. It felt like a place where you could come for a special drink experience without feeling like you had to "perform" or order off a rigid menu. We liked it so much we actually came back a second time during our trip. Highly recommend if you're into well-crafted cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back but elevated atmosphere.

    Photos
    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

    Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

    Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

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    Late check out and Saturn cocktail drinks

    Driftwood Room - Clam Chowder

    Driftwood Room

    4.3(349 reviews)
    1.7 miGoose Hollow, Southwest Portland
    $$

    Ideal dark bar vibe! Perfect place for a cocktail late night…read more Drinks were great. Our table order a variety of drinks and none of them were really sweet. The ambience is low lighting, lounge, playing Amy Winehouse. Also they have absinthe if you're in to that! Our server was really kind and was able to give great recommendations. The space itself is pretty small.

    Driftwood Room is an interesting one. If you've been watching Mad Men like I have recently, you'll…read morefeel right at home -- minus the misogyny and the occasional cringe reminder that this era wasn't actually that long ago. The room drops you straight into a version of 1950s America that's been preserved just enough to feel nostalgic without feeling like a museum. Low lighting, wood everywhere, cocktails that feel like they belong in a glass with a heavy base and a quiet sense of purpose. It works, and it works for just about anyone. The drinks are excellent, and the service is generally solid. That said, this is a hotel bar, and it's often staffed by a single bartender, so your experience can vary depending on who's behind the stick that night. I've had great visits here -- the kind where everything flows -- and I've had nights that were just okay. Nothing bad, just inconsistent in a way that comes with the territory. And that's really the crux of it. At the end of the day, this is a hotel bar. Which means drinks come with a premium -- not outrageous, but noticeable. You're paying a bit extra for the setting, for the history, for the fact that it's there when you need it. And while the cocktails are well-made, Portland has no shortage of places doing equally good, if not better, work for the same price or maybe a dollar more. Timing matters here. Weekdays are ideal -- when the room feels like it's yours, when you can actually settle into it. Weekends are a different story. Travelers roll in, rightfully ready to unwind, and suddenly you're competing for space, for attention, for a seat at the bar. So why go? Because when it hits, it really hits. It's a place to lean into the mood a little. Order something off their house cocktail list -- they clearly put thought into it -- and let yourself sink into that old-school rhythm where day drinking feels less like a vice and more like a quiet ritual. It's not perfect. It's not the best value in the city. But it is one of the more distinct experiences you can have -- and sometimes, that's enough.

    Photos
    Driftwood Room - Mirrors everywhere & cool driftwood sculptures

    Mirrors everywhere & cool driftwood sculptures

    Driftwood Room - Olives & Focaccia

    Olives & Focaccia

    Driftwood Room - Baked Halibut

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    Baked Halibut

    The Observatory - Tomato Bisque

    The Observatory

    4.3(2.6k reviews)
    3.5 miMontavilla, Southeast Portland
    $$

    Had an awesome time at The Observatory the other weekend. Unlike a lot of places, they run their…read moreHappy Hour on the weekend, which is what drew my partner and I in. You can absolutely smell the fish and vinegar as soon as you walk through the door, which I think gives the place a very homey pub feel. I ordered a spiked peach Arnold Palmer, which I enjoyed (and it was pleasantly strong) and a glass of the house white, which was good for the price. Our server was very fast and attentive. To eat I got the tomato soup with a grilled cheese, which was absolutely fantastic. The soup was so creamy and flavorful, and I cannot imagine a better meal after spending all day walking outside in the rain. The fries were super crispy and I liked the batter. My partner and I shared some of their breadsticks, which were deliciously baked (fresh!) and came with a super refreshing basil crema and a nice tomato-y dip. Wonderful all. My partner ordered fish and chips, and was surprised to find that it is one large fillet of fish, not multiple pieces like you would typically expect. He said the fish was fine, but a little tough. Overall, a wonderful experience. I definitely hope to return. I highly recommend this place as a refuge during the cold winter months!

    You know what I will admit that my ardor for The Observatory has cooled over time. I do still count…read moretheir rosemary pear martini as my favorite cocktail in town - and really their cocktail menu overall is still excellent. But the last few times I've stopped in for a meal, it feels like the food isn't quite as impressive as it used to be. Could be all in my head. Not sure. But it's always a nice spot to hang out and chat with friends, you can get seated quicker if you enter through Over & Out, which basically functions as an extension of the main Observatory, with it's own bar and pool tables.

    Photos
    The Observatory - Love the decor and ambiance

    Love the decor and ambiance

    The Observatory - Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    The Observatory - Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

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    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

    Too Soon - Cool bottle wall

    Too Soon

    4.8(64 reviews)
    0.9 miKerns, Northeast Portland

    A small vibey bar with fun energy. Space is pretty limited so plan accordingly…read more We had a couple of drinks here and they're tasty! Craft, refined cocktails. They also have a filipino food menu when we're there but we didn't try any. Would be down to come back, especially later at night to catch their last call cookies!

    The drinks are really good and the staff was very friendly! The overall vibe/look of the bar is…read morecool as well. One thing that bothered me though (and I know maybe I'll get hate for this), is I feel like some of the decor is tone deaf. They have a bunch of colonial men ceramic decor, but they partner with and serve food from a Filipino company. I'm Filipino and it was a bit offensive to me because even if the point of having them is trying to make fun of them, it's not really funny. We were colonized for over 300 yrs and still deal with the trauma from it. Please consider removing the colonial decor. I really enjoyed the bar and want to enjoy it in the future, but I don't think it's necessary to have those things in the bar and doesn't add anything to how cool the bar is apart from that. UPDATE: the bar messaged me. They were super professional and kind in their response. I really appreciate that they were open to my perspective on the colonial items and said they will be removed. Thank you so much!! Looking forward to enjoying the bar in the future

    Photos
    Too Soon - Non alcoholic spritzer

    Non alcoholic spritzer

    Too Soon - Right Now

    Right Now

    Too Soon - Bar

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    Bar

    Wax Social - Interior

    Wax Social

    4.4(47 reviews)
    6.2 miSouthwest Portland

    Old school Portland hidden gem. Rich history behind the walls. Excellent vibe. Delicious small…read morebites reasonably priced. Great service. Easy parking. Huge surprise from the outside impression. Cozy relaxed upscale inside. Could be a definite new favorite to stay onsite if you're in Portland and not have to drive anywhere

    There are restaurants with great food, and there are restaurants with great vibes. Wax Social…read moredelivers both at a high level. I've worked through most of the menu, and every single dish lands. I kept expecting at least one to miss, but it never did. I'm not usually a seafood person, but their fish tacos and Ahi Poke nachos completely changed my mind. If seafood always tasted like that, I'd order it every time. The deviled eggs might be my all-time favorite appetizer. The steak bites are perfectly cooked and tender, and the white cheddar onion dip is rich, savory, and hard to stop eating. What really puts it over the top is the experience. The owner is incredibly welcoming, the staff is attentive without hovering, and the whole place has an elevated but relaxed energy. With the live DJ, it feels like the perfect spot for a date night or a fun night out with friends. If you're deciding where to go next, put this at the top of your list. Can't wait to go back!

    Photos
    Wax Social - Comfortably numb

    Comfortably numb

    Wax Social - Dirty martini and bartender's choice. Highly recommend!

    Dirty martini and bartender's choice. Highly recommend!

    Wax Social - Whiskey, whiskey, and Whiskey and Brown Eyed Girl.

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    Whiskey, whiskey, and Whiskey and Brown Eyed Girl.

    Sapphire Hotel - Loved this detail on the tables

    Sapphire Hotel

    4.3(513 reviews)
    2.1 miHawthorne, Mt. Tabor, Southeast Portland
    $$

    The Sapphire Hotel is no longer a hotel. It was in the early 1900s... And you could say the guests…read moreat that time were a little shady (let's just say some rooms were rented by the hour). The restaurant is what used to be the lobby. It is known for being dimly lit, a little romantic, a little old school. They are open late when not a lot of other places around are, which is how I ended up here after another event. They have happy hour from 4-6pm and then a late night happy hour after 10pm. The building could use some love from its landlord. The toilet was leaking, there's asbestos wrapped pipes visible on the ceiling. We got: Soup du jour House salad Meze platter Kettle chips Spicy chicken sandwich Everything tasted great. I was pleasantly surprised with the portion sizes for the happy hour items. I would definitely keep this in mind for date night or as a late night spot when not much else is open.

    Impeccable. One of the last gasps of "Old Portland" when SE bars were dark, pointed, subscribed to…read morewitchcraft, and climactically tasty. Ceilings larger than life. Servers who must all be libras due to their homeyness--slash--poignant versatility that offsets feeble-minded Portland bartender ego and impatience. (REAL Kindness, you know...*tears up*). The happy hour is really special. Get a gin and egg white cocktail for $6-8! I moved away from PDX, but Sapphire is the first spot I'd return to. (I probably won't return to PDX.) It's sort of like if Rimsky-Korsakoffee House was a real Portland bar.

    Photos
    Sapphire Hotel - Interior booth seating

    Interior booth seating

    Sapphire Hotel
    Sapphire Hotel

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    Roadside Attraction - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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