Christmas Eve Magic, Molten Cheese, and Dive Bar Greatness! Hello!!!!!! How have I been living in Portland and not known that Sandy Jug Tavern is serving up one of the best burgers in town? We swung by on a very busy Christmas Eve and were immediately hit with that perfect, cozy tavern glow. If you haven't been, the vibe is pure "Old Portland"--historic, unpretentious, and effortlessly cool. We managed to snag a spot near the bar, which was the perfect vantage point to watch the holiday chaos while sipping on our Christmas Old Fashioneds. Our trio went all in: a Juicy Lucy, a Chopped Cheese, and a BLT. I tried to play it safe and go the "healthy" route with the BLT--which was fresh and crisp--but the Juicy Lucy absolutely stole the show! As a group of self-proclaimed burger connoisseurs, we were floored. We're talking a thick, hand-pressed patty stuffed with molten American cheese that literally oozes with every bite. PRO TIP: Exercise some holiday restraint and let it sit for a minute so you don't incinerate your tongue on that delicious cheese lava! Not to be outdone, the Chopped Cheese was a gritty, glorious masterpiece--the perfect NYC-style love child of a cheeseburger and a Philly cheesesteak. Between the historic "Jug" setting, the friendly holiday service, and the cheese-stuffed heaven on a plate, our bellies left very, very happy. This isn't just a meal; it's a PDX rite of passage. We will definitely be back! read more

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This is a great hole in the wall burger spot with a cute bar ambiance. I love the outside building too. They have some great specials throughout the week. Everything we got was so yummy, burgers were amazing for what you get and the fries are the perfect size. The mozzarella sticks did kind of fall apart but overall the flavor was there. And the chicken tenders were both juicy and crispy. Definitely would be back! read more

Good solid and lovely cozy environment. Simple things done well and drinks are well balanced. Never had a bad meal or snack here.

Really glad we checked sandy jug out. Cute place, got 2 slushies going, cheap drinks, and a good selection of food items (daily happy hour!) I'll be back! read more

Sandy Jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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It is iconic! Been meaning to stop for years.... And finally did. Good drinks, beautiful, clean and storied interior... nuanced ambience that adds a level of sparkle to a date :) Bartender had an easy smile and menu bites that can accommodate multiple diet preferences. Will def be back read more

Such a surprise! This is a cute place. The bartender was so sweet. We had the juicy Lucy and it was yummy. We had fries and they were great. Our daughters had a couple vegan options and they loved them. Can't wait to go back. read more

Sandy Jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A great neighborhood spot. Affordable, but tasty food, great drinks, fun decor and ambiance. Everyone always seems chill there. Great patio too. read more

Best burger in Portland and possibly PNW! Love the dark atmosphere and quick service. Easy order at the bar and food comes quick. I swear I've had so many burgers out here and nothing beats this. The sauce is amazing, perfectly seasoned, and chopped lettuce is a plus! Tots on point too! Don't sleep on this spot or listen to any bad reviews! read more

Sandy Jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Stopped in for the first time after living in the area for 20+ years. Overall, a cozy semi-dive/hipster bar. Looks like night and day from what it used to be. The first cocktail listed on the menu, the Roseway Sour, satisfied. The veggie burger with tots looks meh. Service was pleasant. Parking was relatively easy. read more

Sandy Jug - Attractive remodel. - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The Jug is back! Causal vibe, neighborhood bar. Many nods to its original strip club days. I imagine the lounge area as you enter the women's restroom is where the ladies would beautify themselves before their show :) Very busy, with a line to order drinks and food, but it moves fairly quickly. Happy Hour everyday from 2pm-6pm! Great music! Had the Jug Burger with onion rings. Nothing fancy, just a classic tasty bar burger. read more

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We just got back from a train trip, heading out to buy groceries on an empty stomach, and I say: "they opened up just a few weeks ago, I heard it was packed, let's go here!" Lived in the area for 49 years, and this is our first visit! Negative #1: The parking lot, is muddy! It's part of the city. But, I recommend, they won't come fix it, add more pebbles or something. Negative #2: We found a table for two. We sat & sat & sat, and admired the place, when the customers to our right noticed we haven't had someone come to talk to us. He mentioned, we have to order at the counter, and they will bring our food to our table. Another couple was in earlier, and they didn't know the drill, and left! We would have, too, since this was our first time in bars, THIS PLACE, if they didn't come & helped us. Negative #3: The restroom was DARKLY lit, with colored light bulbs, but cute. It's like a miniature Victorian's parlor, nicely decorated. I was distracted by the beauty, that I missed seeing the sign: Step down. And of course, I sorta tip, and no alcohol. There are steps here & there, and have to watch for those! Positive #1: It didn't take long to get to us. We picked the Happy Hour discounts. My French Dip au jus was a bit salty. The beef & bread was tasty. The salad was excellent! Hubby's hot dog came with relish. The food was delicious. Yes, we'll come by again, to try other foods! read more

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Excellent Happy Hour deals. Very cute space with plenty of seating and a variety of tripping hazards that they've done their best to warn you about. No longer a strip club, but there are still plenty of boobs to be seen in here. Watch your step! read more

Sandy Jug - Men's bathroom - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Quite possibly the best burger I've ever had! Such a cool place with a rich history and welcoming vibes from the staff. This might be our new favorite spot in Portland. read more

Sandy Jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been driving by this place for years. It used to be a strip club and recently new owners have transformed it into a pretty cool neighborhood bar. Decor is funky and eclectic. Music is mostly 70s/80s. Drinks and food are tasty and affordable. Staff is friendly. I'm giving 5 stars because I'm rooting for this place to succeed. A couple of things I'd recommend. 1. Put on the menu that you need to order at the bar. I saw several people sit for a while before realizing they needed to order at the bar. 2. Upgrade the sound system just a bit. A couple of well placed speakers will vastly improve the sound/vibe. Overall I recommend you check it out! read more

Sandy Jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Great little dive bar/pub, now that it's no longer a strip joint. The owners of Sandy Hut took this over and remade it. What you have now is a very affordable pub, with a limited menu, and a cocktail bar with 5 beers on tap. The food is pretty basic pub but very good. While they have a whole selection of burgers, don't miss the more interesting sandwich offerings. My sweetie was really keen on the apple/brie/bacon sandwich. Vegan burger was decent, I think I'll try the chopped cheese sandwich next time. BTW, "gems" are the same as "tots". The have a terrific happy hour, with $2-$4 off just about everything. Which means ... get there early or don't, at least until it's summer and you can use the outside patio. The staff was super-helpful and friendly, even when hammered by a big happy hour crowd. (oh, warning, right now it's 21+ only. That may change in the future). read more

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Been meaning to check this place out since the redo - - finally stopped by on a sunny Sunday afternoon and was psyched to see the slushie machine!! Passionfruit Margarita Slushie? Yes, please! It's an order at the bar type of place and there was a bit of a wait. Might be faster to just grab a seat at the bar. Also got an order of gems (delicious, crispy tater tots) Nice bar area and plenty of tables, also an outdoor area. They have a self-serve water and condiment station set up by the door. Definitely check out the bathroom in the back while you are there. Parking in the rear. read more

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The bar owners that own places like gold dust meridian, the Vern and lay low (to name a few) just know how to make a bar feel cozy, unique and worth a visit. Swag lamps galore, groovy blue chairs that feel like they left your Meemaw's Bible study at church and naughty velvet paintings. The burgers smelled amazing and the staff was attentive. Looking forward to another visit soon! read more

Sandy Jug - Inside the jug - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

First, the good news. I have been driving by the Sandy Jug for years and assumed it would be torn down one day as it was a very unattractive building and unkempt. Then one day, to my delight, there stood a new and beautiful Sandy Jug with lovely landscaping and even an outdoor area. I finally had an opportunity to try the restaurant and went with my spouse and two friends. The first thing we encountered were many floor changes that are unlit and dangerous. This is something that should be remedied ASAP. The temperature that day was very mild but the air conditioning was so cold we had no choice but to eat outside. We all ordered something with hamburger and it was all very over salted. I like a lot of salt and I couldn't even finish my food. The tater tots were very crispy and delicious except they too were very over salted. None of us were able to finish our food. So, as much as I admire the remodel, (except for the various tripping hazards and, I forgot to mention that the men's room really needs an update) I don't think any of my party will be returning. read more

Great fun going to a place I lived near from 1950-1973, but the atmosphere brings down the review from a greasy-spoon 4 to a dumpy dive bar 3. Don't get me wrong, I love dive bars especially now that smoking is prohibited, but my goodness the ol' Jug is dirty and dark. Add Christmas lights to dark and scroungy and you have a depressing situation. The burger was just fine, but the rest? read more

Really like the remodel and the menu. Honestly, they have one of the best Caesar salads I've ever had. The other food is also really good! Go during happy hour, the discounts are worth it. Biggest critique is that the service can be inconsistent. Some bartenders are very nice and some aren't. I also hate that one of the bartenders will pour the liquor, add ice and then the mixer. I prefer ice, liquor, mixer. I know that is super picky, but it's the correct way! Lol! read more

Stopped in for a couple drinks because all the years I've driven down Sandy I've wanted to check it out. First try was Sunday night we didn't know it was trivia night - no empty seats looked like everyone was having a blast- we came back next day for a drink. Bartender was fabulous, I guess they remodeled last January - very nice inside with an eclectic atomic vibe. Bf was enamored of the men's bathroom, vintage nudes on an entire wall! read more

This place is awesome! I'm so glad they revitalized this spot. The food is awesome. The club sandwich has thickly sliced turkey and ham, feels like it came from a butcher shop. The bacon cheeseburger is just a classic good burger. The outdoor area is really cool! Pretty flowers, nice tables, outdoor area rugs, etc. It's a cool outdoor living room. Service is great. Prices are reasonable. Great beer choices on tap. Full bar. read more

Great outside patio. The slushy drinks are served in a tiny round snifter glass. A very small serving for the price. The other drinks are on the high end too. read more

Bartender was extremely rude. Came to our table & said our tip wasn't enough when we tipped over 10%. He came & raised his voice saying our tip was horrible.... read more

Mellow vibe. The music was good and you could still speak and enjoy it. Food was good too. Lots of boob pictures around the place.

Came here for happy hour and the vibes were right and the burger was super good. Bartender was super profesh, you could tell she knew what she was doing read more

Sandy Jug - Jug burger and fries - Burgers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Finally, a neighborhood joint, in a neighborhood that desperately needed one. Very good burger and club sandwich, onion rings are tasty, fries need a little work. One con is the absolutely terrible sound system. The speaker over the door in the main space is blown, thus the high frequency is like an ice pick on the ear drums. Looks like the soeaker is left over from forty years of stripper service. C'mon guys. KEFs are a couple hundred bucks and they sound great! Soundtrack is tasty though. Pretty solid 80's and 90's vibe, and no annoying TVs either. read more

This is a fun local drinking hole that is quickly becoming coming our favorite hang out. The music is always different but solid and the service is friendly and fast. They have a good happy hour including drink and drink specials. My fave is the rotating slushie- the blackberry margarita slushie was perfect on a hot afternoon. The food comes out quickly -definitely some of the most delicious bar burgers and sandwiches we have ever had- no joke. Great value for the money and it's nice to have the Jug back for all audiences to enjoy. read more

It's nice that the historic Jug went from dive bar to full restoration. The small place has decent drinks and standard bar food (nothing special, tbh), and a friendly staff but there's no table service (wait in line at the bar, order, get a number and sit down). 80s pop hits play on the low-fi sound system and it's not too loud, which is fine with me. Now, why they carpeted the entire place is beyond me-- drinks, food and carpeting don't mix and the floor is gonna be nasty in no time! So, while I'm glad the Jug survived, Holman's, their sister bar a few miles away is more my speed. read more

Limited menu, full bar. It gets incredibly busy, and when it's not nice enough to sit outside, it's very crowded. Everything I've had there has been great, but finding a table can be tricky due to very limited space. read more

Do not go to this place. The servers are terrible and do not seem to care about the customers. No engagement or politeness. I have just been there with my friend. We ordered a drink and food. The food took an hour to come. We asked about it a couple of times and we were told they were "busy". Then when we asked for a third drink as we were sitting and waiting for our food, they refused to serve us. What an awful experience - I would not recommend anyone to go here. Terrible. read more

Went tonight to check it out and had a chopped cheese sandwich, fries and a couple of beers. Everything was literally cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly and tasted amazing!! Friendly service and a great laid back vibe definitely make this a place to check out!! Will definitely be back! read more

Came to check out this place for happy hour and I'm obsessed. The atmosphere is to die for. Love the women's bathroom so much! The jug is intact and kicking. Love the pictures and nik nacks chosen. It honors what the sandy jug used to be and flows with the current vibe. I did try the wings and fries which I super enjoyed; the food was solid. A little bummed the fries didn't have happy hour pricing but maybe they have their reasons. Forgot the happy hour specific deals but it is listed on their website. This place does get super busy. I got there at 4:30 and it was popping. Around 5-5:30 they had a huge rush and the bartender seemed stressed. That's my only reason for a four star as so many of these bars stretch the bartenders too thin because they are too cheap to have a second bartender around. Maybe it's because of something else. But I do love this place and will be back quite often. Nice addition to the neighborhood! read more

Some servers are good some are not, one came up to us as we were trying to figure out our check to tell us we didn't pay a big enough tip, was hostile and angry we didn't tip enough. We left a 20% tip... read more

Great service from Jenna. Wonderful little spot. Great atmosphere. Lots of drinks options.

Went tonight with a group of friends for Happy Hour. (Heads up - You order at the bar.) Drinks were good and so was the food. Great slushies! Food comes out fast. Good club sandwich and pub burger. Gems (tots) and onion rings were hot. Which was a good thing - because this place was freezing! Seriously! It was 38 outside and not much warmer inside and they were blowing cold air in? Get that situation under control and it will be a solid 5 stars! read more