Wow. I mean just.... Wow. The atmosphere is unbeatable, the drinks are stiff, and the food is incredible. It's really all you can ask for from a bar. But this place just goes above and beyond. I have had some of the best nights of my life at this establishment. Somehow it gets better every time! If I can reserve the vern for my wedding, I will. I will be naming my first born child Vern in honor of this great establishment, regardless of gender. If you find yourself in the neigborhood, do yourself a favor and visit the vern, the Belle of Belmont. read more

The Vern - WHOOOO - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Driving by, The Vern looks like a place I don't have much interest in visiting. Sure, I think the name is clever (tavern minus the TA). But dive bars aren't my first choice most of the time. However, I had occasion to stop by recently and actually really enjoyed the space. It's large and dim inside, with red felt cushioned booths, an awesome fire pit, and some retro and mildly scandalous art. There is a huge lovely patio that doesn't feel like you're as close to busy Belmont as you are. I got fried pickles and a diet coke for my short visit. Most of the menu is fried/salty bar food - burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc. They've got happy hour that offers a few bucks off certain items. Overall this seems like the type of place that people would lament if it were to close. So go out and support a neighborhood bar while it's here! read more

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This hits the spot for a dive bar for me. Kind of weird, kind of interesting, semi welcoming, affordable whiskey, cleanish - check, and check. They have Oregon lottery games, and some cozy nooks. I've been here and handful of times and always great for a happy hour or nightcap - classic dive bar atmosphere. I'm a fan. read more

Pretty much the archetypal good dive bar. Excellent drinks prepared with care, nice atmosphere, friendly staff, very tasty HH cheeseburger. Music is solid but doesn't overwhelm conversation. Recommend for sure. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I've been to a lot of bars, but I've never had an experience this outright disrespectful. I reached for a straw--yeah, maybe I wasn't supposed to, probably for some sanitary reason. Fine. I can own that. But instead of saying a damn word like a normal adult, the bartender smacked my hand. SMACKED it. Like I'm some toddler who needs to be punished. What kind of unhinged, power-tripping behavior is that? I apologized immediately--even though it was barely a crime--and this guy just stood there silent, like he was proud of himself for putting a customer in their place. Newsflash: you don't get to lay a finger on paying customers. Ever. I don't care if I reached for the holy grail behind the bar--keep your hands to yourself. The whole thing was weird, unprofessional, and honestly pathetic. If your staff can't manage basic communication without resorting to slapping people, maybe this isn't the right industry for them. Get better people. And keep your damn hands to yourself. read more

Loved this place!! We would go here for girls nights often, until the last girls night they called us the "cackling bitches outside" lol we laughed about it among ourselves as they said it to a few of us not knowing we were all friends.. so professionalism lacks, but the ambiance was cool beforehand lmao. I'd prob be back with a friend, but definitely not having our girls groups or girls parties here again. read more

Amazing steak bites!!!! The fries and chicken could have been better and were not really garlic parm fries at all. but the steak bites really made up for it. Good cocktails but a but pricey, classic dive bar read more

Bartenders are fun, relaxed and nice ( very approachable but with a touch of good sarcasm) . Super important to have nice or interesting staff. Dive vibe and wonderful patio . They always have a weird movie on and good music . Great for friends or if you just want to pop in by yourself . read more

The Vern has the BEST chicken strips i've ever had! It's a "dive bar" but nicer and more homey than other bars i've been too :) The service is great, but expect a longer wait because everything is fresh and likely homemade read more

I first checked out this bar when wanting to get some food from the trucks across the street. It's nice to be able to walk over beforehand and grab a couple drinks before picking up food! Bartender is always nice, service is always good. There's plenty of seating inside and they have a huge outdoor area. I've gotten snacks here and there at this bar but I finally tried what I deem two bar staples: wings and tater tots. Two very basic items but they're sometimes a must for me when I'm out having a drink! We got their buffalo wings and cajun tater tots with ranch. Like I said, very basic. But they were VERY good. Wings were crispy and the tater tots were... like the best I've ever had... and I eat a lot of them. They were so bomb. I've also had their brussel sprouts and a while back, their crab croquettes. All good. It's just a great neighborhood bar with great food! read more

The Vern - Wings (sorry for bad lighting) - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I came in for a drink the other night and really liked the vibe of the Vern! It's very cozy and there's even a table with a fire on top. I noticed some games in the bar and an outdoor area as well. The marionberry cider I got was pretty good, but I wish I'd gotten a cocktail because there was a list full of really interesting looking ones. The bartender was killing it too. There was a good amount of people there and he was managing everything by himself and very efficient! read more

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This review is based off of my experience during the burger week adventure. They had the "Ancho Burger" for $5. The Vern! If it wasn't for Burger Week, I would not have known this place existed. I have driven down Belmont about a million times, but never really seem to pay attention to this place. Thank goodness for Burger Week, because now I know. Everything about the burger was awesome, from the bun to the patty to the ingredients. However, my favorite topping was the crispy onion- it really pushed it up to the "wow- I love it, delicious" burger list. A very low-key bar, seat yourself and bust your own table. They have a few slot machines as well as some arcade machines for you to play while you wait. From the limited interaction with bartender and servers, they were friendly. We got fairly lucky with parking; right out front. Did not have to roam around to look to park. read more

The Vern - Burger week burger "Ancho Burger" $5 - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The food has always been amazing, even in different seasons. The bartenders have always been polite and *very* well informed about what they have to offer. read more

The Vern - The "belle of Belmont" IPA - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Divey dive bar with a long happy hour, big booths, and a roomy patio. Pinball and jukebox. Oh and fried pickles.

That steak though!!!!!!! Soooo good! And we are hard to please. Well cooked every time we've came. Seasoned perfect. Just overall satisfied with the consistency read more

Let's go back. Way back. To...bar reviews! This place is awesome. Wood interior, a pretty awesome liquor selection, and really nice and efficient bartenders. What is efficient, you ask? Good interpersonal skills and fast with giving you the drinks. Oh and the music selection is hazy, nostalgia at it's best. read more

I used to come here all the time. Went for my birthday last Thursday and Christie was working the bar. She was rude AF and begrudgingly took my order for a steak dinner. The cook saw the order and out loud said "fuck this.". Then when he delivered food to my table slammed the plates down with no words. Have some fucking professionalalism if I'm paying over $50 for dinner and drinks. Jesus. Fuck this place. read more

The sweet potato fries are soo big, I thought they were large chunks of meat! They have video poker - which wasn't such a good thing for my friend who lost big. They have pinball. The have a gas fire pit. They have fake greenery over the bar. Together all that makes for a really funky vibe and a place that has more going for itself than just booze and food. We discovered the Vern on an afternoon pub crawl. By the time we got here, I'm not sure what we wanted more; drinks or food - so we ordered both! It's a neighborhood bar with a hipster feel, only the bartender we got was much nicer than most hipster wait staff (who either don't see you or act like they wished they didn't). I'm told new owners came in an spruced the place up, which explains the new-ish red velvet booths. If you are in the neighborhood, I'd suggest swinging by - even if just for the massive sweet potato fries! read more

Horrible service, the drinks were made poorly and overpriced, and the bartender was screaming at guests for not speaking great English, ewwwww. I was disgusted by the staff for letting the behavior of our bartender continue consistently the two hours I spent here. Never ever again. Horrible vibes read more

So fun! And the staff is always friendly:) Great patio for bringing your dog along. Still haven't tried the food but, it's one of our regular spots. read more

A low key cool bar that you cannot tell from looking from the outside. The interior is slightly dark, but is very clean. The interior looks like something you may see from the 70s, but it works and gives you a sense of that cool vibe. The menu is simple and the prices are reasonable. We had some wings and tater tots and both were delicious. I'll have to digitally come here again and hangout with some more of friends next time. read more

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Do not overthink it. This is a great place to hang out, drink, play arcade games, stare uncomfortably at strangers, and generally pretend not to be sad. Food is hopelessly above average for a dive bar and the bartenders are heroes. read more

Rad bar, BEAUTIFUL heated patio that is SO spacious and well done. Amazing food, vegan options, super sweet bartenders and just an overall great vibe! read more

The Vern - Bears! - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Love this bar, love their drinks, love what they did with the outdoor space for social distancing, but super disappointed in the covid protocol at the establishment. A few simple steps could help level things up (clean/dirty pen jars for signing tabs, signs on tables to show which are clean and which havent been sanitized yet, etc). read more

$18 for a steak with potatoes and veggies :)) the staff is regularly rude as fuck but the food is good and cheap enough to overlook

Im pretty sure I got drugged at this bar. Drank one pabst and I blacked out like 2 blocks away. Luckily unharmed. And when I went back the next day to ask for video footage the bartender rudely denied me ! Couldn't even provide a managers name or number. I would never set foot in this bar ever again. read more

This place is great. Came in for my first time during a big wrestling match event. I was a little overwhelmed only because i wasn't expecting that many people and all the yelling at TVs and I'm also not wrestling fan. However the bar was actually really great. The food is AMAZING here. The steak dinner was killer. Word has it the chef worked in fine dinning for many years and you guys it's shows. My steak was freaking good! Like damn good and I'm picky with my steak. The tots were stupid good. Like holy shit TASTY and the ranch dressing was super good too. Drinks are perfect and done well. I would love to have Guinness on tap here or at least a can of Guinness. I've been back a few times now and think this will be my new bar. Everyone has been really nice and the music is GREAT! read more

The Cracker Barrel of bars. Bartender refused service because i "stumbled" while entering the bar. I "stumbled" because a drunk patron ran into me on the stairs. This is a hyper-corporate bar dressed up as a dive, without any of the actual operational benefits of a corporate bar - like a bouncer, manager, or people who have been trained, Worst of the worst. read more

Giant outdoor patio that has covering over individual pods of tables and the tables have heaters built into them. Good beer selection. Amazing bar food. Nice mix of hipster and true dive bar. Really nice staff. This place is amazing. read more

What kind of bars serve $3.75 wells in 2019? Bars that close. Granted I never went to the old Vern, but from the sound of it, not many other people went there, either. Checking out the remodel, I'm happy that somebody stepped in and saved this space, even if it's not really what it used to be. Again as a reminder, what it used to be was a bar that was going to close. Stopping in with a few friends to check the place out, I was immediately pretty impressed with the vibe. Dark and retro, with plenty of options for seating, depending on if you want to be social or antisocial. I love the red booths. The fireplace is flat out awesome (with cute surrounding seating), and I hope they get it up and running. Lots of games, both of the video poker variety and shiz like pinball and Buck Hunter. Cool signage and decor, including the STEAKS! signage from the late, great Club 21. There's a patio in back, but I never popped out there to check it out. One wish: a dartboard! All I drank was beer, and the prices seemed pretty normal. I at least didn't bat an eye. Change can suck, but it's also inevitable. Heck, I feel like that should be the slogan for all of Portland. At least this place was taken over by people who have genuine care for the space and the history and for operating great spaces. I'll be back, and I'll bring my crew in tow. read more

The New Vern is nicely cleaned up with working bathrooms and a complete gut rehab. It really is a cool looking bar on the inside. The menu is actually available all of the time the place is open. The bartenders and staff are professional, friendly, and attentive. I think the happy hour burger is a great deal if you can ask them to limit the salt. Same for the tots. A bit over salted most times I have ordered but I ate every ounce. The bacon on the burger is yummy. Hope they fix the salt issue. Drinks are expensive. Gone are the days of $1-2 PBRs, and $5 double shots of top shelf bourbon. Once you cross the price Rubicon, you are NOT a DIVE BAR. This is not a dive bar anymore. The New Vern has a happy hour, but outside of happy hour expect to pay as much or more than many expensive places in town. The crowd on the weekends is not from the neighborhood. That was a big change. We saw folks shooting Fireball and asking for Rumple Minze (which they do not have!). If you want a chill bar you can walk to from your house go on the weeknights and before 9 pm weekends. Hey, things change, and the New Vern is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. read more

Aside from being my favorite go-to neighborhood bar, it has an amazing brunch on the weekends. The Vern checks all the boxes for me and I'm picky AF. Excellent food, stiff drinks, friendly bar staff, no wait, good music and very well priced. I've had 1/2 of the menu and nothing disappoints, always consistent and delicious. I eat or drink here at least once a week, you should too. read more

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The new Vern! Okay, I may be a fairly new Portlander (3 years) but I've lived close to the very for a while. I remember the old, rough, broken down dive. This is NEW. Still dark, still intimate yet with some sneaky good food and simple, yet satisfying cocktails. The ancho Chile dry rub wings are dynamite. Absolutely perfect. Nice pinball, typical Oregon slot machines and a little relaxed patio, the new Vern is fun. Maybe you'll spend a bit more but this is a relaxed Portland vibe. The new owners haven't lost the soul of the old Vern. read more

I love the Vern. I've walked by this bar a million times and finally decided to stop by for a couple drinks and a basket of tots. The outside patio is such a nice touch, and the staff was super sweet. I imagine there's a fun story behind their name/neon sign. Go try this lovely spot yourself! read more

Monday night crew almost killed my bf with a room temp burg and we almost missed the shitty movie Cocaine Bear we were about to see the next day but they charged my phone for $5 so I can't fully talk shit but I will anyway read more

steaks bites were saur yummy. made by a trans man. and even if they weren't who give a fuck. love steak. written by a local PDX Tranny Man™. five stars. nothing left bc we love it. read more

The Vern - nothing left bc we love it. - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Wth! Why is the food sooooo goooooood literally everything I've had has been DELICIOUS and would order again. I just had a grilled cheese n ancho-tomato soup that was so good I had to write about it. The grilled cheese had house cured bacon and arugula pesto that was so damn good, and I was surprised at how much I liked the soup. It was very not basic, and above and beyond. While I LOVE the old Vern and the new, I must say I feel WAY more safe in the CURRENT Vern . Old Vern was crazy read more

This place is listed on the Portland Mercury's burger week 2019 page as having gluten free options. Now, I've learned this doesn't always mean a bun. However, most places will at least offer a lettuce wrap, or at the VERY least a utensil to use with your bare burger patty. Not the Vern. At the Vern, when they say, "no substitutions" they mean it. But they will insist that you pay the $5 for a burger patty AND a drink. And when you ask for a soda, I would recommend specifying which type, or you may receive a glass of soda water (for $2) read more

The Vern - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Omg! the "Steaks For Your Enjoyment" (*huge* rib eye + fingerling potatoes + oven roasted cauliflower) is crazy good and it might be the best "food value" that I've found in Portland! $18?'!?!?!? WTF!!!?! This would be 3x's that at Laurelhurst Market (insanely over priced and over rated). And the food qualify was just as good. This will definitely become a once a week (or every other week) thing for me. Also great friendly staff!!! read more

Staff were rude, especially the cooks. When server brought us food they dropped it off and left & just pointed to the bar line when we tried to ask a question. They refused to give us to go boxes saying "we don't have those" after we saw them give someone a to go order. Definitely not a place for POC. read more