Food And Drink
Cocktail Bars in Portland, Oregon
Reading about world-class spirits is great, but the proof (so to speak) is in the sipping. Many bars around town carry locally crafted spirits; here are a few of the top spots for an authentic Portland cocktail.
Beaker & Flask
720 S.E. Sandy Blvd.
Opened in 2009, this bar evokes a bygone era with an impressive collection of vintage glassware and painstakingly handcrafted cocktails. The Tilly Jane evokes a summer drive through the nearby Hood River Valley, combining Clear Creek pear brandy with artichoke-based cynar, orange bitters and fresh ginger. Beaker & Flask's kitchen has also earned raves for dishes like like smoked trout deviled eggs and pan-seared sweetbreads.
The Heathman Bar and Restaurant
1001 S.W. Broadway
One of Portland's most respected restaurants (located in one of the top hotels), The Heathman is known for the French Northwest cuisine of James Beard Award-winning culinary director Philippe Boulot. Less commonly known are the cocktails — both classic and cutting-edge — that round out the menu. The Heathman serves more than 10 Oregon spirits, highlighted in bold on the extensive cocktail menu.
Mint/820
816-820 N. Russell St.
This north Portland restaurant and lounge was founded by Lucy Brennan, who has been named one of America's top mixologists by such diverse sources as Playboy and Bon Appetit. Her cocktails blend fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and many of the 40 or so cocktails on 820's menu use house-infused spirits.
Park Kitchen
422 N.W. Eighth Ave.
At this Pearl District restaurant, James Beard Award-nominated chef Scott Dolisch specializes in creating new dishes using local ingredients. The same culinary philosophy applies to the cocktail list, which includes the surprisingly refreshing Salt and Pepper — House Spirits Aviation gin, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and a touch of simple syrup, served up in a glass with a salted rim.
Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
1015 N.W. Everett St.
The bartenders at Teardrop Cocktail Lounge are dedicated to nothing less than reviving the classic era of mixed drinks. Concocting truly handcrafted cocktails, they create everything from tonic water and specialty liqueurs to a wide array of bitters and tinctures in-house. Daily specials always include one cocktail from the pre-Prohibition era.
Wildwood
1221 N.W. 21st. Ave.
This Northwest Portland restaurant helped set the standard for farm-to-table cuisine, and its bar is a beachhead for local distillers as well, offering an impressive list of house cocktails featuring local artisan spirits and innovative takes on classic recipes. Seasonal flavors like spring mint and autumn pears are highlighted and house-made bitters and purees emphasize layers of flavors, in keeping with the restaurant's menu.
