“I’d rather be someone’s shot of bourbon than everyone’s cup of tea.” -Unknown
With all the ways to have a good old-fashioned time in Portland, we believe a good Old Fashioned is one of them. Here is a list of a few of our favorite places to sip, sit and savor your way through Portland, Oregon.
Best Base Bourbon or Rye Selection in Portland
The Green Room
1122 SW Alder St., Portland, OR
The Green Room is located just downstairs from the iconic Multnomah Whiskey Library and while it is a part of the highly sought-after Whiskey Library itself, it has created a hype of its own. This is a beautifully done, comfortable space with excellent service whether you decide to belly up to the bar or sit at a table in their quaint seating area. Being that they are the little ‘brother’ to the Library they have access to all of the selection of bourbon and rye a true Old Fashioned connoisseur could hope for. Any iteration you land on pairs perfect with their Scotch Deviled Eggs made with beet cured farm eggs, honey cured bacon crispy andouille crouton, pepper jelly.
Best Historic Scene to Sip An Old Fashioned In Portland
The Rookery Bar
1331 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
Ambiance is everything and if you enjoy sipping your Old Fashioned in a beautiful, rustic, historic venue featuring a fireplace, small library and bourbon barrels as the backdrop this is the place for you. The Rookery Bar sits above its sister restaurant, Raven & Rose in what used to be a hayloft in the Historic Ladd Carriage House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ladd Carriage House was built in 1883 as one of the former grand estates which once stood in the downtown core and served as the founder of Portland’s first bank, William S. Ladd’s coach house and stables. If you are looking for that old time nostalgia, with some Portland history at your feet and fingertips as well as a deliciously crafted Old Fashioned then head over to The Rookery, pull up a stool and enjoy.
Best Old Fashioned Presentation in Portland
Barlow
737 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR
Barlow, described by their website as, “a Jazz Age-inspired cocktail lounge located in the heart of downtown Portland’s Broadway District,” not only has a great ambiance and strong sense of self but also takes the trophy for best Old Fashioned presentation. From the old-time glassware, the cut and curled orange peel and the perfectly square ice mold branded with the Barlow “B” this cocktail is downright stunning, and delicious!
Best Patio To Sip An Old Fashioned in Portland
The Pope House
2075 NW Glisan St. Portland, OR
The Pope House, situated right in Nob Hill, is an old Victorian style home with a multilevel porch that looks like something right out of the south that gently calls to passers by saying, ‘come pull up a seat and grab a beverage.’ The layout lends itself to outside service, as well as features a quiet bar scene on the interior with the bar being sectioned off into separate rooms of the house. They also offer a program called the Bourbon Derby in which guests are given the task of tasting over 50 bourbons, not in one sitting we hope. Once the Derby is completed the guest gets their name on a horseshoe on the wall. Their Old Fashioned is the perfect beverage to sip on the porch any time of year and is made with their own Pope House Bitters and also pairs well with their Southern and Cajun inspired fare.
Best South of the Border Take On The Old Fashioned In The North (Portland)
Victoria Bar
4835 N Albia Ave., Portland, OR
Opened in 2015 as a part of the Lightening Collective, Victoria Bar is a great spot to drink, eat and hang with friends or fly solo and make some new ones. This cool spot, in Portland’s Piedmont neighborhood is the best of both worlds, from the lounge style inside featuring bar to ceiling liquor bottle lined walls, to a relaxing area outside with shareable picnic tables and a backyard feel. Their take on the Old Fashioned, called a Oaxacan Old Fashioned, is made with made with Altos Reposado, Vida Mezcal, Agave and Mole bitters; brings in some south of the border flair that creates a smokey and sweet melt in your mouth blend you will not be able to get enough of! This cocktail pairs nicely with their gluten free Southern Bowl which has Grilled Andouille Sausage OR Grilled Chicken, Collard Greens, Red Beans & Rice, Cornbread with Honey Butter and Sweet Piquante Jam.