Although it seems like we’ve made it through the worst of the pandemic, the Delta variant is intent on holding us back. But more than ever, I feel like happy hour in Portland (and hey, maybe everywhere honestly) is just necessary right now.
So, the question on my mind has been: where do I go for happy hour? I went through my handy dandy happy hour post from 2015 that I try to update every six months or so, but it seemed like everywhere on there wasn’t offering happy hour.
So. I thought, why not start with a new post since there are definitely some new faces and places offering happy hour specials in Portland right now! Keep reading for some ideas on where to go for happy hour in Portland!
Broken Arrow
You already know that I love Broken Arrow, but did you know that they have happy hour? And not just happy hour, but happy hour with crudo on special?
The crudo is fresh and oh man, this is a GREAT deal and a serious steal. You can also order oysters on the half shell, and some small bites from their normal menu, along with a featured cocktail for that day.
The best part? Happy hour is offered from 5-6 pm DAILY. Yup, that means you can even stop in for happy hour on a Saturday. Heaven! Recently added to the happy hour menu is a new cheese offering, so you know I’ll have to stop in soon to try that as well.
Via Vecchia
Another great happy hour that you might not know about is the apertivo at Via Vecchia. Apertivo features plenty of delicious bar snacks to pair with their beyond gorgeous cocktails, like the most stunning Aperol spritz you’ll ever see.
I’m a huge fan of the eggplant fries, which are an incredibly reasonable $6, as well as the peppers doppio, which are peppers stuffed two ways: one with confit tuna and one with provolone and prosciutto. But the piece de resistance of Via Vecchia’s happy hour?
Every order comes with the most adorable complimentary charcuterie board. This is a lovely touch and it’s honestly kept me coming back for more!
El Rayo Taqueria
It’s hard to go wrong with a $5 margarita, and the happy hour at El Rayo’s Portland location features a $5 margarita, along with $2 Sol, Tecate, and Pacifico beers. I love drinking with my coworkers, and lately, we’ve been struggling to find places for happy hour.
It’s unfortunate because our workday ends at 5 pm and most of the happy hours we want to check out are already over, so El Rayo is a great place to stop in. Bonus: they have a gorgeous outdoor space so there’s plenty of seating for your crew!
The Yard
Have you heard that the Yard has finally finished their burger bar project? According to their website, they are now a barstaurant (say that five times fast). Even when their kitchen was closed, this was still a great happy hour in Portland spot.
And now? It’s featuring a $10 build your own burger special during happy hour, along with a $5 happy hour all day on Mondays (2-11 pm) and then from 4-6 pm Tuesday-Friday means you can have happy hour almost every day of the week!
It features 12 oz drafts, cans, bottles, and spirits. Which, hey, is great when it’s a hot summer day and you need something to quench your thirst. I’d recommend getting there early because it’s always popular.
Lazzari
A good happy hour, if possible, should include outdoor dining. At Lazzari, you get plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as $5 cocktails like their gorgeous Aperol spritz. There’s just something about a refreshing Aperol spritz on a hot summer day, which, if we’re being honest, is going to be my new normal if this ridiculously warm summer weather continues.
Aperol Spritz
Meatballs (not part of happy hour but so delicious!)
If you don’t love Aperol spritzes (they aren’t for everyone, so no judgment), they also have $5 drinks in the form of house wine, prosecco, and local draft beers. So there’s something for everyone! And yes, if you don’t want to sit outside, you can also sit indoors at the bar during happy hour as well.
Spring Point Tavern
Alright, Spring Point Tavern isn’t in Portland, but as this is my post, if I want it to be about a place that’s in South Portland, so be it. Spring Point Tavern is your classic dive with plenty of happy hour choices.
On Monday-Friday, happy hour goes from 4-6 pm with up to a $1 off on all drafts and drinks, but this varies for beers. You can even get your happy hour fix on the weekend as well since it goes from 2-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday! Honestly, weekend happy hours are easily in my top five favorite things in the world.
Little Tap House
I am so happy that one of my original happy hour spots has finally reopened, and more importantly, Little Tap House is also offering happy hour again! As of right now, it’s only a house red or house white, as well as a $5 draft beer and $5 well drinks on Tuesday-Saturday from 4-6 pm, but hey, if you want something to nibble on, the shrimp cocktail is well worth ordering.
Happy Hour Wine
Shrimp Cocktail (not part of happy hour)
The shrimp is huge and delicious! So glad to have you back, Little Tap House! They just announced that they are closed for a short break until September 14th, when they will be announcing new menu updates, so stay tuned for that!
The North Point
Looking for a Wednesday-Thursday happy hour? You definitely want to check out the North Point then, because, between the generous drink specials and the food specials, this happy hour is easily one of the best in town.
There are plenty of $7 food specials to choose from, including a chef’s choice cheese board, deviled eggs, and chips and salsa to name just a few. Pair that with their drink specials: $5 beers, $8 wines, and a $10 cocktail and you’ve got a great night ahead of you.
Oh, and if you’re lucky, you may see the Old Port’s resident horse, Hercules, along with Molly the dog following behind him. You’re not going to believe it until you see this with your own eyes, and it’s always better if you’re enjoying one of the North Point’s incredible cocktails while you’re doing it. Preferably while you’re sitting outside if I had my choice!
Independent Ice Company
If you’ve got a craving for sangria served on tap, this is the happy hour for you! I’m pretty sure that Independent Ice Company is the only place in town that has a sangria on tap, and the one that they serve is excellent.
Sangria on tap as part of happy hour
Cheeseboard
It’s even better if you pair it with one of their delicious charcuterie boards. I did this last time I went for happy hour and I have no regrets. The charcuterie boards are not part of the happy hour specials, but you can get the sangria on tap for $8 (it’s normally $12 when it’s not happy hour) along with reduced-price frozen cocktails and draft beers.
Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm, so it’s perfect when you want to hit the Old Port after a long day of work!
Jing Yan (not really happy hour but it IS a late night special)
Okay, remember what late-night happy hours and specials felt like? At Jing Yan, they’ve started doing a late-night menu with specials that are seriously bomb! So it’s maybe not “happy hour” but when you’ve been out drinking, these late-night specials that include food and a cocktail hit the spot.
Get the fried chicken bun if you have a chance because it will seriously knock your socks off. Have yet to get a cocktail I don’t like there either, so they are all winners, though I loved the last one I got that was a lavender martini of some kind. So good!
You may want to double-check to see if they are still running the late-night special because I ate this in June. And even if they aren’t, they have some incredible ramen that you should run, not walk, to go try because it’ll make your tastebuds sing.
Chicken Bao Buns
Amazing cocktail
All in all, happy hour is the happiest of hours for a reason. So go out, find a new favorite or two, and let me know in the comments and on social media where you’re heading for a happy hour drink this summer and fall! Cheers!
