One of Portland’s Most Important Cocktail Bars Just Closed

Ask any old-school Portland bartender to name the city’s most pioneering cocktail bars, and you’re bound to hear the name Mint. It was opened by innovative bartender Lucy Brennan in 2001, and due to its success, she opened 820 Lounge next door in 2003. Over the years, Mint was known for serving an iconic avocado daiquiri and even made its way into pop culture with a debut in Portlandia guest starring Andy Samberg.

Brennan herself was named one of the top bartenders in the country by Bon Appetit in 2004, as well as Food & Wine Magazine in 2006. She sold Mint/820 in 2014, and the two venues maintained the tradition she’d set forth.

Now an era in Portland cocktails draws to a close: July 25 was Mint/820’s last day of service, an employee at the restaurant confirms. The bar has been sold to new owners. Eater has reached out for the full details.

Fortunately, all is not lost: Brennan can still be found behind the stick on select days at Clarklewis. She’s been creating new cocktails, too, like the pineapple mojito, with house-infused pineapple silver rum, fresh juice, and mint, and a berry smash with tequila, the Strega saffron liqueur, lemon juice, mint, and berries.

Dina Avila/EPDX

• Mint/820 [Official Site]
• Every Important Portland Cocktail Bar, Mapped [EPDX]
• Clearing the Bar with Mint/820's Lucy Brennan [EPDX]
• All Previous Mint/820 Coverage [EPDX]