Inside Division Cocktail Bar Someday, Opening Today

Hiding from the bustling rush of SE Division Street, Someday is tucked down a vibrantly spray-painted alleyway, which lends the attractive new cocktail bar a kind of speakeasy quality, sans the pretension. However, the bar inside sits in stark contrast with the bright mural outside: This minimalist lounge brings a casually refined alternative to the many bars that dot the crowded street. It’s as if the design of the bar is meant to accentuate its status as a serene haven on Division, a spot for cocktails from the ‘30s and Portuguese sardines.

Late last year, news broke that two cocktail veterans would open a new bar on Division. The bar would feature cocktails made with ingredients like Calpico and tamarind syrup, imported wines by the glass and bottle, and some local beers, with a small food cart pod in the back and a menu of small plates meant to pair with drinks. Today, the bar opens, with a cocktail list split into drinks pre-dating the 40s and brand-new creations.

Minimalist but warm, the bar was designed to feel lived-in, despite a recent renovation of the space. A striking, U-shaped bar commands the center of the room; made of burnished black walnut, it was designed by John Henry, a friend of Baesler and Files who left the food and drink industry to go into crafting. The tables are also made of black walnut, as are the banquettes, which are covered with a comfortable green padding. The bar shares a building with the landlord’s design company, Of Prairies, which lent the owners a hand in the design and construction of the space.

Dina Avila/EPDX

Baesler and Files didn’t even realize there was a sky light until the space was cleared out; their favorite part about it is the way the light changes against the white walls as the night goes on, shifting from the bright daytime lights to warm colors in the evening. The adjustable, wall-mounted lamps are from WO & WÉ in Lyon, France and lend an industrial, vintage vibe to the space.

Technically, Someday seats 34 inside, though more can certainly squeeze into the banquettes if they’re feeling cozy. Though the bar is comfortable in the winter, in summer it’ll be even nicer when the wide French doors are flung open, creating an open space with the outside area, covered in picnic tables and food carts. For now, visitors will be able to use the doors to easily get to the food carts and bring food in, or stick to the snack-oriented fare from the kitchen like chicken liver mousse, warm olives with pollen, and a sweetheart ham sandwich. The patio does remain open, so Someday’s soon-to-be regulars can hang out under the canvas cover even in poor weather.

Someday opens at 2 p.m. today at 3634 SE Division Street. Check out the menu below.

• Two Serious Cocktail Stars Will Open a Bar on SE Division Next Week [EPDX]
• John Henry Woodworking [Official]
• Of Prairies [Official]
• All Previous Someday Coverage [EPDX]