Former Kask bartender Nathan Gerdes (who's now a portfolio manager for Bacardi) reveals an insider's tip about N. Mississippi spot Sidecar 11: Keep an eye out for its special bottle releases. "The bar manager Aaron Howard collects rare and vintage bottles, sometimes dating back to Prohibition," Gerdes says. "[He] pops them open on special dates so that everyone can all enjoy it together." [Photo: Facebook]

The Driftwood Room's Mike Robertson presides over one of Portland's sexiest rooms, so perhaps it's no surprise he recommends another romantic little spot: N. Williams' Box Social. "The Dirty Little Thief is one of my favorite cocktails," Robertson says. "It's got habanero spiced tequila, sage, caramelized pineapple, and lime." Robertson also makes a few food-menu recs: Order up the black-and-bleu salad, the "Nibble Plate," and the roasted cauliflower dip, which Robertson describes as "creamy deliciousness." [Photo: Facebook]

When first asked about his favorite spot, Nostrana's Douglas Derrick was torn between a favorite and what's truly an unacknowledged gem: "Xico is a good answer for surprisingly good cocktails, but it is not under-the-radar." So Derrick advocates for a longtime Clinton spot, Dot's Cafe, which he says still retains its charm even after recently changing hands. "[Dot's has] great drinks for dive standards, good food and actual service. With those things in line, its a gem of a dive 'til last call. It is so great to have a long-term bar like that get some fresh life." [Photo: Foursquare]

The Hop & Vine's Jacob Grier gives high praise to NE Fremont's neighborhood spot Free House, which he says is "one my favorite places in town for a drink. Pro-tip: "If Ansel Vickery is working, I'll often just get whatever he feels like making. On the menu, as a sucker for aquavit cocktails I really like the Froghair, made with aquavit and their house Swedish punch, lemon, and bitters." [Photo: Foursquare]

Tommy Klus, of the Multnomah Whiskey Library, says that because of his crazy work schedule, he rarely goes out. But he does admit to an occasional mid-afternoon pick-me-up, at the nearby Jake's. "Nothing wrong with a midday tipple from time to time to get you through the day," Klus says. "When time allows I like Irish Coffees at Jakes Crawfish — made in the same fashion as the Buena Vista in San Francisco. Jake's uses the proper glassware and the bartenders are always on-point." [Photo: Facebook]

Emily Mistell of Rum Club admits "I don't know if it's so much under-the-radar," but says that Pambiche provides one of her favorite Portland escapes. "The best happy hour in town, amazing Cuban food, they make the most delicious classic daiquiri and the service is amazing. I usually order the masitas: Carlton Farms pork deep-fried and tossed in creole garlic mojo, and the ensalada de remolacha, beet and watercress salad with extra virgin olive oil and sour orange vinaigrette. They also have a crazy Cuban dessert selection. I seriously love this place." [Photo: Foursquare]

Racion bartender Chauncey Roach name-drops a popular bartender haunt, Cassidy's, as his go-to spot, where he drinks daiquiris shaken up by bartender Dan. "It's old-school with good food and a great atmosphere," Roach says. "The employees are awesome and I love having it as our-after work hangout." [Photo: Foursquare]

Downtown's adult game emporium Punch Bowl Social also offers a great cocktail, says Nate Gerdes: "Opened a few months ago, this is one of the more enjoyable spots in the city where you can get a good drink. Just about every form of entertainment is here; bowling, skeeball, foosball, darts, karaoke, shuffleboard, classic video games, ping pong, etc. Great food and cocktails, I love the 'Bazooka' for a simple yet delicious drink." [Photo: Avila/EPDX]