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Brownish Black performing at on the back patio at Rontoms.
Rontoms/Official

16 Portland Restaurants and Bars With Live Music

Where to find dinner and a show, from jazz to local rap

by Cooper Green
1 comment / new
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Brownish Black performing at on the back patio at Rontoms.
| Rontoms/Official
by Cooper Green
1 comment / new

Portland has provided easy access to good music for a long, long time. From grungy Old Portland staples like Satyricon (R.I.P.) to recent renovation projects like Revolution and Polaris Halls, the city has always been a buffet of relatively cheap, varied live music. It’s also a pretty easy city to find a drink.

What follows is the intersection of the two: bars and restaurants with live music, a Venn diagram that is plenty wide here in the City of Roses. Between country twang in saloons and death metal in dive bars, those looking for a loud Tuesday night bender or a romantic Friday evening date spot can get their fix from Kenton to Richmond. In general this map leaves off places that are more venues than restaurants and bars, but places like Holocene and Rev Hall generally have something cool going on most nights.

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The Fixin' To

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This casual St. Johns bar has become a regular venue for Portland musicians, from rappers like Mic Capes to pseudo-psychedelic funk like Onion the Man. The move is to come early for a beer, a shot of whiskey, and a Frito pie, before heading into the back venue space for the show.

8218 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
(503) 477-4995
(503) 477-4995

Also featured in:

Kenton Club

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The “World Famous” Kenton Club sits squarely in North Portland, a stone’s throw from I-5. Operating in Kenton since 1947, the place sports a classic dive-bar aesthetic with food and drinks priced accordingly. It’s a mainstay for North Portland bands and a good bet for heavier, more guitar-driven live tunes, though don’t be surprised to catch a DJ set there on a Saturday night every once in a while. 

2025 N Kilpatrick St, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 285-3718
(503) 285-3718

Also featured in:

The 1905

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Across the street from Mississippi Studios, the 1905 provides a big three: food, booze, and jazz. In a city dense with metal and punk offerings, The 1905 provides a more laid-back alternative nightly in North Portland, with pizzas and simple pastas to eat while jazz trios jam. Featuring local and touring groups of various sizes, the dimly lit lounge makes for a romantic date spot. 

830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 460-3333
(503) 460-3333

Also featured in:

Mississippi Studios and Bar

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The centerpiece of the Mississippi bar scene in Northeast Portland, Mississippi Studios caters to a variety of musicians, from local acts like the Shivas to national indie darlings like Deerhoof. The adjacent Bar Bar provides good hangs before and after, as well as cheap burgers, vegan options, and movies projected outside most nights. 

3939 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 288-3895
(503) 288-3895

The Waypost

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An intimate venue up north, the Waypost features tacos, margaritas, and a regular flow of varied tunes in the box-shaped yellow bar. The gravel patio space flows out into a small garden that makes for a nice breath of fresh air between sets. The venue also hosts film screenings, poetry readings and DJs, and some shows are all-ages.

3120 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 367-3182
(503) 367-3182

Also featured in:

Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar

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A classic Rose City Park steakhouse, it’s hard to beat a hunk of prime rib and a Manhattan at one of Clyde’s round booths, but it’s also an easy spot to catch live jazz and soul in the restaurant’s Rat Pack lounge. Local acts like Ben Rice, the Flat Nines, and Ron Steen’s jazz jam are regulars at Clyde’s.

5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-9200
(503) 281-9200

Also featured in:

Laurelthirst Public House

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A music staple in Portland since 1988, Laurelthirst Public House is the kind of neighborhood-y music-oriented dive that has always haunted this corner of Portland, right around the border of Northeast and Southeast. Packed with an eclectic group of regulars, the bar hosts open mics and eclectic recurring acts every night. Food is basic bar fare (as well as ice-cream sandwiches) and the taps offer a good selection of draft beers.

2958 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
(503) 232-1504
(503) 232-1504

The Big Legrowlski

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Situated in the Pearl District, a few blocks from popular arcade bar Ground Control, The Big Legrowlski hosts local acts from a variety of genres — DJs, Americana, soul. The sleek, little downtown bar also hosts karaoke nights every other Tuesday and regular open jam sessions. 

812 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 206-6481
(503) 206-6481

Dante's

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An old-school Portland institution, Dante’s — just across the bridge on Burnside — provides a heavier scene most nights of the week. The attached pizza window provides slices after the show until 3.a.m., and the bar also offers a $3 karaoke night every Monday catered by Voodoo Doughnuts. 

350 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
(866) 777-8932
(866) 777-8932
View this post on Instagram

Thursday, January 16th, the moment you all have been waiting for arrives - @thekingkhanandbbqshow are BACK… this time under the moniker the 'Bad News Boys'. They are rock'n'roll. They are punk. They are early r&b. They are psych. They are doo-wop. They are garage. They are all this and more, without trying to be anything.⠀ ⠀ They have managed to continue to release top-grade material for over 10 years, without bowing to business, succumbing to what's 'hip', without changing. They care so much that they don't give a fuck. Don’t miss this, openers include @acidtongue & @tr4shb4nd.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #dantes #danteslive #dantesportland #pdxmusic #pdxevents #portland #portlandart #pdx #portlandmusic #portlandevents #music #musician #musicians #musiclover #musiclovers #portland #pdx #pdxnow #portlandia #pdxart #pdxlife #downtownpdx #downtownpdxlive

A post shared by Dante's (@dantesportland) on

Rontoms

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Most nights, this hip Burnside bar makes for a moody date spot, but on Sunday nights, crowds pack in for a free show. With a bar inside and outside, patrons can find a drink in what is often a packed house and enjoy local and touring bands. Cocktails and food are a little higher-end here, but usually worth the price — happy hour runs from 3-6:30 p.m. daily for a $5 deal on tacos, chicken skewers, and other small bites.

600 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-4536
(503) 236-4536

Also featured in:

Doug Fir Lounge

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Somewhere between a spaceship and a log cabin, this sleek building on East Burnside is worth a visit just for the architecture. The wood-heavy interior provides a cozy feel, but some choose to stay warm outside by the fire pit on a spacious patio. Food offerings are complex, from hearty breakfasts to oyster dinners. The downstairs offers similar decor in a wide-stretching venue with shows that vary in size from $10 smaller acts to frequently sold-out touring bands in the $20-30 range.

830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-9663
(503) 231-9663

Also featured in:

Kelly's Olympian

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A quick stop off the Morrison Bridge in West Portland, Kelly’s Olympian is a century-old bar sandwiched between downtown’s taller, grander structures. With a solid happy hour selection of bar-food and cheap (relative to location) drinks, the spot is a good hang-out even when the stage is empty. Besides open mics and drag shows, Kelly’s regularly hosts local and small touring bands — plus local r&b and rap acts — in a comfortable, deceptively large space. 

426 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-3669
(503) 228-3669

Also featured in:

The Goodfoot

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A go-to spot for Southeast Portland bar regulars, Goodfoot features rotating local artwork in the upstairs bar, as well as cheap or free pool, depending on the night. Downstairs, the bar features dance-centric and funk-heavy live music nightly, featuring a Soul Stew DJ Dance Night every Friday. The menu offers rotating food specials and features some decent fried chicken, especially late at night in Southeast.

2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 239-9292
(503) 239-9292
View this post on Instagram

Tonight. @soulstewdjs Doors at 9. Basement dance party.

A post shared by The Goodfoot (@goodfootlounge) on

The Liquor Store

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As the bar’s website clearly indicates, this is “not a real liquor store.” Despite the mix-up on Google Maps, this ultra-hip spot on the crowded corner of SE Belmont and 34th does dish out solid cocktails ($4 daily from 5-7). The basement below houses regular DJ sets and live tunes, often for a cover under $10 or no fee at all.  

3341 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 754-7782
(503) 754-7782

Also featured in:

Landmark Saloon

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Half sports bar, half country bar, the Landmark Saloon provides on multiple fronts. Oregon gets pretty country outside Portland, but Landmark is one of the best bets to get a fix of twang within the city limits. Leroy’s BBQ cart outside offers up an accompanying menu of smoked meats until 1 a.m. most nights.

4847 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 894-8132
(503) 894-8132

Also featured in:

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Teutonic Wine Company

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Teutonic, a Southeast Portland urban winery with several Germanic-style wines, is also a common hangout for jazz heads, who visit on Sunday and Wednesday nights for jams and casual shows. The winery will host musicians at least those two nights every week in its industrial winemaking space, where people sip rieslings and listen to acts like Dan Faehnle and Jon Lakey among the string-light-lit barrels.

3303 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 235-5053
(503) 235-5053

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The Fixin' To

8218 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203

This casual St. Johns bar has become a regular venue for Portland musicians, from rappers like Mic Capes to pseudo-psychedelic funk like Onion the Man. The move is to come early for a beer, a shot of whiskey, and a Frito pie, before heading into the back venue space for the show.

8218 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
(503) 477-4995
(503) 477-4995

Kenton Club

2025 N Kilpatrick St, Portland, OR 97217

The “World Famous” Kenton Club sits squarely in North Portland, a stone’s throw from I-5. Operating in Kenton since 1947, the place sports a classic dive-bar aesthetic with food and drinks priced accordingly. It’s a mainstay for North Portland bands and a good bet for heavier, more guitar-driven live tunes, though don’t be surprised to catch a DJ set there on a Saturday night every once in a while. 

2025 N Kilpatrick St, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 285-3718
(503) 285-3718

The 1905

830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227

Across the street from Mississippi Studios, the 1905 provides a big three: food, booze, and jazz. In a city dense with metal and punk offerings, The 1905 provides a more laid-back alternative nightly in North Portland, with pizzas and simple pastas to eat while jazz trios jam. Featuring local and touring groups of various sizes, the dimly lit lounge makes for a romantic date spot. 

830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 460-3333
(503) 460-3333

Mississippi Studios and Bar

3939 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

The centerpiece of the Mississippi bar scene in Northeast Portland, Mississippi Studios caters to a variety of musicians, from local acts like the Shivas to national indie darlings like Deerhoof. The adjacent Bar Bar provides good hangs before and after, as well as cheap burgers, vegan options, and movies projected outside most nights. 

3939 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 288-3895
(503) 288-3895

The Waypost

3120 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227

An intimate venue up north, the Waypost features tacos, margaritas, and a regular flow of varied tunes in the box-shaped yellow bar. The gravel patio space flows out into a small garden that makes for a nice breath of fresh air between sets. The venue also hosts film screenings, poetry readings and DJs, and some shows are all-ages.

3120 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 367-3182
(503) 367-3182

Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar

5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213

A classic Rose City Park steakhouse, it’s hard to beat a hunk of prime rib and a Manhattan at one of Clyde’s round booths, but it’s also an easy spot to catch live jazz and soul in the restaurant’s Rat Pack lounge. Local acts like Ben Rice, the Flat Nines, and Ron Steen’s jazz jam are regulars at Clyde’s.

5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-9200
(503) 281-9200

Laurelthirst Public House

2958 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232

A music staple in Portland since 1988, Laurelthirst Public House is the kind of neighborhood-y music-oriented dive that has always haunted this corner of Portland, right around the border of Northeast and Southeast. Packed with an eclectic group of regulars, the bar hosts open mics and eclectic recurring acts every night. Food is basic bar fare (as well as ice-cream sandwiches) and the taps offer a good selection of draft beers.

2958 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
(503) 232-1504
(503) 232-1504

The Big Legrowlski

812 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209

Situated in the Pearl District, a few blocks from popular arcade bar Ground Control, The Big Legrowlski hosts local acts from a variety of genres — DJs, Americana, soul. The sleek, little downtown bar also hosts karaoke nights every other Tuesday and regular open jam sessions. 

812 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 206-6481
(503) 206-6481

Dante's

350 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

An old-school Portland institution, Dante’s — just across the bridge on Burnside — provides a heavier scene most nights of the week. The attached pizza window provides slices after the show until 3.a.m., and the bar also offers a $3 karaoke night every Monday catered by Voodoo Doughnuts. 

350 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
(866) 777-8932
(866) 777-8932
View this post on Instagram

Thursday, January 16th, the moment you all have been waiting for arrives - @thekingkhanandbbqshow are BACK… this time under the moniker the 'Bad News Boys'. They are rock'n'roll. They are punk. They are early r&b. They are psych. They are doo-wop. They are garage. They are all this and more, without trying to be anything.⠀ ⠀ They have managed to continue to release top-grade material for over 10 years, without bowing to business, succumbing to what's 'hip', without changing. They care so much that they don't give a fuck. Don’t miss this, openers include @acidtongue & @tr4shb4nd.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #dantes #danteslive #dantesportland #pdxmusic #pdxevents #portland #portlandart #pdx #portlandmusic #portlandevents #music #musician #musicians #musiclover #musiclovers #portland #pdx #pdxnow #portlandia #pdxart #pdxlife #downtownpdx #downtownpdxlive

A post shared by Dante's (@dantesportland) on

Rontoms

600 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Most nights, this hip Burnside bar makes for a moody date spot, but on Sunday nights, crowds pack in for a free show. With a bar inside and outside, patrons can find a drink in what is often a packed house and enjoy local and touring bands. Cocktails and food are a little higher-end here, but usually worth the price — happy hour runs from 3-6:30 p.m. daily for a $5 deal on tacos, chicken skewers, and other small bites.

600 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-4536
(503) 236-4536

Doug Fir Lounge

830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Somewhere between a spaceship and a log cabin, this sleek building on East Burnside is worth a visit just for the architecture. The wood-heavy interior provides a cozy feel, but some choose to stay warm outside by the fire pit on a spacious patio. Food offerings are complex, from hearty breakfasts to oyster dinners. The downstairs offers similar decor in a wide-stretching venue with shows that vary in size from $10 smaller acts to frequently sold-out touring bands in the $20-30 range.

830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-9663
(503) 231-9663

Kelly's Olympian

426 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204

A quick stop off the Morrison Bridge in West Portland, Kelly’s Olympian is a century-old bar sandwiched between downtown’s taller, grander structures. With a solid happy hour selection of bar-food and cheap (relative to location) drinks, the spot is a good hang-out even when the stage is empty. Besides open mics and drag shows, Kelly’s regularly hosts local and small touring bands — plus local r&b and rap acts — in a comfortable, deceptively large space. 

426 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-3669
(503) 228-3669

The Goodfoot

2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214

A go-to spot for Southeast Portland bar regulars, Goodfoot features rotating local artwork in the upstairs bar, as well as cheap or free pool, depending on the night. Downstairs, the bar features dance-centric and funk-heavy live music nightly, featuring a Soul Stew DJ Dance Night every Friday. The menu offers rotating food specials and features some decent fried chicken, especially late at night in Southeast.

2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 239-9292
(503) 239-9292
View this post on Instagram

Tonight. @soulstewdjs Doors at 9. Basement dance party.

A post shared by The Goodfoot (@goodfootlounge) on

The Liquor Store

3341 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

As the bar’s website clearly indicates, this is “not a real liquor store.” Despite the mix-up on Google Maps, this ultra-hip spot on the crowded corner of SE Belmont and 34th does dish out solid cocktails ($4 daily from 5-7). The basement below houses regular DJ sets and live tunes, often for a cover under $10 or no fee at all.  

3341 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 754-7782
(503) 754-7782

Landmark Saloon

4847 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206

Half sports bar, half country bar, the Landmark Saloon provides on multiple fronts. Oregon gets pretty country outside Portland, but Landmark is one of the best bets to get a fix of twang within the city limits. Leroy’s BBQ cart outside offers up an accompanying menu of smoked meats until 1 a.m. most nights.

4847 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 894-8132
(503) 894-8132

Related Maps

Teutonic Wine Company

3303 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Teutonic, a Southeast Portland urban winery with several Germanic-style wines, is also a common hangout for jazz heads, who visit on Sunday and Wednesday nights for jams and casual shows. The winery will host musicians at least those two nights every week in its industrial winemaking space, where people sip rieslings and listen to acts like Dan Faehnle and Jon Lakey among the string-light-lit barrels.

3303 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 235-5053
(503) 235-5053

Related Maps