17 Must-Visit Bars In SE Portland: The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Cocktails, Craft Beer, And Legendary Dive Eats
Southeast Portland (SE PDX) continues to solidify its reputation as the city's most dynamic and eclectic nightlife hub. As of December 24, 2025, the bar scene here is a vibrant tapestry, seamlessly blending classic, no-frills dive bars with high-concept craft cocktail lounges and massive local beer halls. This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the freshest, most essential spots to grab a drink, whether you're craving an elegant, 1,000-bottle whiskey experience or the best fried chicken and jojos in the Pacific Northwest.
The sheer density of unique establishments means you can bar-hop through distinct atmospheres—from the tropical oasis of a hotel bar to the moody, creative energy of a speakeasy—all within a few blocks. Get ready to explore the neighborhoods of Buckman, Hosford-Abernethy, and Division Street, where Portland's most exciting drink destinations are currently thriving.
The New & Noteworthy: Hottest Openings and Trending Spots
The SE Portland bar landscape is constantly evolving, with new concepts pushing the boundaries of atmosphere and mixology. These are the spots that are currently generating the most buzz, offering fresh takes on the classic Portland bar experience.
- Panther Club (Buckman Neighborhood): This new establishment in the Buckman neighborhood has quickly become a local favorite. It offers a vibrant, cozy, and distinctly "old Vegas" ambiance, complete with great music and attentive staff. Panther Club is celebrated for its fantastic specialty cocktails, tasty bar snacks, and popular happy hour deals, making it a perfect spot for an elevated after-work hangout.
- Nevermind (SE Division Street): Taking over the iconic former Apex Bar space on SE Division Street, Nevermind is one of the most anticipated new additions to the area. Run by the Lightning Bar Collective, it features an "almost 70s vibe," with a focus on a relaxed atmosphere and more seating outside, including a fire pit, making it a great place to hang out on a cool Portland evening.
- Deadshot (Hosford-Abernethy): Located on SE 11th Ave, Deadshot is a cocktail-focused bar known for its incredibly creative and innovative drinks. They are famous for pushing boundaries with their menu, offering unique concoctions and elevated pub grub in a moody, distinctive atmosphere.
- Moonshot Tavern (SE Ankeny): A neighborhood cocktail bar and eatery that serves playful, handcrafted cocktails alongside PNW-inspired Southern cuisine. It's a great choice for a full meal and a carefully crafted drink in a relaxed setting.
The Elevated Experience: Craft Cocktails and Speakeasy Vibes
For those seeking sophistication, a masterfully mixed drink, or a deep dive into rare spirits, SE Portland offers several world-class establishments that defy the city's casual reputation. These bars focus on high-end spirits, intimate settings, and refined menus.
- Scotch Lodge (Buckman): A true hidden gem and a must-visit for whiskey aficionados. Scotch Lodge boasts an intimate, speakeasy-like, and elegant atmosphere, curated by Tommy Klus. Their selection is staggering, tapping a 1,000-plus bottle selection of whiskeys. Beyond the spirits, they offer elevated Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine, including favorites like fried brie and pappardelle.
- Hey Love (East Burnside): Tucked inside the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, Hey Love is an award-winning hotel bar that feels like a lush, tropical oasis. The vibrant, modern space is known for its stunning, "Instagramable" design, creative cocktail offerings, and a lively atmosphere that combines a cocktail lounge with a house party.
- Bible Club (Sellwood): Though slightly further south in Sellwood, this spot is worth the mention for its unique, speakeasy-style cocktail experience. It transports guests back in time with its vintage decor and meticulously crafted classic drinks.
Classic & Casual: Dive Bars, Pubs, and Beer Halls
No guide to SE Portland bars is complete without paying homage to the establishments that embody the city's laid-back, unpretentious spirit. These are the places for cheap drinks, great food, and a reliably friendly, approachable crowd.
The Legendary Dive Bar Scene
SE Portland is the undisputed capital of the classic Portland dive bar. These spots offer a no-frills experience where the focus is on good company, strong drinks, and surprisingly excellent food.
- Reel M Inn (SE Division Street): The legendary dive bar that everyone loves. People flock here for the simple reason of experiencing a friendly, classic bar atmosphere and, most importantly, their damn good fried chicken and jojos. Be prepared for a potentially long wait for the food, but locals agree it is worth every minute.
- Bar Of The Gods (SE Hawthorne Blvd): Voted one of America's best dive bars, it is a quintessential SE PDX spot. Known for its strong drinks and classic dive atmosphere, it's a neighborhood staple.
- Star Bar (Buckman): Don't let the "sticky floors fool you"—this dive bar prides itself on serving "Food That Doesn't Suck." The kitchen cranks out great eats to keep you fueled while enjoying the low-key vibe.
- Rumpus Room: A beloved, classic dive that perfectly captures the spirit of inner Southeast Portland.
- Other Classic Dive Bars: The area is also home to other enduring favorites like Angelo's, Cosmo Lounge, Gil's Speakeasy, Jerry's Tavern, Joe's Cellar, Katie O'Brien's, The Lion's Eye, and Mad Hanna, ensuring a perfect dive for every mood.
Beer Halls and Pubs
For the beer enthusiast, SE Portland delivers on the Pacific Northwest's reputation for world-class craft brews.
- Loyal Legion Beer Hall (Inner SE): A massive, thriving beer-focused bar that is an absolute must for beer lovers. The original inner SE location features an astounding 99 to 100 local PNW beers on tap, making it a definitive showcase of regional brewing. They also offer a full menu with burgers and vegan options, along with a huge whiskey selection.
- Horse Brass Pub: A Portland institution that has been serving up classic pub fare and a vast selection of European and local beers for decades. It's a cozy, traditional pub experience that stands the test of time.
- The Observatory (Montavilla): Located further east on SE Stark Street, The Observatory offers a great mix of vintage Portland food and drinks, complete with a back bar, pool table, and a popular weekend brunch, making it a versatile neighborhood spot.
From the high-energy, creative mixology of Deadshot to the comforting, crispy perfection of Reel M Inn's fried chicken, the bars in SE Portland offer a truly comprehensive and exciting nightlife experience. The current scene in 2025 is defined by both the fresh energy of new spots like Panther Club and Nevermind, and the timeless appeal of its legendary institutions, ensuring there is always a new corner to explore and a perfect drink to be found.
Detail Author:
- Name : Deonte Gibson
- Username : vsawayn
- Email : ckreiger@von.com
- Birthdate : 2005-11-02
- Address : 312 Kay Spring Funkstad, NH 65584
- Phone : 346-778-3219
- Company : Hand, Harvey and Denesik
- Job : Poultry Cutter
- Bio : Et dolor nostrum atque nesciunt consequatur ullam. Vero dolore minus qui. Culpa consequatur dolorum ea est. Qui qui non architecto et.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ocorkery
- username : ocorkery
- bio : Blanditiis est quos porro non. Quas et sed delectus ab.
- followers : 6251
- following : 989
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/opalcorkery
- username : opalcorkery
- bio : Nesciunt fugit molestiae quo rerum ea quia. Ut aut quaerat odio culpa et fugiat cupiditate.
- followers : 1787
- following : 741
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/opalcorkery
- username : opalcorkery
- bio : Odit dolores expedita rerum asperiores. Iure rerum sapiente sunt illo.
- followers : 4073
- following : 1925
