The Beacon explores Portland's happiest happy hours
By Christina Moran '07
Ah happy hour - the college student's perfect excuse to postpone grocery shopping until tomorrow. The cheap food specials make it seem as though eating out is actually doing your checking account a favor. And for those 21 and older, drink discounts make the deal even sweeter. Here's everything you need to know about Portland's favorite happy hour spots.
Widmer Gasthaus - 955 N. Russell St.
Happy hours: Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Minors allowed: until 10 p.m.
It's no wonder that Widmer's all-day Monday happy hour attracts so many UP students. Five-dollar cheeseburgers couple with $2 pints to create a satisfying meal that's well within the college student budget.
The juicy burgers are big enough to warrant an all-day fast in preparation for dinner, and the beer is - well, it's Widmer, so it's pretty darn tasty. And even though Widmer is one of the Northwest's most famous microbreweries, the Gasthaus features friendly, non-pretentious service and a relaxing atmosphere.
Not-so-happy aspect: Widmer does not serve French Fries - but the potato salad is a decent alternative.
Sagittarius - 2719 N. Killingsworth St.
Happy hours: Monday 4 p.m. to close; Wednesday-Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Minors allowed: no
If Widmer cannot cure your case of the Mondays, head to Sagittarius for an equally appealing all-day happy hour. The cozy restaurant/bar features hipster-ish décor, a bumpin' indie-rock soundtrack and delicious food and drink.
Happy hour specials include a $2 grilled cheese sandwich and $5 rosemary macaroni and cheese, plus discounts on beer and mixed drinks. As an added bonus, Sagittarius is close enough to UP that biking or busing are both attractive transportation options.
Not-so-happy aspect: The Sag has an impressive cocktail list, but even with the $1 happy hour discount, the specialty drinks are a tad on the expensive side. If you feel like splurging, try the Holiday - a sugary mixture of Vodka and orange-peach goodness - for $5.50.
McMenamins - 8203 N. Ivanhoe St.
Happy hours: daily 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., ?10 p.m. to midnight
Minors allowed: until 10 p.m.
Another favorite NoPo happy hour location, McMenamins is the perfect spot for mid-afternoon and late-night snacking. The happy hour menu includes yummy appetizers ($3 Cajun Tots, anyone?) and 70 cents off pints of McMenamins' signature brews.
The pub's location inside an old church coincides with the chain's tradition of renovating historical buildings and contributes to one of the most interesting dining set-ups in the area.
Not-so-happy aspect: Actual McMenamins meals remain somewhat pricy, even during happy hour. Consider splitting an entrée with a friend - they're large enough to share.
Henry's Tavern - 10 N.W. 12th Ave.
Happy hours: daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10:30 p.m. to midnight
Minors allowed: no
Even though Henry's has more than 100 beers and hard ciders on tap, the food is what makes this one of Portland's best happy hours.
The diverse menu features 15 options for less than $5, including cheeseburgers, pizza, sushi and mac & cheese. Or try the hibachi salmon stack ($3.95) - a pile of steamed rice and teriyaki-glazed salmon covered in mango sauce. The Gorgonzola fries ($2.95) are a delicious accompaniment to any other food choice.
Not-so-happy aspect: Henry's happy hour does not include drink discounts, and at around $5 a pint, your alcohol tab can add up quickly.
The Tube - 18 N.W. 3rd Ave.
Happy hours: daily 5 to 10 p.m.
Minors allowed: no
This downtown bar is one of Portland's most eclectic eating and drinking spots. The interior actually resembles a tube, causing you to feel like you might be in the most exciting airplane ever. The food menu isn't all that extensive, but does include inexpensive vegan and vegetarian choices and happy hour specials.
The best part about the Tube's happy hour? CHEAP DRINKS. Well drinks and Hamms tall boys are $2 a piece. Beware.
Not-so-happy aspect: the morning after.
