Fall Preview: 7 Openings & Reopenings in Portland

by Amy Wolfenberger in Roundups

Some cities celebrate the turning of the leaves but Portland celebrates fall with the turning of the bars. Welcome autumn by experimenting with new spots to get a drink, or just find out where your favorite bartender can be found this season and follow him or her to a new home. Read on to check out seven fall openings in PDX.

Hale Pele: Escape the coming winter blues by visiting this tropical Northeast spot. For owner Blair Reynolds and bartenders Mindy Kucan and Nathan Gerdes, Hale Pele is more than just a novelty bar with lights made with real puffer fish. Unlike many tiki joints, which rely on fun decorations, this bar is centered around craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients and modern spirits. This bar may just save us all from scurvy this winter (2733 NE Broadway).

Spirit of 77: After a short summer break, Spirit of 77 is back just in time to catch some Timbers action. You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this bar; during the break Spirit of 77 remodeled the kitchen and added a few more entertainment options. Three pinball machines were added to make this bar feel truly at home in Portland. Try the Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine while you watch your next Blazers game (500 NE Martin Luther King Blvd.; 503-232-9977).

Imperial: This much anticipated restaurant in Hotel Lucia has a bar that should not be lost in the excitement. Brandon Wise is moving on up from the Eastside to manage the bar in this new adventure alongside fellow Beaker and Flask alum chef Ben Bettinger. With a late night food menu available at the bar until 11 PM hopefully Imperial can help Clyde Common wake up the sometimes sleepy Southwest.

Kenny and Zuke's Deli Bar: It seems like the next battle in Portland’s bagel wars includes adding a cocktail menu by current Ox barman Jamal Hassan; your move, remaining bagel makers (3901 N. Williams Ave.).

Pepe le Moko: If you’ve ever felt a bit overwhelmed by Clyde Common’s consistent fast pace but love their cocktails then don’t miss this new speakeasy underneath the Ace Hotel. As the sun begins to set earlier, keep the memory of the sun alive in your heart with Spanish-influenced cocktails from Clyde bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler and food from Clyde/Olympic Provisions founder Nate Tilden B(1022 SW Stark St.).

Southland Whiskey Kitchen: Whether you are one of the many Southern transplants in Portland or you’re just a whiskey fan then Southland Whiskey was imagined just for you. Our friends from Seattle who brought you Casa del Matador now present a whiskey bar in the same building that houses their Northwest tequila bar. Get down on some southern comfort food with your Southern Comfort (1422 NW 23rd St.; 503-224-2668).

Bar Vivant: Bar Vivant is keeping things festive as the rest of Portland is turning gray. Not only is the interior decorated with a lively red Damansk wallpaper but the covered patio’s chandelier brings a warmth and class that is often forgotten in outside seating. With such a fun atmosphere you’ll have no problem staying long enough to sample the extensive aperitif and cocktail menu (2225 E. Burnside St.).