Da’ Hui Bar & Grill

Da’ Hui Bar & Grill

Portland is truly a magnificent city – host to not just one, but two full blown tiki themed dive bars. That we know of! Somehow this absolute gem escaped our notice for years. Discovered by accident en route to another dive in the neighborhood, we couldn’t resist a stop at Da’ Hui Hawaiian Bar & Grill.

Enter into a tiki wonderland complete with bamboo, tiki tchotchkes, fantastic velvet paintings including several of Hawaiian girls who are obviously down with the free the nipple movement, if you get my drift. Da’ Hui is a perfectly sized place, holds about 20-30 inside with some covered picnic tables streetside. There is an edgy and cool (literally) concrete topped bar behind which presided Lucy, one of the friendliest bartenders we have ever met. Our very own patient and potent purveyor of booze.

Da’ Hui Bar & Grill Portland Dive Bars Photo by Steven Shomler

8 taps, mostly craft plus the obligatory PBR and 1 cider. But don’t go for the beer – go for the tropical cocktails! I’m always skeptical about ordering Mai Tais anywhere except in my favorite dive bar in Kauai, but Da’ Hui delivered. Plenty boozy and flavorful in a tropical vein, but not overly sweet. Word to the wise – be prepared for the fishbowl size and determine designated driver ahead of time.

Apparently, Da’ Hui originated as a food cart that went brick and mortar over 10 years ago and they can definitely cook. Word on the street is the recipes come from the owner’s mom. The place smells just terrific. Lots of Hawaiian staples including a plate lunch with rice and mac salad, spam musubi, and loco moco! The Hawaiian hangover cure. We sampled the chicken shoyu and kalua pork, both totally yummy. Drinks and food are all a good value too, with VERY generous portions.

Address: 6506 SE Foster Rd, Portland – [Google Maps]

Website: https://dahui.bar/

Quadrant: Southeast

Happy Hours: 3 of them! Noon-1, 6-7pm and 11pm-12am daily

Full kitchen: Yes

Jalapeno Poppers: No

Breakfast: Yes

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Distinguishing features: Best Mai Tai on the mainland

Words by KC Shomler Author of Falling Out of Love With My Career

Photos by Steven Shomler