The Glasshouse Tavern
A bargain hunter’s dream.
Wow, what a hidden gem! And hidden in plain sight right next to 205. From the outside we were worried it might veer from dive bar into just plain scary bar territory, but we were pleasantly surprised after stepping inside.
Nice and tidy, cozy size, worn but clean formica bar with topographical evidence of much intensive bleach cleaning over the years but none of the odor. Comfy barstools. Gruff but personable bartendress named Cherie with a heart of gold.
Dartboard, pool table, video poker, keno and a tv large enough to be seen from every corner of the place (good thing too, since we visited on super bowl Sunday).
And the menu! Extensive and dirt cheap, heavily favoring fried items. Alas, no poppers, so we had the broasted chicken basket boasted about by the bartendress and were not disappointed.
3 good sized pieces of perfectly cooked chicken with a generous portion of crispy jo-jos on the side. Yum! 1-2 craft beer taps, but the focus here seems to be more on value for money, in food and booze. As evidenced by the hefty pours we saw leaving the bar in mixed drinks.
Nice camaraderie amongst the (many) regulars who are largely misfits who appear to have found acceptance, even family here. Overall, good energy here, sort of enchanting and a classic specimen of dive bar.
Cash only, but there is an ATM.
Quadrant: East
Address: 9710 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220
Happy Hours: 7 AM – 9 AM & 4 PM – 6 PM
Full kitchen: No
Jalapeno Poppers: Nope
Breakfast: Open at 7 AM…and food is for sale starting at 7 AM
Outdoor Seating: No
Distinguishing features: Broasted Chicken and Jo-Jos!
Words by KC is me
Photos by Steven Shomler