The Low Tide Lounge

We were en-route to check out a different dive bar when this little gem appeared and we immediately put on the brakes to stop at The Low Tide Lounge. So glad we did! Have you ever known a dive bar in Portland without video poker machines? Us either. Until now!

As a bonus, The Low Tide Lounge also doesn’t have any TVs, just a retro jukebox where you can play all the cool songs for free. There’s also shuffleboard and an upstairs hideaway that looks like “Grandma’s living room from the 1970s”, per our friendly barkeep Dylan. My grandma was never this cool.

Slightly matted fur covered couches and retro conical fireplace that looks a bit like a tagine fill the cozy space. I prefer the downstairs area that has luscious black booths lined up beneath nautical art and some neat lighting.

The Low Tide Lounge is in rather good repair for a dive, but it is still a dive. 8 taps and only 1 crap beer plus one cider on offer. Solid whiskey selection. Lots of fun and well-made mixed drinks including 2 slushie machines. The menu is vegetarian/vegan with tacos, nachos, empanadas, that kind of stuff on offer.

Address: 2045 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214 – [Google Map]

Quadrant: Southeast

Happy Hours: Nope

Full kitchen: Yes

Jalapeno Poppers: No

Breakfast: No

Outdoor Seating: Sidewalk tables and chairs

Distinguishing features: No TVs or video poker machines! What?!

Co-Conspirator’s Note (Arthur): I missed getting to go on this trip, but if The Low Tide Lounge still has it, I’m getting that Oaxacan Old Fashioned! The old fashioned is my “test drink” for any bar, especially dive bars: to see if the bartender gives a heavy sigh or just dives in to make it — and then to see the craft they put into it… or not. 😉

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

Photos by Steven Shomler