Best Dive Bars in VanPort
The term “dive,” in regard to a business, dates back to the late 1800s, when it referred to a disreputable, low-end establishment. “Dive bar” began being used in the 1940s. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, “dive bar” had, for some, transformed into a positive or affectionate label. It’s often a badge of honor, signifying authenticity, history, and a lack of pretension or corporate polish.
That’s not to say some dive bars aren’t disreputable. Some are truly rough, dirty watering holes with seedy patrons. But we figure our readers are more interested in the unpretentious, shabby neighborhood joints with neon beer signs, jukeboxes playing eclectic music, strong and inexpensive drinks, and a welcoming, no-fuss vibe. If so, these are the ones you want.
1. Elbow Room
Vancouver – Downtown
The Elbow Room is a bar inside Paul’s restaurant downtown Vancouver. It has a 1970’s dive bar vibe. The joint looks like it could have been in an episode of Barreta or The Rockford Files. Usually a place that looks this dated has mediocre drinks made with bargain basement ingredients but if you’re savvy, you’ll discover that the self-deprecating bartender is actually cloaking his superpowers. In reality, he’s a superb mixologist. At present, their stock is much better than a dive bar and the bartenders are clever with substitutions. The end results are very good drinks. And if you know what to ask for, you can receive a superb craft cocktail. Especially if Mike is behind the bar. I tried one of their “Bar Bites” called Disco Tots—tater tots with gravy and cheddar cheese. Next time, I’ll go for the “Cowboy” version, which comes with jalapeños, chili, and cheddar. I really like the vibe of The Elbow Room and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops. You can take that to the bank.
2. Creepy’s
Portland – Buckman
Creepy’s is almost too good to be a dive bar. They have adequate bar stock. Not craft cocktail level but just a few bottles away from that distinction. The vibe of the joint is pretty cool with the mood lighting, dolls, toys and decor that looks like they raided film director, Tim Burton’s house. The music is groovy too. People talk big game about the burger being amazing. It’s not bad but it’s not life changing either. The staff are friendly and good natured. The all gender bathrooms have lots of graffiti and stickers to try to keep up the dive bar image (like a suburban kid trying to look tough). Creepy’s a fun place to have a drink….at least before midnight. I get the feeling the place gets more edgy and louder later. Street parking is what it is.
3. Shanahan’s Pub & Grill
Vancouver – DowntownKind of an Irish pub/roadhouse/dive bar. They have one of the better valued happy hours in Vancouver with a large variety of items on the HH menu which is available until 7pm. The mac & cheese with corn beef are a huge hit. The club sandwich is ample and excellent. The garlic cheese bread is like a grilled cheese sandwich and is wonderful. Other notable mentions are the sausage and pretzels, smoked chicken quesadilla, cod tacos and Irish nachos. It’s a dive bar so no craft cocktails here but they make a pretty good bloody Mary. Ample parking. The Infirmary, next door has far better spirits.
4. Kenton Club
Portland – Kenton
Nostalgic, wood-paneled circa-1947 bar with live music, karaoke, video poker and pool tables. Their outdoor patio is popular when weather permits. Regulars are very fond of the friendly staff.
5. Wichita Town Pub
Portland – Milwaukie
If you’re looking for dive bar experience where everone is on a first name basis, this is the place. They serve a beast called the Wichita burger. It has two burger patties with ham, Swiss and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and mayo. It’s not for the faint of heart. One of the better dive bar burgers. It’s big enough to be two meals. Other notable mentions are the patty melt and Stacy’s Big Deal sandwich. Loads of pool tables and other games. Decent parking.
6. Cascade Bar & Grill
Vancouver – Mill Plain
Cascade has no windows and from inside you’ll never know what time it is without a clock. It’s a decent venue to see live bands. Their menu overs mostly comfort food. The PA is clear and the seating works well to watch the acts. Ample free parking in their lot.
7. Kelly’s Olympian
Portland – Downtown
Kelly’s has a 1950’s vibe. The decor has lots of vintage eye candy like gas station signs, gas pumps and motorcycles from the era. You can play pinball machines, slot machines or make memories in the photo Booth while waiting for your food. But this isn’t Disneyland. The security guard and Jello shots let you know you’re in a dive bar. But it’s the super friendly staff of characters who run the joint that resonates with people and keeps them coming back. Street parking is luck of the draw.
8. Silver Star Saloon
Vancouver – Central
The Silver Star Saloon is part Dive bar and part Road House. It has a little bit of everything. Digital darts, old-school darts, video arcade games, Pull Tabs, TV’s with horse racing and more pool tables than you can shake a stick at. The comfort food and drinks are ok if you’re not expecting much. The Silver Star takes up half of a strip mall that has ample parking.
9. Virginia Cafe
Portland – Downtown
The Virginia Cafe has been around since 1922. This dependable pub grub/dive bar has a chill vibe and excellent prices. The staff makes everyone feel welcomed. It’s a order at the bar kind of place. Their breakfast sandwich is fab and is served all day. The cheese burger is excellent and only $10 during happy hour. The joint is very dark at night. PRO TIP: The happy hour is limited but significant.
10. Low Brow Lounge
Portland – Downtown
The Pearl district’s timeless dive bar that is on just about every Portland list on the subject. It’s dark and open until 2:30am yet the staff are friendly and the bar has a loyal following. Even their website doesn’t work. If you really want a hardcore dive bar this is the one. Good luck finding parking.
11. Sandy Jug
Portland – Roseway
Sandy Jug is a dive bar in a vintage building that has loads of character. There’s been may business there over the decades including a strip bar. There’s nude wall art that’s evidence of that sordid history. I had heard of a good happy hour burger for ten bucks and came to check it out. I found it to be tasty. The burger was much better than the margarita. Having said that, they do have a few bottles that are better than what you usually find in a dive bar.
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