Doug Fir Lounge

Doug Fir was closed during the pandemic and the restaurant/bar part of it was closed for quite a while after the pandemic. This place is a nostalgic favorite as it's where my husband and I had our first date. Our experience this weekend was much better than our last pre-pandemic visit and definitely deserves an update. We arrived a little after 7:00 and had no trouble getting a table. An hour later, the place was getting busy. I think it depends on what band is playing, a lot of people seemed to know each other. Very attractive servers and bartender, our female server was very sweet and generally efficient. Things were slightly odd though. We ordered drinks, we usually each have one double and were told, "oh, we don't do doubles." This was both funny and strange as restaurants all over town do a double for us and we eat out almost every Saturday night. But whatever. I ordered a vodka cranberry and was told they were out of cranberry juice. Also odd, as it's a bar staple and they weren't all that busy. But I rolled with the flow and had grapefruit instead. The drinks were well mixed. We started with the deviled eggs, which were wonderfully delicious. Probably the best we've had in town. For dinner, I had the chicken strips. They were very tasty, but there were only three and they were pretty small. They look larger in my pic than they actually were. This seemed a bit cheap on their part. The fries were very plentiful, so I was full, but still.... My husband had the Notorious P.I.G., which is a pulled pork sandwich. His portion was great and he shared a couple of bites, it was really, really good. Wish I'd gotten that instead. Overall, a good experience but they need to work a bit on the drinks situation and better portions of some items. We're looking forward to going again, I know they are changing their location soon, but not sure how soon. Definitely worth a visit.

3.5 stars if that was an option. We ordered a couple of drinks, a tequila sunrise, some other tequila drink I don't remember the name of, which I didn't care much for. Their fries and sauce it came with was good. I liked the vibe of the restaurant, we didn't stay at the hotel. They have a fun vending machine in right outside the entry doors. Nightclub is across the street and you can hear the bass bumping which could annoy some people. I didn't mind. I wish they had more options for food. I'd suggest checking them out if you're in the area. Service was decent.

Location: In a fun location with hotels and bars around the area!Drinks: So good! I had a watermelon cooler which was refreshing but also had a little spice from the jalapeño! They also do a great job with the presentation of the drinks Vibe: the atmosphere and decor make this place special. I haven't found a place in Portland like this yet! It seemed very mid-century, but it also gave a cozy cabin feel. There is also an underground concert venue! We didn't get tickets in time but will need to come back and visit.

Ate here last month and we didn't have a reservation but ended up only waiting 5 minutes to be seated for a party of 2. The host was quick to clean and table. Very thankful. It's a great quote place to eat for date night or quick food before a show downstairs! I had the caesar salad and my friend had the burger with fries. Nothing but great things to report back. Highly recommended order their salad, it's a good portion and great croutons!

I seem to always ebd up here by default. Sizzle Pie's COVID-19 hrs, or they dont have enough people to make the pizzas and I end up here.Both happened in the past week and both times I had the good, no... great fortune of dealing with Derek as my bartender. They have a nice little menu set up. I think there is something tasty for just about everyone on it... and I know they have enough libations to warm or cool you on the coldest or warmest of nights. I have been here twice before. Once for music and once on a plutonic date, turned questionable. The setting inside is as attractive as the name. A pure slice of the Pacific Northwest that I am now thinking is reason enough to make this my first stop when I come back into town with my job.EATS THUS FAR:Mac and cheese: I don't like mac and cheese. I never have.... but I never stop looking for a place that can change my mind about that statement. This place didn't do it for me.Beyond Burger: It was okay... Just don't compare it to the Impossible Burger. I make those at home.Chicken tenders and waffle fries: I have had less than a plate of fries in the past year, with the majority of that 3/4 plate having been eaten here. The tenders were nothing spectacular... it was just tasty enough to satiate my hunger pangs.I am sure I will be back to add to this foodie journal, which I shall once again notate... I never write for others, ONLY for me... so I know what to get, or not to get, the next time.REMINDER: I am ordering the hunmus plate next time... and always take proper care of your bartender... oh and that goes double if Derek is your bartender because he truly sets the bar that others strive to attain.

Really like their cozy interior, like a cabin. Plenty of booths, bar seats, and casual corners to sit at and mingle. Good lighting and offer a wide selection of affordable drinks. They also have an outdoor area that must be really nice in the Summer as well as a basement music venue. Got everything for everyone all year round.

Doug Fir is a win all around. It's a solid concert venue but also has a fun lounge upstairs. However, for me the best part of Doug Fir is brunch. They make their own waffles which is amazing but the real star is the potatoes. Highly recommend.

Great place to see music , have a beverage and the food is above average for bar food ! One of my fave Portland lounges for sure !

I've been to the Doug Fir Lounge twice to see my favorite musicians live. Both times were phenomenal. Let's talk about the space first. It's designed so well; kind of a cabin-meets-upscale-Portland kind of feel. Upstairs (where you enter) has a darling little bar. The bartenders I've met have all been incredibly kind. My favorite spot upstairs, though, is the private outdoor area. It has about a dozen different covered seating areas that are lit with candles; it's cozy, rain or shine. You can also smoke outside, which I am honestly so grateful for. I know how anti-smoking everyone is these days, but there are still so many of us who smoke when we drink. Instead of forcing smokers out of the venue to the street (where it honestly isn't safe at night, especially for women), the Doug Fir Lounge has still kept a spot for them, and I appreciate it. Downstairs is where the music venue is. It's a great open area where sound travels well. There is a full bar at the back of the venue, and the experiences that I've had with the bartenders there, too, have been wonderful. There's a designated merch spot and clean bathrooms. All around, it is a great place for shows, and my favorite in the Portland area. I also want to take a moment to compliment the Doug Fir Lounge for their inclusivity. The staff there is already amazing, but they went above and beyond when I brought my close friend to a show, who is a paraplegic in a wheelchair. They took care of her and ensured that she had easy access to everything that she needed. It meant a lot to the both of us. Doug Fir Lounge, everything you're doing you're doing right.

I read about this indie club and a few other jazz clubs in a New York Times Travel Book. Unfortunately, by the time I made it to Portland the jazz clubs closed due to the pandemic. I am not sorry I ended up here though. The drinks were very reasonable and the layout is perfect. If I were to open my own bar or lounge one day, this is the design I'd want. You walk in and there are French doors leading to a bar and a set of stairs leading to the music. All live shows are downstairs. Through the French doors is the bar, lots of tables and cute intimate booths, on the other side there are more private areas for talking and an outdoor patio and restrooms. It's literally a place to listen to music and once you've had enough there is a place to go to chill and have a conversation. Brilliant!