Interurban Is a Cozy, Inviting Bar in the Heart of Mississippi

The patio, however, is the real gold nugget here, with two fire pits and a cozy, lush enclosure, making it the most genuine pleasure Interurban offers.

(Interurban, Emily Joan Greene)
By Rosie Struve

4057 N Mississippi Ave., 503-284-6669, interurbanpdx.com. 4 pm-2:30 am Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-2:30 am. Happy hour 4-6 pm Monday-Friday: $2 off select pints, $5 select wines, food specials.

Established: December 2011

Complete with big-game trophies and carefully curated bookshelves just out of reach, this tavern in the heart of Mississippi is charming and warm in spite of its somewhat forced rustic décor. The old-fashioned ($10) is a reliable standby, while rotating concoctions like Season of the Witch ($12)—a fruity and sophisticated beauty made with Olmeca Alts reposado, housemade blood orange shrub, Amaro Montenegro and lime juice—are timed perfectly with the seasons. Whiskey geeks will be pleased by Interburban's extensive selection of reserve spirits, which includes rare bottles from Pappy, Rittenhouse and Michter's. On the food menu, you'll find fins, hooves and snouts, from the recommended trout BLT ($13) to the Boar Burger ($12), to the Publican's Board ($16), a charcuterie spread of pâté and fried pig ears. The bartender suggested the latter only if you like to "eat weird shit," then directed us instead to the Olympia Provisions corndog ($11), the "pride and joy" of the bar. The patio, however, is the real gold nugget here, with two fire pits and a cozy, lush enclosure, making it the most genuine pleasure Interurban offers.

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