North Bar

[March 26th, 2008] NORTHERN EXPOSURE: You know it’s a good sign when you go someplace for work and end up staying for hours—that’s what happened on my first visit to perplexingly named Southeast joint North Bar (5008 SE Division St., 546-9973). It looks a bit sterile, as the nondescript storefront and silver-rimmed windows could indicate a doctor’s office as easily as a hipster enclave. But walls painted in warm earth tones and primo thrift-store finds like golden fish-shaped planters, a light-up elk and landscape paintings grouped by theme (ocean, mountain, wildlife) make North Bar feel a bit like a Portlandized lodge. There’s even worn wooden booths and those quintessential rippled-red-glass candle holders. And the comfort doesn’t stop there: The ’tenders are super-friendly (and skilled—the made-to-order Manhattans were some of the best in town); the juke carries classics like Van Morrison and Fleetwood Mac, usual indie rock suspects, and local surprises like Sexton Blake’s Plays the Hits!; and the menu is nice and cheesy, from nachos and quesadillas to three-cheese panini (get a whiff and just try not order one). Add sidewalk seating, pool and $2 PBR Tuesdays, and Southeast 50th just got a little cozier—directional challenges notwithstanding.