Drink 2011: Valentine's

232 SW Ankeny St., 248-1600, valentineslifeblood.blogspot.com. 5 pm-2:30 am nightly.
Despite looking like some 1970s Aspen fondue hut, Valentine's is more 1919 West Bank in character, a defiantly bohemian holdout in Old Town's fratbag-and-Voodoo triangle. The place even serves absinthe (the real stuff, with wormwood, for $10); you almost expect to see Toulouse-Lautrec watching the poetry readings and alt-comedy shows from the upstairs loft. Adding to the European atmosphere, the crêpe window next door will deliver its confections to your table so you can enjoy them along with a glass of Fernet ($7) or a Gin Rickey ($5). Ooh là là. AARON MESH.
What to drink: The ginger-infused Jim Beam cuts out the middleman from a whiskey ginger. Get it with soda water and a lime.
Happy hour: $3 well drinks, drafts and house wine 5-9 pm nightly, and all night Wednesday.
Entertainment: Live music, DJs, readings, movie screenings.

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office.

Help us dig deeper.