Higgins

Nostalgic for a time when bartenders wore white shirts and black ties, bars didn't have high-concept design themes beyond "wood," and sexual harassment was just "showing appreciation"? Higgins is the place—minus the sexual harassment. Well past the two-decade mark, Higgins is deserving of its status as a Portland institution. And the Higgins bar—all dark wood and low, pressed-tin ceilings—instantly instills the faith that you will be served an expertly made classic cocktail. (My $9 Negroni was perfection.) The well-curated wine and beer lists combine the best of the Northwest with European standards. Grab a stool at happy hour for a chance to sample Greg Higgins' legendary, James Beard Award-winning cuisine like spicy duck wings, lardo toast and carrot falafel for just $7 bucks a plate.

Happy hour: 4-6:30 pm and 10-11 pm Sunday-Friday, 10-11 pm Saturday.

Entertainment: Sports on TV, some of the most congenial bartenders in town.

1239 SW Broadway, 503-222-9070, higginsportland.com. 11:30 am-midnight Monday-Friday, 4pm-midnight Saturday- Sunday.

Willamette Week

Penelope Bass

Penelope Bass is a Portland-based editor and freelance writer specializing in food, booze, art and culture. Currently she is drinking professionally on behalf of Imbibe magazine where she is the senior editor.

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

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