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The 15 Best Jazz Clubs in Portland That I Recommend to Real Aficionados

| Last Updated: October 2024

There are two things I can’t live without: a good cocktail and great music. But sometimes, the party animal in me isn’t wild enough to wrestle a packed crowd – let alone a drunk one! 

Tired of always having someone scream “party people!” in my ear, I decided to give jazz clubs a shot some years ago. The talent was mind-blowing, the drinks hit all the right spots, and the other patrons were as tasteful as they were groovy.

Since then, I’ve come to mostly prefer jazz or blues clubs. The thought of going to other clubs rarely crosses my mind nowadays. 

If you’re like me, I can help you out with my list of the best places for a jazz night here in our city. Take a look at some of my favorites – a list made from years of nights out!

Rialto Pool & Poker Room

Website: https://www.rialtopoolroom.com/ 
Address: 529 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Contact details: +1 503-228-7605
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 AM
Price: $$

Ask any local and they’ll say Rialto is the best place for billiards and TV sports. But what a lot may not know is that this beloved pool spot is also a great place for jazz music.

However, the jazz vibes here are actually quite different from what you often expect. Because the area is buzzing with so many activities, it definitely doesn’t feel as intimate as a regular jazz experience. That doesn’t mean it’s any less fun though!

The venue is huge and even then, it can still feel a bit crowded. Jazz lives typically take place in their basement, where it feels a little bit calmer than the rowdy guests upstairs.

Important tip to keep in mind though: Rialto is actually located in a somewhat, er, “sketchy area”. Best to go with a friend or two. That said, security here was actually amazing – and if it helps, the female bartenders kept me comfortable and relaxed the entire night!

Corkscrew Wine Bar

Website: https://www.corkscrewpdx.com/ 
Address:1665 SE Bybee Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Sunday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$

Whenever I want peace from my daily grind, Corkscrew Wine Bar is my usual spot. Apart from its rustic feel, the place has this small nook that’s perfect whenever I want some privacy.

And if I ever want to chill down comfortably, the upstairs has tables and couches to relax. On top of that, every staff member I’ve ever encountered here was nice and always up for a chat about wines. In fact, my wine knowledge actually started here!

During live music nights, the place is absolutely perfect for dates. But on usual, non-busy days, it’s peaceful enough to be a study location. 

The best part is that whether you’re a newbie wino or a niche drinker, there’s always something in their rotating collection. The snacks are delicious and can keep you busy – though I personally love the sushi bar next to it more!

The 1905

Website: https://www.the1905jazz.club/ 
Address: 830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227, United States
Contact details: +1 971-232-0105
Operating hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$

The 1905 is just unmatched when it comes to live music. The stage and atmosphere are focused on the music, with a lineup of talent that’ll make you forget about your food.

Speaking of, this place has my favorite pizza by the slice – but that’s what most of the patrons here usually order. If you’re down to try something new, the Mushroom Pasta dish is delicious, although the portions may leave you hungry for more.

As for drinks, one of my personal faves was the tomato basil cocktail. But whenever I don’t want alcohol in my system, I just go for their signature spritz (trust me – it’s still a banger!).

Wilf’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar at Union Station

Website: https://wilfsrestaurant.com/ 
Address: 800 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-223-0070 
Operating hours:

  • Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Price: $$ 

When you come to a place for the first time, sometimes it takes you by surprise. That’s exactly what I experienced at Wilf’s, when I came in and saw period decor, tuck & roll upholstery, and vibrant leather seats on the booths.

It’s super chic and stylish, but I loved the old-school jazz performance they usually host. Came here for a Wednesday night vocal jam and had a great time discovering local singers (most of whom reminded me of a 1950s supper club). 

Their selection of wine and signature cocktails was okay (I’ve yet to find something remarkable enough to be a fave). But I did really like their lamb shank and their onion soup was just a fantastic appetizer. Bonus tip – the cobbler with a scoop of ice cream was out of this world!

The Jack London Revue

Website: https://www.jacklondonrevue.com/ 
Address: 529 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Contact details: +1 866-777-8932
Operating hours: Thursday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: $

The Jack London Revue has slowly become one of my favorite jazz venues ever. The place is perfect for a medium-sized spot and the atmosphere is simply cozy and intimate. For about a couple months now, I’ve seen many fantastic local and touring artists at this place. 

Just a heads-up: you may want to get reserved seating! I remember buying general admission tickets and I had a hard time seeing the performance clearly. Thankfully, the place rarely feels packed, so at least it’s still comfortable.

If you want a change-up from the jazz sounds, there are plenty of pool tables as well as various bar-side activities upstairs. And if you’re hungry, I personally recommend getting the gluten-free carnitas fried rice – it’s cheap and delicious!

Blue Diamond Bar & Grill

Media by: mpestalozzi

Website: https://www.bluediamondpdx.net/ 
Address: 2016 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, United States
Contact details: +1 503-230-9590
Operating hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Sunday: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $

Great value for money is the best way to describe Blue Diamond Bar & Grill. While the place is small, it doesn’t feel crowded; in fact, the setting heightens the mood more, and I’ve never had to crawl against other guests.

Just to give you an idea, I often sit close to the entrance here so I’m quite far from the stage. But my views are still perfect. Plus, the sound system was absolutely amazing as the sounds were unexpectedly vibrant despite the casual chatter.

As for food, you get the typical bar food snacks (I do like their burger, chicken strips, and cheesecake!). I wish the drink options were more unique, but I really can’t complain with their affordable prices.

Jo Bar & Rotisserie

Website: https://www.papahaydn.com/pages/jo-bar 
Address: 715 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-222-0048
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$

For great food, you can’t go wrong with Jo Bar & Rotisserie. Personally, the prawn risotto and burger is a great choice and you can even make it better with lemon chiffon cake and mint tuxedo (that’s for dessert!).

My other favorite thing here is the happy hour. They have a solid selection from their $5 Draught Beer to their $8 House White or Red Wine. Pair any of their cocktails with a Cuban slider or a side salad and you’re pretty much full.

Live Jazz nights here take place every Wednesday and Sunday with many new artists to look forward to. If they had any more jazz nights, I would’ve been here all week!

Mock Crest Tavern

Media by: miragemonk

Website: https://www.mockcrest.com/ 
Address: 3435 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217, United States
Contact details: +1 503-283-5014
Operating hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM 

Price: $$

Mock Crest Tavern is the perfect place to catch local acts playing jazz and blues today. You can expect that typical warm atmosphere – cozy, soothing lights, and very friendly staff. 

The venue is definitely old-school Portland to the core – a small dive known for big pours of booze and casual activities. It’s normally filled with regulars who enjoy typical bar food and amazing cocktails.

If smoking is your thing, it’s best to do your business on the outdoor patio where the other smokers are. But if you prefer the live music inside, a daytime sandwich and beer is enough to keep you satisfied.

Olive Or Twist

Website: https://www.oliveortwistmartinibar.com/ 
Address: 925 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Contact details: +1 503-546-2900
Operating hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$

This elegant cocktail lounge is perfect for date nights when the atmosphere is chill and the area is dimly lit. Of course, there’s jazz music softly playing in the background, which takes the experience up a notch.

Personally, I come here for the hazelnut chocolate martini, but the marionberry cosmopolitan is also a great alternative.  If you want a bit of spice though, their Peruvian is quite popular (pair it with mushroom risotto and you’re basically set!). 

Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar

Website: https://www.clydesprimerib.com/ 
Address: 5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-281-9200 
Operating hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Price: $$

Walk into Clyde’s and you’ll immediately see its gorgeous old-school steak house dining room. The atmosphere alone is very warm and inviting, which is why it’s not surprising to see locals come here for everyday live music. 

For my fellow jazz lovers out there, Ron Steen Jazz Jam usually fills in for a wonderful show. The stage is usually on every Saturday night, where a rotation of local acts perform every week (apart from jazz, you can also expect R&B, blues, and funk music).

As for the food, everything is a great value for money. A prime rib dinner with a cocktail and dessert will only set you back around $60. The pot de creme is an absolute must-try for sweets, while their juicy tenderloin is fantastic for the main course. 

Teutonic

Website: https://teutonicwines.com/ 
Address: 3303 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Contact details: +1 503-235-5053
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Price: $$

Two nights a week, Teutonic hosts local ensembles for jazz performances. Their Mainline jazz series typically features local favorites on relaxed sets, perfect for the intimate atmosphere in their barrel-lined wine-tasting room. 

Speaking of wine, I don’t think any place in the city can beat Teutonic with its collection. Nothing on their shelf is crazy expensive and of course, everything is as delicious as the owner describes it (I highly recommend their German-style local wines!).

If you do like sweet-tasting wine, the Silvaner and Pinot Gris are a good choice. For those who want to stay on the safe side, their signature ​​Alsatian white wines are just as phenomenal. 

EaT: An Oyster Bar

Website: https://www.eatoysterbar.com/ 
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave #122, Portland, OR 97227, United States
Contact details: +1 503-281-1222 
Operating hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$

If you want that Orleans-style Sunday jazz brunch, look no further than EaT. Nothing beats live jazz on a Sunday morning, especially if you can actually make your own Bloody Mary while you’re at it!

Another great option is their Rex and Candy drink, which a lot of patrons often rave about. If you’re feeling a bit brave, pair it with some frog legs – it’s actually really juicy and delicious!

And although I’m not really a big oyster fan, I do love their oysters here. I think there’s just something about the vinegar-shallot sauce that enhances the taste – plus the affordable prices just make anything taste better! 

Laurelthirst Public House

Website: https://laurelthirst.com/ 
Address: 2958 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-232-1504 
Price: $

One of the things I love about Laurelthirst is that it feels like your humble neighborhood pub. It’s small, so it can get crowded during the busy hours, but that alone is what makes listening to live music here much more memorable.

Actually, you’ll be surprised to know that a lot of local musicians started here first before selling out bigger clubs. Depending on the schedule, you’ll either see different up-and-comers or various established local acts.

While the cocktails are amazing, I think you’ll actually love the crowd even more (especially if you prefer that quiet, jazz and blues vibe). In general, the patrons here are older, so your white noise is basically just chatter among good friends. 

McMenamins Al’s Den 

Website: https://www.mcmenamins.com/ 
Address: 303 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-972-2670
Operating hours:

  • Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Price: $$

Imagine going back to the 60s into a small village in Greenwich and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get in McMenamins. Compared to most jazz venues, this place is more upscale, so if you want something fancy, then this spot is your best bet.

On top of that, you also get menu items that you don’t usually see in other pubs. But if I want something more downright delicious, I would actually just go elsewhere (the duck fat popcorn was really good though!).

What I like here is the full-service bar at the bottom of the staircase. The drinks menu changes but not too frequently which is just my type – I recommend their Butterfly Effect. Parking can be a challenge but it’s Portland so you have to be creative!

Teardrop Lounge

Website: https://www.teardroplounge.com/ 
Address: 1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States 
Contact details: +1 503-445-8109
Operating hours: Thursday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM  | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: S$$

If you’re particular with your cocktails, I think you’ll love Teardrop Lounge. Their cocktail menu includes this glossary of ingredients that gives you an idea of what each drink will taste like (also a fantastic crash course with a barista if you’re new).

Other than exotic cocktails, the food here is amazing. I personally recommend going for the lamb lollipops and the green goddess salad. The menu rotates quarterly by the way, so there’s always something new to look out for. 

It’s an old-fashioned club with great music playing softly in the background. Good for you if you like small, intimate spots.

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