BarFly's Review of Aalto Lounge
Named after the Finnish architect (and, if that wasn't apparent, best try your luck across the street), The Aalto's modernist wonderland's scattered with patrons as attractive and urbane as you'll find this far south of the river ' til you hit Berkeley, really. Any given evening, unadorned young lovelies thumb through an enviable wine list 'round the smallish bar, well-put-together decadents discuss early morning plans in the smoking room 'largish and eternally unfinished and redolent of nightclub green rooms and a succession of ever-more-stylish couples stroll back and forth, delighting in the stares. DJs after 10, including the occasional celebrity interloper; Malkmus spun last Easter Sunday for a handful of celebrants straining not to notice. 5-7 everyday $1 off wells & drafts, food menu.
Happy Hours
- Monday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Tuesday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Wednesday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Thursday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Friday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Saturday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
- Sunday - 5-7pm $1 off wells & drafts, food menu
But frankly, this place annoys me. I've tried to enjoy myself there a number of times, since I've got friends who go there often, but I like a dark place and intimate conversation. Instead it's like you have to try hard to justify your existence. No thanks.
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Love it. Watch out--they know how to pour a drink. There's plenty of room for smokers and non-smokers alike. The back patio is great--most don't even realize its there. And the owner is a really good guy, so it will be money well-spent, in so many ways.
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Really really good drinks, I got the Belmont lime drop or something on my b-day and it was fab. Uncrowded, we usually stop in there well before getting beligerent at a more rowdy spot.
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I love Aalto Lounge, you never know what you're going to get when you go to this place. Sometimes the service is just non-existant, yet the bar staff is (usually) so friendly regardless, that we love going there at least once a month. The hot crazy bartender (male) thats not there anymore who used to call himself Daddy or something and play bad music, has been replaced by two new hot (male)bartenders that are really nice and the two women that tend the bar are very stylish and extremely friendly. It goes from this discreet, quiet intellectual date-bar to insane circus after 11pm on the weekends. Truly a gem of the Portland Bar scene, even when the service is slow. I think they've figured out their menu, it changes alot, bu the meat and cheese plates are good. Great place to start a night out on the town.
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There is a tall, dark and handsome, HOT bartender (male)...ladies, it's not to miss! Plus the small plates of food and drinks are fantastic. They have a fairly extensive wine selection, and everything is reasonably priced. The patio out back rocks in the summertime, as well.
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