Alu is under new ownership, apparently as of about 6 weeks ago. I had gone in once before and was underwhelmed but now I love it!! Really great service, delicious wine and food, awesome atmosphere. The owner came out and talked biodynamic wines with us, I learned a lot. Clearly they are very passionate about food and wine - while I don't consider myself any type of foodie, their enthusiasm was infectious. Awesome patio.

Thanks for the support. Alu isn't gone for long. Reopening shortly! Hang in there.

Damn, Alu was so cool...bad food, ok service, but good wine and a CUTE place...of course, it wasn't grungy enough for Portland so it failed. Sucks, because this place was SO nice. PDX sucks ass...if this bar was in Seattle or San Fran, it would be a money maker.

Bummer, and I'm surprised it failed. The space is available as a turn-key operation, so if you've got $475K burning a hole in your pocket, go for it.

Smoking is most definitely allowed on the patio!

I went into Alu (the bartender said it is so named because of the siding) last week with my girlfriend because I had heard they had a really nice patio. There was a really great musician playing guitar, tiki torches were burning, and the lighting made everything look great. The wine list reasonably priced but I started with an imported beer that I really can't pronounce. They have a pretty good sized menu, and I tried the lamb skewer which my girlfriend ordered a game hen. The presentation was nice, and the food was really tasty. The server suggested a wine flight, which we both did. We finished with one order of creme brulet that was too big for both of us!

We will definitely be back!

Alu -- short for "aluminum," after the exterior siding, I learned -- is just what the Northeast neighborhood needs to pull itself up by the bootstraps and join the rest of hip, eclectic Portland.

I first stopped in on Valentine's Day, after I found it tucked in the shadows. It's across the street from what used to be Billy Reed's (I don't know what Billy Reed's is called now, I went in once last year and it was so crappy that I immediately left). ANYWAY, I was spending Valentine's Day alone and went to Alu on the recommendation of a friend. I was nervous that such a small place would be full of "the cool kids" who all knew each other and the owner, and I would stick out like a sore (and depressingly single) thumb.

Such was not the case! Alu was busy, but not crowded, comfortably arranged with four or five tables and a nook with couch and chairs. The lighting was dim...but not like I'd entered some creepy gothic hangout or a sleazy bar where perverts lurk in the corners. It was cozy, a place where you could sink into an oversized chair, order an obscure German beer, and peruse the most recent New Yorker. And that's exactly what I did!

I eventually relocated to a barstool after a group of women came in, requiring more space than my single body occupied. The manager was behind the bar, genuinely chatty and friendly without making me feel like he just wanted me to order food. I did order food, though, a something-or-other ravioli that was, in my mixed German language, uber-yummy! I couldn't pronounce it, but no one laughed at me when I tried.

By the end of my visit, the owner had stopped in, and I even ran into two people from high school (which was a long time ago in a town far, far, away). It was a great night! I've been back four or five times, with consistent results. Do yourself a favor and order the German apple strudel, and ask the bartender about a complimentary wine. You'll be glad you did!

I tried Alu (a newly opened winebar and lounge) for the first time last weekend and it was exactly what I had imagined—a tucked away treasure chest full of style, warmth, and sexiness!!! You enter through a garage-like door and up a flight of stairs to the main level. The place is small but quaint and very detailed. You can’t help but look around and notice the thought and craftsmanship put into the place, everything from the floating fireplace to the hand-plated gold leaf ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers, giant wall mirrors, floor to ceiling deep red curtains and velvety antique sofas and you’ll find it hard to want to leave! Tons of wine and beer to choose from, mixed drinks too. Several small plates on the menu--I tried the Käsespätzle and cold cuts, both very delicious! I can’t wait to try the crème brûlée! The waitstaff, bartender, and the chef who happened to be out, are all extremely friendly and welcoming! The music is great. The ambiance of this place couldn’t be more perfect!

Alu has fabulous: 1. Atmosphere 2. Food 3. Drinks 4. Music 5. Service

Such a great experience, the interior design of the place is gorgeous, romantic, candle list and lovely. A super great date place, or just a great place to gather the girls, or for men to get grab drinks. They have alcohol and liquor from all around the world-making their bar stand out from others. Tho food is a bit pricey, trust me, it's worth it for all you get. The chef makes your food right when you put your order in- nothing is pre-made! Thank goodness. Go try it.