Commodore
1601 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97205Phone: (503) 224.0051
Located in: Downtown Portland & near Northwest Portland
BarFly's Review of Commodore
A few years ago, as wave after wave of post-collegiate bohemians trailing romanticized dissipation and familial means swamped Portland, it seemed fated that every dive swaggering distance from west Burnside would be colonized, gentrified and inevitably recast and refashioned - for all the Bukowski fascinations, impolite pissheads actually frighten, dank interiors actually depress, and, hey, the gf wanted Lambic on tap - but, somehow, even as the Matador and Marathon fell to hipsterdom and slumming suburbanites, the Commodore endures.
The recent renovation helped, of course, as every element deemably vintage or intriguing was rendered sterile and featureless. It’s a dive bar, truly - great jukebox, disused pool room, workmanlike menu that ends early, friendly but hardly welcoming staff, aging regulars that keep to themselves. It’s a means by which folks that drink maintain their drunk with minimal distractions. Offices should be sterile.
$3.25 well regularly. Open 7am-2:30am everyday (and open on Thanksgiving)
Bitter End, Cassidy's, Cheerful Bullpen, Crystal Ballroom, Driftwood Room, Lola's Room, Marathon Taverna, Matador, Ringler's Pub, Scooter McQuade's, Tony's Old Time Tavern
The Commy used to be a great place to drink. Unfortunately, it has changed and isn't what it used to be. The bartender's are awesome people with the exception of the short grumpy lady. The night bartender's are stellar to give credit where it is due. Food is non existant, which is puzzling considering it is required by olcc. I would prefer Matador, Kingston, or Tony's Tavern if I find myself in that hood.
It's a great place to meet up with a group of friends. There usually room for everyone to sit together, the jukebox is great, the drinks are stiff and the place just feels comfortable! Some call it a dive, others call it a local hideout, personally I just like the fact that anytime I go in there I feel comfortable and have a good time!
I LOVE the Commodore. I wouldn't classify it as a dive any more. Best bartenders in town. Jazz in particular. Good spot for a secret hideout.
This place is great!!! Not fancy but a ton of fun with good folks and they know how to pour a drink!!!!
timbers rock! this bar is the mainstay true "dive" bar. dont expect to look out the window when drinking in here. or even knowing what time of day it is. stiff drinks. bartenders are nice. they make a mean spanish coffee. if your looking for a lowkey place to drown you sorrows in booze go here.
Commodore is a fine place for a late-nite taste. Went there a couple times after Timbers games this summer, looking for a lowkey type deal instead of the rowdy rah-rah stuff.
Stiff drinks, check. Friendly bartender, check. Proximity to buses back across town, check. Glad I found another comfy downtown(ish) dive.
Dennis has passed away, and we miss him terribly. However, the commodore still has a fucking awesome jukebox, the drinks are almost TOO stiff, and there's pool. Good for when you really want to drink, not a good place to see and be seen.
