This place sounds very interesting, BUT-No matter how great the venue is otherwise, I won't poison myself with smoke-just can't breathe. I feel sorry for the staff and band!

Can't wait till this state goes smoke free in January. Look forward to checking out this and many other (now smoke-filled) places then.

Cozy little neighborhood pub-- reminds me of my favorite midwestern dives. The 70s wood and stone decor are a rarity these days, and a great break from the studied, kitsch chic of many other places (ahem....Bye and Bye). Drinks were strong and cheap-- I wobbled home up Denver on by bike knowing I had a great new hangout up north. Oh, and the shows are sometimes very good.

I would sure love this bar more if it wasn't so smoky, I went in the winter time so the awesome patio wasn't an option. Lots of people watching here, good drinks too! I didn't try the food. St. Bruno might need to go back and give it another chance, the new owners are lovely and have done a swell job attracting local talent.

I have heard of this place for years but never had the chance to check it out until lately. Simple understated atmosphere but friendly staff and friendly customers. I consider it my Space Room of NoPo, being that I generally hit the Taborhood triangle area though when I visit NoPo This is my new favorite little spot. Drinks are priced well and the food is a better bar food level and freakishly cheap. I personally like the games they got. i.e. Buck Hunter Safari, Shrek & Spiderman Pinball and this really funky retro Bowling game. I played 4 games on their pool table and though some people like them excluding me, they have one of them smaller bar pool tables for some reason the smaller 3x7 ish tables make me feel like I am a giant, anyway lots of parking in back with my favorite thing to see in a bar is a video camera on the parking lot that you can seethe parking lot from inside the bar.

I will disclaim right away that I am a friend of the new owners. That's right- new owners as of fall 06. The clientele is varied, the atmosphere smoky, but I was there before the change and have been back since, and things are steadily getting better. Now there is a nice patio area in the summer, the bands are actually trying, and the drinks are still cheap. Sure, it's not a swanky downtown joint, but it's a stiff drink, good atmosphere, and no hassle. Give it a try.

Aly Star, You must be one of those local idiots I was refering to.

Firstly, I think St. Bruno is a turd for writing a negative review of an establishment he's not set foot in for several years. Secondly, and more germain to the point, I think the Kenton Club is an awesome example of what's good about Old Portland merging with New Portland. The Kenton is a bar that hasn't been remodeled or lost it's 'roots' and 'feel', but rather embraces what it is and those whom might feel comfortable there, and because of that, has made the best of both worlds. If the Kenton Club was in SE (or on wheels!), it'd be my second home, especially as the Kenton (or rather Michael Sean Cummins) has done a diligent job at cycling interesting and quality bands through the bar, while at the same time, allowing new bands to prove their merit. As a music booker and promoter, I can say that Kenton is a great place to play, and Michael and staff are succeeding at making it a home to the Roots Music scene. Congrats to Kenton.

Have not been there in a few years, what I remember is not good. The owner was drunk the patrons were local idiots and the entertainment was a one-man-band.

Had my best time yet in Portland at the Kenton Club tonite.

Michael Cummins was the gracious host for an eclectic mix of music, beatboxing and comedy.

Bud in the bottle (No hatin people) was 2 bux and there are a lotta tables with overcushioned seats for us 'older' folks. The crowd was a nice mix mostly 20's-30's. Everyone was very supportive of the acts.

If you like the follow-the-bouncing-ball folkfest many open mics are, please don't come here. I'd like to see the freaks and non-mainstreamers come do their thing.

Here was tonite's rundown: ("Guitar & vocals" covers Many musical styles. No two performers were alike)

Michael Cummins- Host, guitar & vocals Lues Bros- Guitar & vocals Jason Schummer-Guitar with Heather on vocals Notorious Kelly-Irreverent Comedy Zac & Amanda-Guitar & vocals Larry-Guitar & funny vocals Xbox- Beatboxing (some amazing stuff) Ivy-Guitar & vocals Shane-Guitar,vocals,rapping featuring Xbox & dancing with a drunken local (He was the highlight of the night to me) Davis(vocals, lead & bass) & Company: Shawn on lead & bass, George on drums Featuring Fred on vocals for some Blues . They got the whole room dancing.

I'll be back next Wednesday at 9 for more.