Not my favourit place in SE but you cant beat $1.00 PBR on a sunday and good food, and I always love seeing the cute 6 foot something bartenders smile..... I hope he's single cause I slipped him my number with my tab......

I really liked this place, until I saw the bouncer throw a drink in a woman's face last night. Didn't look terribly provoked, either.

After closing for what seemed, to me at least, an eternity, they are open again after a remodel. The greatest thing about the remodel?? They didn't change a thing, just gave a place a bit of a post smoking ban spruce up. The food keeps getting better and better, and the whole staff is really welcoming and a big reason this place is what it is. I have never left Night Light unhappy, hungry, or sober (good thing I live within stumbling distance). I think this spot is not only under estimated as one of the best bars in town, but also as one of the best restaurants in town.

I was a regular's regular at the Nightlight when I lived in the neighborhood and I spent untold amounts of money there on happy hour four or five nights a week. The drinks were strong, the food was good and cheap, and the service was great. I recently visited a couple of times after about a year away and while the drinks and food were still good, the service was just terrible on both visits. The second time I waited 35 minutes for acknowledgment from the server and then another 20 minutes for my first drink. They were very busy, granted, but perhaps they should staff appropriately rather than leaving two people to grapple with thirty thirsty tables. I'm sad to see my old haunt go down the tubes but I probably won't be back.

When it first opened it had a great Portland vibe. Now it's crammed-full of yuppies trying to dress like hipsters. Where are all these people coming from? Beaverton? California? The mall?

Great menu, service hit/miss but come on other reviewers, it's a bar. Quick service, got to a 5 star bar w/ a doorman, if staff are busy, they're busy... the way bars go.

Pour a strong drink and there is a smoking/non smoking section till I believe 10pm, then can pollute all over. ha ha

All over, good place. Oh and per another review, I wouldn't call this place "trendy". Maybe alternative trendy, but Beaverton is a much different style than here... everytime I go in it seems the crowd is diverse.

I lived next door to the Nightlight for nearly two years. I HAD to go because it was my local bar. However, I did not like it. The service was generally terrible. When the server comes around to replenish your guest's drink and there is like two sips worth left in yours, you'd think they might ask if you'd like another too. I mean it's not our freaking job as CUSTOMERS, you fools, to stay attentive to when the server comes around so we can make sure and spend OUR HARD EARNED money in your establishment. As someone earlier mentioned, I have also had the terrible experience of waiting forever to get my food. And then the next day it shows up in like two minutes. I get when you are busy, I work in the industry too, but tell the freaking customer when you are slammed and it's going to be forever.

But mostly I got the vibe that since I am not a hipster....nor a bi-sexual female, my kind is really not desired there, thus I best stay away because when I do come in, I'm going to get treated like garbage. I am so glad I've moved from the neighrborhood. I will never make a trip over to SE to frequent the Nightlight. BYE BYE.....

I've gone through phases going here all the time cause it's walking distance from my house and I eat a lot of meals at happy hours. I go for the food, not the drink. The food's generally pretty good, but the service is so incredibly inconsistent, I've been turned off for months at a time from going back. I've been there many many times when there are barely any people there, I order food, wait 20 or 30 minutes, ask about it, wait another 20 minutes, etc, just for a salad or quesadillas. The wait staff very kindly tell me it's just busy, but I look around and the place is empty, so . . . . more than once I've just asked for my check and left after waiting nearly an hour for my food. My last two visits I had this experience and I haven't been back for months now.

Also, kill the smoking. Smoke sucks.

Best bargain cheese plate, happy hour of course, in town. Made from scratch soups are excellent (curried cauliflower last time). Took me a few times to get into it, but overall a fan of the Nightlight. Inconsistent service made up for easily with niceties.

Go back to Beaverton.

This place has been my hangout for the past couple of years. The bartending staff are incredible, the food is great, and I really like the changing artwork. They have been trying to be more accomodating to non-smokers by pushing the smoking time further back, which is a drag for me, but we smokers still have the backroom to destroy our bodies. I hate the Thursday night bridge and tunnel crowd as well, so skip it. I can't wait til the weather starts cooperating and can sit out on the patio again. Interesting place to meet people.

i live nearby and don't go there often - this is why: #1 - This is one of the smokiest bars in town. Seriously. (but usually only later and on weekends) #2 - I hate the Thursday night scene. Where did these people come from?

Some things that would make this place amazing: #1 - No smoking - there is a great patio outside and a nice front area to kill yerself comfortably. #2 - make the backroom more chill. It is soooo close, but uncomfortable and sterile feeling. seems like an afterthought compared to the bar room (an afterthought that collects all the smoke from the whole building and kills you!) #3 - Turn down the music on thursdays! Even though the crowd was lame, the music was great and loud and fun until some idiot had the idea that bloody ears would be a good idea to give the crowd as something to remember them by. OOUCH!

Somethings that make me still go there: #1 - I like the varied menu - a little something for everyone and not too steep and trying to be all chi-chi nor a greezey pit. #2 - The pour a good drink. I don't go to get pissed, I go out to have fun and be social. I'd rather have three amazing drinks and skip home or meet some great people than have three stiff drinks, not know what hit me and leave with some morning-after regret an hour after getting to the bar. #3 - I like the staff - like the menu they are varied and all capable. #4 - I love to be able to sit outside (patio or sidewalk!) #5 - the main-room atmosphere is nice (the pool table and the best in the NW music machine help too)

Been here 3 times now, had friends in town from london and was at a loss where to take them in portland, this place was the nearest thing to a bar back home. It's got a great atmosphere, talented and attentive bar staff, and a great selection of healthy food. Perfect.

They weren't kiddin' about the "easy on the eyes" staff. Me loves the boys with glasses.

I live nearby and always thought the place looked cool. Neat decor and atmosphere. I finally went there for a friend;s birthday. My sapphire and tonic was way weak. Can I get some gin with my tonic? I was really disappointed. I didn't even get a hint of a buzz, and I'm a lightweight. Not going back.

Love it! Great drinks...wines especially. The back room is fabulous. I wish it was a little quieter in the back though.

The whole staff here is on the top teir of bartending/waiting. Great atmosphere and good music as well. Definitely one of my favorite bars/lounges in Portland.

I meet friends here after work on my bike, sit outside and order a big plate of nachos (or a portabello sandwich . . . ) and a gin'n'tonic (or sometimes a beer). The staff are really nice, the food is good and really cheap during happy hour. There are a lot of drink choices available. I always leave by 8:00, though, when the smoking starts. Poo.

Went there twice so far. First night it was alright. Second time I went, it was on a Tuesday and I had the pleasant suprise of what my roommate called "Laptop Night." I shoulda found out the name of the folks making the music, but it was very nice.