Saucebox
214 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97205Phone: (503) 241.3393
Located in: Downtown Portland - Visit Website
BarFly's Review of Saucebox
An early vanguard of Portland nightlife - our first ever bar, it’s said, to attempt informal dress codes - Saucebox shifted focus to fine dining years ago, the upstairs pool table falling to table space, but national attention (NYT, Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure) concentrates less upon the excellent pan-Asian offerings than bravura mixology
The daunting cocktail list draws its share of Trixies, of course, and the men that could afford them, but, a decade on, the entire enterprise maintains such an effortlessly chic allure one hardly notices. Tasteful house DJ’s, approachable fusion cuisine, minimalist candle-lit interiors both sleek and comfortable - stylishness need not be threatening (Wed-Sat @ 10pm, no cover).
Open till 2am Tues-Sat, (dark Sun/Mon).
Wednesdays: Beat Initiative w/DJs Rafa & Flutterby.
Thursdays: Techno Sol W/ DJ Suppoz.
Fridays: All Things Considered w/ Mr. Mumu & Guests. Saturdays: Allumé w/ Mr. Mumu.
| Saucebox's Happy Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
| Tuesday | $1-5 menu, $2 draft, $5 select cocktails, 4:30-6:30pm |
| Wednesday | $1-5 menu, $2 draft, $5 select cocktails, 4:30-6:30pm |
| Thursday | $1-5 menu, $2 draft, $5 select cocktails, 4:30-6:30pm |
| Friday | $1-5 menu, $2 draft, $5 select cocktails, 4:30-6:30pm |
| Saturday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
| Sunday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
Ace Cleaners at Ace Hotel, Bailey's Taproom, Benson Hotel, Blitz Pearl, Bo Restobar, Boxxes, Brasserie Montmartre, Brig, Bush Garden, Cabaret Lounge, Candy, Cascade Cigar and Wine, Casey's Nightclub & Lounge, Club Rouge, Couture Ultra Lounge, Davis Street Tavern, East Chinatown Lounge, El Gaucho, Embers, Gilt Club, Ground Kontrol, Huber's, Invasion Cafe, Jimmy Mak's, Kelly's Olympian, Kenny & Zukes, Kincaid's Fish Chop and Steak House, Life of Riley Tavern, Living Room Theater, Magic Gardens, Mary's Club, Mother's, Pasha, Pazzo, Portland City Grill, Red Cap Garage, Red Star Tavern, Republic, Rialto, Rocco's Bar, Rocco's Pizza, Roseland, Satyricon, Silver Dollar Pizza II, Silverado, Someday Lounge, Sweet Masterpiece, Teardrop Lounge, ten 01, The Crown Room, The Original, TRUST ...a lounge, Tugboat Brewing Company, Velvet
OK -the beverages aren't cheap mostly because they write a novel about all the things they've done to the alcohol before they power muddle it. But I enjoy popping in for an infused yada-yada to marvel at the people parade, especially when the quirky DJ shows up. I do miss the less fancy days when it made sense to have more than one here, but if you want to watch a flock of chicks wanting to rip the fake eyelashes off each other because they are all carrying the same obscenely priced handbag, then think of it as a drink and a show.
I have been going to this place for Years and every-time I leave saying ' why don't i get over here more often?" It Rocks. Great, creative,delicious food, lovely staff. Not your father's olsmobile restaurant. Unique and fun. GIve it a try.
Visited on a Saturday night, place was jammin with all types of peeps. Many in costumes due to Halloween. Seating was tight. Food was more that good, B+. Korean ribs kicked butt, flat iron steak was even better. Sake, beer, and good looking women with me made it all happen right. Dessert was excellent, not sure of the name of it, had coconut sorbe' and vodka....whoa!
my boyfriend took me here for my birthday on recommendation from a friend. The food was pretty expensive and very small portions. We sat upstairs and the waitstaff stood and stared at us 1/2 the time.
At least one of the postive reviews on here is bogus (i.e. written by an employee). This place sucks so bad the glowing reviews make NO SENSE.
My wife and I ate there on the urging of one of her friends. I thought the atmosphere was probably one of the lamest most contrived ones I've ever encountered. The food was moderate in taste and appeal. The most striking thing about the whole experience was how much money we spent for such a lackluster and dull meal. Probably one of the worst restaurants for the money that I've been to here in Portland. Stay away if you want good food for your money, or go if you want to pretend like you're some urban socialite that needs a restaurant to define you "as a person."
At the time of writing this I'd been there about three times. The person who wrote "New York calling" had it right. "There is no way to approach strangers of either sex to strike up a conversation." One reason is the acoustics are shitty and the DJ plays loud, LOUD music, so its like sitting inside the engine compartment of a big rig truck. Why the hell does this place have a dance DJ? There's no dance floor. Bad service, too. I stood at the bar about 9 minutes once before a bartender acknowledged that I was even there. It happened a second time on another occasion, too. OVERPRICED.
Great place to get a drink. Food specials are a nice mix and always taste great. Wonderful place to start out the night.
Yes, pretentious as hell, but that's the draw... Portlanders who have an appettite for overpriced drinks, stuffy downtempo vibrations (are we looking at art later?), and California-chic eats come here. There is no way to approach strangers of either sex to strike up a conversation. The place just screams "Ego's for sale!"
If you're down with quiet evenings out, sippin' martini's and talking about work or past party days with friends, this is for you. It is a bar, NOT a club BTW... and should never be considered as such.
This place has a kick azz drink called the mirroball...def a must hav when u come here. Service was great... Small portions of food which where kind od pricy. I spent $20 on apetizers just for myself because I was still hungry. But I would def go there again. I give it a top 10 of my fav places in PDX.
I hereby nominate Saucebox the best bar to watch someone get his ass kicked. While there are plenty of bars where fights happen regularly, it is even better in places where you least expect it.
I saw some obnoxious ass get the smack down handed to him with a foofoo drink.
Considering Saucebox's pretentious atmosphere I live for those moments.