Swift Lounge
1932 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232Phone: () .
Located in: Northeast Portland
BarFly's Review of Swift Lounge
Anyone who watched the long, slow gutting of the once-landmark Colosso by its clueless, near-malevolent final owner—the down-marketed drinks, the downgraded chef, the watered olive oil, the near-unanimous flight of one of the best barstaffs in Portland—will rejoice to know it’s been recently sold, bought, and remixed into a dimly lit, date-ready, sparely cocktail-loungey nouveau-American joint with a fully stocked late-night menu.
The hulking, once-surly bar manager remains, but seems in markedly better spirits. The food is ambitious upscale barfare, generally well-conceived if still working out some kinks—the kim-chi is reportedly uneven, the burgers a bit much for their buns (in certain light, also a recommendation)—though there is much reason for optimism.
We question the ‘80s-hair-salon-style deco pop-star prints currently adorning the walls, but must admit: Bjork and Willie Nelson have two of the most forgiving faces we know. And after about 11 pm, forgiveness is certainly what we need.
| Swift Lounge's Happy Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Tuesday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Wednesday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Thursday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Friday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Saturday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
| Sunday | $3 wells, $3 Micros, $2 doms, $7+ menu 4-7pm |
I was unsure about the swift my first time. I decided to give it another chance and after a few more visits, I quickly became addicted to the comfort food menu, especially the pork, brussel sprouts, and smashed potatoes. Talking with the owner and staff has made it one of my favorite spots to visit late-night. Thank you Swift for the great food, cocktails and conversations!
I missed Colosso's tasty specialty mixed drinks and finally stopped into Swift for a drink. Sadly, the drinks were so-so. They were specialty cocktails from the menu for $8 and $9, but really should have gone for about $4 or $5 in a much cheaper bar. It was simply the mixing. I appreciated that the bar tender confessed that he hadn't yet been shown how to mix a some of the drinks on the menu and steered us towards the ones he got good feedback on, but it of course smacked of a work (and bar) in progress. I'll probably give it one more chance, but that's it. Happy hour is only $1 off some drinks, so nothing special.
I went in for a drink but was impressed with the quality of food. This is a lounge for people who love strong drinks and quality dining. Kitchen open and full menu until 2 AM. Loved it!
A lot better than Colosso. Service is fast and friendly, the food and nibblies menu is tasty and reasonably priced and the drinks are strong.
The fondue is creamy and comes with bread and fruit. The antipasto plate has nice selection of pickled veggies, tempura zucchini, and salami. The grilled voodoo donut for dessert is topped with vanilla icecream and burnt caramel sauce. YUM!
