Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder
128 NE Russell St. Portland, OR 97212Phone: (503) 284.8686
Located in: Northeast Portland - Visit Website
BarFly's Review of Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder
Lookswise, it's more reminiscent of a New England church, than a rock club, but this is a great place to catch all manner of shows. The soaring space, once a union meeting hall, is clean and pretty, with a high-polished maple floor made for dancing, and acoustics that are of the best in Portland.
The main bar, on the balcony, and satellite bars, downstairs, keep the service generally efficient. Smokers will grumble about being relegated to the patio, but it's a pleasant enough space. Cafe Wonder is tucked into basement, next to the Mark Woolley Gallery, one of Portland's prominent art spaces.
Tuesdays: King Fader (forerunner of the mash-up trend, and still the most clever and entertaining of the genre), 8pm, Cafe Wonder (free!).
Second and fourth Wednesdays: "Bitch Gotta Eat" with JR Pella (longtime Portland soul star best known for his remarkable voice, takes a seat behind the turntables for a highly danceable deejay set), Cafe Wonder, (free!).
| Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder's Happy Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
| Tuesday | $2 wells 5-6:30pm |
| Wednesday | $2 wells 5-6:30pm |
| Thursday | $2 wells 5-6:30pm |
| Friday | $2 wells 5-6:30pm |
| Saturday | $2 wells 5-6:30pm |
| Sunday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
Alu Wine Bar and Lounge, Billy Ray's Neighborhood Dive, Sloan's Tavern, The Secret Society
Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sat 03/20 @ 5:00 pm | "SPROUT" Bounce Brigade, Kitty D, Organik Time Machine, Crunk in Public, Synchronic Adv: $11.00 / Door: $11.00 |
| Fri 03/26 @ 9:00 pm | 80's Tribute Night Love Vigilantes (New Order), Dead Souls (Joy Division), Fascination Street (The Cure) Adv: $10.00 / Door: $10.00 |
| Sat 03/27 @ 9:00 pm | The Devil Makes Three, Mad Cow String Band Adv: $15.00 / Door: $15.00 |
| Fri 04/09 @ 9:00 pm | Rogue Wave, Man/Miracle, JBM Adv: $14.00 / Door: $15.00 |
| Sat 04/10 @ 8:00 pm | Hockey, The Constellations, The Postelles Adv: $10.00 / Door: $12.00 |
| Sun 04/11 @ 9:00 pm | King Khan & The Shrines, The Fresh & Onlys Adv: $15.00 / Door: $15.00 |
| Mon 04/12 @ 8:00 pm | La Roux Adv: $13.00 / Door: $15.00 |
Stopped in for drinks last Wednesday while waiting to get in at Toro Bravo. We just sat at the bar and were amazed at what a warm and cozy atmosphere it had. The bartender took great care of us and he even let us taste anything we had questions about (I'm now in love with Hendrick's gin). We'll be sure to come back and eat sometime. What we saw and smelled the other patrons having seemed great.
I've been to this place a few times. Its right down the street from my home. One time I went by at 9:30pm on a weeknight and they were closed. I think they don't tend to get much business unless a show is going on.
A few months ago my girlfriend and I were there on a weeknight. It was not busy, there were only a two or so other tables in the bar. At one point we sat at the table with empty glasses and empty plates for, I shit you not, nearly a half hour. No bartender, no waitress within sight. I have no idea what excuse you could give for service that bad. After that I vowed never to return. But a couple weeks ago after a show there I was convinced to try again. At that point the service/food/drinks were good. I'm still not sure about whether or not to patronize again.
