Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder

128 NE Russell St.
Portland, OR 97212
503/ 284.8686
Located in: Northeast Portland - Visit Website
horns upair conditionedpatioWheelchair Accessiblenon smokinghappy hourhipstersdancingrock and rollliquorDJ

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. $2 well 5-6:30pm everyday in Cafe Wonder. 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!).

Happy Hours

Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder Calendar

Sat 05/17 @ 9:00 pm - Was (Not Was), Tahoe Jackson & the Love Bullies Diaries Adv: $20.00 / Door: $23.00
Sun 05/25 @ 9:00 pm - Ladytron, Datarock, DJ RAD! Adv: $20.00 / Door: $25.00
Mon 05/26 @ 8:00 pm - The Kooks, The Morning Benders Adv: $13.00 / Door: $15.00
Tue 05/27 @ 9:00 pm - Swervedriver, Film School Adv: $15.00 / Door: $18.00
Fri 06/06 @ 8:00 pm - Derby, Crosstide, Climber Adv: $10.00
Sun 06/15 @ 7:30 pm - Old 97's, Hayes Carll, I Love Math Adv: $18.00 / Door: $20.00
Fri 06/20 @ 9:00 pm - Blue Giant, Shaky Hands, Lackthereof Adv: $10.00 / Door: $12.00
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Reader Reviews of Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder
Definitely coming back.

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.

Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Paul on December 3, 2007, 7:40 pm
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Go on a busy night

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.

Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Gilles on October 19, 2007, 9:02 pm
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