Winner: Porters, Medford
The happy hour at Porters Restaurant and Bar is a doozy. Located in the 1910-era, extensively renovated passenger train depot, this American classic is must-see on any stopover in Medford. Snag a stool at the old ticket counter (a.k.a. bar) or find a table on the patio in summer and order a drink and one of the daily specials. The popular “Get Giddy for 3 Fiddy” (4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close) features a full bar and twenty food items, from $2.50 for bistro garlic fries to $3.95 for a chicken Caesar wrap or Oregon mac and cheese. Get a dollar off any beer and wine on tap during “Tappy Hour,” from 9 p.m. to close.
Runner-Up: 23 Hoyt, Portland
Slip into this hip neighborhood eatery on Northwest 23rd Street for a welcome break from the day’s activities. The happy hour menu at 23 Hoyt (4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday) features $6 cocktails, $5 glasses of wine and $4.50 for a draft beer. Munch on tempura-fried green beans ($4), wild mushroom ragu with polenta ($5) or grilled flatbread of the day ($8). For a drink that goes down easy, order the Tea Light made with black-tea-infused vodka, St.Germain liqueur and hibiscus syrup.