written by Julie Lee | photo of Southpark Seafood by John Valls
`Tis the season for some hardcore holiday shopping, and just when you are about to faint from a lack of provisions, we have some early-bird happy hour suggestions for you, all starting at 3 p.m.
Southpark Seafood
Since it opened in 1997, Southpark Seafood has been a quiet, confident force in the restaurant game, consistently perfect in food, service and vibe. As the spotlight moves around the newbies, longtime loyalists continue to pack Southpark every evening. The happy hour is a steal, offering everything from oysters on the half shell to burgers, cider glazed turnips to brick oven pizza, well cocktails to wines, all for $5, and all starting at 3 p.m.
901 SW Salmon St. | southparkseafood.com
Clyde Common
Clyde Common is so generous with its happy hour, we know Portlanders who have nicknamed acts of ‘pay-it-forward’ kindness “Clyde Commons.” With a renowned wine and cocktail list and an interesting spin on staples like popcorn (magic happens when togarashi and honey are added) and cashews, we wish the happy hour here could start earlier than 3 p.m.
1014 SW Stark St. | clydecommon.com
Tasty n Sons
Speaking of starting happy hour earlier than 3 p.m., Tasty n Sons checkmates the competition by starting at 2:30 p.m. John Gorham’s maple-bacon-wrapped dates, bacon burger and radicchio for a discount? Yes please! Bonus points for the $1 draft mug to wash it all down.
3808 N. Williams | tastynsons.com
Jo Bar & Rotisserie
Jo Bar grandfathered the 3 p.m. happy hour and continues to pack in patrons when NW 23rd shoppers get a little mid-day parch. They have added to the menu over time, but original happy hour favorites can still be had, like the fondue with sliced baguette and the french onion soup oozing with cheese and sweet onions.
715 NW 23rd Ave. | jobarpdx.net
Watson Hall
For hipsters who find themselves in Beaverton as the clock strikes 3, we have a solid suggestion. Watson Hall, the sister bar of Beaverton’s restaurant nucleus Decarli, has some great bites for less than $5—short rib sliders, grilled gruyere cheese and truffle fries pad the parade of $6 cocktails.
12655 SW 1st St. | watsonhallbar.com
Bonus Entry
It doesn’t start until 5 p.m., but for dog owners, this is revered. Sniff Dog Hotel serves up a surprisingly strong wine and craft beer list with some decent munchies to snack on. Bring your four-legged friend, and it gets to party with its peers in the expansive dog park while you party with yours in the viewing bar.
