BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby to These 9 Portland Happy Hours

As the mom of a kid under 1, my nights have never been so busy. 

Blackout curtains drawn, red light nightlights on, bath caddy in position, I’m braced for bedtime. I’m hoping for an easy transition so that my husband and I can eke out an hour (maybe even two?) before we put our own weary selves to bed.

So dinner plans? No thank you. A night out with friends? Not right now! Unless you can guarantee me eight hours of uninterrupted sleep once I get home, I’m a firm no to your RSVP.

All of which makes an early evening cocktail hour very attractive. And you don’t need to even imbibe: These nine spots across the Portland area boast crafted mocktails, and tasty food to nosh on in between sips. Even better, these place are easier to navigate with strollers, diaper bags and all the other gear babies require, plus, they have changing tables to boot! It’s a taste of life before baby with the added benefit of having my cute kiddo around. Here are a few spots that are good for little ones and adult their plus-ones.

Southeast

Holy Ghost

This southeast spot has food and drink specials daily. The happy hour menu is limited but includes classics like a Hornitas Plata margarita and Jim Beam Old-Fashioned. We also appreciate the low ABV and the alcohol-free options, which aren’t on the happy hour menu but are still worth a look. Pro tip: Don’t miss the food either — it’s from neighboring restaurants Electric Pizza Company and 28 Tigers.
When: From 3-5 pm every day and minors are welcome until 9 pm.

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

Get in touch with your pre-baby self and stop by the Portland hotspot ¿Por Qué No? (this taco joint’s first location is in the Boise neighborhood). Daily specials include $1 off margaritas, cocktails, and sangria — as well as 50 cents off tacos and $1 off chips with salsa or guac. Pro tip: ¿Por Qué No? also has several specialty non-alcoholic options including the iced hibiscus flower tea jamaica (50 cents off during happy hour).
When: From 2:30-5 pm Monday through Friday.

North and Northeast

The Old Gold

If you like the sound of Holy Ghost but want something farther north, consider The Old Gold. (They are owned by the same hospitality group as Holy Ghost and Tough Luck in Woodlawn.) This North Portland establishment offers a solid happy hour menu with classics like an old fashioned for $8 and Jim Beam for $6, as well as food specials like their smash burger or garden salad, each for $7.
When: From 3-5 pm Monday through Friday.

Tiny Bubble Room

Well-known for their self-proclaimed “killer outdoor patio,” St. Johns’ Tiny Bubble Room has an equally stellar happy hour menu. Beer and cider are a mere $4 while the food menu includes a wide variety of options, from sliders to gumbo. Pro tip: This spot stops seating minors at 7 pm but with a baby in tow, you’re already home by then, aren’t you?
When: From 3-5 pm, daily.

Radio Room

Billed as a “neighborhood lounge,” Radio Room in Alberta delivers on a casual atmosphere with high-class fare. You might appreciate the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, too. Minors are allowed in until 8 pm
When: From 3-6 pm every day and on Sundays its 3 pm until close.

Northwest and Beaverton

Thai Bloom

For a happy hour menu that’s all about the food, consider Thai Bloom. Both locations — on NW 23rd and in Beaverton — offer adult favorites like spring rolls and pot stickers (i.e. foods that are also easy to eat with a squirmy baby on your lap). If you come back for date night or an evening to yourself, you’re in luck: Happy hour starts again at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
When: From 3:30-5:30 pm, daily and again at 8 and 9 pm until close, depending on the day.

Multiple Locations

Hopworks Urban Brewery

Our city has no shortage of kid-friendly breweries, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Hopworks. The Powell and Vancouver locations even have dedicated play areas, if you’re bringing older children along.
When: From 3-6 pm weeknights and 8 pm to close on Friday and Saturday (you know, for when your kid moves out).

Bamboo Sushi

This popular Portland restaurant has several locations, each with their own happy hour. Pro tip: Be sure to read the menu carefully if you’re planning to share dinner with your wee one. The chicken nugs, for example, have wasabi honey.
When: From 4-6 pm at most locations, but some offer different hours on the weekend.

McMenamins

Would this even be an Oregon roundup if I didn’t mention McMenamins? The well-known family business offers kid-friendly happy hours at many of its locations including Kennedy School (already well-known as a go-to spot for young families thanks to Baby Blockbusters).
When: From 3-6 pm and again from 10 pm until close at most locations; check the website to verify first.