PDX's Top 24 Bars for Tennis by Jay Boss Rubin

Ever since The Cardinal Club closed during the pandemic, Portland has been without a designated tennis bar. A tennis bar is distinct from a sports bar that’s willing to occasionally, after multiple requests, put on a tennis match. In fact, a tennis bar doesn’t even have to have a TV. What it should feature are affordable drinks (think $4 lagers and pilsners in frosty bottles), delicious but not totally gut-busting grub (for after league matches and extended park play) and, most importantly, an enlivened back-and-forth between patrons, and between patrons and staff. Of course, it’s possible for a tennis bar to check those boxes and have a large TV front and center, with excellent sightlines—like Villa Della Pace in NYC. Until Tennis City, USA, gets its version of Villa Della Pace, you can cobble together your tennis bar needs shot by shot—a post-match beverage here, a recovery meal there, an early-morning Wimbledon broadcast back over there. Here is a handy list of “watering holes” situated on or near the Portland Tennis Loop. Santé!

Marie’s (8727 N Lombard St)

A short stumble from PT&E, this St. Johns main drag mainstay places competitive ping pong front and center. Also features “live edge” carpeting and horsy ketchup.

Burrito Azteca (1942 N Rosa Parks Way)

The perfect pit stop between Arbor Lodge and Peninsula Park. Legendary combos featuring burritos, chips, beer + tequila. También: one of the best fried fish burritos in town. Digest for at least 30 minutes before resuming play.

Billy Ray’s Tavern (2216 NE MLK Jr Blvd)

Ca$h only. Enter with a tennis bag and get a dirty look from the punk rawk bartender. Unsupervised “billiards room” upstairs. 

Irvington Club Snack Bar (2131 NE Thompson St)

Not always open to the public, but if you’ve come for an away match, or to watch the annual Irvington Club Open Championships, the snack bar has the cheapest Sierra Nevada bottles in Portland, plus two rotating taps.

Rose & Thistle Public House (2314 NE Broadway)

Aka “The RAT.” At least one of the bartenders is tennis-sympathetic, due to a roommate who works as a teaching pro. Always willing to put on a Grand Slam—but beware of trivia night.

McPeet’s Portland Pub (4501 NE Fremont St)

Forms a triangle with Grant High School and Rose City Park. The rare saloon that will not only put on a tennis match, but turn on the sound!

Peter’s Bar & Grill (5701 NE Fremont St)

Legend has it that Portland Tennis Courterly Editor-in-Chief Tyler Pell once ran into Managing Editor Jay Boss Rubin here completely unplanned, proving that Tennis City, USA, is also Coincidence City. Fish & Chips on Fridays only!

A&L Tavern (5933 NE Glisan St)

This North Tabor gem is almost big enough to rally in. Just don’t go on a Sunday, as gridiron fans (mostly Steelers, but also Lions) hold court.

Park City Pub (8025 NE Sandy Blvd)

Legend has it that Chapman Cup A Bracket champ Nick Livingston once ran into Chapman Cup B Bracket semifinalist Fraser Ghezel here while the latter was eating a Caesar salad. Formerly known as “Sir Loins”—wowza!

Thatchers (7906 SE Stark St)

Excellent option for after playing at Tabor East. Barkeeps are willing, if not enthused, to put on pro tennis. “Smoking alley” in the back. Just don’t try to hit any winners!

Afterlife (3632 SE Hawthorne Blvd)

New spot not far from Laurelhurst, with periodic music nights featuring DJ Jumbo Da Garbageman (of Lifesavas fame) on the wheels of steel, and Irving Park legend “Zeus” hosting the festivities.

Beulahland (118 NE 28th Ave)

Not immediately adjacent to any courts, but fairly close to many (as well as Players Racquet Shop). With the kitchen open late, nothing spells success like location, location, location. Those $4 Victorias don’t hurt, either.

Sandy Hut (1430 NE Sandy Blvd)

Stop in for another Caesar at this PTC-adjacent workhorse. Unofficial sponsor of PTC Kelly-Corcoran, and many, many other PTC-based USTA teams. Shoes optional. 

My Father’s Place (523 SE Grand Ave)

Opens at 7 a.m. for continental Grand Slam viewing accompanied by greasy spoon breakfast options that are way better than the Grand Slams at Denny’s. Portland’s own Willy operates the remotes and helps bus tables in the backroom where the TVs are located. 

That Tennis Bar That You + Your Friends Talk About Opening Someday (location TBD)

There are worse ideas. 

Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery (6835 S Macadam Ave)

Full of nooks and crannies, and with a menu as broad as the plains. Most relevant, though: it’s across the street from the recently resurfaced courts at Willamette Park.

The Old Spaghetti Factory (715 S Bancroft St)

If you’re looking to splurge—or just eat an enormous amount of food at a very fair price—head north to the Old Spaghetti Factory and order the “Managing Editor’s Special” (half mushroom, half Mizithra). Homer dined on it while composing The Odyssey!

Cider Mill Lounge / Fryer Tuck Chicken (6712 SW Capitol Hwy)

Outstanding post-Gabriel spot with ample room to spread out, and TVs that are occasionally tuned to tennis. The “family meal” features a full fried chicken plus all the fixings. Get it to-go in a cardboard box and head back to the park for a picnic, or enjoy it in the Cider Mill while gazing out the stained-glass windows. 

Greek Village (301 NW Murray Blvd)

Your post-THPRD party spot! What else do you need to know?

Dub’s Tavern (2509 SW Borland Rd, Tualatin, OR)

Formerly known as “Wanker’s Corner” and still in the Wanker family, this Oregon country classic is a fine spot to celebrate your victory against Stafford Hills. 

Goose Hollow Inn (1927 SW Jefferson St)

Still in the Clark family (RIP, Mayor Bud), the Goose boasts of the “World’s Best Reuben.” If your USTA team plays against the MAC, you’ll likely see your opponents here afterward. Beat them to the punch, and send over a tray of bottom-shelf tequila shots!

Nob Hill Bar & Grill (937 NW 23rd Ave)

Not far from Wallace, Nobby’s is the rare bar that often has tennis showing before you ask the bartender to put it on. More of this, please, Tennis City!

Escape From New York Pizza (622 NW 23rd Ave)

Escape owner Phil Geffner doesn’t care for tennis personally, but he tolerates tennis and supports what’s happening in the local scene. Is it the new breakdancing? Time shall tell. In the meantime, one large pie feeds the whole doubles court. 

Republic Cafe / Ming Lounge (222 NW 4th Ave)

Just one block south of the envisioned “Old Town Street Tennis” court on NW Flanders between Third and Fourth. Are we really Tennis City, USA, without a single court downtown? Wait—did you say “single court” or “singles court”?