Dillon and Derek well well well what can I say… we laughed, we cried, but most of all? We lived. I don’t think I’ve met two finer gentlemen than the ones on front lines at Life of Riley’s. Impeccable attention to detail and undeniable bravery, patience, and determination shown even in the face of adversity. Dare I mention the witty repartee that was enjoyed by all who are lucky enough to be in their presence. I may even go so far as to say I would lay down my own life for these fine young men and that I will personally ruin anyone who thinks of bringing harm to them. Their skill rivals the bravado of Apollo landing on the moon. Their patience, a match for monks in silent meditation. The onion rings were also very good!

We went downstairs so this review ignores the existence of the upstairs. We went in to play some darts, they have steep tip dart boards and darts, by the dartboard's needed to be replaced about 2 years ago: unplayable. However, we stuck around got some drinks and played some pool and had a great time. Decent taplist, not as IPA forward as I'd prefer but a quality selection anyway. Good selection of mid to top shelf liquor available. It was basically dead from 6 to 7 on a Friday night. Bartender was doing some serious cleaning and redecorating (I suspect the bar is getting a slight facelift and new dartboard's will likely be included). If we find ourselves walking around there again we'll definitely stop in.

Cool little spot! Close to ..The waiter was very nice had an issue with my drink and was kind to fix me another pineapple and coconut rum drink..My husband ordered the chili cheese dog with tots and I had the fried chicken tenders with tots with a side of onion rings as appetizers..two and two pineapple coconut rum drinks not bad for the totes were on the salty side.. I should have told them light on salt...Blood pressure issues...All in all a great place to just chill out.. Need to bring back street tacos:) they are really good!! With tip $51 for two:)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

I really don't understand any of the negative reviews. This is a really kewl laid back bar with a wide range of beers on tap, good drinks, and a game room downstairs. The food is great, including the burgers. The guy with the dry burger should have just asked for something, they have plenty of good things to add to a burger, most of them free. I'm sure they can supply you with some good sauce or aoili on the side. They have some of the best collard greens I've ever had. There is a daily barbecue special that is very inexpensive and effing delicious, dipped in their tangy not sweet barbecue sauce.

No Santa's allowed! I've never been refused service anywhere until Saturday night at 9 pm when this bar posted a sign on the door refusing service to any Santa's. Really?!? Let's hope there is coal in their stockings this year. It actually felt really bad to be discriminated based on my clothing. I guess I'm lucky that this is the first time I have experienced this level of prejudice. I'm 58 years old and normally a ton of fun, but I will never go back to this bar. Elves unite and skip right past this bar! Discrimination on the basis of joyful costume is just plain wrong!

Nice little neighborhood bar with an upstairs and a downstairs. The upstairs Has a more formal dining/bar experience where is where the downstairs reminds me more of a traditional college town bar With fewer places to sit pool tables video games and Loud music. Wait staff was very nice in the upstairs area although it did take us a while to get drinks even on a Wednesday night. If you're just looking for a standard run of the mill bar with nice atmosphere this is probably for you.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

One of the best bar in Old Town. Prices are fair, staff is friendly, and great location. The bartenders are my favorite in Portland. To top it off, there's a nice restaurant on the first story and the bar is downstairs plus has a separate entrance to the outside (as well as an accessible from the restaurant lobby) With inflation how it is, if you're looking for a nice bar to watch the game or meet with friends on the westside, this is the place to go without breaking the bank while maintaining a quality atmosphere.

This bar is the mullet of the Pearl. It's all business up top with the ground floor bar being nice but not assuming. It's a good place to grab a drink before dinner somewhere or meet up with folks before kicking things off on a first Thursday. Venture downstairs and you're in a dark den that's all about partying. The happy hour crowd is mostly after work professionals, but it gets a little rowdy on the weekends as the twenty somethings take over. Good beer selection, decent cocktails and bar fare.

Four stars... for the Pearl. Easily the least expensive watering hole in the area and they have fantastic happy hour prices. While the interior is a little little ho-hum, and it can get a little "bro-y" on the weekends, the staff is always personable and the food, no matter how standard, is always good. If things get too hectic during a game upstairs, you can always head down to the basement for a more low key experience. Since I work in this area it's my go to spot, but not worth the trip alone.

Don't let a bad date ruin a good bar. Years ago my friend said this in the context of music, but he had pretty awful taste in music. Life of Riley is the Monday and Friday of bars. Downstairs is gritty and a little worn with plenty of bar games (pool, shuffleboard, darts) and a great selection for mixed drinks - Monday. Upstairs is elegant with wine and ambiance to rival any casual bar in the area and the perfect place to meet someone you'll probably never call again - Friday.

Had to pleasure of finding this place while searching for a pho place. Only had the opportunity to eat from the late night menu, but the fries here may be the best fries from a bar. They were soft yet crispy and perfectly seasoned. The chicken tenders were crispy and juicy enough to not need a lot of dipping. However, I do appreciate them providing multiple types of sauces. Oh and the local elliptical porter is smooooooth
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

This is our go-to if we are staying in the Pearl for a show or something. Cute little bar that has saved us multiple times with late night food and drink. Have been here when it’s somewhat calm and been in at the end of an Oregon State game, and the place gets rockin! Pool tables and more fun in a “speakeasy” style downstairs bar that remains open sometimes after the top closes. If bars are your thing, this can be a quaint little walk from many hotels that’s worth a stop!

Bartender was very polite and helpful. I was looking for a place that had Video Lottery and the pictures seem to show that it does. However it does not, but the bartender was super helpful and gave me directions to the two closest bars that did have it, (Scooters and Yurs).The drink was well sized and fair priced as well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sports bar, which is not my scene at all, but I stopped in w a friend for a beer. Game was on and it was pretty full, but didnt feel overcrowded or claustrophobic. Good beer selection. Nice bartender. Seemed relatively clean. Tvs were all over and were in good shape. For a sports bar it was ok. I only came in bc we wanted a beer-i wouldnt come back on my own. But i would recommend it to someone who wanted that sort of environment.

Courtney does a great job of bartending in that basement bar on Sundays and Mondays. She’s always super welcoming to new patrons and customers. She displays awesome customer service skills and she brings in a lot of loyal customers into the bar. It’s a fun Sunday and Monday night when she’s working. Matt, in the upstairs bar, is always outgoing and personable. It’s really refreshing for that neighborhood and Portland in general.

I stumbled into this dive and was greeted by unsavory character after another. If you're looking for dark, dank atmosphere, dodgy, unsavory folk frequent here. Your secrets are likely safe here, being as it seemed the status quo. A pint of good beer here was surprisingly cheap. Didn't eat the food; wouldn't trust it.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Recently me and 3 friends were at this bar and got told to buy drinks or leave. We went to the bar to order ginger and immediately got kicked out for not ordering alcoholic drinks. What kind of bar forces you to order alcohol or leave? Maybe the manager downstairs on 9/27 had a bad day? Very disappointed and will not be going back. The manager was shaking he was so furious at us when he told us to order alcohol or leave.

The bartender “manager” on Wednesday night was super rude towards me and my group for no reason (we were all super polite and patient, not even buzzed!). It was weird and felt gross, like he was trying to seem important or something by treating us poorly because he couldn’t handle the chaos going on around him. Go to Pink Rabbit down the street instead! Way better vibes and nice bartenders had the place under control.

Only went to bar downstairs. Great and young crowd though so if you over 30, you may want to pass. They have Miller High Life on draft so that's my shizzle so went there. Pool tables and great place to socialize but if you old like me, may want to pass.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Kid-friendliness
It's a bar so 21 and over.

I was here last night and wanted to give a huge thanks to one of your staff. I’m a type one diabetic and was having a dangerously low blood sugar and one of your bartenders was SO nice in helping getting me 7up and taking care of me. Seriously, thank you. He likely saved me from a serious medial emergency and I really cannot tell you how much his help and understanding saved me that night. Thank you so much ❤️

Friendly staff and not too difficult to get a drink. Food was really quite good, particularly the onion rings (and they give you a ton) and spinach and artichoke dip. Laid back vibe that runs counter to some of the louder, more intense bars you could end up at.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Basic sports bar with 7 TVs playing games. Service is lackluster unless you are a regular. Watched multiple tables be overlooked while service to those being called by name was frequent. Food arrived to table fresh and has good flavor. Prices were reasonable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Haven't seen the upstairs, but the downstairs was a real dive - dark, low-ceilings, dirty bathroom, and smelled like cigarette smoke even though you haven't been able to smoke in bars here for years! Only a few decent beers on tap. It was open late, and we were hanging with our fave bartender after he got off work, that's why I was there! Guess I'm just not a dive bar kinda girl!

A place of 2 different vibes. The upstairs is 'normal' with some booth seating high tables, but the downstairs basement bar is dark and welcoming with pool tables, shuffleboard and tvs to watch sports. It's out preferred hangout spot in the Pearl. Beer selection is decent - around 15 to choose from - and their bar food is pretty decent (pigs in blankets is a go-to favorite).

This is a happening spot at Nighy. (That's when I was there with some friends) The service was excellent and the food arrived pretty quickly! A great place to people watch. I will definitely be going back... Thanks for the great experience
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Good vibe. Good atmosphere. Had the burger and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had. Bigger than my head. And I got a dome. Lol. Wherever they get their buns they need to keep them bc they go perfect with their burger patty which is seasoned to perfection. Definitely will be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

I was seated right away and got my first drink quickly...but because Riley's seemed to be way understaffed today it took another 45m before I was checking on. I don't fault the waiter for it. He was the only one manning the whole place. So my compliments to the waiter for making it happen.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Nice little neighborhood spot to hang out with some friends. The outdoor seating is really nice in the summer and they have a basement with pool tables and classic darts (not the machines, actual darts you need to keep track of your score on a chalkboard!). The food is nothing special, just your typical bar food. It's a good place to end the night for sure.

I really cannot complain about happy hour and a yankees game at the same time period life of Riley has shuffleboard and a great downstairs pub. The drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is always casual and relaxed. Great place to go if you're at a loss on a Friday or Saturday night or if you're looking for a really good mid week happy hour spot.

Very surprising cool spot. You might miss it if you aren't looking for it. American fare is familiar but impressive. Great bar selection. Vibe is industrial meets sports bar, but not overdone with TVs. Great hang out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Excellent place to grab some drinks and a bite to eat! Downstairs features tvs where I've watched many an epic trailblazer game with friends. Would recommend for a chill vibe, outdoor seating, and friendly service!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I've never eaten here but the drinks are always good and they have so many options there's something for everyone. They've got a good size tap list and full bar for cocktails. There upstairs is light and lounge with the downstairs having a more tavern feel. Both are comfortable and spacious but it does get crowded on busy nights and weekends.

Bad service and the food was cold by the time it got to us. The only saving grace was they beer was decent. The waitress knocked half the price off the bill because we had a bad experience but that wasn't enough to make me come back. They didn't even come by to refill our sodas ether.... It really wasn't that busy ether so what's the deal?

Always a fun place to grab a drink or a bite. Very inexpensive drinks, good vibe, great service. It's a nice sports bar without being too loud or sportsy. The basement has darts, shuffleboard, and billiards. I hate to recommend it because I really don't like to have to wait to play darts! So don't play darts! Leave them open for me.

Lunch for 2 with drinks. Great comfort food, generous portions, reasonable prices, enough choices of draft beer to chose from. They could use more staff to cut down on wait time - the place was busy, but only one bartender who also was a server.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

Downstairs bar is seriously old school and cool if you're looking for something that's not quirky Portland. Sometimes that stuff gets old. But, food was only ok, and was decidedly bar food. Burger was surprising good, but sandwich was not. Small selection of beers, and no cider. Been here, don't need to go back.

Been a few times but this time I tried to order a grilled chicken sandwich. Did not even ask for a menu since I already knew what I wanted. The bartender replied, "McDonald's has a grilled chicken sandwich." On my way to another spot to get grub and a pint.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5

Great spot, we were downstairs playing pool and having some beers. Great selection of beers on tap, had a nice sour beer that are hard to find in Oregon. Made some friends while playing pool. Great vibes and good music for a night out.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

All my friends and I just got kicked out for ordering ginger ale because it doesn’t have alcohol in it. What kind of bar forces you to order alcohol or leave? Very disappointed in this place. Maybe the manager on 9/27 had a bad day? He was shaking when he came and told us to order drinks or leave.

One of my favorite bars in Portland. Where else can you get two beers plus a giant basket of delicious tater tots for ten bucks!?!?
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tater Tots

Very satisfying happy hour menu, great tap list and a decent atmosphere. Can be pretty loud during peak times, but worth a drop in if you want a filling meal that's light on your wallet during happy hour. Tried the chicken tenders, fries, tots, hickory chips and two flavors of the wings.

Rebecca's service tonight was outstanding delightful! Very attentive and professional! Food and drinks arrived at a perfect time and she was very casual, it was comforting. I will come back for the service she provided tonight! If dining in our out on the patio I do reccomend rebecca!

Had the Riley burger with cheddar, and it was good.. the beef is seasoned so yummy. Drinks were reasonable, but the thing that makes Life Of Riley worth the visit is the staff.. Katie and Matt are wonderful hosts.. can't wait to go back and try something else on the menu. …

Fun, chill place! Happy hour is awesome! We got the wings, barley soup and spinach artichoke dip… so yummy!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Buffalo Wings

They quit serving my group and would not tell us why. I suspect the composition of my group is not welcome in their establishment or a regular complained that we were hogging the pool table. We planned for this to be our spot every Friday for happy hour, but we will not return.

Came here looking for a place to watch the Ducks game and found a whole lot more. Great food and beer options with TVs for sports. Basement with lots of bar game options. Whether there’s a game on or not, Life of Riley is a great spot to grab a bite or make a game of your own.

Your basic downtown dive. Very Portland - didn't have many of your dive bar standards on tap, but tons of local craft beers and one cider. Couple of pool tables, dart boards, and TV's.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

This is a very low-key "neighborhood" bar. Not much of an ambiance, if that is what you are looking for. Drinks are decent (always ask a double when it comes to mixed drinks). For a quick drink after work, it does the job.
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 1

This place is my go to spot for brunch on weekends. Brittany works the whole place by herself and she makes you want to come back, she welcomes you with a big smile and is fantastic at customer service. Plus the prices are stuck from the last decade. No complaints here!!!

Best darn potato salad ever! Great beer selection too. Super attentive and friendly staff
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Potato Salad, Tater Tots

Mm mm mmmm. Solid clubhouse sandwich. Good mix of beers. Super friendly and attentive bartenders. Highly recommend chilling at a table outside.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes

I go in there and sit down at a table since the bar was full. Sit and wait for a few minutes for someone to acknowledge my presence. Then I walk down to the basement bar to see if they are open and someone behind me yells “Thats not open!” I promptly left the place.

Absolutely one of our favorite places to come and hang out downtown. Definitely worth checking out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Burger

Solely based on service, first time in Portland I got a rude waitress and with the countless bars and restaurants around this area, never had a problem. People in general are sincerely nice in Portland. Not going back, only pro was that it was close to my apt.

My company had our Christmas party here and the basement was the perfect space for it. With all the games, pool, shuffleboard, and a bar what more could you want? Management and staff were really accommodating and can't wait to do it again next year!

Chill dive ish bar. Food served late was nice. Server was not friendly, beer choices pretty good. Price on food was good as well. There's a cool basement area with bar games and pool table. If I lived in the area still I'd likely frequent this spot.

Haven't been here since I had my daughter (9 years ago). It's still the same fun bar with sports on all of the tvs! I saddled up to the bar, asked for a pen and worked on new drinks and menus for my bar. For a Saturday afternoon, it was wonderful.

Good food and service. Very happy with my experience. Great fish and chips! Fries were super good as was the fish.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Super fun spot. Great service, amazing bar tenders, and I met several notable performing artists there! Both the upstairs and basement portions of this bar are a total vibe. Go check it out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food and staff were great. It was very loud with ~20 people in the room.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Garden Burger

Cool local dive sports bar. The staff is super friendly and attentive to their guests. In the basement there's shuffleboard, pool, and darts. Occasionally they have comedy shows and bands. Great bar food and happy hour especially for wings!

The chili dog is surprisingly good... Nice little neighborhood place. Drink prices at happy hour are awesome and they don't cut back on the amount served either
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

French Dip was delicious. Good selection of beers. Great service. Give it a try if you're in the area. Short walk from the Amtrak.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes

Used to love this place for the amazing buffalo wings they USED TO HAVE! Wow what happened! They look like miniature wings now, not even mixed with the buffalo. So disappointing. Bad taste, old taste and super crunchy , barely any meat

Friendly, local spot. Great place to hang with friends and enjoy a beverage or two and delicious food
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

What a cool little bar. Plenty of things to do, a good alcohol selection, and cozy. I'd go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Drinks and beer were pretty decent but the food we ordered came out cold and cold BBQ pulled pork isn't nearly as good as warm BBQ pulled pork.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Nice underground bar open late with pool, darts, and Table shuffleboard. They have a swell selection of beer, but their Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout keg must have been stored too long... They need a new one!

was looking for a cool dive bar close to work and found this place. It seemed perfect until I went to order a drink. Bartender seemed like I was doing them a disservice by ordering. Guess the search continues...

If you’re a Boston sports fan then this is the place. Plenty of space, plenty of screens, good prices on the food and drink. Owner bought everyone there champagne after the Sox won the World Series in 2018!

Been here for lunch multiple times. The staff is always friendly and accommodating, Menu online is fairly accurate to the current one, and the best part is they have English soccer on TV in the afternoons!

Pretty much the only dive bar available in the brewery blocks, is a great place to hang out and sometimes they have a full barbecue going. I would recommend it if you don't feel like $13 cocktails tonight

Excellent in every way. Superior even. The perfect Tavern.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place to hit up after a Timbers game. Not too far of a walk from the stadium and good food. Gets a little busy the later it gets.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fun bar and awesome service! I always have a good time & love to bring my friends. It stays open late for the area and has pool/other games in the basement bar. A great low key date spot!

It was a late lunch with my parents when we discovered this place. Thank you for the terrific service. We will definitely return!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had drinks and snacks after a show. Salsa was very average chips from a bag (I think) not house made. Good selections of beers.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Of the places you can go while traveling through downtown Portland: life of Riley feels safe and friendly and affordable. There is also free pool downstairs.
Meal type
Dinner

Great little bar in downtown Portland. The bartender changed the channel so we could watch a soccer match during the NFL games. A decent selection of beers and appetizers.

Cute lil pub!! Great Irish Bailey's and the veggie burger was yummy!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food was good, service was incredible. Comfortable place to be upstairs and downstairs
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Usually stop here before a show to have some drinks. Always good service and decent food and great atmosphere
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food and portions. Danielle great bartender. Cool dive basement bar too underneath main restaurant.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Awesome patio, staff, supernatural Downstairs has pool tables; shuffle board, dart boards.. check it out
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fun place, great outdoors seating, fun downstairs bar.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had never heard of the place so decided to give it a try. Great experience. Definitely coming back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great atmosphere, friendly crowd and best bartender around Ashley! She's quick, funny and brings the party!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fun divey vibe, not crazy busy on a Friday night, good beers and pub grub plus they have darts and pool downstairs. Will definitely be back!

It's a sports bar but it isn't super loud or just a bunch of TVs. Nice spot really
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

College dive bar with pool tables. It's very spacious with 2 floors and outdoor seating, but it definitely gets crowded at times.

Nice pub in NW; it's a sports bar, so sports.
Service
Dine in
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Service always been top notch. Still need to visit the basement.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great tap list. Super chill vibe. Upstairs closes early, the basement stays open late.
Price per person
$10–20

Very happy with the French Dip, which is more like a Philly Cheese Steak with Au Jus. Really good as you can see.

Fun dive bar! Had a soccer game on. Good quick service. Cider on tap. Wings were ok, a little dry.

Such a fun place to create memories!
Service
Dine in
Atmosphere: 5

Nice basement scene. Could use better air conditioning, but fun place.

Dylan was a very considerate and timely server
Service: 5

Nice place to eat, drink, have a good talk and enjoy life.

Friendly staff. Good food. Great prices.