It's unfortunate that a tinder generation feels the need to deface property. Especially when it's old vintage stuff like the beer memorabilia in the restroom of this well preserved establishment. After being away from Portland (where I grew up) for fifteen years, it's nice to see that at least some of the places I remember are still around (even if they have been renamed). I still like this old bar, and it's been kept up to somewhat modern standards. While the defacing of vintage art may not be enough reason to hold back a five-star rating, the bartender didn't seem to interested in doing anything more than she was required to do. Part of the experience of going to a bar is the social aspect, and she was having none of it. I hope the other staff are more inviting. I'd probably go back if I was bringing a friend or two with me, but likely avoid it if I'm flying solo.

** side not the owner has no ideal what he talking about.. at no point were we ask to leave or anything, just robbed of drink that were paid for. Other in the group still had thier drinks. Terrible service and poor ownership, the bar tender served the wrong bars, and got agressive when called out on it, refused to repour, than complained he got a small tip due to bad service. Then when he say his tip, he came out and took our beers aways from us, because he didn't like the tip... I would recommend staying away from this place... Terrible service, doesn't know the different in beers. Worst bar in the area... should be shut down for hiring staff that doesn't know how to handle it self, when giving bad service. Check out other bars before them.

Ugh. I love Side St. I really do. The staff are (usually) amazing, and friendly, and make me sweet non-alcoholic drinks when I'm off the sauce. The baked tots are delicious. The drinks rotate and are fabulous. BUT there is this one bartender whose attitude I just can't get past. Every time I walk in its an instant back-talking before-i-even-have-a-buzz-buzz kill. She'll be curt, abrasive and only perks up after I leave a big tip (which I do all of the time since I'm in there literally every week). Maybe it's just me and I'm not used to Portland BTs or it's an old school thing but damn, at this point I avoid the place if I see her behind the bar.

The bartender deserves no stars. Went on a Nov Saturday. The bartender was shockingly rude as though the patrons infringed on his vibe. Mumbled to customers, made a patron carry her friends' food order to their table, and only talked to a coworker who just gotten off their shift. He must've thought he was being so cool. We left for a bar across the street where the bartenders were courteous and respectful due to his hideous service. If this was their best working a weekend night, I'm appalled. Truly, they won't last if he treats all patrons so carelessly.

Side St., What can I say? Belmont's really changing, but Side St. stays the same. When the din of hipsters yelling about themselves at Sweet Hearafter gets to be too much, and the smugness of the kids that reserved the secret back room at Circa 33 gets you down, you can fight your way through a cloud of American Spirit smoke and self-centered drunk DJs outside of the Liquor Store, hang a left past Belmont Inn and you'll find the Oasis that is Side St. Pizza, pool, rotating beers, solid cocktails, fast service, patio seating, and no nonsense.

One of my favorite hang-out bars in SE. The tap list changes practically hour to hour, the cocktails are tasty, the bartenders are ridiculously friendly... I wouldn't necessarily call it a foodie bar, but a plate of garlic bread sure hits the spot after a few beers. One time, I left a jar of homemade pickles -- what do you want, it's Portland -- on my table, and when I realized my mistake days later, they still had them tucked safely back behind the bar, with my name written on top. Great service.

I have lived in the neighborhood for numerous years. I used to really enjoy coming to this place. The last few times I have come I (usually by myself), I haven’t had the service others speak of. I feel like I’m invisible as I stand at the bar waiting to order...while others get greeted and served before me. The bartender has forgotten my food the last couple times...honestly, don’t bother with the half cooked food anyway. Just don’t feel like it’s my neighborhood bar anymore. Sad.

Update 1/24/23: Clearly the owner is just providing lip service / isn't taking any steps to address these issues considering the same bartender acted the same way to another group just last month based on another review... I never leave reviews but this place needed it! Awful service, bartender was rude and mocking our group. No wonder this bar was empty. If he was a Harry Potter character he would be Draco Malfoy. Bartender is also a square and his tattoos aren’t cool.

Side street is a great quiet bar with amazing pizza, that’s close enough to the nightlife but quiet enough for a good time with close friends or a date. The bartender was very attentive and kind and made delicious pizzas on the spot. Their is a pool table and plenty of beers on tap as well as mixed drinks. I recommend this spot for a quiet night!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Pizza

This isn't the flashiest or most unique bar, but on a busy Friday on Belmont my group of friends were able to beat the crowd at other bars and find a table for some drinking at Side Street. Atmosphere was friendly, clientele were attractive and had an overall nice neighborhood bar vibe. This isn't the "coolest" place on Belmont, but sometimes you just want some honest drinks without all the noise and the crowd and the hype.

This place is exactly what I look for in a beer bar- good prices on a great taplist, friendly service, and a really laid back aesthetic. If you're into throwback beer paraphernalia from breweries like Schlitz and Rainier, you're going to love this place. $5 pints of beers like Sticky Hands and Blind Pig, and an extensive Rainier-related beer-tail list, only helps solidify this place as one of the best bars in the area.

Cherish your experience at this exceptional tavern! The Side Street has been a place where I have met the friends I will have for the rest of my life. Whether you are nestled in a corner chair for solo study hour, or circling shoulders with dear kin, this place is a sunnyside gem, with a wide variety of libations and nourishing banter. Begin your story with the first few steps you take inside this home away from home.

Service here was incredibly slow on the day we visited. We waited about 40 minutes for food when there were only a handful of people there. For reference, they have an item on the menu that says "expect 20 minutes for this to bake" and we purposely avoided that. Also seemed to only have one person on staff at the time which does explain the slowness. Food itself was just okay.

Great atmosphere. I enjoyed the cat's pajamas cocktail. The drink consisted of habanero infused vodka, passion fruit, rum and cilantro. The habanero gave the drink a nice spice. The bar is a good since. A pool table in the middle. Plenty of tables and chairs. There is outdoor seating. Beer prices range from $2.50 - $6 and Cocktails tame from $6-$8, from my knowledge.

Booze and pizza, what's not to love? Both pies were fresh made by hand right in front of us, the dude was friendly and the vibes were pretty chill overall. I don't find myself in Portland often, but I'll be back here next time I am.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pizza

Tried calling in to hear if they got cocktails/mixed drinks. The person on the phone was obnoxiously rude. Hung up before I could finish my question. I don't care if the drinks and food might be good. That is unacceptable behavior for barstaff. Was going to schedule my meetup with a friend to go there tomorrow, forget that. 0/5 stars.

I love it here! The bartenders are all great and the drinks are on point. As a neighborhood local this bar is the best and the prices are good as well. Small and quaint, but cozy. Good lighting with dimmers. Pool and pinball (1 machine). Awesome bathrooms that I've heard people hate the lighting in. A tavern for sophisticated peoples.

I went here on a whim and am pleased I did!! The server/ bartender was welcoming and helpful. Im always embarrassed when I look for gluten free options. They have a locally made gluten free pizza crust! They have quality ingredients such as Olympia Provisions soprasetta!!!!!! I am very happy and will definitely be back!!

Side street is the perfect combination of neighborhood bar and cocktail lounge. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the drinks are well thought out and proficiently executed, and the space is comfortable. If you are looking for a place in the Belmont neighborhood to call your very own "Cheers" check this one out.

This place is amazing. The cocktails are super unique, some are made with fresh fruits and juice and I've never tasted anything like them! The pizza is also handmade and delicious. Mad respect to the bartender who's working here alone and still makes everything amazingly. Highly recommend!!

We wanted to go to a bar across the street for food, but it was already closed. Happened upon Side Street and super happy to have stopped in. Service was friendly and perfect, food was really good! Ordered the Press Your Luck Sicilian pizza and would definitely go back for more.

FREE JUKEBOX. DONEZO. Edit (3-years later): the jukebox is gone, but love that they added a pinball machine. Still coming here for the great tap selection and vibes. Sorry to hear some people have had bad experiences— I’ve only had great service every time I’ve gone.

I liked this bar because it is a little bit off the beaten path of SE Belmont. It also has a pool table, good food and drinks and a friendly atmosphere. When it gets busy, playing pool can be a bit of a hassle since it kind of centrally located in the main bar area.

Solid little dive bar with a good beer and alcohol selection! We only got drinks so I can’t speak to the food. They’ve got a few outdoor tables and plenty of room inside. There’s also a pool table and a pinball machine. Bartender was friendly and helpful too!

So happy that this bar is walking distance from my house! Amazing beer selection, fresh squeezed juice for cocktails, great atmosphere... selfishly I don’t want anyone else to know how great this bar is, but they are so awesome I feel bad keeping it a secret!

GREAT place to meet old friends & New! Bartenders are great! POOL table & Pin Ball need I say more.. Great neighborhood, when you need a friend kinda place.. Definitely one of my favorite watering holes.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great house cocktails, solid tap list, and good happy hour deals too. Clean and spacious while retaining a locals-only, neighborhood bar vibe. I've only ever seen one person on shift at a time though, so if you order food be prepared for it to take a bit.

LOVE this place. Great tap-list, great staff and lots of space to spread out and chill. Patio is usually open (with heaters) and the Sicilian style pizza is great. Enough for two people in most cases. They have lots of regulars for a reason (Hi Mike!).

Love it!! The owner is a pretty cool cat. Awesome tunes on the juke box. Great bartenders serving up tasty adult beverages with fresh squeezed juices. Food takes a while...but give the bartenders a break. They don't have a full kitchen to work with.

Pretty good little bar with typical bar food and good beer. The bartender was friendly enough and kept bouncing around the bar. Their bathroom has only beer mirrors and a caulk wall which was interesting. Not a bad spot but nothing spectacular.

Staff members are very friendly across the board Bathrooms are unisex, clean, and well stocked Creative cocktails, old stand bys, and a healthy rotating tap list Juke box full of music you actually listen to And outdoor seating

Sweet tiny spot! Came up on this bar while on a walk and happy that I found it, they have a nice beer selection but the food was meh. I don't think they actually have a kitchen just a small counter oven. Great PBR specials!

Great service with a great selection of drinks. There are a few tables outside that they allow dogs at which is great for those nice days! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Great location in a cute neighborhood.

If they had a full kitchen I'd probably live here. It's a great neighborhood bar. Friendly staff, pretty good cocktails that don't cost $14, and a taplist that's often better than most beer bars around town.

Kurtis is the best human you will ever meet in this lifetime and pretty much all staff now is set to the max potential of human greatness so go there if you are smart and have any decency in your existence

Amazing pizza! Their sicilian pie, which is served Thursday & Friday, is particularly my favorite. They also have a great tap & cocktail list. If we lived in the area, we'd probably be in all the time.

Very enjoyable experience. Attentive staff, beautiful waterfront dining. Indoor and outdoor eating experiences.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Didn't eat, just stopped by while waiting for my bus, but the bartender was on point, friendly, and promp. I will be back.
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Negroni slushies and delicious block party Detroit-style or thin crust pizza. Great ambience, pool, and arcade games. Friendly bartenders and a crowd of regulars. What's not to love?

Best bar off Belmont! Cozy, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. The tap list is pretty expansive, constantly rotating, and often features sought after or hard to find beers as well.

Good draught list, good cocktails, solid bartenders, and the pizza is actually decent. Pool table, plenty of seating indoors and some outside. Definitely a neighborhood staple.

Kinda divy- But oh, the beer! They have Pliny the elder, which is a w e s o m e. Small pool table which makes you feel like a king. Cute + neighborhoodish I love it :) …

The bartender didn't take my ID saying there's just something up with it sorry, and my ID had nothing wrong with it I don't know why she thought it was fake, so bad staff.

Nice bar, good selection of beer, but awkward seating... The single pool table is in the middle. There is seating outside, most of the seats get wet when it's raining.

Perfect hole in the wall spot for drinks. Love their atmosphere and set up. Just off Belmont on 34th. Do yourself a favor and go here over the other spots nearby.

Awesome bar. Good beer selection. 1 pool table, 2 pinball machines, jukebox, outdoor seating. Even when a bit crowded, its a great bar to spend some time.

Nestled in amongst some serious hipster bars, this place is down to earth, friendly nuggets behind the bar, and a killer tap list for a neighborhood bar.

Some of the best service in town. The bartenders are always so friendly and the tap list is never disappointing. Good vibes all the way around.

Fun dive bar with tasty pizza, cheap delicious cocktails and good vibes. Def recommend the negroni slushy! Also there's pool and good tunes.

Beers are great, didn't try the food. Vaccinated people only at bar top!!!! Nothing like division to bring people together. Stay classy PDX.

LOVE this place! The staff are awesome, the drinks are delicious, the vibe is great. It's the perfect low key place to be with friends.

Belmont too crowded? Go here to get great, cheap drinks and great atmosphere. Just go here anyways, actually. This is a great bar.

The only room for improvement would be their bar for offerings, but it's understood that it's not a place knows for its food.

Shh don't tell anyone.... Beer list is absurd (Russian River, Block 15, de Garde, etc...), and they have pool. Nuff said.

Bartenders are top notch! Regulars are super friendly as well. You can feel right at home in no time at this place.

Solo bartender killed it when our group of 10 showed up on a Tuesday night. Awesome drinks and chill atmosphere.

Had the Greek hummus plate with a delicious beer. Great vibes and cook the people, definitely recommend a visit.

No frills dive with pool and a jukebox. Usually quiet so going with a group is like having the bar to yourself

Good, friendly atmosphere... But drinks are a lil spendy. Though they have good stuff on well... So oh, well.

Everyone needs a great neighborhood bar to go, chill, and drink amazing cocktails. Wish I could go more often

Terrific bar I've been to at least a dozen times. Staff is always pleasant. Specialty pizzas are terrific.

Incredible tap list, delicious fresh squeezed cocktails and wonderful atmosphere! Love this bar so much

They have a bunch of hilarious PBR cocktails, including a PBR with a mustache ("The Hipster" I think).

Cocktails and cheesy bread were FIRE! Service was great, people were friendly. Highly recommend :)

This is my favorite late night bar for the great selection of craft beer and delicious nacho tots!

I have always loved a good dive bar. This was a hidden gem. Pool tables, shuffle board and darts!

Great bar, perfect atmosphere. It's what I always envisioned a bar to be when I was growing up.

Love this place. The friends I have met here are the best! Friendly bartenders and nice vibe.

Love coming here and just watching life go by. Great staff, great customers, good food.

Best neighborhood bar ever. Great tap list, amazing bartenders, lovely regulars. 10/10.

Cozy place with a good beer list, good music, handmade pizza, and a killer PBR menu.

This bar is a local hot spot and never crowded. Just, like, the perfect kinda bar.

Great bar staff. They are way friendly. Great prices for local (delicious) beers.

There aren't many quality beer bars in this part of town but this is one of them.

This is my favorite bar in the Belmont area. Amazing pizza and amazing service.

Great tap list but not pretentious about it. Great place to meet friends.

Great bartender named Lauren helped me. What a great gal …

bartender lied about the 2018 id requirement rule, so that's a thing.

Great tap list, great drink list, always playing dope music.

Great bar! Good beer, not too crowded and a pool table!

The atmosphere, Staff, food and drinks are all amazing.

Solid local bar with really tasty moist chicken strips

Really enjoyed this place - suprisingly good food.

Great beers. Great cocktails. Friendly service.

Atmosphere is great. Good spot to grab lunch.

decent atmosphere, service can be hit or miss

Great car with an excellent beer selection.

Awesome! From Michigan. Great local bar.

A very fun spot! Pizza is the best!

Good pizza and drinks.