Speakeasy Tavern

421 reviews

609 1/2 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97214

+15032348991

About

Speakeasy Tavern is a Bar located at 609 1/2 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97214. It has received 421 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday3PM-2AM
Tuesday3PM-2AM
Wednesday3PM-2AM
Thursday3PM-2AM
Friday3PM-2AM
Saturday3PM-2AM
Sunday3PM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Speakeasy Tavern: 609 1/2 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97214

  • Speakeasy Tavern has 4.4 stars from 421 reviews

  • Bar

  • "Bartender was rude and claimed she was manager"

    "Update 2019: The Speakeasy has changed hands"

    "The staff at this bar is trash"

    "Speakeasy is misnamed in my opinion"

    "The staff is grumpy"

Reviews

  • Charisma B

Bartender was rude and claimed she was manager. Our drinks had black specs on them, which was odd, and after tipping her the first time when we chose not to give her a tip the second time because she complained that I wanted olives she came by and grabbed her drinks and threw them out then told us we had to leave, despite there being very intoxicated customers, there she claimed that we were drunk and kicked us out after asking for a manager. When we went to take a picture of her, she legit posed and could not care less. It was really odd overall, and I have never had someone complain about asking for olives, if it was really that big of a problem she could have charged me. She complained that we were there for over an hour, which is kind of odd being that it is a bar when we’re ordering drinks. To add to it, the jukebox stole my money, and she said it was not her problem, though she had a lot of regulars that said she’s not usually like this. We were also told she is very much like this, honestly not deserving of a second tip. I would love to have finished our drinks or had them refunded, but in reality, they were not well-made and watery as hell… do not recommend. Thanks Jamie for such a delightful and wonderful experience at a “speakeasy”. Her regular customers mentioned she has a tendency to do this when she’s having a bad day. Would love to get my money back for these watery drinks and bad attitude but at this point it’s not even worth it. Will not return or recommend my clients here. We didn't even get a receipt at the end and were over charged. She told us to “gtfo” and yelled at us. There were customers wasted and on drugs but apparently being regulars earns you that. We will be reporting this place for sanitation and more.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Nathan Keith

Update 2019: The Speakeasy has changed hands.Had my usual French Dip and it was not the same ah jus as before which is too bad. Had to drop it from five to four stars. I have eaten here many times and never disappointed. Yesterday, had a French Dip with caramelized onions. At first I thought it was a bit small for a French Dip and then I bit into it. Wow, the taste, flavors, and texture more than made up for any thought I had about it being small. It was one of the most amazing French Dip Sandwiches I have ever had. French Dip sandwiches are so simple that the kitchen cannot cover up any loss of quality, the meat has to be broken down and flavorful, the a jus is often too salty and out of a can rather than from the meat drippings, and the bread has to hold up to the meat and a jus when you dip the sandwich. This French Dip was perfect.. oh, yeah... it came with horseradish.

  • riley parker

The staff at this bar is trash. Legit awful. My friend was attacked in the bathroom of this bar BY AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BAR. The dude was off his shift and drunk, and accused my friend of trying to “touch him” as they passed at the door. It is a one-stall bathroom, and a small hallway, and this dude is so full of himself and toxic masculinity, and so insecure in sexuality, that he legit attacked my friend for passing him in the hallway. When my other friend told the working bartender what happened, he told her that he didn’t care. Our group of 8 spent a bunch of money, and were there to have fun, but instead our friend was attacked and then we were told it didn’t matter. Don’t go here. And if the owner sees this, talk to the bartender on shift at 10:30 on April 12th, and ask them why they think it’s cool for drunk employees to attack customers.

  • Xess Dx

Speakeasy is misnamed in my opinion. Yes, it occupies a basement space in the middle of a block under a brick building. Yes it is tiny, and hidden. But "Speakeasy" in my mind evokes images of prohibition era, jazz, and swing music, and hep cats and hot dames. This Speakeasy is just a neighborhood dive bar. There's bar games, bar food, inexpensive and passable drinks and a Portland - ok beer selection. The wifi is a plus. Music is usually played too loud for any kind of conversation. Not anywhere I'd go to as a destination, but if you're doing a pub crawl by bike of the industrial Eastside, then it's a stop on your travels.

  • Rebecca L

The staff is grumpy. They were quite rude and wouldn’t let anyone in until they setup the patio but once I walked in somehow there were already several customers at the bar drinking alcohol. Also, just because you are a self proclaimed dive bar doesn’t mean you should have a bathroom’s floor that hasn’t been cleaned in 50 years. Also, drinks were not cheap, $7 each for a basic drink. It’s actually possible I was over charged, they clearly didn’t like outsiders and did not give me an itemized receipt. Do not go here.

  • Beth Karp

This bar is a terrible neighbor. They ruin my sleep- not to mention my ability to open my windows in the summer- by blasting music into the alley shared with my building at all hours. I have spoken with staff by phone and in person and submitted multiple noise complaints to the city. I am not the only one filing noise complaints. All they need to do to respect their neighborhood is to keep their side door closed.

  • Jameson Ahern

Seedy hole-in-the-wall that smells like armpits. Granted it was hot outside. Other than the front door with the lookout slot, nothing inside has anything remotely "speakeasy" like. Didn't try the food (again, armpits), but their beer selection was good considering how few taps they have. Don't order a Margherita. Not that they claim to have good ones, but it was bad.

  • User Name

Keep an eye on your tab. Mine seemed suspiciously high and it ended up having 5 or 6 drinks added to it that were being served to another group. The bar manager issued a refund with no hassle, but this probably goes unnoticed more often than not. Otherwise, it's a good, laid-back atmosphere and has fairly cheap drinks and food when you're not paying for others.

  • Nick Cooper-Soderberg

Bad day? Spend an afternoon in this lightless cellar, drinking dirt-cheap beer and booze, vent to the sassy, DGAF bartender who knows what's in your soul because she's heard the same story from every other sop who's graced the stool you're sitting on - and rejoice that places as awful and wonderful as Speakeasy exist. Get me back to this dive bar heaven.

  • Kay McCreedy

Cozy and cleverly tucked away, dim, and small, the Speakeasy lives up to its name. The staff was incredibly friendly and patient to some of my more unique drink and back requests. One of the bartenders who had just gotten off shift even tried to get me to join in on a trivia game with her and a friend. A good little spot indeed.

  • Riley

A friend of mine was attacked in the bathroom this evening. When it was brought to the bartender's attention, nothing was done. The person who attacked him worked there, and was off at the time. THE ATTACKER WORKS AT THE BAR, AND THE BARTENDER ON STAFF AT 11:00 ON 12 APRIL DIDN'T CARE. Keep your friends safe: don't go here.

  • Dante Ashby

The bar itself seems like it might be a cool place to hang out but I discovered weird white flakes in the bottom of my beer I hadn't noticed until I'd almost finished it all. Left immediately after. Don't know if this is a regular thing but I probably won't be coming back. Place has a pool table tho so that's cool

  • MICHELLE BUENO SPURGEON

Me and Jennifer had went to the bar just to go play $5 for the poker I'm not a poker fan but I've never for more than five dollars in the machine at one time and I had a beer and it was it was pleasant that wasn't that many people there but it was nice and cool in there and people were friendly thank you Michelle

  • Nomes

Great little secret. You almost feel like you need a special knock, or password to get in. I am in love with the fact it's not advertised, there's no name. If it weren't for the neon bar signs I'd have never found it. It's dank and dark down there. Just really a fun spot, good selection of beer, too.

  • BeD HeD

This is a very true east coast bar vibe, from having to duck your head in between the the 2 step down and a short door right ahead of you us tall n round guys can make it in just fine, its a sea worthy place would not sink it like other lame bars in portland. Also they do some sweet punk shows!!

  • Levi Anderson

Great fun little bar. Down in a cool sunken level and not very flashy from outside. And they really utilize the space well. Oh you can write on the walls with chalk. Great prices , great staff and good drinks and cheap but tasty eats. Try the $1.00 sloppy Joe's or the $2.50 brisket tacos.

  • Ryan Casey

six months later the government was forced into the death penalty for the first two weeks and then though the court was unable to decide which court could decide whether the case would change if it were to have some serious money on it to be absurdly careful about it in a few minutes

  • Bizarro_Stormy 2021

This is a quintessential Portland dive bar. $2 cheap beer during happy hour. $1 gringo tacos all day every day . The staff is fire . All around one of my favorite bars in town.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pulled Pork

  • Phillip Mills

I play trivia here quite often on Tuesday nights. The food here is surprisingly excellent -- you can't go wrong with their Reuben and potato salad. Pretty good rotating tap selection, cheap PBR and Coors Light if those are your jams. Probably one of my favorite dive bars.

  • A B

Went for the speakeasy-themed escape room. It was fun, the puzzles were okay, and overall it was challenging enough but the person monitoring us was a total buzzkill. She sat behind the bar and stared at her phone the whole time and took us out of the energy of the game.

  • Ken DeRouchie

One of the oldest bars in Portland. I would call it a dive bar, and I love a good dive bar. I've been going here for over 25 years. Great Reuben sandwiches, full bar, very diverse crowd. Table shuffleboard and a pool table. I just love the vibe of this place.

  • Arielle Panzo

The Speak is my favorite dive bar in Portland, though it's a little different these days. They've added some outdoor seating!!!! Though the inside is as beautiful and grungy as ever. Staff are truly wonderful folks, and they really need your support!

  • Jonathan Noyes

This place is really awesome. I highly recommend this place.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pulled Pork, Housemade Vegan Garden Burger, blt

  • Cody Gertsch

The staff seemed okay, the people didn't seem the most friendly, and I had a random coaster thrown at me by another customer. Overall, nothing particularly great, nothing outstandingly bad, perhaps it was an off night.

  • Kelly McNiece

Low down dirty and wonderful. It has that "I'm from Portland" feel and the cast of characters helps to forget what you were trying to forget in the first place. I've already forgotten what I was trying un-remember.

  • jim rotharmel

A fun bar I go there on Thursday for the prime rib 11.00 to 3.00 6.5 oz for 10.00 bigger cuts avalale very reasonable and the regular meme is good you can't go wrong it's got the speak easy vibe down very fun place

  • Aub Driver

The diviest of dives close-in southeast? Absolutely possible! Floor-to-ceiling graffiti with several pool tables and a bunch of big screen TVs to watch the Timbers in. Full bar and a variety of regular characters.

  • chris

All staff is way cool, great specials/prices, great space for medium size groups, or solo. Food is cheap and ok if in a pinch. It's a speak easy/dive, beyond expectations and lovely experiences.

  • Rob Michaels

Cheap drinks. Got two great Moscow Mules in a tall glass. Show was great fun too. That was maybe three years ago. Glad to see they are still open. Will be visiting again on my next trip.

  • kristen andrews

I think this place is awesome. Its a great little hidden spot and the bartender Jerred is super cool and on top of things. Good food, fun atmosphere and I love the tagged up bathroom :)

  • Joseph Mintz

Nice little dive bar. Has a pool table, some slot machine gambling, and a little bit of late night food. Beer is a good price and they have an ok selection. Pretty good seating options.

  • Davina Yarbrough

I love this dive bar! The food is a good price, and delicious! Glad this is my after work bar.
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Cruise Control

The smerk on the bartender as she made the experience I had one of the worst. Couldn’t get a beer order right and was extremely condescending. Stay away if you respect yourself.

  • Chelsea Lodge

My favorite Portland dive bar! The bartenders here are really and truly amazing. Always super friendly and funny. Always good vibes. Great place for pool and shuffleboard!

  • Unbroken Past

Great genuine atmosphere. Bartenders are polite and professional. You can draw on the ceiling or play pool. I love their all vinyl reggae night they have once a month.

  • Alex Orlet

Bartender defended a wasted coworker who assaulted a customer in the bathroom. If you like being attacked in bathrooms by offduty workers, this is the place for you.

  • Nathan Guynn

Old School Portland Dive. Punk/Metal/Scooter types. Shuffleboard, Graffiti, Pool, Pinball, Video Poker, Drifters, Zombies, Live Music (soon). Anybody seen Keith?

  • Cameron Mulder

I love this basement bar. Good prices, nice dive bar atmosphere without feeling dirty. The jukebox has some pretty awesome selections, and it has free wifi!

  • Robert Moodenbaugh

Great selection of beers,unique history,pool and shuffleboard tables. I used to frequent back in the early 80's.in fact I was there when st. Helen blew up.

  • Daniel Quasar

Good atmosphere and lively. The music was a little too loud to be able to talk to people sitting with you, but it didn't kill the vibe for me too much.

  • Joshua Jensen

They need to clean the place up. Wacky graffiti and reggae. Relive some stoner kids basement bedroom but possibly without a mom yelling down the stairs

  • Andrew Chaney

Great little dive bar with pool and shuffleboard. Prices are about average and they have some good beers on tap including my favorite Lagunitas IPA.

  • Christa Parco

Terrible service. Rude service from the owner!!!!! Talks bad about customer's when they feel you can't hear them talking to other customers …

  • Randy Miller

Stopped in to meet a friend, friendly service staff and unique atmosphere...
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Scott Bonawitz

Love this old school proper neighborhood dive bar. Decent tap list and food, chill vibe, and great vintage juke box. Hope it never changes!

  • vlwisconsin

Recently discovered this hidden gem in SE. My new favorite dive. Brings me back. Drinks are cheap, tasty, and the service is welcoming!

  • Falica Meyers

Not a bad little place. Very small though. Be ready for that. The location was very "hole in the wall" but the service was good.

  • Michael Gubitosa

Great neighborhood dive with lots of games and character. Food is surprisingly good too - especially the Reuben and French dip.

  • Michael Feuerstack

Some of the Worst service I have ever experienced. Bartenders were extremely rude when asking about simple things like water.

  • ward blanchard

Nice bartenders and they make their food in house fresh daily with their specials. Really good mac and cheese and brisket

  • LEGION ANDERS

Nicholas Cooper's review below hits the nail on the head. Dark. Comfortably edgy. Chill. If only the walls could speak...

  • Shane Evans

Very cool dive bar with a good bar selection and plenty to do around. Cool seating makes it good for bigger groups also.

  • london danielle

Wonderful experience. Had a great time. Super chill. I recommend to all who like a good dive bar with great atmosphere.

  • B. Fletcher

Yeah what a fun little bar has stopped into and play some games and have a good time make sure to stop in it's worth it

  • Bernard Bove

Rad basement bar with cool local shows. Would recommend that you eat there as well. Good dogs both vegan and carnivore.

  • Belladonna Atropa

Best little dive bar in Portland.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Dino Ampere

They refused to let us in just because we don't have a passport. Aw come on... first time that happened to me.

  • Lacy Holechek

Bartender called me "darling," had a great sense of humor, and had a strong whiskey pour for my mixed drink!

  • Errol Smith

So much fun. Definitely a Portland stop in! I am sad i discovered it just before moving away... …

  • John “Toby” Nelson

Still the best speakeasy in Portland. Great beer selection, booze and great food. Open 3pm every day.

  • Justin Phifer

Judd makes the best nachos. I go there specifically for Judd's nachos. Don't forget to add jalapeños.

  • Nikki Fremming

A dive for sure, but the customer service and drinks are wonderful. It's the best neighborhood bar!

  • Sam Matkin

Best Rubin I have ever had in my life. Great atmosphere and staff. Small town feel in a big city.

  • Darnoc Would

Great service, strong pours and amazing food specials! Pool table, shuffle board and video poker.

  • Andy Frey

Fun little dive bar. Has shuffle board and pool as well as gambling and a cool place to hang out

  • Ortho Tech Guy

Great local dive bar. Seems to have lots of regulars. Staff is great. Ash the bartender was aw

  • Kelly Ray Anna Will (William Kelly)

Great little place open serving drinks and food including there one dollar beef tacos …

  • laura morgan

Cute little hidden gem. The bartender was nice and love that they had a pool table …

  • Rick H

Brisket tacos. Killer Reuben. Shuffleboard. Cool staff. Checks a lot of boxes for me.

  • Jacob Porter

Definition of a dive bar but you cant beat the $10 (6.5 oz) prime rib on thursdays.

  • Marc Farran Marin

Dive bar with board games, billiards and lot of Craft beer and spirits …

  • Lance Alladin

Besides great beer, the food here is excellent. And the staff are good people.

  • Ron Oaks

LC is awesome aka john
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Dustin Harris

Best dive bar in PDX. Liked it so much that I went to it twice in one night

  • Daniel Sanchez

Love this bar. It's dark and divey and has great drink and food specials.

  • Jamie Stevens

great place for pool and shuffleboard, great place for food and drinks

  • Seth Purkerson

My new favorite dive bar! Just grungy enough to keep the crowds away.

  • B Gennaro

Nice dive bar atmosphere, strong drinks and good no nonsense service.

  • David Morsman

One of the best environments in town. They also make delicious food!!

  • Dan Dehart

Best spot inner east side. Drinks and great. People are even better.

  • ToDD “XT3” Clark

Awesome place.... Open late... And has vp machines that always hit

  • Death & Lilith

OK bar decent with the prices on booze. Nice place to hang out.

  • Leah

Great dive bar with super friendly bartenders and good service

  • David Larson

The high-dive of Portland dive bars. We LOVE this place!

  • Melissa Jones

Hole in the wall bar. Decent prices and selection.

  • Mike Salmon

As a visitor I feel lucky to have stopped here.

  • Byron B

Great clam chowder. Friendly bartender.

  • Hormoz Maragoul

Good dive for drinks, with pool tables.

  • Uncle Shrek

Best brisket tacos in the city!

  • Tim “Camper”

Still a gem. Love this place.

Similar places

Loyal Legion

1422 reviews

710 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Victoria Bar

1065 reviews

4835 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Momo's

1000 reviews

725 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Delta Cafe

889 reviews

4607 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206

Anchor Bar

778 reviews

11915 N Center Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Slow Bar

768 reviews

533 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Birdie Time Pub and Mini Golf

757 reviews

925 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214

C-Bar PDX

750 reviews

2886 SE Gladstone St, Portland, OR 97202

Marathon Taverna

735 reviews

1735 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

Bunk Bar Water

710 reviews

1028 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214