Aalto Lounge

I am a fan indeed!

So Portland has a look, right? Everything that's cool is kind of anachronistic and off-kilter, like it was lifted from the Instagram account belonging to the unholy union of a lumbersexual and a steampunk aficionado. Well, Aalto says "screw you, established Portlandia aesthetic. I'm gonna be modern and urban and people are going to love me!" And it turns out people do. this place my jam.

It turns out that Aalto is named after a modernist Finnish designer, which makes complete sense. The space is clean and forward thinking, with design elements that are engaging but not distracting. the seating is varied, but it's good for a date or a group. We had six people and took over a section with two low cushioned benches, and it was easy to talk and stay comfortable. I haven't even made it out to the patio which looks to be equally awesome. Also, the night's DJ was really, REALLY good.

But enough about the design. Let's talk drinks! I mostly stuck with the Vieux Carre, a rye cocktail with benedictine, sweet vermouth and bitters. It was definitely spirit forward, which fits my taste in drinks perfectly. I did sample my husband's Poison Waters (Aviation gin with cucumbers and some other stuff) and while it's not something I would usually order, he really enjoyed it quite a bit. The cocktail list here is pretty impressive, with a whole section dedicated to variations on Old Fashioneds, which is where I'll spend my time on the next visit.

So rumor has it they have a kick-ass happy hour. I haven't been, but that's probably something to pay attention to. Either way, I'll be back to Aalto soon. It's a great spot in a solid little block for nightlife.

The hot honey cheese curds were delicious. The coffee martini style drink was delicious and better than the one I got at the Starbucks reserve! Seating wasn't very comfortable. Photo booth was out of order. Bartender was nice but not sure if short staffed but seemed an overwhelmed. Would comeback

Still one of the best happy hours in town! Aalto is great because of the various spots to sit with different vibes (casual, moody, outdoors) and their drinks and food prices are great (although more expensive than they used to be, for sure). The bartenders are always so friendly and great service.
We each got the Belmont Jewel and the pretzel and the hummus plate to share for a little over $20. All were delicious (the Belmont Jewel is incredible) and we enjoyed it sitting outdoors.
One note about outdoors - definitely a smoking patio. If you're sensitive, I'd recommend sitting in one of the indoor spots.

Great hummus and chips. Pro tip, if Sugar Hill has a a good DJ, just go to Aalto's back patio to enjoy the music without the crowds. Aalto feels like a Portland staple, and their happy hour can't be beat.

New happy hour. Inflation has finally hit Aalto as happy hour cocktails are now a whopping $5. OMG!

No Portland happy hour list is complete without including Aalto Lounge.

2021 - $4
2016 - $3
2012 - $2

We went here for happy hour on a Friday night, which is from 5-7. Our total was $31 plus tip for five drinks and two apps off the happy hour menu, but even the regular cocktails were in the $13 range, not $20. So, it's a great value, but the drinks were creative and they were good. The food was good. The service was fast and courteous. There are many types of seating for different size groups and a patio out back. Inside the lighting was low, and the crowd was quintessential inner Southeast. You should try it!

Came for happy hour and got great prices on each menu item we ordered. We got all the food options on the HH menu for $4 each and some drinks as well. Good portions!

Soft coffee shop vibes in this bar. The bartenders were sweet and lowkey but very attentive. I had the Summer of '99 drink and it tasted like minty pink lemonade. The lounge area would be perfect for a larger group, and the back patio is beautiful on a summer evening.

Good music, great vibes, several different chill areas. Indoor bar area is a long corridor with difficult flow but it opens into a lot more in back.

We wish the live music had gone a little longer, and bartenders were a little slow, but overall great experience. The DJ was music was spinning a mix of hip hop, retro, r&b and the crowd seemed to be laid back.

I've walked by this bar several times, on the way to Circa 33 or Sweet Hereafter, being completely unaware of its existence. It's easy to overlook, but that's a mistake I hope you will not also make.

It's narrow, it's dimly lit, with a J-shaped interior that hooks around the bar into a private nook around the backside. The cocktails are reasonably priced, the bartenders and servers attentive and helpful. It's clean, cozy and classy, good for small groups, as well as private, hushed conversation between fledgling lovebirds.

The Aalto Lounge is the sort of place I would frequent when I want to get out on the town and feel social, but also want to avoid the crush of crowds, karaoke butchers, the clack of pool cues, the inane droning of broadcast sports, and the roar of noisy drunks. So basically, all the time.

Love this lounge! Their tomato soup and grilled cheese is a must and you can't beat $3 on HH! There are plenty of seating inside or outside, great lil neighborhood hangout. Perfect for grabbing a drink and a quick snack solo or with friends!