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Brazen Bean - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Lounges American (New), Lounges [Edit]
2075 NW Glisan StPortland, OR 97209
Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
(503) 294-0636
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Brazen Bean
Review Highlights
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"Any of the martinis were $4, and what a selection." In 12 reviews -
"This place had a fantastic happy hour." In 11 reviews
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"This is a great place to take people who have just moved..." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Jeannie J.
Portland, OR
7/18/2008
I reallllllllly miss you Brazen Bean! This place had a fantastic happy hour. Any of the martinis were $4, and what a selection. Seasonal infusions were yum, but my mainstay, the Brazen martini made me so happy. Monapolowa vodka shaken with a little parfait amour. My friends called it jet fuel. I can almost taste it now. I've tried to order it twice other places, and they didn't get it right. I went on the last night they were open with my buddy's. It was almost like a wake. We were all sad and had to pay our final respects. The owner is trying to find a new location. I sure hope she does!
Too many of my places have closed/moved lately. I will miss the Cameos huge banana pancakes with a quart of maple syrup on the table.Listed in: I'm so happy it's happy hour!, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Gabe C.
Portland, OR
1/12/2008
I'm a little on the fence here...so while I'm giving it 4-stars, it's only because the service was friendly...it's a 3.5.
Cheap martinis. I can dig it. I'm a lover of vodka and makers mark....and most other kinds of booze. All the drinks I had or stole sips from others were good.
Big Sofas. I don't care how gross it kind of is, I just like couches at bars.
Dark. I'm the kind of person who likes to KNOW they are indoors.
Friendly Staff - If the staff was anything but nice I'd have put it in the 3-star category. They were very nice, but understaffed this night.
But some of the not so good things....
This place was a pressure cooker. Talkin' HOT. I had to take a layer off it was so roasty...not in a comfy roasty way either.
That staircase to get to the door is a sobriety test - try not to END your evening here.
As noted, be prepared to wait awhile for your drinks or do wisely and order 2 at a time like some people I know....Listed in: Yeeps - The List
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Review from Brandon B.
Portland, OR
1/13/2008
There was a time when composing a martini with anything other than vodka/gin and vermouth was shocking. Shocking! There was a time when Brazen Bean was one rare Portland place brazen enough to create magic martinis with tequila, pomegranate, campari, grapefruit, and the light of a fingernail moon.
There was a time. Now it's a sticky Gothic dive. The drinks are still good but no longer unique. The service is adequate. The style is tired.
Two stars for her historical contribution, but this grand old dame needs to remove her jewels and lumber off to bed. -
Review from Andrew C.
1/14/2008
I'm not the most upscale drinker in the world however I enjoy a little swank in my outings from time to time. Unfortunately, partaking in even miniscule levels of swank is reserved for hanging out with the Yeeps as it is near impossible to divert a group of friends who refuse to pay covers, much less more than $5 for a drink.
Enter the Brazen Bean. For months now this little spot has been merely something I'd glanced at while parking in the area. Thankfully, after some sing-along-grease action and because drinking 40's in a dark alley is sure to blow The Gypsy out of the water on any given evening, the suggestion was made to check this place out.
Old house, neat stairs that looked like they'd give anyone some trouble on the intoxicated journey back down, jutting walls, weird couches and tea lights galore lined the inside.
From a few swigs of everyone else's martinis, it appeared that this place has mastered the art of making their drinks taste like the fruit it's made with....until it hits your throat. At that point, all bets are off and you know just how loaded it is. I probably would have ordered one of my own if I had more than $10 on me. You see, I'm a victim of the cashless money system via a Washington Mutual debit card and militantly so. They might as well tattoo the mark of the beast on me and get it over with. "Yeah yeah yeah, scan my right hand or forehead all you want, just give me my damned drink!"
Anyway... I got a bit off topic but biblical-revelation references aside, my paper-bill situation restricted me to beer for the duration of the visit. All in all, I liked the place. It seemed a little understaffed however friendly. I have my suspicions though that the music gradually getting louder around the time we were thinking about leaving was some kind of hint that it was truly time to go. -
Review from Laura N.
9/11/2007 2 photos
I agree that this is a great place to take out of town guests - but be prepared for them not to SHUT UP about how cool the Bean is for a painfully long time. Each time you hang out it's: "hey...remember that dark-house-bar that we went to? I only had one $4 drink and I was gooooone..." or "Why doesn't (insert city name) have bars like this?"
And while it's 'cute' that all of these out-of-townies have school girl crushes on this NW staple, we PDXers just don't understand how spoiled we are to have so many eclectic options to get a cheap, delicious martini.
Brazen Bean's extensive $4 martini list puts many to shame, and while they go down fruity and smooth, they pack quite a punch! The service is not fantastic, but how good would you be if you knew your tip was based on tipsy patrons throwing back $4 martinis? Regardless, they are friendly, and they deal with belligerent tourists for a big chunk of the day.
I might even give them that 5th star for having a 5-8 Friday Happy Hour...but unfortunately, the service doesn't always match the strength of the martini...and the happy hour seems especially bad. Pay the extra $2 and get better service.
Yet the Brazen Bean is one of the reasons I LOVE Portland - and it's not always bad to have my out-of-town friends constantly remind me of that!
(I am still trying to figure out whether the bean is being referred to as shameless, or made of brass...)Listed in: Northwest 21st, Portland's Best Happy Hours
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Review from Andrew B.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008 ROTD 2/12/2008
If you like martinis and for some reason have a hard time ordering anything but top shelf then this is your new favorite place in the NW. This is one of the few places that I don't mind being at when it is somewhat crowded (and it does get crowded) but best to start the night there rather than make it the destination. The location is perhaps its best quality as it is a converted victorian house that is hardly noticeable as a business. The interior, while nice, is bland to say the least and could be much more charming. Their liquor selection is superb and still remains one of the only martini bars that innovates rather than imitates (think Vault, District, etc..); on that note the scotch selection is quite decent as well.
The scene is hit or miss, meaning it gets progressively unbearable as the night gets old and the crowd more pretentious. That said, you will find me here on any given Thursday usually with one or two friends about half past eight (my cocktail hour) and will normally spend $30 - $40, which I consider to be well spent. The happy hour menu is typical but still quite decent and the food is well prepared. The service is typical for the NW scene, so the less you appear to want a drink the quicker it will get to you. Positives: The happy hour, drink creativity and location. Negatives: The service, music and the late night scene. -
Review from Angie O.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2007
The happy hour drinks are marvelous. Four delicious cocktails under $20? I think you just earned yourself a new loiterer. Be sure to get there before 8 p.m., line up the drinks double fisting (not porn related) and go to town (also not porn related.)
Happy hour food? Umm, no. It doesn't exist. There are a few options and they don't have the matching cheap prices. I ordered the chicken pizza, which wasn't too bad from what food actually reached my mouth. This lil dish is made with goat cheese so the crumbs fall down your shirt and nestle in your cleavage. I guess, if you pretend the goat cheese is water than it could be a hot visual. That wasn't the case. I just had warmed cheese stuck in my bazookas waiting for a cheese fan to get friendly.
Next to our table a balding Asian dude and his date were necking. Their first kiss was one of the most awkward things I've ever seen. Worse that a virgin with a small erection awkward. It was like a train wreck, I just couldn't look away. Just when I thought nothing could kill my sexual appetite more...they started going at it hardcore and I watched her head disappear Alien style.
Overall, sweet place to booze, but not to eat. Next time, I'll eat somewhere else, then line those drinks up like a hooker on payday. -
Review from christine s.
Portland, OR
10/28/2007
This Victorian, multi-leveled house turned-cocktail bar is dimly lit and bustling with conversation. A perfect start before an evening out or to sum up the night with an after dinner drink. The menu includes nearly 30 specialty martinis overflowing with innovative libations, try a classic coffee drink or a creative concoction like a cantaloupe martini. If you are feeling adventurous try a lavender infused martini or cucumber kamikaze. Small bites include desserts or fondue for two. Visit between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays and all martinis are half price!
2075 NW Glisan St, 97209 -
Review from Ayse B.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2007
You must take your out-of-town visitors here! Especially if they are coming from an expensive town like SF, they will want to move to Portland (I'm considering it!). I have never seen anything like this $4 martinis for happy hour INCLUDING Fridays. Are they crazy??? They even come and take your order at 7:59pm instead of avoiding you for the cheap-ass you are!
Granted I only went inside AFTER my first two drinks, but it seemed like a very cool space... We sat outside, just beware of smokers. Cough....cough... -
Review from Jenny C.
3/27/2008
Whenever I'm in old shingle style / queen anne houses turned commercial establishments I always think "Man I should buy one of these". What can I say, I'm a sucker for turn of the 20th Century residential design...
I'm also a sucker for cocktails and being fancy... so Brazen Bean is pretty much right up my alley for a good time and blissful daydreaming of what could architecturally be mine.
The service is prompt and really friendly, it's busy but you don't feel like you're sitting on top of the people next to you, nor are you rushed out to make way for the next party. The music... a little loud, making it kind of hard for conversation. But hey, if you're a stare at the ceiling type like me then that really doesn't matter.
Prices are pretty reasonable and it's a pretty good place to take a date or a few friends as a stop on your night out. -
Review from Michael M.
Farmingdale, NY
10/21/2007
I was not pleased with the Bean at all, first off Its not well marked I was like where, what, is the place? Next issue was the music. I think the owner forgot to turn up his hearing aid and the music was more nose than music. It was extremely hard to hold a conversation.
Ok now I don't like to bash on places to much so I will give you some positive with the negative. The food was decent they gave their stuff their own spicy flare which was pleasing to the palate. They also have some nice refreshing original drinks which is what saved this place from being a 1 star.
All in all there was nothing here that impressed me from the emotionless droid of a waitress to the music so loud you cant hear the person your siting next to. I hate to say but I have no future plans to go back here. -
Review from Tiffanie S.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2007
Located in a house off the street with a sign hidden by trees I walked by it three times while on the phone with my friend trying to find it. She practically had to describe it before I was able to pick it out. I went over there around 8 on Friday and it was packed. I ended up sitting at a table for over 15 minutes with no one coming to take my order. After my friend showed up we decided to go elsewhere.
Later on we decide to go back at around 10. It was less crowded and a lot easier to get drinks. For some reason they close the patio there early because after awhile someone came and kicked us off of it.
On a positive note, their drinks are really good. If you can manage to get a drink before 8pm they have some amazing specials. -
Review from Adam R.
Portland, OR
2/15/2008
I've been coming here for a long time and even more so since they went smoke free about a year ago(I think). For a low price you get a creative and strong martini in a unique atmosphere. This is a great place to take people who have just moved into town or are visiting to show them how Portland has a style all its own.
Service is usually fairly quick but I've had some off nights of waiting extended periods of time just to get the check to leave.
The Akira made with Sake is an excellent choice as is the Lavender. Bring someone here who is into fruity drinks and they will love you forever. -
Review from Sam K.
Colton, CA
12/19/2007
The owners name is Houston and she's not from Texas. She was extremely kind when giving directions to my friend and Houston stayed on the phone the entire trip until she made it. What a gal!
This place has kick ass martinis, like the melon ball with infused liquors, for only $4 during the happy hours. Sometimes, I'd go workout and finish at 7:30pm, just to make it to their happy hour. I think this place turned me into an alcoholic. For that, it gets 5 stars. -
Review from Chris O.
Portland, OR
2/11/2008
Martinis and a cigar.
If you enter a bar and see a huge humidifier full of cigars, don't complain about cigar smoke.
You are in a cigar bar..
If you do not like cigars, Happy TRAILS!
Don't hang out and mope. There are plenty of other places you can find something to complain about.
Let us enjoy one of the last sanctuaries available to us, the cigar connoisseur.
The Martinis are great, the service is friendly and interesting if a little slow. Walk up to the bar if you need something faster, they will always try to accommodate you.
Settle in, get comfortable and if you have good companions, it is not necessary to get slammed quickly just to enjoy yourself.
If you have a dry mouth syndrome, order a club soda or whatever your pleasure as a side drink.
You will also enjoy your martini more if the is a change in taste..
I'd give 5 stars if they had more convenient hours. -
Review from Alison L.
Portland, OR
1/7/2008
Dark and busy, this is the ideal low-key cocktail spot. Drinks are poured with a heavy hand, and happy hour here is incredible. Be prepared to read the long list of specialties, each one seems better than the last.
This is a favorite "night with the girls" spot, as there is always something new to try, and the clientele is ideal for their attractiveness and people watching potential. -
Review from Courtney D.
Portland, OR
2/8/2007
Martinis outside in the winter
Why couldn't more places in P-town be like the Brazen Bean and have heat lamps out on the deck?
When I spent time in Sydney, Australia a few years ago in the winter, every place outside seemed to have a heat lamp. Yes, it can get cold there. And I kept thinking about the warmer days that we can get here during the winter, when the aid of a heat lamp would let us sit outside. Well halleluiah, I finally found the Brazen Bean!
I can't believe that it took me so many years to find it. It's an awesome martini bar with more creative concoctions than most others. Definitely go during happy hour when the drinks are half price and actually affordable for most of us.
Tip: It's an old house so keep your eye out. -
Review from Angela B.
San Diego, CA
8/3/2007
If you walk by Brazen Bean on any given evening it looks like there is some late night house party going on that you didn't get invited to. This place is packed on the inside, packed on the outside, and it's even packed on the stairs.
From the street, Brazen Bean will remind you of some frat scene in Animal House, but head inside to the bar and the mood is dark and sexy...I repeat...very dark and sexy, with the flicker of candlelight everywhere. If you are looking for a great place to get a little frisky with your date, you will definitely be able to sneak in some kisses and a squeeze without anyone noticing the monkey business going on at your table.
One bummer is the service....egads it's hard to get the waiters attention. We typically bypass table service and head straight to the bar to place our order. And be prepared for that foul scent of cigar smoke in the air...when people light up it's pretty hard to stomach the smell. -
Review from Karen E.
Portland, OR
1/12/2008
I finally experienced an entirely new bar in pdx. I have been to some interesting places over the years but this one is at the top. I love the fact that it is in an old house. It was fun to try to figure out what room was what back in the day when it was a lived in residence. The drink list was the most extensive I have ever seen. I love vodka and the infused list was mind staggering. I wanted to try everything. I settled on The Blue which had gin, pureed blueberries and lemon juice. I wanted to step completely out of the box here. It was really good, though a little pulpy for my mouth kept getting confused thinking I needed to chew it. The wait to get our drinks was longer than I am used to but they were brought to us fast enough. The waitress was really nice and brought us a pitcher of ice cold water for the table as well. The lighting is really low and you pretty much have to yell to the person across the table from you for them to hear but overall it was really fun. The stairs are really steep so leaving is rather difficult. I am glad I only had the one drink or I would have ended up in the ER but probably not cared.
Fun place for out of town visitors to try for sure. I will be back. -
Review from Jay S.
Sacramento, CA
8/29/2007
In a beer town occasionally you need a cocktail. The Brazen Bean is the place to find said cocktail. They serve up a wide variety of libations to dazzle the senses. The linchpin for this establishment is their happy hour: 5-8 on weekdays their cocktails are whisked to your table at $4 each. Even at that rate it will take you a long time to work your way through their menu. The one disappointment is they refuse to serve up drinks that don't appear on their menu, while efficient on a busy Thursday, it leaves a sour taste, since their drink selection is not all encompassing.
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Review from Mike K.
Manhattan, NY
4/28/2008
One time, I came out of here after happy hour and a bum made fun of me. I miss you Bean!
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Review from Rob K.
6/6/2006
Great, cheap happy hour. I was floored many a night from 10+ $4 martinis, leaving me a wreck and asleep on our patio. Good times.
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Review from Micah C.
Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2006
Love this spot. Owned by the same folks that own Chapel in Seattle Capitol Hill. Cigar night becomes phlegm morning... mixters are on the money.
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Review from chris m.
Portland, OR
4/21/2008
we miss them a lot. sticky floors, but great cocktails and a sufficiently inattentive bar staff made it feel like home.
