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North 45

4.5 star rating
based on 38 reviews

Categories: American (New), Burgers, Pubs  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
517 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 248-6317
  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 4:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
    Fri-Sat 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
    Sun 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: No
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Dinner, Late Night
  • Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
  • Happy Hour: Yes
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
  • Coat Check: No

38 Reviews for North 45

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Photo of Justin T.

Elite '08

58

92

Justin T.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
05/28/2008

North 45 really isn't at North 45, from Google Earth its position is approximately 45deg 31min 35sec, which is 45.52667 North, so it could be rounded up.  North 46 doesn't have the same ring to it as North 45 and besides the place is a cool place to have some food and drink with friends to quibble over its naming rights.

Try to get there on a discount night or happy hour for drink specials or food specials.  

I just noticed the old wine barrels above the front door last time I was there, that is a really nice touch!

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Photo of Adam R.

Elite '08

13

68

Adam R.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
06/03/2008

"Wow, this place is pretty crowded." "Yeah. Well, it's $9 beer night."

Great bar and awesome patio. Can't say much about the food here since we just hopped in to grab a drink and check this place out. What I can say is that, yes, you are going to be paying a lot for a drink.

Their beer menus consists of almost all imported Belgian beers which have an average price of $9. Skip the draft beers as they are not good, granted you'll be saving $4 but only by drinking a lousy $5 pilsner.

Now that I know what to expect I'll be sure to go again as my expectations of the place have changed. Besides, there are plenty of summer nights coming up and I did enjoy their patio, stay tuned....

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Elite '08

123

360

Jen K.

West Linn, OR

3 star rating
06/17/2008

Whizzzzzzz.... bonk!  

"What the bleep?!?"

I love trees, but sometimes they fight back.  You see, I had co-workers in from out of town who wanted to grab a quick drink and bite to eat before catching a flight out of PDX.  Since it was a gorgeous sunny day, North 45 with its outdoor patio, seemed like a great choice.  Besides, any place that bills itself as a traveler's pub is right up my alley.

The patio out back reminds me a little bit of Europe (so do the exorbitant beer prices).  What I wasn't expecting was that most of the patio would be shaded by a large tree and awning so it got a little chilly back there.  Still it was nice to kick back on the wood picnic benches and peruse the Belgian beer and food menus until I was hit, not once, but twice, in the head by nuts falling from the tree.  My co-workers thought this was hysterical. Me, not so much.

They specialize in mussels and we ordered the Provencal style with sea salt herb frites. Since appetizers were half price (all day Monday), we added the Asian style calamari w/sweet chili sauce and sliders for half price. Of all the items, the calamari was my favorite, probably because I could bathe in sweet chili sauce, since I love it so!

The Orval beer and my White Cosmo were good, but as others have noted, their cocktails aren't heavy pours.  What left a lasting impression, aside from the lump on my noggin, was the slow service.  Nothing horrendous happened, but we certainly felt a bit abandoned multiple times during our visit.  Also, the server had very limited experience with the Belgian beers on the menu, which is a bit surprising since that's their specialty.  I'll be back, with a hat, to give it another try.

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Photo of JW D.

Elite '08

44

78

JW D.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
05/27/2008

According to the website, North 45 is a "travel pub".  Okayyy.

This is my second trip to North 45, but the first time was one of those "Don't order a drink, we're not staying"  "But I already ordered one, this IS a bar!" times.

Gabe said the food was off, and they were out of a lot of stuff. And the waitress was uptight about the IDs (with my vast service industry experience, I smelled OLCC involvement in the recent past).

So if this was a bad night at North 45, it must be freaking awesome the rest of the time.

The space is small, but not crowded and not too noisy.  It's too dim for my tastes (but that's a standard grumble).  I got the mac n cheese with chicken (they were out of andouille (sp?)), the mac was good, the cheese was also good.  The chicken was unseasoned other than the grill marks, but I ate most of it, so it clearly was acceptable.  The mac n cheese had to partially go home with me.  They didn't have a small box, but a piece of foil was no problem (plus Brandon freaked out when I pulled it out of my jacket pocket later, sorry I didn't have anything more interesting in there, B).

Now, they did make me take care of the boxing/foiling myself.  Which is one of my service pet peeves.

The waitress was quick and attentive and pleasant and  MORE THAN HAPPY TO SPLIT THE CHECK!!!!!!  Also, late arrivals to join the group, no problem!  (we came in at least three waves).  She was even bringing out extra chairs from somewhere when an adjacent table left.

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24

33

Ella W.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
05/05/2008

Far too often, Classy is accompanied by its obnoxious friend Stuffy.  Sometimes Pretentious tags along, which pretty much kills the evening.  Not true at the North 45.  Classy hangs out here, and Pretentious and Stuffy are forced to strut off to another establishment and ruin someone else's good time.

Screwdrivers made with fresh squeezed orange juice, minty-julepy-goodness, and the mussels.  Oh.my.god.  Little bites of shellfish heaven.    

Go here.  And I say that in a totally non-bossy tone.

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Photo of Emily H.

Elite '08

30

61

Emily H.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
05/12/2008

6/16/2008

Did not let the floor bother me, still not sold- will be back for beers and fries!

That's it
6/01/2008

After a lot of thought about North 45, I realized I hate their floor! Is this a good reason not to like a place? No, of course not.

Now that I have recognized the issue, I promise to try it again!

Stay tuned....They do have a good happy hour on Mondays, right?  

5/27/2008
One more star for the new fries.

They were so yummy. Nice and hot, crispy and nicely seasoned!

Still not sold...
************************************************** ************************
North 45 could be so much better... But it's just not.

Food is not that great- the fries are just plain weird. And, while I love the concept of mussels and French fries the versions available do not go together.

The first time I went I ordered a mixed drink and it was so weak I decided it would also be the last time I had a cocktail there.

The next time I went there I ordered the suggested  beer to go with my chicken sandwich. It was good- but it also cost more then the sandwich. Ugh...

I will be back, but only because I live a block away.

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Photo of Kimberly V.

Elite '08

66

164

Kimberly V.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
04/13/2008

From the line to the bathroom:

DOUCHE: Do you ladies want to make a bet?
LADY TO RIGHT: NO.
ME, silently: Oh, she good.
ME, out loud: What are the stakes?
DOUCHE: -----
ME, OL: Well, I have to know what I'm putting all my imaginary money on.
DOUCHE: I'll bet you there's a woman in the men's restroom right now.
ME, OL: That's your bet? That's kind of a sucker's bet, isn't it?
DOUCHE: -----
ME, OL: For all I know, you saw a woman walk into there.
LADY TO RIGHT: I totally use the men's room if it's not too gross.
ME, OL: I think this is a con.
DOUCHE: -----
ME, S: You know? A con? A set-up? Are you understanding any of the words coming out of my mouth at all?
DOUCHE: Hey Sarah! Wooo!
ME, walking into the men's room: No more small talk with strangers. Fail.

Ah, Northwest. Your charms are plentiful and enticing. Your neatly packed homes with bay windows and sun-drenched porches. Your rows of shoes and shimmery dresses. Your pink elephant beer. On a summery, blissful night like this one, I feel like I could enter into any of your many establishments and feel connected with all inhabitants of Portland, even the ones I don't understand. Another bonus is that the many canine companions love the warm weather just as much as the humans and come out in full force, making the sidewalk-facing seat the most entertaining place to sit all night.

Then one encounter with the white-sneakered set, a falsely cheerful server, and an hour later, and I remember exactly why I don't hang out on this side of town more often. But will I come back for the pink elephants and the intimate atmosphere? Yup. Should there be less douchebag and more dog-watching next time? Oh yes.

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Photo of Meghann M.

 

21

24

Meghann M.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
04/13/2008

I ordered a Chemey and they took my shoe and hid it in a basket, presumably so I would not make off with their glass.  My shoe is awesome.  Sparkly and black.  And I'm so classy that I had left the size sticker on the inside.  Eventually I had to switch to a lager in a regular glass so I could go to the restroom.  

But I digress...I had so much fun here with a group of girlfriends whom I had just met!  We shared plates of french fries which were very good.  I had calamari which was pretty good, except I would suggest ordering it without the sweet and sour type sauce they put on it.  Beers are a little expensive, but Belgian.  Service left something to be desired but the bar tender/owner? was apologetic.  I suspect we will come back with for the Kentucky Derby party.  Big hats whoo-hoo!  

Next time I will bring a pair of flippers (the shoes, not the snorkel gear) in my purse so I can go to the restroom at will.

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Photo of Martha R.

Elite '08

19

136

Martha R.

Portland, OR

2 star rating
05/08/2008

I have never had worse service. I walked in, sat at the bar, and the first thing out of my mouth was, "I'm trying to decide on whether I want to do wine or beer". She said, "I'll come back", but what she SHOULD have said is, "Wednesday is $1 off wine day". Are you joking?

I ordered beer because I didn't see the wine-deal until after looking at the menu 1/2 way into my beer. After hanging on my own, and drinking in the scenery, my friend joined me. It took the waitress quite some time to come over and ask if she wanted anything, even as we were trying to send the "we need something vibe". Also, when our beers were almost gone, she did look directly at the glasses, but said nothing, then she disappeared for a while - where she went, I do not know. Then it had been so long I had to ask the other server if she would have the bartender get our bill. We were starving, and we would have eaten there... but we didn't feel like dealing with that complete-crap service a moment longer than needed.

I think that the decor was cute, and the feel of the place was overall pretty cool, but I will probably not return.

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Photo of Andrew C.

Elite '08

89

308

Andrew C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
02/26/2008

"Sail Forth- Steer for the deep waters only. Reckless O soul, exploring. I with thee and thou with me. For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared go. And we will risk the ship, ourselves, and all."

-Walt Whitman

It's impossible to suppress thoughts of travel and exploration within a bar titled, "North 45". If you're like me, old maps alone are enough to be lured in. Unfortunately, adventures as we know them historically are over. I'll never ride atop a train car cross-country like I might have been able to in the depression, enjoy a beer down-bar from Jack Kerouac at Vesuvio in San Francisco or witness an undiscovered land mass appear on next year's world map. North 45 gives me hope though, that someday, maybe someday, I might experience something comparable.

North 45's Belgian beer list is not to be missed. If you order Budweiser here, you're doing yourself a gross disservice. The food's great too.

Unbeknownst to me until last night, just beyond the bathroom doors is an outdoor patio complete with an additional bar and plenty of picnic bench seating. I expect to spend quite a bit of time this summer perched in their back yard taking in the rays and wishing I had more than Saturday and Sunday to follow through on those travel plans.

Come with me.

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Photo of Damon P.

 

2

10

Damon P.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
04/27/2008

Let me first start by saying any bar that serves the beer Czechvar/Budvar on draft will always have a special place in my gut as a great place to go drink and eat at.  North 45 did no disappoint!  

Having had about half the beers on their Belgian Beer list I choose to save about an extra 5 bucks, since I was also planning on trying the Bacon Cheese Burger.  As for the burger it came on a soft ciabatta roll and was cooked to order.  One complaint was the bacon being dry and looked like it had been cooked hours ago.  The fries were decent, and came with a really salty cajun sauce that could have done without.

My girlfriend had the fish and chips which were incredible.  Best fish and chips I had since I went to the Oregon Coast over a year ago.  

The only reason this place did not get five stars even though they serve my favorite pilsner on tap, I just found it to be a little spendy for such a small little pub.  I mean were are talking Blue Hour/Oba draft beer prices.  Also I went there during a night where NBA Playoffs were in full force, and they were showing a hockey game on the LCD TV?!?!

Bottom line is the food and beer are great and music was a good mix as well.

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Photo of mel r.

Elite '08

269

567

mel r.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
02/22/2008

I ate muscles for the first time here. Granted, it came from much heckling from my dinner group, but I did it damn it!

Tasty well made food, wall o booze, great service, solid Belgium beer menus, pretty decent happy hour, nice interior and atmosphere. This will be a regular stop if for me if whenever I'm in town.

Straight and to the point; boring but 'useful' review. blarg

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Photo of S. Alicia S.

 

55

225

S. Alicia S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
04/06/2008

A noteworthy new establishment in Nob Hill that specializes in Belgian Beers with a small menu of stylish mussels and pub grub.  Small place, packed with people and just over-all lively.  Everyone in groups.  Well.... almost.

I went with a light beer, Lindmans Framboise.... since 1811.

Made with fresh raspberries and very apparent through the aroma and taste.  Natural sweetness without sugar.  It could easily be mistaken for a wine cooler or champagne.

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Photo of Danielle K.

Elite '08

50

188

Danielle K.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
02/26/2008

A place that has the ambiance of a smoky bar, but ISN'T smoky?! Oh my gosh, yes please!

This fabulous teeny little bar was the right place for a Monday night, despite that finding a parking spot near 21st gave me a royal headache. Although I can't vouch for the food, it looked damn good, and I'm definitely going to try it next time I go.

The cocktails, though...primo! I had the Sake Pear, which was a delightful tart combination of sake, citrus, pear, and soda, served up in a martini glass with a slice of pear. You'd never guess that there could be a drink version of War Heads (remember those, kiddies?)...but there is...and it's awesome.

Also, the guys I was with ordered some Belgian beers, and I was expecting, you know, a pint of beer. WRONG. I'm pretty sure my mouth was gaping when the waiter/owner brought out two bottles of beer that looked more like champagne bottles than draught beer, with SNIFTERS(!) to pour it in (so you don't look like a COMPLETE alcoholic). Um, pure awesome?

Will most definitely be coming back.

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Photo of chris m.

 

8

61

chris m.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
05/20/2008

service?  lackluster
beer selection?  pretty good, especially the belgians.  you will pay for the privilege though.
food?  decent
back patio?  awesome, but closing super early (like, it wasn't dark yet) and being forced inside to wait forever for our check to show up left us stumbling back to my place to finish up the night--at least my fridge serves beer with no delay, and my oven was quicker at making a frozen pizza than they'd been at bringing the sliders, fries, and lackluster quesedilla.

i guess their scotch selection is out of this world, but so are their prices.

it's probably a great place to go for a single drink in the off-hours.  sit at the bar on the patio if there's a bartender there.

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Photo of barking s.

 

0

28

barking s.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
04/27/2008

I'm a bit of a regular at North 45 which means that I've tried almost everything on the menu.  The meatloaf is spicy so be careful, the fish and chips is pretty good although it would be even better if they were to use halibut, the burgers are decent, the mac and cheese is to my liking (huge portion but mild flavor so it's on the less rich side), yummy salads, good beer (a bit expensive but they have Guinness on draft), and tasty cocktails.  The best part about North 45 is the mussels -- SOOOO good.  I've tried every broth and they are all delicious and the portions are generous.  The place has a good vibe, good service and the outdoor patio is awesome when the weather is nice.

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2

10

stephani k.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
05/21/2008

I really love the entire back patio of this place - the bar is great during the winter.  The food is fair, other than the good mussels, french fries and fairly good happy hour.  It's a fantastic place to meet up with friends for dinner or drinks any time of the year.  They usually play decent music too but I think it's a mix off the owners ipod.

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Photo of Jonathan L.

 

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16

Jonathan L.

Portland, OR

3 star rating
03/04/2008

I went here last June on a Saturday night at 5:30 and there was not a soul in the place. I tried the mussels and fries combination and overall was pretty pleased. the mussels were the best I've ever had but the frites tasted like they were packaged, a big no-no for a Belgian place. The most annoying thing about my visit was the burned out looking chef wandering around the restaurant while his two Hispanic sous chefs scurried around the kitchen making sure the order came out on time. He then had the nerve to shout "How is it" at me as if he had anything to do with my dish.

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Photo of Brandon B.

Elite '08

53

94

Brandon B.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
01/11/2008

We all have escapist fantasies of how we'd spend a sudden fortune, whether it's lottery winnings, inheritance from a long-lost Vanderbilt, or pocket change from an Arabian sheik on a 2-day layover in Portland.

I dream of establishing a travel club, with posh headquarters of course. Dark wood and books and hushed whispers echoing over the tile floor. We'd scrutinize old maps, plan expeditions, and drink exquisite cocktails.

North 45 -- so named for its location on the 45th parallel and for the owners' & patrons' love of travel -- very nearly makes my dream come true, from the attentive service to the correct drinks to the classy atmosphere. They even have the tile floor. If only they'd bankroll my adventures.

(Kisses Ala' Abdul-Basit, I keep the ruby in my navel always.)

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Photo of Gabe C.

Elite '08

98

223

Gabe C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
01/11/2008

Know what I like about North 45?  

An impressive collection of Belgian Ales.  A place you can have a glass of Delerium Tremems in THE GLASS with the dancing elephants...which at 8.5% and being only available in large bottles here you could very well be seeing without the glass.  

They had some variation on Calamari that was pretty interesting.  Like an asian sweet and sour thing.  I am happy to report the calamari was tender and flavorful and even the sweet and sour garnish, applied lightly, didn't drown it out.

You tack those 2 things (which to me are enough alone) on to the fact that it's small but not cramped, classy but not pretentious, chill but definitely not a ghost town...you got yourself a winner in my book.  I'll be back.

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Photo of Lindsay I.

 

6

48

Lindsay I.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
02/16/2008

In general, I'm a big North 45 fan.
Good burger and other snacks, great beer selection, especially the Belgiums.
Mixed drinks? A little weak if you ask me. I prefer Brazen Bean for a decent martini.
The atmosphere is casual yet classy.
I recommend it for appetizers and drinks, or a post-dinner drink place. It's a good meeting spot for a quick bite/brew too.
Overall, a good atmosphere, decent beer and food.

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19

15

Josh O.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
01/19/2008

Great for groups.  Maybe not so great for one random guy walking in off the street.  But the wait staff was smiling and friendly.  And the single 'booth seat' thing that lines one entire wall of the establishment was nice and comfy.  The wall-o-liquor behind the bar, with it's ladder and all, was impressive to say the least, as well as the beer selection.  I eavesdropped while one of the servers tried to explain to a gentleman that in order for his Belgian beer to be served in the stein, as it should be, he would have to relinquish one of his shoes as a deposit on the glass (a Belgian tradition, she insisted).

Definitely a classy joint.  And it's right next to O'Brien's, so I know I'll be in the neighborhood.  What the hell is the basket thing suspended from the ceiling next to the bar?  I'll be sure to ask next time I go.

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113

Liliana G.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
12/28/2007

i agree with all the other posted reviews, so let me just add this:
AWESOME  MUSSELS!!!
prepared a variety of ways and every one delicious.  mmmm.....

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122

509

Krista T.

New York, NY

5 star rating
11/17/2007

I ended up here late night with a few other yelpers and was thoroughly pleased. No smoke, no cover, no obnoxiously loud music, no fratty meat market boys.....just chill people, good snacks and great drinks. Even close to 2am the place was comfortably packed out. It didn't take too long to get food or drinks.  I'm guessing that they have pretty much any drink you could want since they have a wall of liquor with a library ladder. Who doesn't love  a library ladder? I think the next time I'm in there I'm going to ask the very *friendly* owner, Josh, if I can climb up there...I've always wanted to do that!

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171

Edward J.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
12/26/2007

The drink is pretty good and the service is very friendly.  They also have internet access.  The kitchen opens late so you can order calamari or fish and chips whenever you like.  The place is a bit loud filled with suburban crowds.  That can be a bit annoying.  The environment is also very nice and casually romantic.  It is also the only bar in town that serves mussel dishes like bar snacks.  They can be a bit pricey.

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77

Shawn S.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
12/07/2007

Friendly Staff, Excellent Food, fantastic Back Patio.

North 45 feels like that home away from home.  The staff is extremely friendly and boy can they serve up some excellent food.  The drink selection is second to none.  Check out the top shelf and ask the bartender to climb the library ladder to get you an excellent whiskey.

Parking in this neighborhood can be a nightmare in the evening.  Expect to walk a few blocks to find a good place to put the car.  I suggest ridding in on the bus or street car to avoid the parking situation.

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652

354

Laura N.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
11/17/2007

oh. my. garlic.

Mid-way through a NW pub crawl, it was a slice of heaven walking into a smoke free bar! But this was clearly a sentiment shared by many, as the entire population of Nob Hill seemed to be squeezed around the short L-shaped bar.  But guess what? No one in the growing crowd of attractive young professionals had a cigarette in hand! Cheers.

SO - dear yelpers, I have a theory to present. And knowing me, you can expect this theory to be the epitome of factual scientific research...

Garlic - as crowd control.    Think about it.

It doesn't take a Maslow-virtuoso to know that people need oxygen to live. Without the smoke that assures a high level of customer rotation, North 45 had to effectively create a reason for customers to buy their drinks and LEAVE.

Cue Garlic. By the clove.  It overpowered the bruschetta and quesadilla appetizers, I have a sneaking suspicion it was slipped in the drinks...and my wool coat swears they pump the stuff through the air vents!  I sneezed and now my entire condo has been overrun.  At least I'm safe from vampires for the time being.

In conclusion: North 45, unlike every other bar on 21st street, is non-smoking.  Therefore, they've implemented their own revolving door technique to avoid bar-camping. It's their polite way of saying, thanks for coming, now get the F*** out.

I love this bar...and I will sacrifice my post-party "plans" any day for another piece of that bruschetta!

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Tifkit B P.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
07/08/2007

The bar has a huge back patio with an outside bar. It's great to just sit at a picnic table and enjoy a drink with friends.

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Sara G.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
01/19/2008

One of my favorite "finds" in Portland... also one of the reasons I am now a Yelper. Thanks, reviewers who came before me! Here are my two cents on what is commonly agreed to be a classy, un-stuffy, travel-inspired place: Service is among the best I have encountered in town. Both from the owner, who didn't make me surrender my boot to have my beer in its traditional glass (that's what ends up in that big basket above the bar), and from other bartender/servers who were both chatty and knew many customers by name. The downside to North 45, which must be inevitable in a small, privately-run establishment, is that on multiple occasions I have had to make two or three tries before ordering a beer that was actually available, both on tap and in bottles. Obviously, a disappointment to a girl who really wants to try that 10% ABV Belgian beer. But that one issue aside, this place is fantastic and has wonderful food. Mussels worth breaking your New Year's resolutions for, half-price appetizers at Happy Hour (yum!), and a great, relaxing environment to sip your cocktails and beers.

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Elite '08

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Angela B.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
07/14/2007

North 45 is a traditional Pub that is really cool, non-smoking and not in the McMenamin's chain! Let me repeat...not in the McMenamins chain....Yee Haw!!! Head out back to the brand spankin' new outdoor patio with its own private bar and BBQ...this place is rockin'!

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Elite '08

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41

Karen E.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
01/12/2008

Here is a place that impressed me including the back bar. It went clear up to the ceiling. The bartender has to get up on a ladder depending on what drink he is making to get the contents for it. Perhaps I am just easily impressed but it gave a really interesting feel to the bar. Anyway, we had really good cocktails here and I ordered the pepper jack cheese appetizer and it was excellent. The breading wasn't too much and the cheese was just right when you pulled the pieces apart.  Who knew that pepper jack could be so stringy! Yum! Laura ordered the shrimp skewers and they were really really spicy and good.  I am getting that next time for sure! Thought the kitchen had run out of the usual sauce for the shrimp and had to "wing it". The mac and cheese looked amazing too served up in a bowl, but I didn't sample that one. I love mac and cheese though and I could tell by the color of the cheese sauce it was a good one.  As I stated before the drinks are good and pretty strong and the bartender was quick to wait on us even though we were sitting at a table across the room. I can't wait to go back!

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jodes l.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
05/11/2007

Great neighborhood bar with gastro-pub style food: mussels, crab cakes, well-dressed green salads. Of course, the "travel" philosophy of the owners makes the restaurant even more intriguing.

Excellent cocktail/wine/beer selection. Perfect spot for a casual night out.

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Courtney D.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
02/13/2007

Travel bar brings world to 21st

Everyone has their favorite neighborhood bar that they'll go to on a Friday night for a drink and end up staying because it's so comfortable and fun. This is exactly how North 45 pub feels.

I was drawn to this place after I heard that two travel mates went into it together after conceiving the idea backpacking through South Africa. The name was inspired by the pub's GPS location on the 45th parallel. The vibe of this place seems to reflect their traveling experiences with its worldly dcor. This is something close to my heart having traveled a lot this past year with a close friend.

The owners wanted to create a travel pub without it having to be labeled like an Irish or an English bar and its uniqueness is felt everywhere. They have a great assortment of Belgian beer for starters and some wines from around the world. Pub fare offers choices like fish and chips and a flat iron steak, but opt for the diverse appetizers instead, such as crab cakes, calamari and bruschetta.

Tip: Get half off their appetizers daily from 4 to 6 p.m

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Jacob P.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
04/16/2007

A great place to get good Scotch.  I heard about this place when they had their specials for the Super Bowl - cheap chili dogs and nachos!  It stuck out as a great place to drop by for happy hour or to meet up with friends before a night out.

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Christian B.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
03/09/2007

I've only been there a select few times, but whenever I go to North 45 with a couple of friends it always feels like home.  It has a very relaxed atmosphere, complete with international flags & currency on the walls as well as a pin-up board with travel pictures from various patrons.  Pretty cool idea!  I plan on printing out a couple & posting.

I had one of their Belgium beers last time we all went and it was fantastic!  Unlike any other beer I've ever had.  Fries & beer go a long way here, with their generous portions & fast service.  I've also had a burger & B.L.T., both which were superb.

North 45 is a great place on 21st.  Great food, awesome beer & drinks and smoke free!

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Kristin W.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
03/09/2007

North 45 is great place to kick back, enjoy a tasty cocktail and revel in their yummy selection of happy hour menu items - the chorizo mussels will leave your mouth watering! They have a great selection of German beers and an eclectic cocktail list. My new favorite hangout!

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Elite '08

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229

Kyle F.

Beaverton, OR

4 star rating
07/31/2007

Good food + drinks. The deck is a great place, at least during Portland's limited "good" months.

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2

Ben L.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
03/09/2007

great travel pub on NW 21st Ave in Nob Hill. Excellent food, the staff is very friendly. North 45 has become a regular happy hour stop for us, and we tend to have such a good time that we end up staying until closing time. Don't miss - the french fries, the mussels or the beers. If you can spare the extra cash - definitely taste one of their selection of very hard to find belgian beers

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