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Swift Lounge
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2:30 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Swift Lounge
Review Highlights
"Drinks in a mason jar (tasty to boot."
(in 20 reviews)
"I can't wait to go try the fondue fries next."
(in 9 reviews)
"Roasted brussel sprouts."
(in 9 reviews)
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda E.
Portland, OR
1/14/2012
Because it's bird themed and I'm a bird nut. But really, it's a dark little place with tasty jars full of booze, so of course it's awesome.
Yeah it's "hipstery" (whatever that means at this point, anyway) but I've never been aggressively courted by said hipsters unlike the meat market that is Dig A Pony, which is what I think of when I hear "hipster bar". It does get crowded here though.
And you can play Jenga or Trivial Pursuit with your date by candlelight. -
Review from Michael F.
Portland, OR
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I missed the old place Colosso so much that I resisted going back. However, after reading a few reviews I decided to give it a go.
It succeeded in making me a fan.
Mason jar drinks with cocktails that are sure to please you if you are on the vodka or bourbon side of the house. And I agree with another reviewer, go with the full size $8 as opposed to the HH size.
They are inventive with the food but I would not recommend the caesar. The fries with fondue made my heart stop but only briefly. It would have been a delicious death though. -
Review from Todd V.
11/6/2011
Can't believe I haven't written a review about Swift! I was just reminiscing about the old digs and wishing it were still down the street.
Yes, the interior is mostly black and there are a fair amount of hipsters who hang out here. But Swift is one of the homiest little restaurants in Portland whether you're hip or not. Get one of their mason jars in front of you, relax, maybe talk to your neighbors, and wait for the flavor bomb you ordered to be dropped on your table. Your day's getting better already!
If you haven't been yet, go find out what you've been missing. -
Review from Brittany S.
Portland, OR
2/3/2012
Swoon! I love me a good drink in a mason jar.... unlike the Bye & Bye, which only offers ONE drink in a jar, Swift offers an amazing variety and they all sound delicious. I tried the Bitchy Parrot, which was fantastic- I can't wait to try them all. The food is both carnivore and veggie friendly and also pretty damn good. Sure it's a little hipsterific, but so is the rest Portland! My husband and I will most definitely be back... YUM!
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Review from Miss C.
Portland, OR
1/24/2012
Loved the food and the coffee (yeah I know... shaddup. But it was delish!), the sliders were AMAZING. I went there for the xmas Blythe Doll Meetup and the staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was really nice. I'll be back! :)
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Review from Rachele G.
Portland, OR
11/5/2011
WOW WOW WOW. I can't say enough about this place. Any time I can get a huge drink for a decent amount of money is a huge plus for me . Being a super lightweight the prospect of having 5 different 32oz drinks for $8 each to choose from makes me a happy happy girl.
My roommate and I split a three appetizer plate for $9. We got the brussel sprouts, herb mashed potatoes and the horseradish cole slaw. I'm in no way a fan of the sprouts due a childhood trauma (my mom loes them so I was forced to eat one for each year I was alive. 10 is a lot wether you like them or not!) but these were fantastic. Almost fantastic enough for me to order them on my own! The potatoes were perfect and the slaw good. I love horseradish and cole slaw so I was a little disappointed, it was drier than I'd like and not very horseradish-y. I'll still order it again just in case it was an off night.Listed in: Happy Hours, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Thad P.
Graham, WA
1/10/2012
Pretty cool spot. A bunch of aging hipsters so I can relate. Tasty concoctions served in mason jars. Not very strong but very creative and flavorful. I had a habanero infused margarita that was fun. Will def go back for more.... Want to try the food.
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Review from Chiemi N.
11/3/2011 1 photo
I came here on the Saturday before Halloween. I wasn't in a very Halloweeny mood, and I asked a friend if she wanted to take in a movie, followed by drinks. After the movie, I asked her what was in her' hood, where we could grab a drink, and Swift came to mind.
Pretty small and dark place. Reminds me of a goth bat cave. We grabbed a seat in a booth, and looked over the drink menu. Interesting drink selection. The sign said to order at the bar, which we did. They didn't take our money at the time. I ordered the Bitchy Parrot...spicy drink in a big mason jar! My friend ordered the Stoned Finch...refreshing drink, sort of like a mojito. We weren't hungry, so didn't order any food.
The walls and ceiling are painted black. Booths are red. Interesting and unique art adorn the walls and crevices. Not sure if that's because it was Halloween weekend or not. Lots of people in costume, so fun to people watch. There were games on a table, that people helped themselves to play amongst their groups.
I've heard the food is good, and I'd like to go back, hopefully bring up the rating a star or so. We went up to the bar to pay our bill before heading out, but sure feels like it might be easy to drink and dash! -
Review from Andrea M.
Portland, OR
1/7/2012
I love this place!
The mason jar drinks are creative and always tasty. The Stone Finch is one of the best, but keep an eye out for their seasonal selection.
The food is great as well. The Mac and Chi is spot on and they make a mean brussel sprout as well.
I've had sketchy service a couple times here, but they've always made it right without me even having to ask.
Definitely a winner in my book. -
Review from Whitney S.
Portland, OR
8/5/2011
Tasty drinks, incredible bites, and if you look past the hipsters sipping their mason jars outside (that is, if seemingly hipster-esque joints aren't your vibe) you'll find all types of fine folk actually frequent this place.
The mason jar drinks are absolutely delicious and although the $8 price tag may seem steep to some (only $5 at Happy Hour 4-8pm daily), you certainly get your money's worth of booze and deliciousness. Also, keep in mind the mason jars are a whopping 32oz, so they're larger than a standard drink.
So far I've had their (and I emphasize) AMAZING macaroni and cheese and it is, without a doubt, the best macaroni and cheese in Portland. It's cheddar, blue cheese, bacon and shallots and I dare someone to find a place with better mac and cheese. I've heard great things about their Fondue fries as well and am looking forward to trying those. -
Review from Nikki G.
10/23/2011
Those Mason jar cocktails are the damned devil. I make sure I'm either taking transit or have a ride if I know my night includes a stop here. I enjoy my Stoned Finch sissy size while I ogle the cute bartenders. Haaaaay!
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Review from Amanda K.
5/12/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This place fuckin' rules. Black and white, cut and dry, this bar is such a win on all points it's riddick(ulous).
Many friends have raved about this bar; I was there for the first time on Monday night after a fashion show where I spent six hours working and no break for food.
Photographers, Management, etc.: "We're all going for drinks afterwards. Thinking about Swift. Yes?
Me: "I will go anywhere that has food. It must have a food menu. I am not at all interested in after-party antics if it doesn't somehow involve food. Do they have food? Say that they have food."
Well, per the five star review I bestowed them with, you gather they must have food. And they do. I had a delicious breakfast hash with all the traditional aromatics with two perfect over-medium eggs on top. Just what this beezy ordered after a long day's work. And, like any hard-working single girl after a long day, a drink is in order.
BUT THE DRINKS COME IN HUGE MASON JARS!!! Man, that is awesome. And the decor is dingy, dim, and sexy all at the same time--low ceilings and black walls help to create a lounge-like vibe. My food arrived in a timely manner. Tyler, the bartender (and homie, actually), was quick to clear our tables of empties and replace them with refills if needed. A DJ is stationed smack in the middle of the bar, and his musical selection didn't suck by my high standards. Those are all things I love and appreciate in a bar.
Point being, if I owned a bar myself, it'd be a lot like this place. I will be back to try the other menu offerings I was drooling over, i.e those brussel sprouts. -
Review from Kyle F.
4/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Make sure you have a safe way to get home after coming here, because their $8 drinks are served in 32oz jam jars. All the drinks have fresh ingredients chopped, squeezed, and muddled right there. Food looked amazing, and would try next time I'm back.
Dark inside, my brother likes to call it the "Vampire Lounge". Cool place.
4.5 Stars. -
Review from Clare H.
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really want to give swift another chance. And I want to up this rating to at least four stars. I think swift has it in them! My first impression was kind of amazing actually. Everything from the decor to the slightly hip, yet southern flair of the mason jars to the font lettering on the menu was so in line with my personal aesthetic taste that I felt right at home. I ordered some pulled pork sliders from the HH menu which were pretty damn good, however things took a turn south quickly when I ordered one of the mason jar drinks. It just tasted like lemonade and ass. I couldn't bring myself to drink it and I wonder if there was any liquor in it at all. I would have probably said something but the bartender was extremely busy and I saw how long it took her to make my drink....so I didn't bother. I am going to give this place another shot for sure in the near future! I can't wait to go try the fondue fries next!
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Review from Kristine P.
Portland, OR
6/14/2011
What is the stench in this place? I can't quite place it.
*shrug shoulders*
While I didn't have a cocktail, my friends drinks were reported as being good. We had happy hour and ordered the fondue, steamer clams and some tomato/cheese spread on a crustini.
The fondue was bland and the pot didn't have a heating source under it.. really? You know what fondue is right.....? Hmmm
The clams were delicious and a little bit spicy which was perfect. After all the food.. we decided to order the fries which were a little soggy but otherwise good. Will I return? Only if the Rose & Thistle isn't open. -
Review from Casey B.
Portland, OR
7/12/2011
This place is the best!
Their bartenders are always extremely nice and accommodating and have a knack for making delicious jar drinks! And Happy Hour every day from 4-8 ... How can you beat it?
The food is delicious. I love the fries and the antipasto plate - to die for!
I would go here every day if I could! -
Review from Matt D.
3/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is weird because I really couldn't decide if I loved or hated it.
A friend suggested that we head over there after a show at the Doug Fir and I agreed because I had heard some pretty great things about it. I was hungry and the Doug Fir's offerings were a bit out of my price range at the time.
The decor of the place is interesting. It's somewhat divey, but also really nice and trendy at the same time. Almost as if they tried to dress down a place that started off classy.
They had a live DJ who played the most eclectic selection of music I had ever heard. From, Animal Collective to Sandpeople, to Aphex Twin, it was always a surprise when he crossed his fader over to the other deck. Major bonus points for playing Aphex Twin, though!
I did order the Kentucky Blackbird, which came in a large 1 liter mason jar. While it won't win any cocktail awards, it was pleasant to drink and was quite generous with the alcohol. At $8, it couldn't be beat!
The food was also quite good. There was the typical bar fare that was prepared nicely, as well as some things that you don't typically see on a menu at a place like this? Brussel sprouts? Awesome! French fries with fondue sauce? Hell yes!
All in all, I did lean more towards the love than the hate. The service was fast and friendly, which is quite atypical of a hipster bar like this. I'll definitely be going back sometime in the near future, especially after shows at the Doug Fir.Listed in: Hipster Central, Crunk Sauce
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Review from Danni D.
Oddly enough it was the "Vampire" review that intrigued me about this place. But I say this place is vampiric in an awesome way. Walls and ceilings are plastered thick and painted black, black, black. The doom and gloom is offset with a high-back, tufted red bench seat. The art (which rotates), was a series of black and white drawings, most of which "put a bird on it," but darker, more ominous-looking birds. Other art work was of the soft-core S&M variety. Some places you notice the art and think, "Cool." This art made you get up and walk around and really look at it. Plus the prices were actually affordable.
The music (before and after the DJ started) was decidedly hip hop, but not the "yeeeeeaaah boy" kind. I would say it was more of a mellow variety, which may have a different genre name entirely. What do I know? Besides, it seems to change with the whim of the barkeep. It was whiny 90's the other night - winning!
Although I was thrilled to see they have $5 16oz mason jar jolly hour specials, I was not there to mess around, so I opted for the $8 32oz jars available anytime, jolly or not. Sure, there was lots and lots of ice, and juices, but the bartender's pours were not too shabby. Still, 32 oz is a huge...HUGE...commitment. Trying lots of different options at the 16oz "getting to know you" size may be the way to ease into your boozy relationship here before you find yourself shackled to something you regret. Though really, this place is about cheerful birdy booziness. Regrets are not to be had.
I tried the Chimney Swift, as well as the Guilty Sparrow. Both were sweet and delicious. I also had a sip of the Kentucky Blackbird, which involved whiskey and mint, among several other ingredients. This one will certainly be my next indulgence when I go back.
As someone who owns more than one bitchy parrot (and I have the scars to prove it), I was thrilled to see that they actually have a drink on the menu called the Bitchy Parrot, which involves a concoction including clementine habanero tequila. Now that will leave a mark!Listed in: ROTDs, Mason Jar Drinks!
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Review from David H.
Happy Valley, OR
4/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Better than your average dive bar with lots of attitude and great drinks. Plan on getting a cab or walking home because $8 will get you a stiff 32oz cocktail served in a large mason jar.
The drink menu is filled with aviary inspired names which range from sweet to savory to melt-your-face-off spicy. I haven't tried the food yet, but having seen the fare that comes out of the kitchen, I will do so soon.
If you can get past the hipster crowd that tends to hang out there, this is a great local bar to pass an hour or two with friends. -
Review from Beth N.
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
came here for happy hour and a beautiful and sunny afternoon. all of the outside seating was taken so we sat inside by the window which was a close second to actually being outside.
we ordered at the bar as directed. i got a little mason jar of bitchy parrot, my bf got a beer, and for food we ordered the pulled pork sliders and an order of clams. the bartender was sort of friendly, but not overly so. she made our drinks right there and we took them to our table.
the habanero tequila in the bitchy parrot packs quite a punch. it is spicy!!! i loved it, but i could see how some people would find it undrinkable. my bf could not even take more than a sip. i love that they have mason jar drinks though, there are about 6 on the menu and everyone was ordering them.
the food came out and i was a little shocked. portion sizes are tiny! two sliders with no sides served on a big plate, and about 10 small clams in spicy tomato sauce. the clams were really good, but i wish they were served with bread because i could not enjoy all of the broth. the sliders were just ok. i would recommend ordering the fries or even better the fondue fries. the portions for those looked much larger. i know it is happy hour, but compared to most spots these portions were miniature and left us wanting more.
the atmosphere during the day was alright. they had loud hip hop music playing which was not really my style. there were tables and booth seating. at night i could imagine how this place would be much cooler and romantic even. during the day though it is nothing special. -
Review from Jarrod S.
What an awkward location for such a cool little place! I would have expected this place to be tucked tightly into some neighborhood not right on Broadway.
Upon entering, I couldn't help but notice the Soprano's pinball machine calling my name from the across the room, but I also noticed that there is a definite bird theme here, bird cages, bird themed drink...oh, I get it swift like the bird...
The happy hour drinks are smaller versions of the mason jar drinks they offer, it is however, more cost effective to just pay the 8 bucks and get a 32 oz mason jar...A few of the food options on HH make it a try again place for sure
If you are reading this, and contemplating the fondue fries, I say go for it, its like cheese and gravy melded together to make "Chavy." Yep, I said chavy....Listed in: (pin)BALLER!, 5 minutes of fame...
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Review from dan h.
1/14/2011
Don't judge a book by its cover. That statement has absolutely no relevance to this review.
The Swift Lounge is rather unassuming. I knew it was here. I knew it had another name at another time. I knew of its existence yet I passed it by hundreds of times, ignoring it like I might ignore a fan of Dane Cook. I am going somewhere with this. I think.
Well, it turns out I shouldn't have ignored the Swift Lounge. I have now seen the light, but not in any kind of religious way. First off, the one reason this place shouldn't be ignored is because they have happy hour Monday to Saturday until 8pm. Most places offer happy hour only until 7. You get an extra hour here. Do the math. I swear it is a whole extra hour.
You might think that alone would be a reason to come here. Wait. There's more. Obviously I can only judge the service on this day. It was extra friendly. I never know what to expect in a dark lounge. On any given day you can get a surly bartender. I'm sure it has happened to us all. That was definitely not the case today. Our bartender/server was very accommodating. We could order food at the bar or he would come over to our table. We actually ended up doing both. After we got our drinks and found a table, the barkeep came back to ask us if we knew what we wanted to eat. We hadn't decided at that point, but he told us to take our time and said we had plenty of time before happy hour ended for the evening. Ultimately we ended up back up at the bar to place our order.
Are you sold yet? I haven't even mentioned the food yet. The menu is divided up by price. Happy hour food will set you back between $2-$5. There are many food and drink choices. While up ordering our food, I spied a few of the dishes come out of the kitchen. Not that anything was super huge, but the portions were very very reasonable for the prices. I had a Caesar salad ($3) and pulled pork sliders ($4).
The food was brought out in a timely manner. I'm not going to tell you the food was absolutely amazing, but it was quite good. The salad could have used a bit more flavor, but that could have easily been solved with some salt. I'm trying to cut back on my salt intake a bit, so that might just be a slight lack of flavor I need to start getting used to.
Broadway is a busy road. I'm sure you've been by this place many times. This place is not a bastard child. It shouldn't be ignored anymore. Not the best way to end this review, but whatever. -
Review from kelly s.
Portland, OR
4/25/2011
Swift has some nice late-night style ambiance...
There are some bonus points to be given, specifically for the well crafted cocktails, that most importantly, come in a really big mason jar. A fresh Sopranos pinball machine scores highly for me as well....
The menu looked tastier than the food actually was... we ordered the fried chicken which was so tough the meat was sort of leathery, but the kimchi was ok, not as rich as a super authentic place might be, but this isn't a korean restaurant, so we'll let them off the hook. I probably shouldn't have ordered that at a restaurant like this, but I have to sometimes call a bluff when a restaurant decides to serve some unusual suspects on the menu...
Fondue fries were also "ok" they were kind of greasy fries doused in cheese sauce, which can never be all that bad, but was not really particularly impressive either...
So in conclusion, ambiance, and great, large, well priced cocktails still pull their own weight to earn this place a 4 instead of a 3. -
Review from Angela W.
Portland, OR
1/16/2011
Not only is Swift just a few blocks from our front door, they also have surprisingly delicious eats and fantastic drinks. This is my new favorite place.
In an attempt to make good on our New Year's resolution to try new places, we popped over to Swift last night. We had only an hour before our movie started and my guy was jonesing for a burger. He is picky about his burgers and with our time constraints, it was a bit of a risk.
The atmosphere is warm and candlelit cozy. We settled in next to each other in a booth in the back. We were quickly greeted and given menus. Then, it took about five minutes too long to have our order taken, My guy was looking anxiously at his watch and the night was about to nose dive, I think there was just the one bartender/waiter which can make for a not-so-good experience.
But, we eventually ordered and our drinks arrived quickly and they were PERFECT! We both let out a, "Wow!" at the first sip. Not only satisfying but also well priced at just $5 each as it was still their "Jolly Hour." The food arrived at precisely the right moment and it looked perfect, as well.
He ordered the Swift Burger: A juicy double decker delight, simply served with a tangy relish and sweet, sliced grape tomatoes. The fries were pretty fantastic, too. Plus, I love when the ketchup is served in a little dish on the side of the plate rather than from the DIY bottle on the table. This is perhaps the best burger we've tasted in a really, long time.
I had the Fondue: A goat cheese & bleu cheese mix of gooey comfort, accompanied by tart apple slices, slices of a sesame baguette, and an array of cured meats. It's the perfect size to share for an appetizer but I made it my dinner. I recovered the discarded middle bun from the burger and used it to sandwich a few slices of meat then dipped that into creamy goodness. With the burger juices lingering on the bun, the whole thing was perfectly sublime. I literally omged out loud.
We savored our food and finished our drinks nearly content to miss the movie for another drink. But, for the sake of keeping to the plan, we paid at the bar with just enough time to make the movie previews. It was a great experience that completely surpassed our expectations.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of our movie. We should have stayed for that extra drink!Listed in: Irvington Neighborhood
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Review from Lisa G.
Portland, OR
2/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
For what appears to be a dive bar, I do enjoy the following things at Swift:
Drinks in a mason jar (tasty to boot!)
Roasted brussel sprouts
Roasted Cauliflower
Pretty much all I really need on a Wednesday night on a Wednesday night budget.
I don't enjoy:
The restrooms
The smell of the bar... similar to Tube.. old folks home?
But what more do you really want from a neighborhood bar? -
Review from brandi p.
12/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The only thing that sucks about Swift Lounge is that it isn't closer to my home.
Everything else? Just wonderful. $5 Mason jars full of cocktail fanciness, every night until 8pm (and all day on Sundays.) Red vinyl almost to the ceilings. Velvet Underground on the juke (can't verify if this is a regular phenomenon, naturally.)
But let me tell you the coolest thing, at the risk of getting the absolutely awesome (and adorable) bartender in a bit of trouble... my friend and I got to Swift at about 7:30 last night. Had a mason, and were considering whether we should have a second (at about 8:10) or just head to dinner down the street. I pointed out to my friend that happy hour (or "Jolly Hour") was done, though honestly that wouldn't have kept us out of a second... no matter, bartender chirped in "don't worry about it, it's close enough, I'll charge you guys the same for the next round."
HOW COOL IS THAT???
Happy hour food looked awesome (and cheap!) and bartender/server was so gracious reminding about the time, just in case we did want to eat. Absolutely plan to check that out in the future, and plan to make NE a regular pass from here on, if only for the Swift's masons. -
Review from Joy K.
Portland, OR
3/2/2011
Good vibes are not really explainable and they are hard to come by. Swift, however, does it right.
I am always weary of ordering non-traditional mixed drinks when I'm out and about. I've had too many disappointments of cranberry-cherry-vodka-vanilla-swirl-paradise-coco nut trash that I usually stick to an IPA or a shot of whiskey.
Maybe it was the warm fuzzy feeling I got when I stepped in. Maybe I was feeling lucky. Whatever the reason, I took my chances at Swift with a mixed draaank. While I'm not a huge fan of sweet beverages, the Stoned Finch (cucumber infused vodka, lime, basil, cucumber, elderflower syrup) was absolutely spot-on. Fresh, clean, and just a tad sweet. It made me forget it was raining outside, and for a moment I was fooled to thinking it was a warm summer night.
Added bonus - it came in a gynormous 32oz Mason Jar (yeah, I'm just another one of those chicks that swoons over Mason Jars) for eight dollas! Not too shabby. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back." -
Review from Chelsey F.
Portland, OR
9/14/2011
Whoa! That's some good grub and yummy drinks! The bartenders here are some of my favorite in Portland. I always end up meeting new people and having decent conversation on the benches outside. This is a fun place, you should go there if you like fun.
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Review from Paul I.
Portland, OR
7/6/2011 2 photos
This place is the bomb...and I'm totally stoked it's my neighborhood. They have a rockin' happy hour from 4-8, every day of the week Love the fondue fries and Luke's bowl. Also order off the non-happy hour menu and always get the larger mixed drinks in the mason jars. The food is incredibly good for what looks like a dark and dingy watering hole. I have never been disappointed!
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Review from Brice L.
Portland, OR
3/24/2011
While still only a first timer, this bar intrigues me more than any other in Portland right now. The only thing keeping it from 5 stardom is the slightly above average price for food, and the fact that I haven't explored the more adventurous fair.
I went on a Wednesday night with a couple friends after happy hour had ended (wa!). We had some well drinks and micro brews which were pretty standard. My friend thought the breakfast hash was mighty tasty. I shared the fondue with my girlfriend. It was very tasty and filling enough to qualify as a healthy appetizer. I think the $10 price was justified by the quality, but again, I am your average Portland cheapskate.
The service was everything one should expect -- friendly and informative. This bar shines for its low key atmosphere, sensible voodoo punk decor, and unique menu which actually made me laugh. Spending time at Swift Lounge actually made me cooler.
I'm looking forward to coming back soon. -
Review from Tomato Q.
Portland, OR
3/2/2011
I've only been once, and it's currently one of my favorite low-key happy hours for dates and even not-dates. Will be back!
The dark red walls with candlelight + Sopranos pinball machine beckoning from the corner + happy hour til 8 + delicious, refreshing, southern (whiskey + citrus)-based cocktails in a mason jar really speak to me. I have not yet sampled enough of the food to give a thorough review here; but the pulled pork sliders were tasty (different, with a strong cumin punch), the peppers/olives/crostini were salty deliciousness, as they should be, and the "fondue fries" are really a cheesy bechamel poured over fries that are not my thing, but probably something most people who like bechamel would enjoy. The inexpensive-to-moderate price is right.
Did I mention the Sopranos pinball machine? I mean, they all stare at you. Their eyes follow you wherever you go.
The only downsides are 1) that it does get pretty echoey and loud in there (so many pretty shiny surfaces), so it's better for dates where you can sit side-by-side; and 2) this place was really understaffed for the full crowd. I think I only saw one person waiting 2 (small) rooms of tables plus bar, with some bussing help. He was great, but it's a lot to keep up with. Again, have only been there once, so I'm not sure if it's always like that. -
Review from Brian H.
Portland, OR
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice darkly lit watering hole on Broadway.
The drinks/beer selection is good. The staff friendly. I've only been for happy hour, so I don't know how it is later on. But good vibe. -
Review from Dani B.
Oakland, CA
7/23/2010
Dark and classy with a splash of dive, just the way I like it.
Come for a beer stay for a bite and play the Sopranos pin ball machine but don't expect to win. -
Review from Ruthie S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2011
Liked this bar a lot! Friendly bartenders. It's nice and dark inside and very intimate.
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Review from Mel M.
Portland, OR
7/21/2011
the swift lounge is a bit of a conundrum.
pros: delicious mason jar drinks (yes!) and great food. my friends and i had the BLT, brussel sprouts, caeser salad, and fries. everything we ordered was excellent, and the fries were easily the best hand-cut fries i've ever had.
cons: you have to order at the bar. when a place has two rooms plus outdoor seating, there can be quite a line, especially with only two bartenders. service at the former bar in this location, colosso, was also horrible - maybe they should take a hint from the bar that closed? minimal staff also led to the water jug running empty and bathrooms that ran out of soap and paper towels. finally, the bathrooms smelled like that underneath-a-bridge-stale-urine stench that you can't get out of your nose for hours.
i'd say this newish bar has some growing pains to work out. i hope they work out the logistical issues to live up to the drinks and food soon. -
Review from Tigg O.
Portland, OR
1/16/2011
After driving by Swift for a year, the girl and I finally decided to check it out last night. We probably would have stopped sooner, but from the exterior, it looks a little dark and uninviting. (In my opinion) Once inside, my fears subsided and we were treated to a wonderful little place with food and drink that impressed!
First of all, let me mention that the Happy Hour at Swift is from 4-8pm! Yes...*8pm*!!! The atmosphere was relaxed and the music that was playing was right up my alley. Their cocktail selection (served in mason jars for $5!) was inventive and mixed just the way I like them...strong! The beer selection was a little weak, but there are certainly more than enough places in Portland to get good beer if that's what you're looking for. The menu was well thought out with a good mix of comfort food (mac n cheese, burgers, etc.) and something different (fondue). The Swift Burger I ordered is perhaps the best burger I've had in the 2 years I've lived in Portland. A double-decker monster with cheese and some sort of special relish that was to die for! The fries I got with it were out of this world as well! I can see Swift becoming a regular stop for me on the Happy Hour rotation! -
Review from Joanne W.
Seattle, WA
10/17/2010
Two words for you....Jolly Hour! Their version of happy hour lasts until 8pm...yes 8 pm!!!!
Delicious bites! I am still dreaming of the fondue fries and mac n' cheese!
Fantastic, creative, stiff cocktails served in mason jars! I loved the Stoned Finch. They also have a seasonal jar. I will be back to try the Pumpkin infused vodka drink! Great beer selection too!
Attentive, friendly service....always a plus. :)
This will be a staple stop every time I am in Portland!
I would be a happy girl if they could open one up in Seattle.
Cheers! -
Review from Ana M.
2/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Hey there you sexy thang, What are you doing here?
When I say "here" I mean Broadway. I was surprised to see such a lovely bar surrounded by.. well, nothing else very promising.
For a weekday this place was bustling. I ordered a cranberry vodka, and smiled ear to ear as the bar tender generously poured vodka into the stemware. Nothing like a strong drink to kick off the evening and stimulate conversation.
The speakers hummed hip hop, which was a nice change from the normal MGMT soundtrack and various indie rock that you are likely to encounter most every other places around town. Swift has a nice vibe, very low key while maintaining a certain vibrance.
Swift has class but has a tiny twist of dive that gives it a relaxed feel, and wins me right over.Listed in: Dive Bar Enthusiast
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Review from jay d.
Portland, OR
3/2/2011
This is a bar with great concept, prolly great owners, but fucking awful staff. Okay, lemme qualify that...the kitchen is most likely cool, but every time I've gone the whole place is in the hands of a bartender/server who couldn't give a damn about making the place work. Case in point. I enter with a friend, there are about 20 people there, most at the bar and 2 tables with a couple of people at each. We sit down at a table and wait. And wait. And wait. The bartender NEVER even acknowledges our presence. I'm okay with ordering at the bar, but I am NOT okay with being utterly ignored by the staff. Do they want to sell booze and food? If they do, they need to make people welcome. Eventually we went to the bar and ordered. The drinks came out, then the food. Fine, cool. It was very tasty. I finished my food and kept working on the massive Mason jar of booze. Kudos to the owners, they know what to do to get people in their bar. But, I'm not cool with watching the server/bartender look directly at me, see my finished plate with napkin sitting crumpled atop it, and walk right past to go outside and smoke a cigarette. I look at my friend and say, "If she doesn't pick up this plate on the way back in, then I'm going to stiff a server for the first time in I'm not sure how long". I stiffed her. She sailed right on by on her way back to the bar.
This is not being a demanding customer. This is BASIC service. Phoning it in when there is barely a crowd is unacceptable. I didn't stay for a second drink because the service.
2 stars kinda sums it up for me. I'd go back for the food, the location, and the amazing Mason Jar cocktail concept, but I'm not going to deal with a bartender who demands the customers come to her. Tuesday, March 1st, I'm directing this squarely at you. Get over yourself, there are dozens of people who would push you in front of a bus to get a job. And dozens of other dive bars to drink at.
Because of service, you are a FAIL. -
Review from Andy W.
11/22/2009 1 photo
Let me begin by saying: I was never a fan of Collosso. I am not alone in that sentiment, it appears...
And let me continue by saying: grilled glazed doughnuts with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel drizzle.
So I'm happy that Collosso has been replaced by something good. Real good.
My significant other and I stopped in on the third night of its existence, and we were delighted in every regard. It's not as dark as Collosso was, and the velvet curtains are long gone. Win. The owner is really friendly and engaging and made some damn strong beverages. I had a manhattan that was very strong on the whiskey side (which I don't consider a bad thing) and the SO was pretty happy about what she got to drink as well.
The food, for us, was the highlight. We shared the crispy pork with romesco, with a side of fries and Brussels sprouts (for the super terrific price of $11), and they were all fantastic. The owner started to tell us about the art of the fried potato but cut himself off to let the fries speak for themselves. Eloquent. Perhaps what surprised us most were the portions -- we'd had a light, early dinner a few hours beforehand, so we weren't super hungry, but we figured we could share an entree between us. As it turned out, we had to take half of it home with us.
And for dessert, the aforementioned grilled glazed doughnuts & ice cream. In the words of the Cookie Monster, "sometimes food." So good.
I had one complaint the night I went: they were playing whole records from beginning to end. I've been told the owner rectified that situation a few days later.
The Swift Lounge is brand new, so they've got some kinks to work out, but when they get it together I think it will rank among the best lounges in town.Listed in: SuGu, Baby!
