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Usually a five-star story doesn't end with your car getting rear-ended, but this one does.
Thatch and its staff truly take you away to an imaginary TV time and place where maybe the events of M*A*S*H and I Dream of Jeannie are happening in sister canteens. They have the drinks you've always heard of but never thought were real -- Singapore Sling, Pink Thing, Poor Bastard -- and the 1960s Tiki menu to go with it. So good.
So good that, when this happened... when the barman told me that a cyclist ran into the back of my parked car and broke my taillights -- what?! -- and called the guy (who had recovered and was booking it out of there) back to the scene of the crime... though it jolted me back into the present day, I felt compelled to extend the benevolence of an imaginary TV-era past and let the guy pedal, helmetless as he was, along his way.
The Thatch people were more than kind about the whole thing. Honestly, I wouldn't have even noticed my broken taillights til the next day, if they hadn't been looking out for me. Plus, one of the guys gave me suggestions about where to go to get replacement parts that would save me dollars. Dollars that, in retrospect, I should have used to tip, but completely forgot in all the hubbub. Shoot.
I'll be back though, with friends and tips aplenty. And probably still-busted taillights.
So great! Had my 25th birthday here in the tiki hut, as well as my moving away (sad) party (happy), and both were dreamy dreamy nights of islandy eerie-ness!
Drinks are SO good (I'm especially fond of the chi-chi, which comes in a coconut), and the entire place is really steeped in true Tiki culture. Tiki drinks can really suck sometimes, but done right they're really a special thing. Don't miss $5 mai-tais at happy hour!
Thatch was a wonderful night out! Three of us descended here last Saturday around ten pm for a visit with our friend alcohol.
The drinks are wonderfully concocted and strong. I recommend letting the bartender know what kind of preference you have for booze and let their imaginations run wild. Fortunately for the three of us, she took us on a tour of the menu's gin drinks (and a couple that were off the menu too!)
Great service, great velvet paintings and a small enough atmosphere to really let you hunker down with friends. Once you're all hunkered in there, order the pupu platter! For $28, the three of us had way more food than we could handle and it was all delicious. Real crab wontons, bbq pork, ribs, tenderloin, spring rolls... every bite was tasty!
Now, the fifth star comes specifically for the pleasure of sitting next to the most coyly posed Michael Jackson velvet painting I've ever witnessed! Thatch, authentic tiki bar? Not sure. Wonderful place to meet friends over fancy cocktails? Absolutely!
This place was pretty cool. It was super small, but I thought it was appropriate for the lounge-y atmosphere, and the sunken bar was pretty rad.
I've only been for drinks so I can't help you much in the food dept., but I will say I don't recommend the Volcano Bowl. Ya it was cool to have our drink lit on fire, but it tasted like a box of Nerds, and it was not fun dealing w/ my wasted friend later who drank most of the bowl to himself (the drink was a min of 3 people to order it).
Pupu platter. Heh.
It's a little on the small side, but the drinks will take the paint off your car. Personally, I prefer my Tiki with a little more grit, but it'll do in a pinch. Besides, they serve the Pupu Platter. I snicker every time I say it. I'm officially a twelve year old boy trapped in a grown up's body.
Pupu. Go ahead... laugh. I won't tell.
There's strong, there's "Army Strong", and then there's Thatch's Mai-tai strong! After my 3rd of these I was thinking, "Yo, ho, ho that's a bottle of rum!"
Thatch Tiki bar has got to be one of the most unassuming and let's face it boring looking places from the outside - but walk in that door and step across the little bridge over the indoor mini-stream fed by a tiki idol fountain, and this place has the full on tiki mojo going down.
Copious grass thatched ceiling and wall space, low lights, lots of tiki idols, and cheap tropical trinkets (dried blow fish, etc) go a long way to creating that cheesy, but still fun[ny] faux Polynesian vibe.
We stopped by for Happy Hour on a Friday, and the place got seriously packed by around 5:30. Happy hour runs until 6pm, but our laid back Jimmy Buffet-esque server conveniently "forgot his watch" when we tried to place an order for one last round of drinks at HH prices. Cheers to that! Unfortunately, there are no food discounts for HH - and the prices didn't look that cheap (mostly $8-12 for "puu-puus") - they did have a few little snacks (asian party mix, nuts, etc) in the $2-3 range, but it sounded like the type of stuff they should be giving out for free (since those salty thirst increasing snax = more drink purchases).
Anyway, it's a pretty fun place if you're in the mood for a tiki joint, and the $5 HH mai-tais are definitely worth checking out, but I don't believe I'll be back there too many times in the near future.
Beware Portland, there is a coconut thief on the loose! There were no eye-witnesses, but all signs point to the nimble coconut crab. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of the coconut thief, please contact the Tiki Bar immediately. Thanks to this highly dangerous and elusive crab, no one is able to enjoy fruity drinks concocted and served up with the flourish in an actual coconut.
Other than the missing coconuts, I was not disappointed with the Tiki Bar. As has already been stated, this is tiki at it's best - waaay over the top. I personally loved the bathroom, with a seashell paper towel dispenser, and totem watching over you - I'm hoping to make sure appropriate hand-washing and hygiene practices are correctly conducted. The velvet wall art is pretty cool. It is so dark in there, I thought they were just black and kind of boring, but when I took a photo of one it was filled with bright colors and tiki beauty.
This was a great place for a birthday gathering as we had the back booths reserved. The Volcano did not disappoint; flames, cinders and high alcohol content served up in a bowl and slurped down with 18" straws.
I probably won't make this a regular stop on the rotation, but it is great fun for when you're feeling a little cheesy or looking for something different. On the other hand, I may have to spend a considerable bit of time here drinking to "research" for my upcoming trip to Maui.
Ever since Tube went totally hipster, I've been looking for a smallish lounge. Thatch Tiki Bar is just that. Great music, great bartenders, great (if slightly pricey) drinks, great food. While I like smallish, some may not. Great place for girls who love froo-froo drinks.
To start out with, let me just get this out of the way - it's a little expensive. But it's worth it! This little tiki bar is almost like a little secret island hideout - you'd be unlikely to notice it unless you're wandering up the sidewalk as a pedestrian. Inside its bland exterior facade, there's a little tropical interior paradise, filled with tiki gods, bamboo, mood lighting, and most importantly tasty (strong) drinks.
Me and my friends first went there to celebrate Obama's election win, and have gone back a few times for meetings or for fun - getting a hibachi grill with bbq-pork and a group drink is a fun way to waste hours at a time in good company. Try the volcano - it's a jungle juice bowl of assorted rum and other island liquor, with a pool of flaming 151 in the middle. I've never been disapointed with anything I've got here, and even if you don't think that tiki bars are your thing, Thatch deserves an exploratory visit.
Very fun walking in this place, especially on a rainy cold Oregon evening. Fun place and decorated all the way, their little munchies we had for a little snack which were rather good. Had a chi-chi off the menu which no longer comes in a coconut :( We also were handed our bill shortly after finishing our drink and not asked if we would like another, also rang up for the wrong things that we did not order.
Fun place to go back better places in Portland when it comes to taste and service.
Now I know why most yeeps come here on weeknights. Here's my reason why I want to avoid this place on Saturday night,
I came here with few friends on Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. I reserved table for 10 people and the nice bartender prepared our table without any problem at all.
The reservation is for 10 pm and by 10:10 the waitress asked me if all my party is going to show up, if not she's going to give one of the table to other people. I looked at her like she's crazy. Who ever showed up right at 10 pm on Saturday night to have some drinks?
She repeated the statement (not even a question anymore) for few times. So we moved to the bigger table and I told her that she can give the smaller table to someone else.
Turned out to be the people who she gave the table to were people that she knows. She gave them full hugs and kisses. WOW what a way to show a new customer, that Thatch doesn't really need new customers anymore.
She served us with a so so service. She even brought our check before we finished our drinks. All the time we were there, everybody that she's being nice to were regulars there.
One star for the nice bartender who helped us out and who made us strong drinks. Another star for the decoration of this place, it's very Tiki.
I guess Thatch Tiki Bar is like Cheers where the waitress knows everybody name. If she doesn't know you or she never sees you before, you are a stranger to her and you deserve to get shitty service.
Mai Tai's taste better in Hawaii. Actually everything taste's better in Hawaii, but I'm getting off the point I've yet to make. I've been meaning to got to the Thatch Tiki Bar for a long time. Passed it on many occasions and have always said to myself, "self, you need to go to the Thatch Tiki Bar." Well, last night I finally listened to myself and went over there with a friend. I was not disappointed.
Tucked into a strip mall across from Fred Meyer's on NE Broadway, the Thatch is very unassuming from the outside. Once you enter, you enter into a whole new world. Like the Moon and Sixpence, once you enter, you don't feel like you are in Kansas, er Portland anymore. From the thatch roof to the puffer fish lights, you might as well be in some exotic locale.
Anyway, enough about that. My friend and I both ordered the $8 Mai Tai. There are a few Mai Tai's on the menu. I forget the name of this one exactly. It was very strong and very good, but $8? Really? What the F? In these times, it is rare that I will spend $8 on a drink unless I'm having two $4 beers. Talking to the bartender, I found out that during their happy hour, they do offer those same Mai Tai's for $5. A bit better and the next time I get back to this place, it will most likely be during HH.
Back to the bartenders and my last thought. Very friendly and the female bartender with the glasses was very cute. That, the atmosphere and the strong drink is why I gave the place 4 stars. Could have been 5, but the cost of the Mai Tai was a bit high. My friend ended up buying the drinks, so all in all, not a bad way to spend an evening.
I really hope dead men and Tiki bars tell no tales...
I've now been a couple times and on the most recent visit I was the DD so I let my friends get all liquored up on chi-chis and fogcutters. The bartender was hysterical and presented my drink, The Sacrificial Virgin, with great style. Seriously, how can this place still be so awesome even when I'm sober?
One Volcano, two Volcano, three Volcano, four, five Volcano, six Volcano, they'll carry you out the… Read more »
The Tiki atmosphere inside is fun for a novelty bar. There are puffer fish hanging from the ceiling and most of the decor is great. I don't get the black velvet paintings though. I love the little bridge you walk over to get inside with Koi fish in the pond. The drinks were fruity and deliciously good, but the service was as expected for being Portland. Slow on the uptake and holding the bartender's attention for more than a second was a chore.
I can see this being a fun place for a group of people to hang out, but hopefully they have more staff there for those busier nights. There are food choices as well but we didn't have any. Just yummy drinks.
I would probably go back here to show out of town guests as we did that night.
This place has strong, yummy Mai Tai's with some really great decor. $5 during happy hour! Although it is a bit tiny, it sports a real pond! My first visit and I can assure you it won't be the last! Need to try some other tasty drink treats next time...
Thatch is a relatively new tiki bar on NE Broadway. Since I live about two blocks away, and Irivington is lacking interesting bars, I welcomed it to the hood. The decor deserves 5 stars. The owners put a lot of thought into the design of the place. From the bridge you have to walk over to get into the bar, to the tiki hut seating area in the back, to the real blowfish hanging above the bar, they've nailed the tiki look. It's hard to do tiki with out doing tacky, but they did it and it's cute.
I've visited Thatch a few times now, and while I haven't made it my regular hangout, it's a fun place to go for a special event or a festive night out. The drinks are super fun, and potent. At a friend's birthday party here we ordered The Volcano, which the menu warns requires 6 people minimum to order. It was served in a volcano shaped drinking vessel, contained a multitude of liquor and fruit juices, and was served on fire! After we took a few sips of this, we understood why you need 6 drinkers to partake - it's damn strong. Other drinks are served in coconuts, or with umbrellas or fancy fruit. Fun!
My only complaint about this place is the service. It tends to be pretty slow, and they don't seem to really be staffed to handle busy nights or large groups of people. If it's busy you will wait for a while. Don't let this deter you from checking this place out, though. Go on an off-night, and avoid weekend nights.
Thatch is pretty much "tiki = retro fifties" in style, while I am more "tiki = island fun". I love the authentic tiki decor, especially the large tikis salvaged from the old Sheraton Kon Tiki, but the rest of the ambiance is kinda scary. However, the drinks are excellent, and the servers know their stuff about good tropical concoctions. I didn't get a chance to try the food. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in PDX, especially now that they have a signature mug.
I like this Tiki bar so much better than the skeezy Alibi. The decor is absolutely the coolest once you walk in the front door (hard to tell from the outside), and the drinks are out of this world!!
Parking is on the street but I've never had a problem finding a spot.
Don't get me wrong, I like the more adventurous Alibi when I want my ears to bleed from bad Karaoke, and see people screwing in the booth next to me; but for a more mellow night, I prefer Thatch!!
P.S. - Smoking is not allowed.
Who knew that something as kitsch as a frickin' tiki bar could be so flipping cool?
The drinks are strong and the food is hot and the decor is...well...cool. Drink a lightly blended chi chi from a ceramic coconut cup while blowfish lights hang above you.
The decorations are from the old Con-Tiki Room, which makes everything all the more fun and authentic.
Thatch is a pretty small and quiet-ish bar, which is good if you're looking for an intimate setting, but not so much if you're with a huge group or looking to dance.
If you want a really cool place for a tropical drink in the dead of Portland winter, there's no better place than this hip hideaway.
Yes that's right, five stars.
First off, I'm a SUCKER for a tiki bar. Even the ones that utterly bite have a leg up over a sterile neo-industrial martini joint in my book. Second, it's obvious that the owner of this place shares my unequivocal love of all that is tiki. If it were possible to overdo decor of a tiki bar -- and I'm not saying that it is possible -- this guy would over do. In a place the size of my old garage he has a completely thatched ceiling, a friggin' outrigger canoe over the bar and at least five tiki head statues, not to mention glowing colored puffer fish lights and a good dozen velvet paintings. The incredible thing is, with all that it still is tasteful.
Okay, so down to biz: from 5 to 6:30, Tuesday to Saturday, the Mai Tais are $5 and they are not to be dismissed. Trader Vic's refugees, this may be as close as you will find to that ambrosia that we knew in the glory days at the Benson.
Y'all can find your dollar PBRs elsewhere, this is a rum drink that means to kick your ass. Match that with a pu-pu platter for four and you're looking a nice bit of food & serious drink for what you could spend on burritos and beer someplace else.
And let me just say when you walk over that bridge you are 'someplace else'. Bali Hai or Hanalei, but certainly not NE Portland. The remarkable transmogrification from rainy 21st century to tropical 1950's is completed with a brilliant soundtrack of classics from Ella to Frank and beyond.
I'll be having my mail forwarded to this address because I don't plan on being anywhere else until April. Kudos to Thatch.
Glowing blowfish lights, black velvet pictures on the wall and a drink called the volcano that requires at least 3 people to order it.
if you have a group of people around 8-10, they have two tables in the back that are a little secluded, and make the evening nice and cozy, in addition to tiki-licious.
Great place to take people for drinks -- you look like some kind of insider if you take people here because it is so small, in an unusual location and completely unassuming from the street!
When I have out of town guests they don't always "get" Portland or why I chose to live here. Inevitably, I end up taking them out to some of Portland's more interesting places like Kennedy School, Bistro Montage, and Stumptown, in hopes of showing them how different and cool my new home is. Now, thanks to Thatch, I have another establishment to put on my list.
From the street it looks just like any ordinary bar, but once through the doors you instantly realize that you are in for a truly unique drinking adventure. There is a small foot-bridge that crosses a pond at the entrance, tiki statues all over the place, illuminated puffer fish hanging above the bar (!!!), sweet lookin' black velvet paintings, soft warm lighting, and they have actually gone so far as to cover the restaurant in bamboo and grass from floor to ceiling (which slopes down like you are inside a giant grass tent).
I don't normally get into theme restaurants becuase they usually seem so forced and make me uncomfortable. But I like Thatch becuase it goes all the way with its theme and doesn't seem to be self-conscious about it. This tiki bar is just plain fun and relaxing.
Now, I'm more of a whiskey on the rocks brand of alcoholic, so I usually don't go for the super sugary drinks, but hey, it was "Mai Tai Monday" and I decided to roll with it. Needless to say, my drink (and every other drink on the menu) was wicked sweet- BUT it was also well made, stiff, and only cost me $5. Not too shabby Thatch.
Hell, forget taking out-of-towners here. Take yourself here. It is probably one of the more fun, relaxing, and interesting bars I have been to in a while.
I have to admit, I was reluctant to try Thatch when they first moved into SuGu. The word "kitsch" has been used ... and I've gotten used to equating "tiki" with the Alibi and everything that goes along with it. And besides, I've got deep-seated neighborhood loyalties -- I've long had a soft spot in my heart for the nearby Scottish pub, the Rose and Thistle.
So what use do I have for Thatch?
Well, they just plain did it right.
If you're going to open a tiki bar anywhere north of the 30th parallel, you can't half-ass it. You don't want your totems watching over a room with fluorescent lighting and sheetrock walls. You want every detail to scream Polynesia. You want people to completely forget how crummy the weather is outside. You want people to be ensconced in the mana. Yeah, a lot of people are going to walk in laughing, but as soon as one of those moais stares them down they're going to be on their best behavior.
That seems to be the philosophy under which the staff and ownership have operated, and they've done so to great success. Plus, it's non-smoking, and right there they've got the Rose and Thistle beat. Oh, and $5 Mai Tais on Mondays.
So you may have walked in laughing, but after absorbing the decor and imbibing the abundant rum drinks, you'll walk out with a smile on your face.
I had heard of Thatch from a couple friends who had been there and thought it was just ok...but clearly they are not Tiki Bar aficiandos! Thatch has done a great job creating the right Tiki vibe. Having been to a few "new" Tiki Bars around the country, I am now wary of any place trying to recreate the genre...(usually not too successfully). And too many "vintage" Tiki Bars are getting really worn out. Any time I travel, I research all things Tiki (or just kitschy in general) to explore in the surrounds. So last night I finally was able to make it to Thatch, and I wasn't disappointed! Not too cheesy-new, not too "smells like the inside of an old shoe" vintage...just right.
For a small storefront on Broadway, they did an excellent job creating fantastic ambiance inside. Walking in, there is a little bridge and great water feature that separates the storefront windows from the "hut". The bar isn't huge, but well set up and plenty of space to make yourself comfortable. The place is intimate and they have the requisite Denny-esque exotica music playing just at the right level.
The drinks were strong and tasty, not too sweet, not to tart. The only disappointment is there are not enough drinks served in real Tiki Glasses. :(
Thatch serves a limited amount of appetizers for food selection...but they have all the classics, and are done well. We had the "Pu Pu Platter". Geez, it had been years ago at a Trader Vic's since I have had one of those! It was very tasty, displayed nicely and served with bonus rice and an assortment of sauces.
Thatch is decorated well, the service was great, and overall the place has a comfortable vibe with like-minded patrons enjoying the lounge-y feel. Check it out!
OH Feel the Tiki god goodness that is Thatch.
It's small, but incredibly fun! You may never know you are in Portland at all as the interior is full-tilt island style. The bridge over the mini pond and thatched roof interior was a nice touch. The owner who worked the bar when I was there was very groovy and had great suggestions. The drinks are about $7, but worth every penny. Score the right one and you even get one in a budda belly cup.
In short, very fun, good lighting, tasty beverages and unique light repast munchies. A very welcome addition to the Sullivan's Gulch hood.
Very kitsch. But not half-assed; they really went all out, so it works. Excellent drinks, friendly service. Good for a more mellow night out. I probably wouldn't want to be here on a Friday or Saturday night if it got too busy since it's small and overcrowding would really ruin the good vibes. (My first and only experience was on a Thursday night.) The location may keep it from ever getting too busy, though. Definitely check it out.
These days, I'm getting used to a number of unlikely events that have come to pass:
- Despite the snow in the mountains just a couple weekends ago, we're facing close to 100 degree weather this weekend. Holy hundred! In Portland! Next the family in conservative and historically dry midland Texas will call to announce that it's raining men.
- Despite all my efforts to make it otherwise, I am turning into my mother. I think I even wanted to take a damn dog on a walk the other day.
- Despite anything anyone could predict, my life is now two parts Michel Gondry movie and six parts pop song lyrics. That's eight part disharmony.
Because of the appearance of the improbable, I was happy to spend a couple hours in a bar that is the very representation of unlikely. Thatch is a tiki-themed bar situated between the Hollywood district and the SuGu. It's nestled between a couple nail salons. And as the temperature outside climbs upwards and the state of uncertainty regarding the country's and my own future grows, this bar remains steadfast in its throwback-i-ness. Yes, that's a word. They softly play martini shaker music that would sound as appropriate in a 1960's space age bachelor's pad as it would under the roof of a grass hut. They keep the lights dimmed and the air conditioner pumped. They have stringed blowfish lights across the bar. It's like the decorating choice that would happen if John Waters and Esquivel moved into an apartment based on their shared love of sushi and things on strings. Plus, the bartenders are so, so kind as they mix you up a Pink Thing and compliment your outfit. The most unlikely part is that I totally dig this place, and I am no fan of the tiki bar. Trader Sam's in San Francisco + chunky heels + heavy tray = ouch. Plus, I'm such a bad swimmer that I'd probably be the first person in recorded history to drown in a scorpion bowl. So I don't know that I'd heed the call of the tiki deities on a weekend night, but for an afternoon, Thatch is tops.
This is my favorite Tiki bar ever! I live close by so I can safely stumble home after a couple of Singapore slings. All the drinks are very tasty. The staff is really nice. I like to go during the week when it's not so busy. It's a great place for an after work cocktail. it's non smoking so you don't leave smelling like ashtray.
I've been a big fan of thatch for a while now. that may have had something to do with my strange love of those tacky polyester shirts with crazy stuff on them, so i felt right at home as soon as i stepped into the beautiful comfy and warm Thatch. The decor is amazing with little Tiki cups and bowls and Buddhas, it was just amazing.
the drink menu is also wonderful giving you a huge selection of thatch's spins on classic tiki drinks like Mai Tai's, fog cutters, zombies, etc. and they are STRONG drinks. if you're looking to get plastered go there with a few friends and get the volcano bowl. while pricey it will get you liquored up realllllll fast.
The Thatch is about as cool as it can be for where it is. It lacks the impressive layout and exterior of The Alibi, being in the midst of a NE Broadway shopping strip. The decor is a nice collection and the tarbenders put their hearts into it and the drinks are delish. Haven't tried any food yet.
LOVE.
Hanging light-filled porcupinefish, beautiful art pieces with images of golden glitter on black velvet, and of course tiki torches, adorn this enchanting, bustling restaurant. It's very small: maybe six tables in addition to the actual bar, but at 10 PM on a Friday night there were a couple of tables free. (Going earlier or with a group, reservations are highly recommended.)
There are only four entrees, but still I think you'd be hard-pressed not to find something you can eat, unless you're vegan. They have vegetarian egg rolls, chicken skewers, beef skewers, and some other thing I forget. There are also about eight appetizers, four of which are smaller repeats of the entrees.
The drink menu descriptions are hilarious. I think they have wine and beer, I don't know, who really cares, the mixed drinks are the point! I ordered a chi-chi on the bartender's recommendation of something light. I'm almost 22 now--it's time to step out of my mojito fog! Oh, glorious chi-chi...on an originally empty stomach you and a couple of your pals left me wandering down the street with my boyfriend in search of a hotel, staging a battle between my two cocktail umbrellas in Japanese...
UM, what I MEAN to say is, my boyfriend ordered the scorpion, and the chi-chi was wonderfully fruity and addictively scrumptious, and the scorpion was a stronger, magnificent pal. Or something. I got the spring rolls and he got the chicken skewers. With their plum dip, the spring rolls were so delicious that I still can't stop dreaming of them, and the weekend's almost over! I was informed that skewers are very good but not phenomenal.
The bartender was basically our waiter, which was impressive considering his workload. He's really cool. And a cutie to boot. He also kept checking with me quietly when my boyfriend ordered more drinks to make sure I wasn't with some random guy and about to be too drunk to handle it. I finally calmed the situation by subtle informing him, "He's my boyfriend, SO--it's OK!"
Luckily, attention was diverted to four giggling young ladies who deemed fit to talk with two random middle-aged men. (Note to any sleazy middle-aged men: No.)
I really can't stress enough my love for this place. It is such a world apart from nearly every other bar--very beautiful and the drinks are spectacular.
And I leave you with the following pearl of wisdom...
Hotel Manager: Complimentary breakfast begins at seven o'clock in the morning--
Me: Yeah RIGHT.
Hotel Manager: ...it goes until ten.
Me: Hehe.
This little place was wonderful. The little bridge at the entrance, the tikis everywhere, low lighting and the blow fish lamps...coolness overload. We couldn't stop looking at the decor.
Came here for some drinks and appetizers. The vegetarian spring rolls were really tasty (barely greasy) with a great dipping sauce. The drink I had -- the Taboo -- was pretty tasty and they did not skimp on the alchohol. Yummers!
Great for after work socials. There's plenty of noise, but it's quiet enough that you don't need to shout to be heard.
I have been here several times and always opt to bring a different friend to introduce the goodness that is Thatch Tiki Bar. The food and drinks here are amazing! I am a HUGE fan of the chi chi...a coconut drink with pineapple and vodka that comes in the most adorable coconut cup. Not only are the food and drinks worth coming for, the atmosphere alone makes this place the coolest in the city. The one complaint I have was bad service, but I think it was just that I came on an unusually busy night.
Went to Thatch for some after dinner drinks with my fabulous fiancee. It was Sunday night so it wasn't too busy. Most of the tables were taken, but the place is pretty small so that wasn't a shock. The bar was very darkly lit with lots of fun tiki style decor around. The place kind of felt like a tiki dive bar - but in a good way. She ordered the Chi Chi which came in a fake coconut and I ordered the Taboo. Both were good but I think hers was better. The place is small but seems like a good place to chill with friends and enjoy the big group punch.
It was just after 9pm, I was staying by the airport, and looking for something "different" than homogenous Americana food. The restaurant Pour was recommended, and I was in transit, but upon arrival it just couldn't pull me in. Looked like a wannabe hipster "too cool" kind of place. One block down I saw a "Thai food" sign. Yum! But alas they were closing. Yet upon asking if there was anywhere mellow with good eats nearby, the server replied "if you like a cool bar, check out Thatch!" And on I went.
The posts below sum it up pretty well, but I add the following:
Please don't compare Thatch with Trader Vic's. I truly don't understand the TV rage. TV is more mahogany than bamboo, more chain restaurant decor, than tropical hangout, more white tablecloth than kick it in your Flojos. The only thing preventing one from imagining that they are in Polynesia as make yourself comfortable in Thatch is that it is not staffed by Polynesians. The night I made my entrance, it was staffed by an older bartender with the Hawaiiin shirt and "take it easy bro" attitude of a long-time expatriate of the tropics. Don't know if the drink prices have increased lately, but all the Tropical drinks were around $8 and up, but appeared heavy on the pour. I went with something called a Seafarer I believe. Awaiting my platter, I scoped out the decor and scene. Yes, this place is chock full of Tikis and chill wood decor. Lots of visual stimulation, but all on the mellow. Couldn't have imagined it done any better. The younger guy behind the counter slung me up a nice plate of Shiskabob serloin steak over some flavorful rice, and a decent house salad served in an appropriately decorative bowl. Not a large menu by any means, but with reasonably priced appetizers, this is more of a place to go with some good company. At this late dining hour on a winter weekday, there were only a few other patrons finishing up their plates, but a few appeared to have their party going on in a small elevated open "room" towards the rear. All in all, the place has a nice "local" feel, tasty food, and sweet stiff drinks, just the doctor's order to ward away the chill on a winter night, or to relax amidst on a warm summer's eve. Who am I kidding, if you feel the call of the Tropics, this place will work any night!
I'd give it 5 stars if they'd make it a little bigger so I could get in now and then.
I spotted Thatch while it was still in the development stage. i walked by every day to check out the progress. I was SOOO excited when they finally opened. The drinks are stiff and delicious! One night last spring we rolled over there around 11:00 PM to find that the staff had gone home because it was a slow night. The door was still open though. We walked next door to the owner's other bar, Pour, to let him know. He came over and opened up for us! Just the six of us sat in there drinking volcano bowls and having a great time. I LOVE TIKI bars and this one the a freaking GEM! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there aren't enough seats in the place. I've been in on swingin' Fridays and Saturdays, and had to stand aound a table. Oh, and Thatch is non smoking, non Lottery, and non karaoke!! BOOYaH!
You had at me at "Aloha".
The decor of this new bar is complete tiki. They did not mess around when putting this place together (and might I add, its a huge step up from the somewhat decor-less bar Pour that is ran by the same people and only a few blocks away). The entrance is whimsical and exceptionally charming with a pond and footbridge. And the fantastic part is that most of the decor is hand me down from other old portland tiki bars (like the old jasemine tree and kon tiki). The atmosphere is complete with a nice long bamboo bar, tiki music - the works.
Thatch's drink list is short, but packs a punch. The list includes a killer mai tai, a drink served in a coconut and some hawaiian beers. Delicious.
Check out the elevated and semi private booth in the back - great for larger groups.
Drink prices are average and service is really helpful. They don't seem to have a website or happy hour schedule yet, but it sounds like both are coming soon!
Daily Happy Hour!
Neighborhood: Northwest
New Expanded Happy Hour Menu
Neighborhood: Old Town
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Pubs
Neighborhood: North Portland
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: Dive Bars
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