Pomalo Bar

Portland Bar Pomalo Keeps Things Lovably Divey | Eater Portland

"Rechristened by owner Mary Caballero and guided by the Dalmatian Coast’s pomalo ethos of slowing down, this Lombard bar has been transformed with a significant remodel that keeps knotty oak panels, some stained glass, plenty of neon and kitsch, and adds an Instagram-friendly back bar, contemporary seating, and a back-room record nook alongside a pool table and vintage arcade cabinets. The kitchen, led by Zula alum Caleb Rose, turns out bar staples like grilled cheese and fries, a truly elephantine pork schnitzel, and New Orleans touches such as crawfish étouffée and a Cajun burger; a soft opening special of ćevapi with flatbread made a welcome appearance. The cocktail list riffs on classics: the unquestionable standout, according to both me and the three people nearby who vocally exclaimed when they tried theirs, is the Grown-Up Chunky Monkey—bourbon and banana liqueur garnished with a Pocky stick—surprisingly light and nicely balanced, akin to a very light maple syrup; the Second Line is a viable Manhattan spin, and yuzu, basil, and Lillet pop up elsewhere. It isn’t trying to be another dive—great dives need decades of wear—but the energy at opening hinted at lively live-music and karaoke nights to come, neighbors seemed amped, and for now it offers fun new twists with old-school charm (and the rare chance to walk on brand-new bar carpet); hours run 4 p.m.–midnight Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Friday and Saturday." - Ben Coleman