Where to Find Portland’s Coziest Underground Bars

"When in Shanghai, or the Tunnel at least, ask a fellow patron the origin of the name. Any longstanding Portlander will pull you aside and shout in your ear how early 20th century Oregonians were plied with cheap liquor and “Shanghai’d” through the tunnels to awaiting docked vessels, ready to ship out to foreign seaports with their newly captive crews. While the lurid stories are likely apocryphal, there are few experiences more authentically Portland than a night in the sepulchral, endearingly grimy Shanghai Tunnel basement bar. Drinks are strong and among the cheapest in town, and the frequent musical acts range from punk to jazz. Friday and Saturday nights are often packed with a raucous downtown crowd." - Nathan Williams