Bare Bones Cafe & Bar

While I heard ownership may have changed, I will always support this and other legacies of Portland’s food/bar scene. Hearty portions and a Halloween-arcade-y vibe all year long? How could you go wrong with that?! While Portland has changed, businesses like this should be supported tooth and nail so the Palo Alto transplants don’t sanitize the neighborhood and the city anymore than they already have. Fight it, otherwise you’ll end up having $3k minimum rent per person and the cheapest coffee will be 18 bux (but not at Bare Bones ;)

Love this hidden gem! The food here does not disappoint! Iced coffee was also fantastic. Love that we can bring our dog. I always feel super comfortable and welcomed here.

Great staff, and environment. The 2 frozen drink machines sell out daily, and get cleaned and changed into new flavors. Not a dedicated gay bar, but all are accepted. Proud sponsor to the lgbtq community, and overall a great place to enjoy and support.

Food was fine—just basic bar food. But the service? Unwelcoming. I get that it was St. Patrick’s Day, but as a bar, you’d think they’d be prepared. The bartenders were rude as heck, making us want to eat and leave ASAP. Worst part? When my friend closed her tab, the (not-a-girls-girl) bartender acted like her card vanished—spoiler: it was right there. Staff was also loudly trash-talking St. Paddy’s crowds. Plenty of better spots nearby with good food, service, and vibes. Wouldn’t recommend this place if my life depended on it.

I actually love this place but its so hot inside. Just started coming here during the winter of 2024/2025. Good drink prices. Friendly bartenders. Haven't had their food yet. Pool and pinball is fun. But the last couple of times I've been here it's been so hot inside that I was sweating just existing and had to cut my visits short. I'll keep coming back tho in case the temp was a fluke? I'll probably stop coming here at some point if alls I do is sweat while playing pinball everytime.

Really expensive for drinks that were LEGIT TERRIBLE. 😭 not mixed well, zero balance. My biggest issue was the female bar tenders attitude, my friends complained about her before I did. It was not until the end of the night, when I tried to close my tab and get my card back, she said I was lying that they had it and told me to check my wallet. Obviously I did and it was not there. Then she just FOUND it after I checked and proved it wasn't in there. No apologies either, just made to feel like an asshole for trying to pay my tab. I would just stay away from this bar. 🙃 Nothing special, terrible mixed drinks, terrible bar tender attitudes.

I originally thought this was a super meat heavy place, but they do have a good few options for vegetarian meals, they also accommodated a vegan in our group. Food was good, mimosas were large, id have to say Bare Bones is a pretty good place. Great for groups. Also theres ample bike parking and outdoor seating. Games in the back.

Was looking forward to Bare Bones, it seems like this is a regulars only type of place, rude service and okay food. It just didn’t feel like a very accepting environment with how the staff was so freely talking to customers about how they felt about others in the establishment. I usually don’t give bad reviews but I would recommend going to any of the other bars nearby.

Bare Bones is not only good food and refreshments from coffee and espresso of all kinds but half of the place is a full bar and restaurant on both sides of the place most of the employees are very friendly and they are Animal lovers which is always a awesome quality!! They have this one employee Called Reanee and she's worked there for freaking ever so I'm taking it the boss is pretty cool ! Bare Bones also has a scannable menu to gaze at anytime.. The Food has never disappointed! I love the variety of food is phenomenal same as drinks.. Oh No I Almost left out the best sense of all "THE AMBIANCE " is really #Phenomenal I really suggest if looking for local Art of a unique astronomical style you should check it out!! Btw. The soup is amazing and they've got some kick ass rosemary potato salad even the burgers and breakfast sandwiches are to die for!! YUM!!

Okay, it's a dive. But, it's a great dive! Lance is great and has a awesome sense of humor. Drinks are reasonable, there's usually a special and bonus for me...homemade soup. Chicken noodle last evening. Fun holiday vibes and a bit further down from the main Belmont strip, so parking is never a big issue. Lots of outdoor seating and inside is warm! Thanks for the excellent service and experience!

I'd give BB a 3.5 for the food. Service was good so giving it a 4. Food is bare bones, and they have different hot sauces available on the tables. I like that you can build your own sandwich, and my fiancé said his was good. I asked about what coffees they can do, and they said iced lattes, not sure if there are other options, but it was good. Not very busy on a Monday at noon. Chill atmosphere.

I would give zero stars if I could. Absolutely zero respect for disabled humans. I came into your establishment last night. My friend was buying art at the market in your cafe. We went to the bar next door to grab a drink. I looked up at the screen menu on the was only their tap list. I'm not a drinker, so I asked for a menu. The bar tender responded telling me to use the QR code. I don't have the ability to do that on my phone, and as a neurodivergent person with learning disabilities, I struggle with technology immensely. I said out loud that I'm not able to view that menu. And all I got was a dismissive "oh sorry." And the bartender moved on to taking my friend's beer order. She looked at me and asked "do you know what you want?" "Well no, I haven't been able to look at a menu." "Sorry." She walks away to get my friend's beer. I turn to my friend and say "this is one of the most classist and ableist ways to view a menu that I have ever seen." At this point I'm bubbling with anxiety and close to an autistic meltdown inside a bar. The bartender got back with the friend's beer. The friend asked if they had any French fries (I was hungry... and again... sober.). "No we have like chips." I responded with "forget it. I don't need anything." As they were wrapping up the beer purchase... I asked if there was free soda for sober drivers at this bar. "What do you want? Actually, I don't think I should give you anything with how rude you've been." "I haven't been rude to you, I'm direct and _autistic_." Bartender doubles down on not being willing to serve me now... and I threw up my hands being so done with this disrespectful young woman. This was a young (20's maybe) thin white passing presumably cis woman. Short bob hair maybe. I think their was some green dye involved. Ah! My friend got her name. The outrageously rude bartender with no service skills was Olivia. Olivia could have easily been like "oh, so sorry you can't see that... we have...." Service is not for everyone, and as someone who has worked and hired in food and bev service industries... Olivia could use some help on her responses to struggling disabled folks. I left the bar heartbroken and seeing in yet another establishment that I won't be respected unless I wear a placard around my neck. I do intend to come back in today once the bar is open and speak with a manager now that I'm not having a neurodivergent meltdown based on your employee's behavior. This is truly putting an autistic person through a meat grinder.

I live down the street and finally stopped in for a drink the other night to check it out. I love love loved all of the Halloween decorations. This place really went ALL out! There a candy bowl, spider webs and lots of creepy creatures around. I got a vanilla honey cider and it was phenomenal! I've never tried a cider that flavor but it was sweet, refreshing and mellow all at the same time. None of the flavors were overpowering and it had a cream soda type flavor. There's a really cool vending machine with adults supplies...overnight bag, accessories, and mystery bag which I bought. The picture shows everything that was inside and it was so fun to open and see all the random goodies! Such a great idea.

I love the food. I like the ambience. I want to give this place 5 stars but I just can't. After the last year or so of terrible service, I just can't. The staff is horrible. Hip assholes. It is made very clear in every interaction that you are an uncool, dumb inconvenience to them. Bar tenders are rude. Cooking staff are rude. Cooks just drop food on the table with audible sigh and walk away. Sorry for ordering food (that is great) where you are PAID (and tipped well) to cook it. Final straw was not being served at the bar unless I got up and walked to the well. Made direct eye contact multiple times while giving the head nod and holding up cash. Guy made direct eye contact with me, walked right past me while giving me a smile and picked up an empty cup. To walk right past me again and lean against the bar. I finally stood up and walked all of 7 feet to the well where I get, "Did you want another drink?" YES. Attentive enough to chime in on our conversation but can't tell 3 people are trying to order drinks. He made all 3 of us stand up and walk a few bar stools over to the well each time we wanted a refill. He had no problem serving the few people at the other end of the bar. It was not busy. He just didn't want to serve us. I miss old Belmont. I miss old Portland.

Both breakfasts we tried here were solid. We came here on a whim, and it was a great choice. We loved that they had outdoor seating for our pup and fun Halloween candy. Come here if you want a laid back, no-frills brunch in Portland.

Great espresso and quality baristas. eggs and bacon filled me up right. Lots of room.

BEST QUESADILLA EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But also I'm drunk rn so maybe my opinion is skewed

It took over an hour for a bagel being ordered. Asking for it to be Togo after waiting it was a soggy non edible mess. I work service industry and would be embarrassed. The order wasn't even right.

Great food, cozy atmosphere, good prices. 10/10 highly recommend. They also have an amazing seasonal pina colada

Live in walking distance. Trying to find my go-to spot. Place rubbed me the wrong way. Vibe was quiet, no one seemed to be having fun. Bartender wasn't super friendly and asked if I wanted to leave my tab open, I said yes but he closed me out anyway. Took it as a hint.

The food is even better than I remember. The huge front window was open with all the fresh spring air. I had the most delicious BLAT I've ever tasted. The toasted buttery bread seemed to have a hint of rosemary. The ingredients were very fresh. Literal foodgasm. The candied pecan blue cheese leafy green salad was also better than I recall and it was already perfect. The sherry vinaigrette dressing had a little spice to it. Just delicious. I can't wait to return!

went in for a sunday night cap and the years started coming... and they don't stop coming and they don't stop coming... and they don't stop coming and they don't stop coming... and they won't stop coming and they don't stop coming.. and they don't stop coming and they don't stop coming... and they won't stop coming and they never stopped coming.. needless to say, i'll never stop coming back to barebones!

My husband got the Reuben and said it was the best he ever had! The tomato soup was great and so was the veggie grilled cheese. Basey who took our order was such a vibe polite and friendly

Now I don't frequent this half of the establishment as much as I do the food half. I do enjoy the fact of bars that will spoehr's their food from the restaurants of their other half. I've always enjoyed the barebones food it is it anything above and beyond. It is always so home made and home style though.. Even a simple sandwich always seems to have care and thought put into each part of it and for the price this is uncommon. Now in addition to having the normal bar fares and normal bar prices. They have a great happy hour for food, a great breakfast, killer brunch, and a very friendly staff. If you're looking to be a little louder or for communicatively converse. Then I would check out this app as the other half tends to be very quiet and people studying, focusing, or working. PRO TIP : look for them on mercury papers 'mercperks' as they always have a 20 for 10 vouchers to buy!!

Wonderful spot! I got a sesame bagel with rosemary cream cheese for breakfast and it was delightful. My partner got the chicken fried steak & biscuit and said it was the best he's ever had. the coffee was great too! will definitely be back :)

Soooo good! I'm so close to this place that it's hard not to go over there everyday for brunch to order their wide favorite of delicious breakfast options. Super vegetarian friendly and all the food (especially sandwhichs) are made with care and very easy to eat without all the good stuff falling out! I'm not usually a Bloody Mary fan but something about that day had me saying "what the heck why not try one out again" and it actually did not disappoint! They made me a little to-go drink while I was waiting for the food to be ready and were very friendly doing so even though I didnt order it on my takeout order. Great local spot for a drink or bite to eat!

Bare Bones is right down the street from my new place so I had to try it. I popped in one day and the person who chatted with me I believe was the cook, very cool and seemed to like the place, recommended a tasty sandwich. Well, I asked for something awesome and that's what I got. The Brisket sandwich was very tasty, collards in the mix for umami and texture. Meat wasn't overly salty and the bread was on point. Definitely a solid choice and affordable compared to sandwich places close by. Let's talk about the chips. Isn't it annoying when you get a 'side of chips' and it's a .05 Oz single serving container? Not here!! Bare Bones took the Five Guys school of potato generosity. In my togo box every fillable space had chips tucked in. Blessed. All in all: solid food, a little off the main drag but worth the extra couple blocks for some happy tummies.

Great neighborhood "dive bar." We didn't have time to grab something to eat, but the cocktail at the bar was well made and well priced. Casual, relaxed, locals environment with a bit of an edge. Outside seating available. Parking is a bit tricky, but that's really not a negative. We'll be back and we'll try the food next time. Cheers!

I adore Bare Bones. I think she has a fine selection of libations. She offers upfront dining, bar seating, outdoor seating, Oregon lottery, live bands, and pool. The owner is awesome and she knows how to build a menu. I've had her Gyro before and loved it. Today we munched on her Portabella and Olive Melt. It was oozing with bright flavors and goat cheese. The bread was crisp and buttery. We made a mess of it but enjoyed it to down to that last rogue sundried tomato. Bones has starters, breakfast, sandwiches, soups and salads with a few unique menu items thrown in. Prices will run you roughly $7.00-$11.00. If you're looking for the deep fryer, it's probably in the trash can. Food is fresh and fun. Very vegetarian and vegan friendly as well though she is kind to us carnivores too. Great thinly shaved Beef Sandwich slathered in cheese on a rich buttered bun. I'll keep coming back for the food, the unpretentious and casual atmosphere, and the food. Oh, and also the food. Food? Yes ma'am.

Tasty brunch bar spot in the front, hole in the wall bar with pool, shuffleboard in the back. If I lived in Portland, this would totally be my kinda neighborhood spot! The food was delish. Got the salmon scramble with a bagel since I can't get enough salmon in PNW. Coffee was killer too. Biscuits n gravy were all kinds of savory and sloppy in a good way. Only weird part was that you bus your own table. So the dirty dish buckets were a kinda gross way to end an otherwise really awesome meal.

excellent food, great drinks, friendly staff & low drama atmosphere. perfect for a work day in the cafe or a first date in the bar. kitchen is consistently delicious. specials vary from gourmet to feel good. also pinball & pool on the back! it's hard to find a flaw! did i mention the great patio? even trivia is tolerable

This vegan is impressed. Amazing vegan Bloody Mary. Food was top notch. I was hesitant because the menu doesn't really portray how actually vegan friendly they are. Just ask questions. You'll get what you need. Ginger was bartending and if she's not the owner... the owner should be very happy to have her on board.

We were bouncing around on a rainy Saturday afternoon, making our own pub crawl and we stumbled upon Bare Bones. The place seemed a little dark and very eclectic. It's furnishings (booths and tables) are someone "Diner" but it's very spacious. This is Portland and very much what a lot of people are looking for. In the back room there are pinball machines, a pool table, Foosball, shuffleboard, a photo machine and games and books in a nook (where obviously they expect people to hang out for a while). Advertised on a board behind the bar was a Hot Totty with whisky and muddled oranges. That sounded good so my friend and I ordered that. The bartender was bitchy about our request to muddle oranges into the drink (as the sign described it) after being handed glasses that looked like they contained nothing but hot water. We had stood there as she made them, and never saw her muddle the oranges, which is why we requested that she do so. Instead, she plopped an orange slice into each glass. My brave friend then asked again for "muddled" oranges "Like the board describes it". We got an eye roll from the bartender then but they did as requested and muddled the oranges and poured the juice into our glasses. After sitting down and taking a sip of our drinks, I complained to my friends that it now just tasted like hot water with a hint of orange, but I wasn't up for going back up to the bar to complain that I think she forgot to put the whisky in it (which we also did not see her do as we stood at the bar, waiting for them). That was a huge disappointment but at least it was only $5 and my other friends weer happy with their drinks. While my experience wasn't top notch, I actually can see why people (especially those who live in the neighborhood) would come here to hang out. I don't expect the best service from hipster bars (it's like a lot of those establishments train their staff to only be mediocre at best) so I wasn't surprised, but I was also not going to give 5 stars - even if lackadaisical and aloof is the customer service standard their management holds them to.

Awesome food! Sal, the main girl, is awesome and so friendly!! Food was sooo good! It's our weekend treat! 10/10 recommend!

Literally so disappointed. Was super psyched to take my friend for a birthday brunch today since neither of us had ever been but unfortunately within 5 minutes it was clear we didn't want to support the business. There were two workers on site...one was extremely unnecessarily rude and the other just acted like we weren't there. It was very unprofessional and off-putting to say the least. The atmosphere and menu looked great though.

A friend told me about Bare Bones just about a month ago, and I've already visited 3 times. I love this place! On my first visit, I enjoyed their tender, juicy and flavorful Lamb Gyro which was so absolutely delicious that I couldn't stop licking my fingers. At other restaurants and food carts, this usually ends up being on the dry side with little taste, but not here. During my second visit, the friendly waitperson steered me toward the Chicken Fried Steak and Biscuit which I absolutely devoured. I think the rich and creamy Rosemary Gravy, cheese and egg are wonderfully commentary to the traditional style of Chicken Fried Stead. And yes, the fiery Bloody Mary was also full of flavor and a little kick. Today I went back for another order of the Chicken Fried steak, which was just the boost I needed on a dreary rainy November like today. Their online ordering system couldn't be easier. The order was ready at the time they said it would be, and was handed to me by the nice guy at the cash register who ran my card. Heck, I even ended up getting a parking spot directly across from front door. It really couldn't have gone any smoother. During the 4-week freeze, I will likely be back there at least once a week. I definitely want them to be around when things get back to normal so I can check out the bar side to play some pool and check out their themed nights, while I work my way through the rest of their lengthy menu.

I very much appreciate the owner and staff, who provide a safe and welcoming environment. Highly recommend the rotating soup options!

The food was honestly not that good I got the tomato soup and grilled cheese and the tomato soup tasted like messed up spaghetti sauce and the service was TERRIBLE... had to wait in line for people to order to even get my drink refilled which I never even did:) wait never-mind I got my drink and it has a pube in it as pictured

If you're looking for a good New York corner-store/bodega style egg and cheese. This is the place. Their egg and cheese and ciabatta sandwich can be customized to replace the ciabatta with a gabriel's bagel, and I swear it's the closest thing to a legit NY egg and cheese I've found here. Of course, the gabriel's bagel works more as a bun, not exactly a bagel bagel. But you get the point. Egg and cheese aside, their menu is just primo. The environment is chill. And they're super super quick!

In spite of a screaming for no reason at all two to three year old that needed a good dose of reality, the pink haired do it all kept the remaining few customers on this afternoon content with their beverages and food. I was one of them on a fairly nice afternoon in the land of port. I know many have ended up here or the bar next door, but I chose here because of the windows and I wanted to be able to see outside. A bottle of Sessions and a marbled rye Reuben were the choices that looked appetizing to me. Combined, a little over $12. Not too bad for the area. The sandwich was pretty standard but how can one really get a Reuben wrong? Thousand Island, kraut, Corned beef and bread. This came with a choice of chips and I went for some jalapeño ones. It seems that breakfast is the main attraction for this place and I guess at some point I'll have to get back and give a breakfast sandwich a try. The food I had was pretty good and in spite of the little wailing banshee, I will still come back. Enjoy.

This place is so great! I prefer the cafe side to the bar side, but that's just because I'm not a fan of when the bar side has sports playing on the TVs. The staff is awesome. There are food options for just about anyone, from full carnivore to a few vegan and gluten free things. The soups of the day are usually pretty yummy, and I'll often get grilled cheese with tomato soup there. The build your own breakfast sandwiches have a lot of different options, and they're usually ok with customizing whatever menu items are able to be customized. The buffalo chicken strip salad is pretty much to die for and now that I've gone veggie I'm missing it a lot. This place has a fairly chill, relaxed vibe, especially on the cafe side. It's a good place for relaxed dates, or just studying or writing by yourself. They often have local art hung up on the walls. The window seats on the cafe side are a great way to people watch.

Delicious breakfast sandwiches, good coffee and friendly service. We'll be back. Cool game room with pinball and pool

Generous cocktails and yummy food! Lots of vegan options and always willing to adjust menu items to be made vegan. Staff is always fun and accommodating.

A very cute place! With some pretty exceptional sandwiches. I got the turkey sandwich - recommended by the lady who worked there - and my boyfriend got the buffalo chicken sandwich. They have a jalapeño chips or regular house chips option. I'm a spicy fanatic so I got the jalapeño ones, and they were pretty awesome. We got there during their happy hour so they had some appetizers for like $3-5! We got the hummus plate and it was good. There's never enough pita or celery sticks when you get those things lol. The beers were $2, can't go wrong with that. Definitely a great place for a quick lunch!

My favorite place to go, day or night. The staff is friendly and remembers you. The breakfast cafe is great, personally, I love to lounge at the breakfast bar and work up an appetite for breakfast while I enjoy a Bare Bones Bloody Mary. Everything on the menu is great and I love their build your own breakfast sandwiches, served all day!

Bare Bones is a wonderful cafe with yummy breakfast and lunch on one side with booze and snacks on the other. This place is super relaxed and feels really welcoming to all. Perfect for working on a 10 page paper or meeting for a hot date :)

I can't comment on the prices of drinks because I literally just signed my copy without looking at a total but I came here for trivia most recently (uh, Thursday nights? Was that Thursday?) and it was fun! Cool bar with a couple of pinball machines and a few tvs. There were SIXTEEN teams of trivia when we were there. I've been to Bare Bones a few times in the past because I used to live over here but it's not the kind of place I'd go out of my way for. They do have other events, Bingo, off the top of my head but yeah, just kind of a regular bar. Not too noisy, not too divey or cheap. Just a nice Bell Curve bar. I had a few Old Fashioneds (weird word) and the tuna deviled eggs. They were awfully fishy, I wouldn't get them again but I LOVE deviled eggs. Just no tuna. I did find their menu kind of limited. It was okay though, a nice evening spent with friends doing trivia.

Breakfast burger was phenomenal. Gluten free bread also tasted really good. Additionally the wait staff was kind and followed COVID sanitization protocol.

The girl with the Mickey Mouse PJs and green hair is pretty rude my friend asked for a Long Island and once she received it it tasted like lime juice. After asking the bartender for a remake she said no and rolled her eyes then asked to add more coke.

Hi! Your bartender tonight, 11/11 is a joke. So rude. So unprofessional. Threw a customer's card at them and told them to leave for having the audacity to ask for a drink he forgot to bring. Said he had other people to deal with. Place was practically empty and we had already waited an exorbitant amount of time. So we bailed. I like this bar and will be back but if I see a manbun behind the bar I will about face and spend my money elsewhere.

Absolutely loved the food and environment. The setting was super chill and quiet. I'm glad my son wasnt to to loud for others around us. I will most DEFINITELY be coming back and trying other things. Thanks to my work Silver Cloud Inn in Portland!!

HORRIBLE avocado sandwich... HORRIBLE! How do you mess up an avocado sandwich and it take you 20 minutes to get out?! The bread was cold and soggy, the avocado was BROWN and hard and not spread but just huge hard brown chunks tossed on the cold soggy bread with absolutely zero fixings of any kind... no salt/pepper nothing and this garbage of a sandwich cost $4. Don't waist your money. It went straight to the garbage.

We shared a brunch bagel and waffle sandwich along with coffee and mimosas. The mimosas were huge! The drip coffee was out of this world, the food was great, and service was friendly and fast. 4 out of 5 bc the bathrooms were sub-par to everything else--- watered down soap(which is a huge personal pet peeve) and non working paper towel dispenser. Cute.

Friendly, fast service. Food was alright. $14.50 + tip for breakfast sandwich, hash browns and a mimosa. My friend found a hair in her salad. Don't think I'd come back.

No frills, no bullshit service. Order and pay at the counter, food is delivered when ready. Delicious breakfast and philly sandwiches. Decor is proletariat, with lots of local art. Good bar with pool, pinball and shuffleboard.

Stopped in for breakfast. Great iced coffee, and had the two egg breakfast. Great amount of food which included bacon, hash browns, and toast with the eggs. Cool spot and I liked the chill ambience. Really nice people working too. I'll be back!

I haven't even gotten my food yet and this place is a flop. The service is crap. The cashier is rude. And my food is taking forever. It's a freakin breakfast sandwich y'all come on! Update: the sandwich was alright but then I found the blonde cashiers hair in it and my hair ain't blonde. EW! This place sucks.

This review is mainly for the cafe side. It's absolutely my favorite place to work in Portland. I love brining my laptop and sitting for a few hours with either a coffee or adult beverage and get shit done. The employees are always super nice and helpful. I see the owner in there most times and she is sweet as well. The food is amazing. Lots of sandwiches, bagels, different salads, etc. I know the bar side has other options which include lots of vegetarian stuff, all of which have been delicious. It's cozy, never too packed, fun music and relaxed. I love it because they have many options for food, coffee as well as alcohol! I highly highly recommend this place.