Cedric J.
Yelp
I'm a 'regular' due to it being in my neighbourhood. I've been going since it opened and the quirky, Black Lodge decor combined with art deco lamps, gold ceilings, and a small bar make this the smallest bar in Portland that I love to go to.
I had been watching it open, with its Asian statue greeting you outside and a chandelier above the entrance. The red curtains were closed, up until the night it opened.
I rushed there as soon as possible to find a healthy selection of sake (the specialty) and a small selection of beer. They have since added some wines.
The best part about this place is its intimacy. Matthew is a fantastic host, and he's always willing to connect people.
It gets a little crazy on the weekends, sometimes with a DJ in the corner. The place has 12 seats in total, and that soaks up four of them. In the summer, outdoor seating augments the place. Most of the rest of the week, it is Matthew, a couple of other patrons, and a record player, where he plays jazz, funk, disco, and a lot of 70s stuff (this is the only down side for me, personally, as I don't really care for that kind of music--nevertheless, worth it for the charm and atmosphere of the place and respect for his craft).
A great neighbourhood bar and a great sake-nerd bar. And a great Twin Peaks nerd bar too.