Cliffs PDX

Restaurant · Eliot

Cliffs PDX

Restaurant · Eliot

1

128 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212

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Cliffs PDX by null
Cliffs PDX by null
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Cliffs PDX by null
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Cliffs PDX by null
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Cliffs PDX by null
Cliffs PDX by null
Cliffs PDX by null
Cliffs PDX by null
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Highlights

Hearty bar food, robust cocktail menu, cozy vibe, patio seating  

Featured in Eater
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128 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212 Get directions

cliffspdx.com
@cliffspdx

$20–30 · Menu

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128 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212 Get directions

+1 503 327 8234
cliffspdx.com
@cliffspdx

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 9, 2025

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@eater

14 Portland Bars and Restaurants Still Offering Cocktails To-Go | Eater Portland

"A consummate neighborhood haunt just off of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Cliff’s has a modest, comfortable patio, a menu of hearty bar food, and a robust, lengthy cocktail menu of original drinks. With smoky mezcal drinks, tropical rum concoctions, punches, and bold, spirit-forward whiskey drinks, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Orders can be made in person or placed online, but keep in mind that for takeout, fries and tots do not count as a full food order, here." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/takeout-cocktails-bars-restaurants-portland-manhattans-daiquiris-tiki-drinks
View Postcard for Cliffs PDX

Hugh Williams

Google
went here on a whim because the steak fries looked delicious online. bellied up to the bar and erin said i was too late and had to order off the late night menu. i got the smoked chicken sandwich and no lie it was one of the best i probably ever had!!! erin was a friendly, sweet, and attentive bartender and was a plus to my dining experience. i’ll be back for sure!!!

angie stauffer

Google
I’m on a mission to find the best nachos in Portland, and Reddit brought me here. Next time I’ll get them with no meat, they are just that good. Something about the chips is what put this one over the top, but the toppings did not fall short whatsoever. Everything was added with a purpose & a clear vision was understood eating my first chip. From the chipotle flavor in the beans, to the multiple layers of cheese, pickled red onion, jalapeño, radish, crema & chives, even the toasted pepitas & cabbage I was initially skeptical of. Everything tied together wonderfully. Absolutely solid! Easily the best we’ve had so far, & we loved the ambiance too. Highly recommend.👌

Alexander Pekar

Google
Without a doubt one of the best sandwich joints in Portland. Absolutely everything made here is created with a passion for delicious food, and you can certainly tell when you taste it. From the smoked chicken wings, to the burgers, to the properly layered and piled high nachos, you will not be disappointed with anything you get on the menu. Pair anything with their extensive liquor selection and great tap list, along with amazing cocktails they make in house. I feel like when I’m inside, it’s like I’m back in my grandparents basement. It’s cozy and has a great feeling. Patio is great for the summertime. I can’t recommend this place enough.

Corey Frazier

Google
The other reviews weren't kidding! Fries: some of the best in town! Smoked Fried Chicken sandwich: AMAZING! Pulled Pork Nachos: Piled high and delicious! Ballroom Burger: Flavorful! My family and I stopped by Cliffs PDX on a whim and we were blown away! The owners were incredibly friendly and attentive - even while being short-staffed for the day. We will definitely be back!

Jessica A

Google
Super friendly staff and yummy food! Prices are super reasonable and the place gives off local dive bar vibes with a friendly welcoming flare! Definitely worth the stop in.

Yusuf Pathan

Google
Stopped in on a whim and left wondering why I hadn’t been here sooner. The vibe is laid-back but with serious attention to the food — you can tell they care about every plate. I had the smoked fried chicken sandwich and it was next-level good, like “I’m telling all my friends” good. Fries were perfectly crispy, drinks were spot on, and the staff made me feel right at home. This place is the real deal.

Kailah O'Brien

Google
Awesome little restuarant/bar. The vibes here were awesome. The cocktails were great and they had a decent selection of beers as well. The food was super good too. I got the steak and frites it was amazing.

John Laurie

Google
Josh's specials belong in a James Beard Award winning restaurant. You think I'm joking, but you're wrong. This guy is an artist. The kind of food that will permanently alter your standards. Oh, and if there isn't a special then the nachos are bananas. Elevated dining experience. Oh, and if you're not hungry then you'll have a blast with Sierra. Don't be a chump. Be a Cliff's regular.
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Kenneth Z.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and good food, drinks are pretty good as well. Cool dive bar vibe and the service is good. Right beside Wonder Ballroom, just the right spot to get a quick bites and drinks before the show. 10/10
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Chad C.

Yelp
This place is amazing! I had the steak and fries, which came with a little aioli and an arugala salad, and my friend had the nachos with steak. Both landed as something between perfectly sized and ridiculously massive, and both were so delicious! For drinks, I had an old fashioned that was great and my friend had ginger ale. I didn't taste his drink but he said it was amazing, definitely not out of a can. Staff was quick to serve, and the interior has this super cool dark vibe that is perfect. Even though it's under the wonder ballroom, it still has plenty of windows so there's natural light. Between the two of us, the total ran $64. Definitely need to come here again, so much more on the menu I want to try!
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Samantha F.

Yelp
I didn't get any food here but I got some drinks and they were delicious. Loved the aesthetic with the red light. Service was good considering how busy it was.

Frances H.

Yelp
The food was okay. My sandwich was soggy when it should have been toasted. The meat very tender. Tots were crispy and tasty. The service was very slow. My biggest complaint is that the place is dirty. The bathroom was filthy. You can see the kitchen from the hall to the restrooms and I just wanted to leave even though the food hadn't yet arrived.
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Maria G.

Yelp
Everything about tonight was amazing. I loved the feel of this local gem. We had the tots, a couple cocktails and the steak frites. They all live up to the reviews. It was delicious, I wish I remembered my server/bartenders name. She was the highlight of our night. We will remember her.
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Steph S.

Yelp
We branched out and tried their nachos and the most incredible steak and fries. Beautifully seasoned, cooked to perfection and the portions were just what I wanted. Now the nachos are next level HUGE and just the right about of cheese to chip ratio. Top five favorite places in Portland, hands down.

Lana P.

Yelp
Um, does Cliff's have the best Mac n cheese? With Dig a Pony gone, the answer is "most definitely" although they may have taken the title anyways. We love Cliffs. It's the ideal bar. The owners are amazing, the food slaps, drinks are creative, and the ambiance is cozy. Will be back again and again.
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Laurie W.

Yelp
Love this place. The food is so good. Delicious burger, fried shrimp salad & steak. The ambience and bar tenders are also great.
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Charlie T.

Yelp
I wasn't aware that this changed business until I went in there and noticed a different decor and menu items. The location is perfect if you are waiting for a show next door or just want to get a couple of drinks before going out. It was pretty packed as there was a show next door. I had the Jack Knife Cocktail, which was very good and definitely a good way to start the night. The bartenders were quick and friendly even when it was packed. They have a good selection of bourbons and I can't wait to go back.

H J.

Yelp
Best cocktail bar in Portland! The food and the drinks are amazing. Everyone behind the bar and all of the regulars are extremely friendly! This is a place you will want to come back to over and over again. It never disappoints.

Jim J.

Yelp
The food, service, ambience are some of THE BEST you'll find in Portland. Awesome staff, food is pub fare but done very well with generous portions, and they always have super tasty beers on tap. Those nachos, totts, fries, mac and cheese, and green salad are all freakin tasty and BIG. Actually all the food we had was excellent! You can tell whoever is making the food cares about quality/taste/value. Plus the ambience is super fun, they always play excellent music and if you're seeing a show upstairs its pretty much a MUST pre-game destination.

Scott M.

Yelp
The food was great and atmosphere was fun. I had the Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich. while my wife had the Smokes Smoked Mac and Cheese. We also split an order of tots. There was a lot of food and we felt we got our money's worth.
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Jessica P.

Yelp
OBSESSED with this place. My boyfriend lives a few blocks away so we usually walk over and sit at the bar while we watch the bartender make cocktails (which are always delicious). I don't actually think I've ever had one I didn't like there. The stuffed *pheasants*? Remind me of my childhood, having grown up in the country and Don't even get me started on the food. I had a tuna salad last time I was in and it was delicious. It's a very laid back atmosphere unless they're having a show upstairs (they're below Wonder Ballroom). Employees are always cool and fun to chat with.
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CJ G.

Yelp
I found Cliff's during the start of the pandemic. The food, service, and ambiance are excellent. I enjoy food and drinks from here about once a week. The pork nachos and the chicken wings are two of my favorite dishes. This place is a must visit.
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Jenny T.

Yelp
Cliff's PDX is located in the basement of Wonder Ballroom. While attending a concert at Wonder Ballroom, I got hungry & decided to go downstairs for a snack. There was plenty of seating, and there was an outdoor portion too. I ordered a grilled cheese with tomato soup. The sandwich was much bigger than I had expected. I was originally going to eat after the concert, but I was pretty happy with my sandwich that I wasn't hungry after. The sandwich and soup was pretty standard, but perfect on a cold evening. The bartender I ordered from was also super nice. She let me know that the food comes from a different kitchen so there might be a longer than expected wait before I ordered. I appreciate the heads up. TL;DR - wouldn't mind eating here again when I'm at Wonder Ballroom
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Nick N.

Yelp
Stopped in here en route to Seattle and LET....ME....TELL....YOU. This food is . dot com. Whatever your preferred phrase of joyous outburst calls for grammatically....this place is it. The ambience is chill, the music is perfect for the vibe here and did I mention the food is amazing? Home cooked meals and food made with love. I got the Smoked Fried Chicken sandwich and it was love at first bite. If you are passing through and have a little time to kill or hanging out in Portland....this is definitely a good choice.
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Matt S.

Yelp
This place is awesome! I can't recommend the smoke fried chicken sandwich enough. All of the food and drinks great. The atmosphere has a very cool vibe too. Check it out.
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Ian S.

Yelp
We love Cliffs! Great drinks and amazing food! Convenienly located below the Wonder Ballroom.
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Micky N.

Yelp
I. LOVE. CLIFF'S PDX. The vibe is so chill, awesome music and decor. The food is incredible. The drinks are so damn good. The owners and staff are the nicest people ever. It's dog-friendly. 5 stars in an understatement. Hands down, one of my absolute favorite places in Portland. GO HERE!!!
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Alexis O.

Yelp
This place is simply amazing. The staff was super friendly and attentive, the drinks were great and pricy but not without reason and not more than anywhere else you get a decent cocktail ($10-$14). Went on a double date with friends here and we spent the whole time we were eating our sandwiches just talking about how immaculate the food was. My friend and I had some tears in our eyes after our first bites (French dip and ballroom burger). Can't wait to come back!
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Trudy W.

Yelp
It was my husband's birthday, and we were planned for a late night dinner at Ox down the street. We were looking to get some cocktails beforehand and I yelped this place with amazing reviews. Realized it was in the old bunk bar location we used to go before our reservations at (now defunct) Toro bravo next-door. Attentive staff welcomed us in. We had a couple cocktails here at Cliff's and were completely blown away with everything. It was hard watching their food go out to people at tables near us--completely jealous! We will be back very soon soon for the full meal deal. Thank you so much Cliffs for your amazing hospitality tonight!!!
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David K.

Yelp
Oh my God. This is literally the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. It's all gone now. I tried to save the other half for later, but I was unsuccessful. Just damn, so good.
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Beverly R.

Yelp
Friendly and warm environment; great food and drinks. Laid-back vibe. Nice nice people.
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Kristin V.

Yelp
Cliff's is the best! Sierra mixes delicious cocktails and is always incredibly welcoming and accommodating. Josh makes delightful comfort food. The ballroom burger, steak frites, and chicken sandwich are just a few of our favorites. The vibe is warm and welcoming, patio is pup-friendly, and we always run into friends because it's just such a damn nice place.
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Serita W.

Yelp
The shrimp po'boy was delicious and our mezcal cocktails were perfectly potent and yummy. The owner and bartender were extremely nice and attentive. Definitely coming back.
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Ashley W.

Yelp
I second whoever on here said this was the best chicken sandwich ever. The colossal piece of chicken was tender and not dry at all - hard to do with chicken sometimes! It was fried in this tasty, savory batter and sandwiched between two buttery bread buns, then slathered with some delicious, fruity jam that added an explosion of flavor to the salty, umami fried chicken! The pickles and slaw inside added to this masterpiece of sweet, salty, cold, hot, buttery, and fresh. The delicate shrimps inside the shrimp po'boy were so delicious . Come to Cliff's! You will be amazed by this serendipitous find.
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Josh H.

Yelp
Cliff's is my favorite bar in all of Portland!! It's the type of place that you want to keep a secret, but can't help raving to all of your friends about. Cliff's has the raddest staff, excellent service, and superlative food and cocktails. If y'all haven't ever been to Cliff's you need to check it out!
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Charles R.

Yelp
I eat here literally all the time because the food and service is A1. The owners Ciara and Josh are welcoming, professional, and always seem to recall my name and go to orders! I order the smoked fried chicken sandwich or the PoBoy on the WEEKLY. It's THAT good. Fries are offered separately but are delicious and worth it. Ambience inside is relaxing and vibey and there's also comfortable outdoor seating. On occasion, there are awesome concerts and events upstairs in a lovely event type space. I've been coming here ever since moving into the neighborhood and I will continue to visit all the time. I highly suggest eating here. There's even a bar!
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Tanya B.

Yelp
I love this cozy bar tucked under the Wonder Ballroom. The food is delicious and I can't say enough about the drinks. Just go there and thank me later!
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Jo D.

Yelp
Great neighborhood bar with great food and the best happy hour in town! The smoked fried chicken sandwich rocks and the tomato soup is amazing, and the cocktail menu is unique. Friendly chill atmosphere below the Wonder ballroom.
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Dina E.

Yelp
I've been here a few times when it was Bunk. Not much has changed (I was told the kitchen manager bought the place). Dark divey vibe, mediocre food, quick service, drinks are fine. Would I go out of my way to come here? No. If I'm in the neighborhood and it's the only spot open? Sure. I have never eaten anything here that was great. It was just ok -- from apps to salads to sandwiches. Not sure if it's the menu planning or the desire to drown whatever it is in sauce. Maybe add some seasoning and less sauce? Sigh.
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Seth H.

Yelp
Sweet baby Jesus! The dirty fries were rich and delicious in the best way! the beer cheese soup was so good! And the wild boar sandwich, omg the slaw is dope, the buns are awesome and hot!! and the meat!!!! Best part was the bartender/owner Sierra. She was super sweet and accommodating.
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Melinda M.

Yelp
Okay, Portland, I do not know where you all are today but anyone who loves delicious ceviche should be lined up out the door for this... the yellow fin ceviche tostada! It's all about fresh fish and this was a-mazing! Maybe it was also the crunch of the tortilla or the smoothness of the avocado. I don't know. Alls I know is that if you want top-notch food and service, get over here. (Patio seating, good spacing, cleaning protocols.)

Sam H.

Yelp
I love this place. The food is always really great, and so much beyond standard bar fare. Every dish and drink is well thought out, made to order, and combined with great attention to detail. I have a few food allergies and it was no big deal to get something modified for my comfort. The menu often includes interesting specials, and all the house-made sauces really level up the dishes. All of the staff are super fun and friendly, and the owners have created a sweet and funky little space that has a ton of personality. It's a gem.

Nick S.

Yelp
I went here for dinner with a friend. It took a while for our food to arrive. When it did, what I had was good, but my friend's burger had an extra ingredient and was all soggy. They did bring out a replacement burger that was better. Also the water pitcher was room temperature. Not a great dining experience.

Breanna A.

Yelp
Good service snack menu only after 9pm got the popcorn nothing special go somewhere else lol
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Autumn S.

Yelp
Decided to get takeout today for lunch since I was already running essential errands. Called ahead, they told us what time it would be ready, we arrived and they brought it out and set by the car for us. Omg! The French fries! I almost died and went to heaven where I hope they have Cliffs French fries because they were the best I have had in years. I can't wait to go back. My mom suggested calling in another order of fries and skipping the sandwiches. I said let's have one bite of the sandwiches while they are warm and then decide. Omg! The Reuben melted in our mouths and the smoked fried chicken was like a mini southern vacation. My mom declared the Reuben her new favorite. I can't wait to go back and will endure the extended wait time if you support this great place. To paraphrase an old song - save up all your money and fly to Cliff's PDX (but call ahead - until sit down seating is allowed)

Mariko Catherine I.

Yelp
Lovely service, delicious food! I had the steak tostada- couldn't believe how flavorful every bite was!
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Jessica L.

Yelp
I had a great meal at Cliff's on a recent visit to Portland over the holidays. We had the burger (amazing) and the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten. They have a great beer and bourbon selection and the cocktails are also delicious. I had their take on an Old Fashion which was fantastic. The spot is wood lined, warm and inviting and has an up north lodge feel to it. Staff was also super knowledgeable and nice.

D T.

Yelp
Open for In Dining. Crafty cocktails as well as beer wine and cider. Hand crafted sandos and mains with a southern flair. Patio seating as well
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Zee G.

Yelp
Cliffs is an awesome place for some socially distanced cocktails and food! My wife and I enjoy it as a chill hangout to get out of the house.
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jim l.

Yelp
Saw this neighborhood tavern from the street and went in for a beer! The local drafts were delicious!Checked out the menu and saw they had a pulled pork, my go to sandwich. This pork was amazing! The smokiest, fullest flavor I've ever tasted and the fries were better than ones I've had in Belgium! Top that off with a super nice staff and cozy decor and it's a winner! I learned from the bartender that the spot just transformed, the chef from the previous incarnation bought the joint and made it his own. I love those kind of stories. I'll be back and back!
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Danielle W.

Yelp
MUCH improved since it became Cliff's after being Bunk. I live in the neighborhood so it is an easy fall back plan for dinner. I had stopped bothering to go when it was Bunk- the front of house was often rude, the food was inconsistent. You could tell that there were the great cooks in the kitchen, and when the great cook had the night off. Now the kickass crew is the same every time. Customer service is fantastic. Every single sandwich made with love, not half-assed, perfect every time. Very generous portions. Full of flavor. Fun rotation of menu items. Way to go!!

Charles M.

Yelp
I walked by this place a few days ago and was intrigued by the menu so came back the next day and ordered the wild boar and pork bbq sandwich. OMG - one of the 3 best sandwiches in Portland (along with Debris po boy at EAT and french dip at Stacked). Nice outdoor seating and bar. Cant wait to try some of their other sandwiches.

Dana O.

Yelp
My sister and I found ourselves in Portland for 2 weeks while our mom was in the hospital. We stumbled across Cliff's where we found the most amazing food & drinks at really reasonable prices! Not only did we get amazing food but also excellent service which included remembering us and our drink selections! What a true gem! I can't say enough good things about this husband/wife team! A must go for Portlandia's and tourists alike!

Andrea D.

Yelp
Great food and amazing service! I had the Shrimp Po'Boy, which was the perfect balance of dressing, tomato and bread with a ton of deliciously fried shrimp! My husband had the steak and fries with mushroom sherry cream sauce - also incredible!! Our server Sierra (Ciara?) was friendly and fun to chat with! Their covid protocols are on point. Just really can't wait to come back!

Tim J.

Yelp
A solid taplist, fantastic cocktails, and a kitchen that doesn't know how to do anything less than sublime. This is a great choice whether you're seeing a show at the Wonder Ballroom, just out for a bite to eat, or want an inviting spot to have drinks with friends.