Escape Bar & Grill

I really wanted to like this place, but the atmosphere left much to be desired. Seems to be heavily catered to the regulars. We waited for quite some time to order whilst they took care of the individuals that barged up from the slot machines wanting to cash out and order food. The guy that was working that night could not multitask to save his life. That being said, the drinks were fairly priced and the food was mediocre.

Best damn bar in Portland!! If you haven't gone here, please do! The Bartenders are amazing, the food is soooo good, the bathrooms are super clean, the whole bar is such a vibe!

Love this place. So welcoming to everyone. I had the burger and my friend got the mac & cheese Friday special. Both were super good. Now I have to go back on Friday so I can get the mac & cheese this time.

Unprofessional and illegal behavior from employees. Didn't receive a receipt when asked

Great neighborhood bar. You never know what to expect. Every night is different. Not a fan of Friday night where there is a cover to have the privilege to tip lipcers. Love Saturday nights when everyone comes out. Something for everyone. Some of the bartenders can be a dick, but they all come and go.

I won $300 and they couldnt cash me out on a Saturday. Seriously ridiculous. Im a regular and they do not take care of their patrins. I dont think i will ever come back , except to collect the $300 they owe me.....so disappointing...so few lesbian bars

My friend and I stopped at this little dive bar before she dropped me off at the airport-which it is super close to! It is right next to a mini market and has only a few parking spots. When we walked in, we placed our order at the bar. The lady was nice, but I was a little disappointed it took close to 30 minutes for a taco salad and a caprese salad, then it was probably another 10 minutes later that she brought out extra chips and jalapeños that was supposed to be in the taco salad. Especially since it wasn't too busy, just a few people who had been drinking at the bar and only 2 other people eating. Food was decent, but slow service, so make sure you're not in a hurry.

We got into town late and this place popped up on Yelp. Great bar food, friendly service and my husband & I happened to be there on a music bingo night, which was a ton of fun!

Ok.. so we were in Portland for the night for some extreme shopping... and randomly picked this place for a late meal and somewhere to sit and put our feet up that was close to our hotel.. had no idea this was a LGBTQ bar and we had so much fun!! It was Karaoke night where the drinks were handsomely poured, and the food was good!! We ordered the pastrami sandwich, beef dip & burger. Loved that the pastrami was fried crispy like bacon and balanced perfectly with the salty pickles... could have used a side of mustard tho! All in all... good vibes and happy times! Super nice servers and patrons! Definitely made our impromptu girls night out exciting!

I was under the impression that The Escape was a gay bar or at the bare minimum was a queer friendly spot. This was validated by the pride flags in the food and on the walls as decoration, as well as by all of the queer events that The Escape hosts. This was not the case when I went there tonight, hoping to chill out on the patio with a book, a sandwich, and a drink. The bartender asked if the correct name for the order was the name on my credit card, which is my deadname. I corrected her and she apologized. I assumed the issue was corrected, but when the server brought out my order, they greeted me with my deadname, so clearly this bartender did not correct the issue. For a staff member of a supposedly queer friendly establishment, it should be very basic common knowledge that many trans and non-binary people have their deadnames on their credit cards. The polite way to get the name for ANYONE'S order is to ASK what the name for the order is and to overwrite the name that the POS system reads in if it happens to be different. Virtually all modern POS systems have an easy way to do this and virtually all bartenders, baristas, etc. in Portland in all kinds of establishments already do this. This is the most humiliated I've been in a queer establishment in a very long time. Even though I live in the neighborhood, I will never be returning because this clearly is not a place that cares about getting very basic things correct for trans and non-binary people. Why would I support this queer bar when most of the cis-het owned establishments in this city get this right?

Food is okay, Ambiance is all over the place, and there is only one awesome bartender (short dirty blonde boy cut, dog lover). The other 3 female bartenders, are rude, snarky, hateful, and lazy. To be 100%, those three have zero redeeming qualities as employees and have no business in the service industry!!!! I have been in about 10-20 times and I finally give up, because the one good bartender is not there enough to redeem this mean girls club!!!!!

Escape is a very comfortable, welcoming, all inclusive, fun place to hang. Bartenders Trixie and Max are awesome! The food (especially the fried pickles) is outstanding!! Fun events every night. Any time I need to go to the airport, I will look forward to it because I will go to Escape from now on.

Karaoke night was fun. Ice cold beer and friendly bar tender. Parking lot was bit small, I was lucky to squeezed in otherwise I will kept on going.

Good Food. Great Ambience. Parking is a challenge. Fun and open . Will go back . Last minute find

Bartenders were super friendly, drinks were reasonably priced. Clean bathrooms and the had live music.

So tasty!!! GF friendly! I have celiac and was very accommodating and helpful. The GF Mac-n-cheese is SO TASTY. Super nice bartender. A lovely experience.

Some friends and I managed to sneak in here the last night restaurants were open for indoor service, but we took an outdoor table. Thankfully they had a tent set up in the parking lot with well spaced tables, and the ability to order food online (but you had to make your way to the bar for drinks). The interior was re-laid out with arrows going around the central bar and signage asking everyone to wait until the staff could direct you where to go. Drinks were strong and food was delicious, as per the norm. Sadly, my favorite dish was missing from the menu, the fried chicken sandwich. Thankfully everything else on the menu was fantastic - including vegan tacos, the cauliflower, the burgers... yum!

One star never coming here again extremely rude bartender and waitress very unprofessional this place should be shut down Good way to lose a customer for life and no one I will refer here ever

I have gone to this place three times and loved it. The service was amazing and the bar had such a great vibe. But the last time I went I was treated poorly. The bartender blew me off and when I tried to ask for food the staff looked at me like I was an annoyance. I have no idea what changed but I won't be going back. It's so disappointing because I thought this place was a safe and welcoming establishment.

$15 drinks......wtgf .....onn a Saturday????$15 a drink??? That's insane...no matter what i ggt it shouldn't be so damn much nut whatever.... Saturday's are lame

So, we were going to the airport and starving. We decided to stop here... boy, are we glad we did!! Mama K(?) I hope I got the name right... can cook! It was slow enough that she decided to make me their Friday only Mac n cheese... I had jalapeños and beef... it's a lot of food but I kept eating from eating and well... others in my party loved their food as well... Bars can have good food but this one seriously is standing head and shoulders above others on this because the food is also made to order, fresh! AND you can tell it is When we are here again, we are definitely stopping for the food. The service was really good, I didn't get the name of the lady at the bar but she served us water and ginger beer like we ordered top shelf drinks. We really really appreciate the kindness and service shown to us today. (I didn't take a picture of the menu I was hangry when I walked in.)

Don't let the appearance fool you, this place has the nicest people working there and some very good food. If it wasn't for Yelpers I would have never stopped here. I met Valencia who tends bar and Karen who runs the place as well as Sharon who was off but hanging out and talking with the regulars. The best service you could imagine and the food was fantastic! I had the small nachos with homemade chili and their street tacos. The nachos would have been enough but they were so good I had to try something else. They have a couple of pool tables and plenty of seats at the bar and throughout the place. Karaoke a couple of nights as well. Customers or their regulars were a great blend of ages. All very nice. So glad I gave Eacape Bar a chance. It made for a real nice night for a guy that travels around a lot and has plenty of meals by myself. Hopefully back up here again soon to try some more of their food creations.

There's no reason to give them anything than five stars. The place is cool and relaxed. They are accommodating and patient... The beer selection is good. They have a jukebox and karaoke some nights. They also have a couple pool tables and poker machines. Most importantly, the chef is talented.

Found this place on accident. Great philly cheese steak sandwich and fries, we will be back!!

I've been here about 3 times and plan to go back again. It is a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. A femme like me felt comfortable going alone, and meeting up with new friends. Everthing I tried was delicious and the drinks are reasonably priced. I watched the dance lessons when there too late to join, but it looks like a lot of fun and I will be back for it. I went on a blind date there, and we took advantage of the board games to keep the conversations flowing. I am new to the area (less than a year) and am not comfortable going downtown by myself at night in Portland. Too many one way streets. I liked that this is easy to get to from Vancouver and I don't have to search for parking unless I'm there late. Bartenders put me at ease and they have different calendar of events on a regular basis. I'm coming back for sure.

This place is amazing great food and people! Thank you for a wonderful time. I missed the drag show and I'm not happy about it but I saw some of the performers and they looked amazing.

The menu description for The 'Beyond Burger' did not specify that it also contains avocado. I did NOT asked for avocado on my burger. The whole avocado being ripe and the lettuce being old was disgusting and made me doubt eating it. When I got almost to the center of my burger it started to taste bitter, much like an alcoholic taste to it . The tarter tots and mozzarella sticks were good.The marinara sauce was medicore, not fresh at all. Not eating here again.

Looks can be deceiving and that's certainly the case here. We stopped by early this morning for breakfast and contemplating getting out of the car. It was either this or fast-food and I am glad we proceeded inside. While the breakfast selections are limited, our food was delicious and freshly prepared. The bartender/waitress was friendly. We were one of the few people there at that hour. We had such a good experience, we plan to come back.

Don't waste your time. Service sucks. Food sucks. Drinks suck. Waited 20+ minutes for a side of sour cream while we watched everyone behind us get their food, when asked about it, the bartender said "they are really slammed back there" Not impressed AT all.

Small place, good drag queen show! Food and drinks! Had the build your own Mac n cheese! It was so amazing!! Will go back for sure!

Ordered delivery for the first time. We have eaten here a few times and have given 5 stars. Fried cauliflower is amazing! Salad is fresh but over priced. I asked for onion to be added but got nothing. Maybe they don't read the notes, I don't know. The food was still hot when we got it and flavor was good. It would have been nice to be able to choose the fineness of steak on salad. My hubby ordered steak frites and loved the homemade fries. Overall great food as always, just a few disappointments. Much better when I go in person.

Want a drink before (or after) your arrival to PDX? Want to karaoke your heart out? Want stiff drinks with delicious bar food (get the tacos with a side of fries... you're welcome Want friendly and warm service? Stop wanting... come see for yourself. Ask for Donna or Melissa!

Yo!!! I'm having the best night of my life right now. As Trouble is dancing, Im sharing stories about friends gone too soon, I'm eating a Pork slider, which is delicious, btws. Folks are playing pool, dancing, making connections, and everyone is welcome!

Stopped in for a late friday dinner before our PDX flight out. Close to motel, and something different. Blazers game was on, music playing way great, casual and welcoming vibe. Super friendly and inclusive. Bathroom door reads "Stand or Sit, You Do You". Food was great! We had oyster shooters, Tacos, and Salads. All excellent. Loved the frozen mugs for draught. All good. Covid and social Distancing in place. Limited seating, outdoor seating, the staff was quick to clean tables and lottery machines after use.

In each new neighborhood I move to around Portland, it is important for me to find a bar I can trust near my home. Even more importantly, a bartender who will look out for me. If you're a single woman, you know what I mean! I found this in Matty the handsome bearded bartender at Escape! He always has a great sense of what's happening on the whole property. Takes special notice to walk around outside often and engages with everyone who walks in the door. He has on occasion diverted annoying and unwanted visitors in a professional manner after just giving him a look of discomfort at his bar. I have actually heard from other patrons that I am not the only one who comes in only on Matt's shifts. The food is delicious!! It's almost entirely homemade- every item! Things on tops on my list are the tacos with homemade salsa (2 for only$4!!), the French dip and the steak salad. The kitchen can be a bit unpredictable which is why I can't give it 5 stars. Sometimes my food is fast and awesome, it's just not consistent among cooks. (I hear they are bringing in and training new hands so in the kitchen so I hope to update this with 5 stars soon)

Such a great place to come and relax! Don't let the outside fool you, this place is amazing on the inside. The staff are all amazing and welcoming, especially Ryan the bartender. The menu has a nice variety of things to choose from, even Gluten Free Mac and cheese and gluten free bread. This is a huge bonus! I highly recommend this place.

This is more than a bar and grill. This is a place to meet friends feel welcome, and not judged. Mellisa, Drew, Trixie, Nicole, Erin and owners are so amazing! Drew will always entertain you. Mellisa and Nicole have great conversation. Erin will make you laugh and cook up some great food, And trixie knows every drink out there! Love this place and the food is amazing! Love this place!!

The tale of three steaks Tonight was a interesting evening at Escape Bar and Grill as I got all kind of excuses on why they could not cook a medium rare steak. But before the bad let's get into the good and that is their happy hour menu is fairly decent and is their best options for food. Stray outside beware as my tale of the three steaks will attest. Escape Bar and Grill is what I would call a mid range bar and grill that has strides to be high class. Sadly tonight in that endeavor it failed in such a spectacular fashion. Yet they did hit some very high notes for me. One being the fresh made chips and salsa that reminded me of my days in Texas at El Campos restaurant in Lake Worth, Texas that later became The Point some time in the early 2000's. Downside there was more chips than needed for the salsa and as such the chips which are made fresh get left to die and that's horribly sad. Now for the furthering the decent to good my wife enjoyed her French Dip sandwich. Here are comments in it it had the texture of a loose hamburger bun, the meat was chewy but decent, and they need to bring more flavor to the aus jus as well as more as the sandwich was dry. Now we get to my meal which was a travesty. I will lead with the excuses given first then get into the actual meal. " We have a new cook on the line." , "It is usually not like this." And the best of them all I said this "This steak is well done and no I won't try it" which she asked how do you know. "I said first off I'm a chef and with no pink or red it's well done." Which she replied with "this is a bar." Sorry folks that attitude after serving 3 steaks at varying temps from well don to blue to burnt makes me ask if they do have standards in the back or are they cooks taking their owners for schmucks. Either way I will go back for only appetizers and drinks anything else I will avoid and as far as the person who said there is a chef here? Honey I question your logic on cooking.

Happy hour with $3 for 2 tacos and $6 house margarita. Good for the money - sizable meal and drink and also tastes good! There's 2 TVs and a big projector screen to watch sports games. Clean place. Very friendly service. Fun crowd too, a lot of elderly people playing pool, l watching the game and hanging out. Cons are: Noise is a little loud for the front seats. Server forgot my margarita but was quick to provide one when I asked.

This place is awesome. The bartender was really friendly and ready to talk up the homemade Mac and cheese. I got mine with fresh jalapeños (she warned me it'd be spicy) and onion. YUM! I paired it with an Elysian IPA and had a great late night dinner. This is a local treasure that I'd recommend.

Such a hidden gem! And by hidden I mean basically shares a lot with a well lit convenience store. It's a little ways out of my usual treks, and I stumbled upon this place in need of a drink when I was nearby, but it's such a cool spot, I have to admit I've come back several times since. It's a nice looking establishment once you make your way in, good seating options, some cozy spots, and even a virtual jukebox and giant jenga! On the weekends they do karaoke which is nice and not yet overrated, like you can actually sing a song without waiting long at all. For bar food I have to say this place is top notch, and they especially have a great selection of beers, served in ice cold frosty mason jars! All the times I've come here there's been a really diverse crowd, it's welcoming, and the type of place where folks will actually introduce themselves and say hello, except not in a creepy bar way if you know what I mean!

Popped in here late at night with a small group. This place has the best vibe! There was a birthday party singing karaoke, tons of rainbow decorations, and it was just a happy fun atmosphere. I got an order of delicious fried pickles, and an excellent gin and tonic. Fast, and friendly. I'll be going back soon!

Great neighborhood bar. Love their French Dip sandwich and homemade fries. Cool vibe, super friendly staff and they make tasty drinks. Glad they are in our neighborhood!

So glad we found this gem! We stopped here on the way to the airport. First off if you come here just remember you order at the bar. We didn't realize that but it says it right on the menus, woops! We started with the taquitos and the wings - both standard, but good. My fiancé got the tacos and they come in a cute little truck which is super cute. He said they were great! They are ground beef tacos with great flavor. I got the burger that was so perfectly juicy and seasoned. Oh and the burger comes with like a pound of fries - not kidding. I almost forgot the best part! This place has an adorable little area to play games with a cute little fireplace and jenga! I wish I could say we will be back soon but we live in Chicago, but maybe someday!

We checked into our hotel and were looking for a place for dinner since we had been driving for 7 hours. That's when we stumbled upon Escape Bar & Grill. We didn't really want to drive anywhere but wanted a decent dinner. Escape delivers and we thought let's give it a try. All I can say is I would go with Escape Bar & Grill every time. We had the steak salad with the 8 oz sirloin, ahi tacos and a side of fried pickles. Everything was awesome and the delivery was in 30 minutes and easy pay and a very nice delivery person. Big thank you!!!

tl;dr this place is just the right kind of not fancy. I had my heart set on a delicious cheeseburger and I got exactly what I wanted at Escape. For lunch, today, I was craving a classic burger. I wanted lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles on a toasted bun with a juicy patty and a couple slices of cheese. I had hopes for some good fries on the side and a tasty, cold beer. Bonus points would be quick, friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere (good music that isn't too loud, a couple friendly regulars). HOLY CRAP DID ESCAPE DELIVER!?!? I sat at the bar and immediately got into an informative conversation about what was on tap. A cold beer that I hadn't tried before (and enjoyed very much) appeared in front of me within moments. I had ordered within two sips of my beer. I quickly gathered that every single person at this bar knew everyone else (except for me, I was new). That sensation of realizing this is a neighborhood place where people get to know each other makes me feel right at home. When my burger came out (quickly) it looked like exactly what I wanted. A couple of jokes with the person who brought me my food, a check to make sure I had everything I need, and I dove in. It was PERFECT. Let me be clear, this is a basic burger but it is also the ideal of the basic burger. Good meat, not pressed on the flat top, toasted sesame seed bun, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced beefsteak tomato, crinkle cut dill chips. Don't order this if you're looking for something fancy, order it if you want something basic but perfectly executed. I couldn't stop eating it to sip that cold beer or to have any of the house-cut, perfectly salted fries. I will be back here often to start working my way through the rest of the menu.

Love this place. Unexpectedly great food, friendly, always a delight. Unassuming outside hides this gem.

They've got a pretty impressive menu! When it is busy the drink service can be a little slow but I always have a good time coming here, and it's nice to have a place that gets packed in this part of town. I love the food I've had so far, especially the Buttermilk Chx Sandwich, the breakfast is good as well. Pretty all-encompassing draft beer selection.

We came from out of town and wanted a late open bar... in Portland (by the airport it was sketchy) but we found this after Glass house which was nasty and sketchy. Such more welcoming and so fun! Never would I go by glass house again!

Excellent food including tasty meat dishes and even better vegan options including the Impossible burger. Would be even more awesome if they started making vegan wings! Tap beer selection is relatively small for Portland, but options are also varied and satisfy most. Great cocktails also! There's a nice group space in the front for medium sized groups to gather if you are looking to host an event, and there are large group tables in the main room for bigger groups (15-20). LGBTQIA friendly.