Kenton Club

Been coming here for half a decade, I spend so much money. But I love it cause no one knows what I’m talking about when I say it’s my favorite bar. So, I never see anyone I don’t want to see. I love that. But, I’ve met a lot of cool people. Very queer friendly. Bartenders are a bunch of cuties. Tip well! They love paying their bills and feeding their families. They also love it when you bring food in from other locations (before 5). And great music venue!

Almost a country dive with a little more edge. Great food, very well priced drinks, and the food is amazing. Highly recommend the fried chicken burger or the strip basket.

Big Dubs was 11/10 food quality all the options are amazing. Must try. Highly recommend

Great venue for music. Strong drinks. Friendly people. 100% unpretentious. Love it.

The out door area is nice. shrubs and trees to keep you company. Very borning and limited food menu. Not a big beer selection. The atmosphere is great. I like the paintings on the outside of the building. Bathroom was almost unbearable to even walk into becouse of the smell. The outdoor coverd huts are nice and heated.

Fried are on point. Sometimes they have CBD drinks. Good spot for live music. Great atmosphere & the patio is amazing.

We stopped in for a snack and beverage before Cirque De Soleil and it was great! The bartender made us some delicious margaritas with muddled jalapeño. We got the potstickers, poppers, and a BLT with onion rings, and all the food was really good. The ranch was kind of watery, which was no fun, but everything else was fantastic and the bartender and server were really friendly! Will definitely go back anytime I am in the area.

Tipped 15% all night. When I got to the bar at the end of the night on on 7/27 around Midnight whoever was working the bar was extremely passive aggressive towards me & was acting like I did something wrong by leaving him a tip. 15% is a standard tip. After this, I asked him what he wanted me to tip instead of what I did & he refused to tell me. After that, I tipped 50% on my tab. I will never go here again after this though. Extremely unprofessional & unwarranted aggression towards patrons, especially when they've tipping the standard amount.

Always a pretty cool venue for a small intimate concert, and now they've got Dub running the kitchen and slinging his signature chicken and waffles. I just got take out tonight. It was a chill vibe with great music while I waited. Looking forward to going back soon and snagging a drink!

This is a Kenton Neighborhood staple for good drinks, good music, and friendly people. I've been a regular for most of the last 2 decades. With the addition of Dub's chicken, it checks all the boxes for a really great old-style honky tonk. Excellent music, good dance floor, safe environment. Tip appropriately, please... the bartenders deserve it.

This is slowly becoming one of my faves. It's an awesome dive bar but it's clean, has good food, generous pours, and has an outstanding outdoor area. They also have a stage with live music on the weekends. I love places like this; they don't try to be anything that they're not. If you haven't been, give this place a try for sure.

Great Portland Dive/Venue. Gotta come on a nice day and catch some tunes in the back yard!

Special NOPO place. Lived a few blocks away for several years. Great community gathering space. All are welcome. (Except D-Bags).

They got some GIRTHY fries. Like some great girth. If you're in the mood for girth, come here! 5 stars.

Went to a show there last night and had such a great time. The outdoor area was perfect! The staff was great and we loved our food. We got the fried chicken sandwich, Cesar with grilled turkey, and fries and we ate all of it! I've never tried turkey on a Cesar before but it was cooked perfectly and so flavorful! They have a great ranch too! I will definitely be back too!

I'm a little afraid to write this review because I don't want to give away my secret. Kenton Club is one of the best brunch spots in town. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, there is never a wait to get a table here. Unlike other places, you aren't standing around for an hour, hungover to hell and back, staring at your phone, wishing for the sweet release of death. At Kenton Club you walk in, order at the bar, then sit down with your coffee and hair the dog, and relax while your food is cooked. Kenton Club has two excellent cooks. I only discovered the other cook on accident when we came in and the bartender said the normal cook is on vacation, but they have a back up. I was a little weary at first, but I can say that he made what was the best chicken fried pork loin I've ever had. The main cook is excellent as well so you won't be disappointed. And for being a dive bar with just a bartender, the service is kind of amazing. He comes out pretty regularly to see if you need more coffee or another drink and will bring whatever condiments you may need.

My friend was in on Sunday night, & the bartender with an auburn beard & ski cap was rude as hell to her. The venue was empty, and she was showing me a video with low volume, & he scolded her in front of me. What the hell? He reprimanded twice over that?

I loved this place! They used to have a full menu pre pandemic but now it's a few items all fried. They will however let you bring in food from elsewhere if you want. The space is fairly large. A big outdoor seating area with a stage. Inside is dimly lit with a pool table and cheesy 80s actions films playing in the background. The bartender was cool. Pours were generous and the service outstanding. Will return and recommend.

Good drinks and the perfect bar food! Was there early on New Year's Eve. Dropped my wallet. It was found and returned to me completely in tack. So not just awesome staff but patrons as well.

This has been a regular destination for me over the years, however tonight was extremely significant. Thank you to Scott and Joshua James for pulling up the patio to find my engagement ring. Poster children for above and beyond. I am eternally grateful for this act. COME TO KENTON CLUB AND SPEND ALL YOUR MONEY!!!!!!

I only went to Kenton Club to hear DJ Action Slacks play their tunes. I've hardly gone out to eat/drink during covid, so was still feeling nervous. Kenton's patio is HUGE and they've drawn bubbles around each table and have asked guests to stay in their bubble. The staff is very good about sanitizing after each guest leaves and they walk around taking drink orders. I reaaaaally enjoyed my time here and I'm glad that I went. (Sorry, don't have a pic to share)

The 2nd star here is because Kenton Club has some fun local bands in a historic dive bar, plus generous pours in the drinks. The otherwise 1 star review is for the rude bartender, who told a friend and I that if we ordered food it would take a very long time, so we may not want to order any. (The menu is classic fried dive bar food - fries, chicken strips, tots, fish & chips). We asked how long, ballpark is he referencing. He said that they would start our food order (dump tots in fryer) AFTER pouring drinks for the whole bar, which was about 20-25 people waiting. We thought twice about food... Since we were there with a big group for our friend's show, said friend and I changed our mind about 20 min later and asked to order food. AGAIN, the bartender confirmed it is their priority to pour drinks and our food would not start preparation until every person at the bar had a drink. Unfortunately, that resulted in a few of us leaving early because we were starving and just wanted food..... 1st time ever having restaurant staff strongly recommend not ordering any food.

You're going to read reviews about the food being amazing. Its not. well, it may have been just last week but. perhaps today,"the cook isn't here". The food here is a CONSISTANT let down. The bartenders too are hit and miss regarding customer service. Are ypu a regular? you'll get good service. are you just the right brand of washed up punk rocker? you'll get good service. right mix of hipster and hobo? good service. but some people will not be so warmy welcomed. Some of the bands they have playing really very bad. I mean bassist and drummer (only), loud incomprehensible lyrics, and "song" that goes on for 10 minutes; its so terrible, the enthusiastic applause is from the joy of knowing its finally ended. It took 20 minutes to get fries last night, but at least the bands were good for a change. The bartender said its cause the pilot light was out... OKAY LOL. If you're not a regular, avoid the bartender with the brown hair pared with alopecia. Brother is grouchy and clearly needs a nap. Just go to mock crest tavern. The music is nice, they won't hand you a small bag of potato chips when "the cook isn't here today". And while the patio and indoor seating area may be smaller, its much nicer. As is their service.

A gem! A Portland landmark! Authentic! Vintage! The real deal! I went on the night of an All Soul Music event. The DJ's name was Action Slacks! Hahaha! Isn't that the best?! I LOVE IT! LOL! The soul tunes were non-stop while the eclectic crowd twisted and fruged the night away! So groovy! Tripandicular! Like wow, man! LOL! HAHAHAHA! I can't wait to go back and sit with all the cool cats and kitties and sip Mad Men cocktails in this authentic velvet-clad, amber-lit, snug-as-bug, googly-oogly! Like for real, man!! WOW!

This was a perfectly A-OK impromptu stop after we arrived in Portland and needed to unwind from a long day of traveling. We happened in on a typical drizzly Portland winter weeknight, and it was a nice respite. We got there as the band was setting up. The stage is in the second room of the space, on a raised stage so you have good visibility from everywhere in the bar. The band playing that night was basically experimental folk, which added to the mellow vibe of the night. The bartenders were totally chill, with typical dive bar drinks and prices. We didn't have any food on our first visits, but will have to check it out next time we're back in town.

There's the Dancing Bare, and then there's the Kenton Club. These boys know how to treat a person with money. Their food is wacky and delicious, just like the bar tenders. Tip: when the bartender ask what you want, just stare off for a minute then answer, "I dunno man, what's on tap?" Then after they tell you, just ask for a Tecate instead. They love that. Also, call the bartender "Dietz" cause I'm pretty sure that's all their name.

I would give a higher rating to this bar if not for the douchebag bartender. He was rude, smug, and dismiss. Otherwise a good venue.

The B's and G's are awesome. The bloody Mary is pretty good. Pretty cool place only been twice but was enjoyable

I've been attending rock shows here for a few years, and have always been impressed with the quality of the bands, and the service provided by the staff in what at times can be a very challenging environment. Recently they revamped their menu and I've been very impressed with the items I've had thus far. This includes smoked ribs, a chevre bacon burger, fresh jalapeno poppers, tacos, and a southern kimchi bratwurst which are all really delicious. Bravo to Chief and The Mayor, et al!

I've never been treated more rudely by a bartender in my life. Went in at 5:45 and was told by the bald bartender that it wasn't happy hour anymore because "he said so and its okay, he's sure I'll survive." Dude. What. I was shocked and offended and will never go back here ever.

I have never been treated so rudely by a door man than I have tonight. The door man at Kenton Club has a huge chip on his shoulder and has been rude to me and my friends on multiple occasions. Almost all the bartenders are rude and short with their customers. I have met 3 bartem

Great live music and dance floor for $5 cash cover. Dive bar drink prices and food. Lots of patio seating.

This is my new favorite hole in the wall place to drink in the St. Johns/Kenton area. They don't have much of a dinner menu other than some friend foods but are happy if people bring food from outside to eat in the bar. The place is nostalgic without seeming hipster or pretentious which most other places in Portland are becoming. The inside is great with a pool table and pinball that my girlfriend had fun playing while the outside is spacious and cozy. In October it was bit cold for me to sit outside but other people were enjoying themselves outside which I could imagine in the summer/fall would be amazing. My new favorite thing will be to get take out at Casa Maya and bring it to Kenton Club to enjoy with them serving drinks.

I am glad to see and hear that Kenton Club has fared the pandemic so well. The expanded outdoor space is great. The bartenders chatted with me, as I waited for my friends to show up. The patrons were kind, too.

If you only ever see one movie about roller derby, dear God, let it NOT be Kansas City Bomber (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg6vhg2dFN0&feature=player_embedded), a gritty and weird film from the 70s starring Raquel Welch as KC Carr, the hottest thing on skates. This movie makes no sense at all, and its nearly-non existent plot is confusing as hell. The players on the same teams beat the living crap out of each other, trying to follow the game is useless, and will probably not make you ever want to see a live bout. BUT, in the spirit of loving seeing our fair city on film, it's pretty sweet in parts. See, KC/Raquel is super hot and gets traded to the Portland Loggers. Reigning star skater Jackie Burdette is pissed upon KC's arrival to P-town, and her raging alcoholism puts her in rough bars night after night, kicking ass and taking names. Enter Kenton Club. There's an awesome scene filmed there, with several ladies having to hold Jackie back 'cause she's ready to brawl. It's not rough like in the movie. It's actually one of the friendliest bars I've ever been to, with great bartenders and a good neighborhood-y feel to it. Wicked good drink specials, pinball, a jukebox that holds everything from Old Crow Medicine Show to Al Green, and while I haven't eaten there, I've seen the BBQing taking place out on the patio and it sure smelled amazing. Drinks are stro-o-o-ng. Like, glass of booze with a splash of mixer strong. They have a handful of taps but plenty of bottles of beer. It's a big place, great for a group, and they have live music almost nightly on a small stage, no cover. Check out the derby memorabilia, from the Kansas City Bomber posters to some neat photos from the Rose City Rollers inaugural season. It's not a museum or anything, just a handful of things commemorating a wicked rad sport. Modern derby resembles nothing like the sport in the movie, which was super over-the-top and ridiculous, but I imagine the inside of the Kenton Club's look hasn't changed much in 30 years. It's old school. Good tunes Sweet patio Cheap dranks Pinball Old timers at the bar Breakfast, lunch, dinner Throw in some Raquel Welch posters, and this is a solid spot.

Debating to go out to eat, so I call. This is my exact conversation with the guy you have answering your phone "hey, do you serve food?" "uh... Sorta. Like, shitty fried food." End This Is an epic dive bar, Have no delusions of fancy crap before you come here.

This is maybe my favorite NoPo dive bar. The people watching is amazing, the drinks are cheap as shit, and everyone is welcome. See you there!

Like coming here for some good breakfast food on the weekends. But today a worker had his dog here with him. Walking all around the bar, and even going into the kitchen area. Being you dog, that's great. But keep them out back, not inside and in the kitchen.

Just moved to Kenton and I'm looking for my bar. This might be it. Kenton Club is a nice little dive filled with cheap beer, loud music and drunks- my kinda place. The bartender was kind of a dick though. Maybe he thought I was an asshole. Who knows. Dear Bartender, Move to Hollywood if you want to be a snarky prick. I moved to Portland to get away from assholes like you. See ya next time, M

The very basics: pool table, cheap and strong drinks, very laid back. The specific? GO ON A MONDAY NIGHT. Whatever you do, you must see the Podunk bluegrass band. There's no cover and the band is just phenomenal. They had me grinning like an idiot and nearly spilling my beer in excitement when they did a medley of an old bluegrass song, "Don't Stop Believin'," "Just Like Heaven," and "Let It Be." And then an amazing cover of "Faith." I'm still tapping my toes. Thank you, World Famous Kenton Club, for providing me with such quality free entertainment on an otherwise sober and boring Monday night.

It's called "The World Famous Kenton Club," due to its co-starring role as scenery for Raquel Welch in "Kansas City Bomber." I hear it used to be a biker bar, but now it's under new management and they have live music and it's a lot better (or worse depending on your perspective.). I thought it was a great place to see bands. Long wooden tables with lots of space, IPA on tap, a pool table. It has clean restrooms. It's a large enough space that bands sound good. There is no cover. Last night I saw Huffnheim here, one of my all time favorite Portland bands and it was a lot of fun.

What can I say about the WFKC? This joint is for real. At least until Jan 2009 you may as well smoke 'em if you got 'em, cuz as per the norm for a bar with dive roots as deep as these, it's a smoky haze inside. Only a few brews on tap (a pale, a porter, an IPA, some horse p*ss), but recently they replaced TG IPA with Ninkasi's Total Domination...nice! Plus you can always get $1.50 PBR tallboys, and of course a full bar with generous 5-6 second pours if your lucky. Even if you've never been farther north than Alberta, I certainly recommend making the trek up on a Friday/Saturday for the music. No cover + kickass bands (Pure Country Gold, The Pack, JJRT) + little "stage" in the corner of a smallish space = rocking goodness. A relatively recent addition: totally grubbin' BBQ. Smoked on the premises - just head out to the back deck to see where the magic happens - served with serious sides (the okra is killer), and seriously cheap. I've worked my way through the brisket, meatloaf, and pulled pork (on different visits) - each done just right, and the smokey/spicy barbecue sauce destroys the tarted up ketchup served at some more well known BBQ joints. Beware, if you leave even a crumb of cornbread on your plate the cook may ask if something was wrong. This place definitely isn't for everyone. If you're scared of the toothless video crack addicts and other derelicts who frequent smoky dives (and dammit they were there first!), stay away. But if you're looking for good food, good music, or new watering hole, give it a shot. And take the MAX; that way you can say "hi" to the giant Paul Bunyan and the Dancing Bare on the way to the K-Club. Edited to add a highlight that I'd almost forgotten: the mens' room wall. Yup, writing on the bathroom wall that actually adds to the whole experience.

Whew! Strong drinks! So glad I was finally able to check this place out. Lots of regulars, and the bartender has a sharp memory, is cool under pressure, and very chill. Made it in too early for food, but the atmosphere, locals, and barkeep made up for it. This will definitely be a place I'll be returning to very soon.

The bartenders are not dicks, the crowd is chill and diverse, not a fashion show, the drinks are cheap and strong, the food is good, the woodwork on the walls is really interesting... But most importantly, there are so many good bands that play here, and there is very rarely ever a cover. This place gets blue star shows in the Mercury 75% of the time (which is a statistic I completely made up, but is still probably pretty accurate). A great dive bar.

I dig this joint. Been here a few times over the years. Never made it a regular haunt, but if I had such a desire, this place would certainly be a contender. Friendly staff, perfectly nice customers. Of course I spotted one asshole ranting at or to another patron at the bar (well, I heard him, determined his asshole-a-tude and then heard him sing (damn it, I knew he's be good). I get the feeling that this place could attract some angry hipsters on certain nights. But what bar isn't complete without that? I also befriended two lovely women in the john - Amanda and... I forget. I was laughing at a piece of graffiti when she admitted she had added a great one in her stall. "no one cares about your poptarts" - I think I have that wrong. Drinks were either $4 or $6 - beers only $3. (apparently I musta had a lot of em since I have already forgotten so much of the evening.Lots of my pals showed up for Karaoke from Hell. I made sure to get there early since I knew finding a spot for more than 8 of us would be tough. But we worked through it, borrowed empty chairs without incident, and folks came and went throughout the night. Karaoke from Hell is AWESOME! Wanted to do that for some time. And Kenton is so close I couldn't resist. Super fun. I forgot that there was a covered patio out back - and twice I opened the door and completely missed it. Duh. Take 2 steps and turn right. Holy crap, it gets crowded out there on a rainy night. But we quickly found a spot (people are going in and out) and settled in. Made a friend even. So in sum - will not forget how much I like this place.

The Kenton CLUB???? What can I say about the ever so famous Kenton Club? Well for one, I REALLY like the fact that there is never a cover charge. I also like the fact that you can get a can of beer for $1.50. So, if there was a half star, I would give this place 3 1/2. As for the atmosphere? Well, I am guessing there are a bunch of regulars who frequent here. A lot of people over the age of 35 and a lot of drunk women in really interesting foil skirts running around ... making conversation. What more can I say? The music was good. Check out The Pack, formerly known as BlackMill Blues. SOOOOO Good. This place is kind of far away from downtown ... I would say go only if there is a good band playing or if you are really broke and want a cheap place to drink. Peace.

I'm in love with Kenton Club interior - wood paneling shapes & patterns & the craftsmanship tug at my heart strings. This could be a swell venue! A proper stage and large dance floor, plenty of tables and booths. My friends & I danced our rears off on the nights where honky tonk bands and rockabilly bands were booked. I brought my whole family on down to boogie, and I will never forget how much fun we had. Can we get a reoccurring dance night at the Kenton Club, please? I know my friends in the dance community would be over the moon! Looking forward to seeing more rockabilly or country swing shows at Kenton.

I went to the Kenton Club on Saturday with a large group of people. As for the 'World Famous' part, I didn't even notice that. What I did notice was that the wait staff was friendly, the drink prices reasonable, and the restrooms were decent. For a dive bar it was adequate. I also noticed a sign that said "Noone under the age of 21 admitted..." Interestingly enough the only way to have seen the sign was to have entered the place and then had a seat back by the band area. Also interesting was the two cop cars parked less than half a block away. I wouldn't make the trek here from downtown (unless of course they had a band I wanted to see), but I will stop again if I'm in the neighborhood.

This is not Huber's, but the Kenton Club's Spanish coffees are great! I am a connoisseur of Spanish Coffees and I think Kenton Club makes 1 of the best. If that's not enough, they have The Git Rights, the not so Gospel, bar Gospel Brunch. bar gospel Brunch :-0 :-) :-) Talk about a fun time! I was grinning ear to ear... The Git Rights is usually the first Sunday of every month, but because the first Sunday was Easter, they are having it this Sunday, April 11th. Listen to the lyrics, listen to the music, enjoy the crowd and enjoy a spanish coffee. They also have a sweet tea (recommended to get with Vodka) and many other beers and spirits to delight you. Trust me. Also, the people are nice (I never had a bad experience) and the food is good.

Do you wanna drink? Wanna see a guy get angry and take his shirt off? Head down to Kenton Club to avoid the fuck shit. From budlight bottles to some other dope shit on tap. Check out some local flair on their stage of dreams. I'm not sure they call it that, but they should. Also outdoor seating is tits.

I have to give the Kenton Club four stars since I've not eaten there yet but I'm willing to bet it's good! I travel a long ways to frequent this bar for the live music and it's never less than stellar. The bartenders are nice and deliver quick service. As a bartender myself, I appreciate this more than anyone. The shows are always great so big props to the booking agent!

The Kenton Club! This ancient watering hole is right next door to my old Tae-Kwon-Do studio there in Kenton, which means it's also right on the Glorious #4 Tri-Met bus line. This is also the happy site where I recently discovered, to my amazement, that two of my all-time favorite trash-reality tv shows have been granted a new lease on life for summer 2012: World's Wildest Police Videos (still hosted by that old coke-whore, Multnomah County's very own "Sheriff" John Bunnell, looking more than ever like an orange leather mummy w/electric veneers.), and B-R-I-D-E-Z-I-L-L-A-S, which to my way of thinking, is the best bang-for-the- buck vicarious living ever shown on television. Whenever I get to wondering what I'm missing, and how the other half (married fellas) lives, I tune into this show. Excellent affirmation of your own life and daily decision making, no doubt about it. Want an amazing and unprecedented night of thrills, surprises, gross-outs, and all out LIVING? Here's a UYE worth considering: 1.) Pre-load at the Kenton Club, take time to soak in the atmosphere, even as you're soaking up the libations. This really is a nifty old dive. 2.) Getcher arse on tha fo'! Doesn't matter which way you go, but if you head to St. John's first, you double your opportunities for an unbelievable time. You and your friends can have a contest. For the guys: how many fake phone numbers you can collect from "da honeyz"...(triple points if you actually mack any of 'em and get any real #s) and for the ladies, how many blotto marriage proposals you can accumulate by the time you hit the transfer station downtown. Bonus points for whoever witnesses and calls first on each separate breaking of any of the 10 commandments. Don't be surprised if you see all ten---some more than once---on the short ride downtown ;p 3.) Mad dash--courtesy of the #4---back to the Kenton Club to swap war stories and finish out the evening in style. Pure bonus if 'World's Wildest Police Videos' or 'Bridezillas' is blaring on one of the tvs..... Tell me where else you can have such a grand old time, for the price of bus fare, plus a few adult beverages?

My friend invited me out to see 82nd and Heartache play at the Kenton Club and it was pleasantly divey and a lot of fun. None of the arcade games in the bar worked, which was a bummer, but the beer was good and the atmosphere was friendly. I would definitely go back.

I feel pretty lucky to live so near this awesome bar. Live music every night and no cover! This place stays pretty quiet on the weeknights but gets rowdy and loud on Friday and Saturday. PBR for $1.50 is as good as it gets in Portland guys! The only thing that sucks? The smoking porch closes early. I haven't eaten here in several years but I don't really go to the Kenton to eat...if you know what I mean. I love to go with a friend or two and have a drink and chat after work or make a night of it and bring everyone and their mom!

A fun north portland venue/ dive bar, often with free local music shows. Staff is pretty nice, good taps, and most of the food is of the deep fried variety. A great place to check out the portland rock and roll talent, just vocals go through the pa generally, but the room is pretty decent sounding. The general vibe is pretty nice usually and it's a favorite venue of a lot of bands I know.

Ok, so this is in my 'hood and a good friend of mine also happens to know the manager and she has performed here. All that said, this is such a great dive bar! My frioend may kow the manager, but I DO NOT and have no connections, and every time I order my standard VT it is a NICE pour! In the summer, their back patio is fantastic for an afternoon beer. The quirky Raquel Welch Derby Posters are great and I have experience some might fine people watching here! I have heard the Gospel Brunch is a kick , but to be honest I am afraid to eat here...I may be wrong, but that's MY opinion :-)

This is my new favorite North Portland hang out. Saw a show for the first time there last saturday (5/19). Great bands, great atmosphere and inexpensive drinks. The bartender helped add to the great atmosphere (super cute too ;)