Uncle J.
Yelp
A small, fantastic bar with a super nice crew. It's listed some places as a dive bar and it really is tiny, but I haven't found anything really divey about it otherwise. So far it's a good amount of space for the number of people usually in there and I feel a little guilty putting this out on the internet. Maybe it should be kept a secret. That being said, while when walking up to it you may feel nervous opening up the door, it's always been a super friendly bunch in there every time I've gone. Quite a mixed bag as well. The last time was over the holidays but you had a few dudes at the bar who looked like they just got off their union shift and a bunch of yuppy-ish young professionals, but they were buying each other shots before long. It's also a great spot to unintentionally run into the local brewery crews as it's situated between Rising Tide, Oxbow, Goodfire, etc. Maybe buy them a beer! The staff so far when I've been there has been one of the two owners and their bar manager, all of whom are super nice and you can feel good about supporting them.
A great draft and bottle list, some ciders and wines, and even some straight up booze (see shots, above), but don't expect mixed drinks, just some sippers or shooters. I've heard the rumors of half-sized italian sandwiches from the quality A&C Grocery up the way, but have yet to hit the Zoo when those are flowing. They also had some empanadas one night. Not sure how they feel about bringing in any outside food, but I haven't seen anyone try that.
It's a great cozy winter hideout, but this place is going to be the JAM in the summer. Lots of picnic tables, open barn door to the bar, same casual vibe. Austin Street on Fox now keeping weekend hours 'til 9, Oxbow's newish patio and the Frite Shack, and the Zoo. The best time you'll have this summer in Portland is all in about 1/4 mile radius.