The Automatic Bar

Tried to come here an hour before closing on a Monday in October and the music was turned off and the dude said they were closing. Me and my service industry friends trying to enjoy our Monday night off were pretty disappointed. Probably won't come back unless it's earlier and I'm in the area.

The burger was good, not amazing. The fried chicken the same, not super moist but have had a lot worse. My cocktail was very tasty but the glass was all sticky so it spilled at some point so that always a bit annoying. I did like the double fried fries so that was a big plus. Also the location right across from Pinolo is wonderful for a little after dinner treat.

Great little oasis amid the hustle of "D" street. Super laid back inside but a bit more finished than a dive bar. The bar counter itself is sorta divey but the cocktails are reliably well mixed and the 'tenders are on point. They know their stuff, and any of the signature drinks are solid (Personally a fan of their Negroni) especially at happy hour. Food too, is far above dive bar level - the flavor bomb Brussels Sprouts get a huge thumbs up. Sorry to find that the house popcorn was not as good this time as I've had in the past, though; the kernels were stale and the supposedly 'signature' chili salt was nonexistent. Disappointingly bland and cardboard-y for a simple dish; will def skip it next time. Still, I'll be back for the drinks and the vibe...they're that good.

The automatic burger is one of the best burgers i've had in the area. It's a cute dive bar with friendly bartender and good food. I would definitely come back and will hahah

Surprise! That's what I got. I wasn't actually headed here, but glad this is where I ended up! Excellent Brussels sprouts!! I'm a fan & thankfully they don't come with bacon like many. (Pescatarian here) The vibe was laid back, fairly busy for the time and day of the week, probably popping in the later hours. Obviously being on Division parking is a challenge, walk if you can. They had drag bingo the night I was there, (Thursday) but sadly, so sad - I couldn't stay but it definitely gives me reason to come back!!

Every menu item is amazing here. The chef/cook is worth her weight in gold. Seriously, My husband and I have eaten here randomly off and on for the past year and every time we come it's incredible. This time we came for happy hour and order the automatic burger. This is one of the best burgers in PDX. Believe me if you have read any of my reviews you know my husband and I eat a lot of burgers, all over PDX, we know good burgers. The picture of the burger speaks volumes. The meat is local, fresh, juicy and cooked to perfection. The pimento cheese is creamy and flavorful. Served on a soft artisan bun that miraculously holds it all together. We also ordered Shishito Peppers $8 Chili, Garlic, Ginger, Scallions and a cup of the soup of the day $5 Chicken sausage with white bean and kale. The owner served us. He is always funny, kind and a little sassy. Have him make you one of his Old Fashioned.

This is a great neighborhood bar! Always good service, solid food & drinks at good prices.

Bar with food. Owner is a great guy, will go back because he is nice and generous. Food are burgers, soup, fried Brussels sprouts, Mac & cheese, etc.

Everything was great, except the price was a way too steep for a local dive bar feel bar. The ambiance is nothing special, but a grass-fed burger plus a drink cost me $30+. I don't know, but it never cost me that much unless I go to a high-end ambiance bar.

This spot is a solid neighborhood staple bar. The red lights along the ceiling always providing good ambiance, matched with the dressed up skeleton in the corner. Their burgers, fries, popcorn, and brussels sprouts are always on point, a decently late food option. They also have a healthy selection of old fashioneds, with a good tap list and CBD soda, if that's what you're into. Definitely like walking to this place in the neighborhood.

We came straight from dinner to enjoy drag bingo and drinks so we didn't get to try the food. However, during the night the clear favorites at the tables that ordered were the fries, popcorn, and brussel sprouts so I need to come earlier next time to grab a table to enjoy them also! Automatic Bar is a cool local bar that has events throughout the week so be sure to come check them out. Definitely enjoy a pint here. They do have happy hour as well but the cocktails here were so so - a pint would be better!

Come in, they said, we'll give you shelter from the storm, plus a couple of beers and a great burger! This place appears to be the neighborhood hang. We were exhausted, in the neighborhood, and hungry. It's automatic!

Neighborhood pub with good decorations and some food options. I recommend the brussel sprouts.

What a nice surprise this place turned out to be! I went because a friend scheduled a group get-together there, but was reluctant because another friend had described it as "tiny, a dive, not much outdoor seating, only bar food." I'm not sure if we were at the same place he described, because it seemed almost the opposite on every count: it's pretty roomy inside, it's more upscale than dive, there is plenty of outdoor seating, and the food includes some typical bar items but is excellent. We just got snacks, including Brussels sprouts with kimchi and egg, shishito peppers, french fries and popcorn. All terrific, even the fries and popcorn were beyond normal expectations. Old Fashioneds are a specialty, there are several varieties, which the cocktail lovers in our group enjoyed. Beer lovers won't be disappointed either, there's a well curated list. Service is good. The location is a block from Clinton, so easy to get to by bike, and there is a bunch of bike racks out front. Bus goes right by too. We were there for the monthly drag queen bingo, which is fun if you enjoy smutty humor and mindless gambling. This might sound like I'm writing an ad for the place, but I have no connection to it other than really enjoyed hanging out there!

From, not so fond of the past Victory, to 'expletive#@ 'A'--mazing, the change in menu and whisky focus including an Old Fashioned Menu is a 360 history in the making for me and am sure many to follow, in the number of times I will frequent this bar. Everything we tried in the Depts of Sustenance and (de)Hydration were superb and counter & bar servers were helpful and nice! The House O'Fash large cube & dark real cherry, and Negroni (opted for up over rocks) in a chilled coupe were $5 and $6 during Happy Hour (3-6PM Daily), plus $1 off all food on the menu and the best kabobs I've had, the most moist and tender, well seasoned curry chicken, had to keep the hubby limited to a 2nd bite! Beet Salad with a definite honey buzz in the vinaigrette $8/HHr on fresh arugula, large bites of beets, goat cheese and candied pecans was just what I envisioned. Hubby rarely raves about his food especially a steak in a bowl,but it had a perfect sear and he loves roumelade and prefers fries skinny and crisp. These tiny fried whole taters weren't crispy but the asparagus was nicely crisp, and he cleared the bowl and loved every bite including those tiny not so crisp tots! Taps: 11 including an outstanding Boneyard Lemon Ginger CBD Soda, so good it could be the next to be bottled, "It's The Real Thing"!! So refreshing and light, makes me want to install a tap at home. Service: Order at the bar, but on clearing plates another bartender asked us if we wanted another drink and he was very affable, advising us to keep an eye out for Boneyard's Passion Orange his favorite flavor. Bringing a party with us next trip to soak in the Whisky Weds and Thurs $7 Boulevardier/Negroni nights. Chapter 1 done. Thanks for making the words flow so easily Automatic!

Such a vibe cool people .. chill unbothered but still helpful staff .. bomb French fries... just a little bit of goodness !! bartender Steve made the best espresso martini ... ever!

Great cocktails. Love their whiskey sour and the price is right. I love their cheeses burgers and they have specials that rotate regularly. One night it was lamb bolognese, and the next night they had a cubano sandwich. So good. Service is on point too.

Stopped in while walking the Division stretch for some cocktails and food before going to a show at the Clinton Street Theater. We came with a group of four and quickly was able to get drinks and food. We had a few old fashions. The Japanese old fashion and the rye old fashion were on point. The food- was as good as the cocktails. We had the fried chicken sando and the special Mediterranean chicken skewer dish. Both were fantastic. The chicken sando was huge and had just the right amount of spice, super crispy and moist. The skewers flavorful and unique. The acidity in the pickles worked well with the red bell pepper sauce. It's refreshing to find a bar that has both great food and great drinks.

Great service. Super cute space. Enjoyed the popcorn and margarita. Watched a World Cup game. Would definitely recommend it.

Food was decent. Special was a Cubano. It was a good sandwich, but wasn't a Cubano. S we vice was friendly and fairly quick.

Stopped in while the wife was doing some shopping in the neighborhood and did not expect what I found. The Drinks were very well put together. Saw someone ordered the Deviled eggs so decided I needed an order as well. The only disappointment was that there were only 5 of them. Wife and some friends joined me and we ordered some food. The ladies decided on the Veggie burger and said it was outstanding. I went with the special that was Braised Pork Cheek and I will say with confidence that this was one of the best meals I have had in Portland. Next time I am in the area I will swing in and drink and eat again.

So glad my friend suggested this spot. Awesome bartender and old fashions. Great happy hour. I had delicious fries and a salad. Yum!! Space is open and a nice size. I'll be back.

Great environment and very solid drinks. Popcorn was flavorful and vibe was good. Gotta come back and try some of the food. Great spot for chill vibes and hanging out with friends. Location is cool and we will be back.

We have been here about 4 or 5 times now. We really loved the place the first time so kept coming back for the great happy hour. Nice menu of mixed drinks for only $5 and $1 off all food. Every time we have been in here the service has been fast friendly and top notch, the drinks are great and the food coming out of that little kitchen is amazing, if you have any doubts just sit around and look at other people's orders coming out and judge for yourself. This is also located on what is now a busy section of Division so it is nice to just get a window seat or outside seat (weather permitting) and just people watch.

Stopped by for a drink with the lady. You order upon entry (or at the bar lol) and seat yourself. I ordered the Scotch old fashioned and it was excellent. The lady ordered their special cocktail that was written on a chalk board and I have now forgotten. :) I do remember it being good and she liked it, so that counts. We also ordered fries and they were great. Service was nice and to a minimum. Would come back again when we are in the area!

Great neighborhood spot with a great selection, good ambience, and delicious food. There are usually a few folks here in any given day and it's for good reason - this place is comfortable and welcoming, has a fantastic location, and serves up good libations with a smile. They usually have some really interesting things on tap for you to try. Do I wish places carried more of the beers I particularly liked? Sure, but I appreciate the variety also. Top-notch bar.

Automatic is amazing and we try our best to get there as often as we can. The cocktails are the main reason to go but I could write a news article about the fried chicken sandwich and their rotating specials (brown butter pierogis, a fucking delicacy) Now is the time to support small businesses and this one is worth it again and again!

Pros: Ambience Cons: Terrible service, server said it was a inconvenience to take a table order and told it was a "favor" this time but next time you need to order your food and drinks at the bar. Never came to check on food or cocktail refill. Vege burger was a soggy mess on a hard thick toasted bread that was inedible. Hubby's mac and cheese was bland and tasteless. Won't be back.

I like it. I like the atmosphere. I like the way the bar looks. The bartenders where on point. The food looked and smelled good. If I had more time, I would have tried something on the menu but alas, we were just stopping in for a drink while we killed time and what a great stop! Although it was bustling, our drink orders were quick and good. I've been on a mule kick lately and I really enjoyed theirs. It was refreshing as mules should be. I've come here twice and each time it's been pretty busy but I didn't feel like that deterred from the service at all.

Not what it was as Liberty Bar ... but they are doing well to try to create a cozy hip atmo.

I had the bartender make me a drink of his choice that included Aviation and St. Germaine and was pleasantly gifted a delicious cocktail. The staff was friendly and helpful with making menu choices and I enjoyed meeting their (official/unofficial?) mascot, Potato. What a cute pup!

5 stars for bartender Lauren! We were staying close by and stopped in late after getting to town. Late night menu is limited but the mac and cheese was solid. Great whiskey selection. We came back around for NYE and it felt like a cozy, non-traditional party. Playlist was always on point!

Wow! Rude and unprofessional. Having worked in the service industry for 10 years, I would expect my bartenders to be personable and polite. The woman working behind your bar tonight fell way short. A customer should be able to ask about the spirit in your drink special without receiving an eye roll and sense of irritation. There's a lot of different options on where to imbibe! You should want for people to come back!

I ordered a soda water and it was AMAZING. I have a lot of bubbly beverages in my day, but let me tell you, this soda water is in the top 5% of bar soda waters. Perfectly cold, nice sharp bubbles, the lime wedge they put it in just didn't stop G-I-V-I-N-G. i will have more soda waters in my life but this one will always be in my mind. Kudos.

Dear Yelp, You have to check this bar out. They have some of the friendliest staff in Portland, best food, and awesome cocktail selection. During the scary times with COVID they have been very dedicated to the health and safety of everyone who comes into The Automatic. Continuous cleaning of touchable surfaces, cleaning every table promptly after a guest leaves, and washing hands constantly. If you're looking for a safe place to go to during these crazy times, I'd highly suggest this bar.

What can I say? I dearly miss our old Victory Bar that formerly resided here. I am pleasantly surprised to find a new bar/restaurant here that is VERY GOOD. Good burgers, good old fashioned. The place has folks of all ages (minimal hipster quotient) and isn't loud. We will be back again. BTW - they saved the spinning lamp of old days Update 1/2020: Love this place. The chicken sandwich and reuben are outstanding and they have several varieties of Old Fashioned drinks on the menu. Nice neighborhood venue.

We love the Automatic. The staff was friendly and the food was great - the chicken sandwich and brussel sprouts are amazing! So happy to have this place in the neighborhood. :)

Ordered their burger with fries and a cocktail. I've never seen it before, but the burger was both really undercooked and somehow really dry?? Not sure how you can pull off both. Cocktail was meh. I tried the others at the table too and don't approve. Instead of tickling your palate, it just confuses it. Only reason this isn't one star is because they had doggos inside and I got to pet them all. Doggos get 5/5 stars.

Great new neighborhood cocktail bar. So bright and light inside. Fun, engaging staff. A welcome addition to Division!

Excellent fried chicken sandwich. Worth its $14. Bonus points for the ice cream next door. It's nice to go to a bar in this city that doesn't serve you some shitty wedge salad for $18. It's excellent to find one with a memorable dish.

I came in to the Automatic tonight for the first time since it changed over from Victory bar. I have to say I didn't care for Victory too much as it was super dark, didn't always feel very welcoming and was just never my vibe. I think it has changed for the better! It's still fairly dark but a little brighter than before. The bartender working tonight (Rachel) was super sweet and much more welcoming than any bartender I encountered in the past. I took a brief peak at the menu and it seems much more accommodating to a typical bar goer. I ordered my usual, vodka soda which wasn't too strong but had enough vodka to where I felt I wasn't getting screwed over. I also got the house made chex mix which seemed to consist of only Chex and peanuts but it was perfectly salty to sweet and the right amount for a little snack. Although I didn't order one, the cocktails seemed super reasonable at 10 bucks with decent alcohol. They have a small TV in the corner that was playing game 1 of the world series which I did not expect to see but was pleasantly surprised by. I will definitely come back. It seemed fairly low key and could see it as a good spot for a first or regular low key date night :)

Probably the best grilled cheese I've had. Vegan ranch is bomb too. Cool atmosphere. Think we may have went at an off time as it was quiet and not too busy.

Went here for the first time for a friends birthday. Great bar. Good drinks. Delicious french fries. Service was awesome. Will definitely be back. One suggestion, take Uber or Lyft, parking can be difficult.

I loved Victory so much, I was super sad it closed. But oh my goodness this new bar is wonderful! Friendly staff. $7 Boulevardier/Negroni Thursday special that tastes so strong and delicious it'd be $15 in SW?? Heck yes! And delicious $7 steak skewers? Hi. I live here now.

I really liked it. Staff was friendly, drinks were cheap on happy hour, and small bites were good! Cheaper happy hour food prices would be nice, but oh well!

Definitely miss Victory Bar but this has been a nice change. It's a bit brighter inside than before. I've visited a couple times on Tuesday for trivia. Great time and the drink and food specials are solid.

They have happy hour all day Sunday which is great. Lots of choices for drinks and beers/cider. This bar used to be another bar...mostly looks the same as the previous one. Very chill place to hang. Had an order of their HH fries and couldn't go wrong. Nothing stood out negative but nothing so crazy positive that I have to go back.

So cozy and comfortable on a rainy Friday night. Friendly and happy servers. Good location on division and not pretentious or making you wait in line- they had the game on too and bustled around bringing food and asking if we needed anything ...it was all good crowd and vibe.

Great casual bar with rotating beer taps and yummy cocktails. Can't say I won't miss the spatzel at Victory, but as far as a laid-back bar I can walk to, this will do just fine! Bartenders were super friendly, and drink prices weren't bad. Great neighborhood addition!