The Box Social

Portland’s Best Romantic Restaurants and Bars for Date Night

"This intimate cocktail bar on North Williams serves everything from RuPaul-themed Aperol spritzes to mini-themed flights of shots (think Barbie-inspired and eggnog riffs) in a sexy, low-lit space. Its happy hour menu and low-key energy makes it a great spot for first dates; if things go well, couples can stroll down to Lua, Eem, or XLB for dinner, depending on the vibe — or just opt for a budino with two spoons." - Katrina Yentch, Thom Hilton, Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Delicious Destinations Along Portland’s North Williams Avenue

"Remote workers clocking out and transitioning from caffeine to alcohol need look no further than the intimate Box Social, a sultry cocktail bar that skips the stuffiness of other lounges in town. Some of Portland’s top bartending talent mixes drinks from an inventive, rotating cocktail list here, with past options like a frothy Negroni fizz, the spicy “dirty little thief,” or your favorite off-menu classic. The wine list is a cut above many cocktail bars and the limited beer on tap includes a rotating sour." - Nathan Williams, Eater Staff

Ask Eater: Where Are the Best Quiet Happy Hours in Portland? - Eater Portland

"The Box Social on Williams also comes to mind; Personally, I think this bar is really reasonably priced whenever it’s open, but the 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour here is a particular deal: $5 cups of soup or parmesan popcorn, $6 pimento spread, $9 margaritas and daiquiris. The bar typically keeps the music pretty low, and earlier in the night it tends to remain fairly muted." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"Getting Social Inside the Box Box Social is about as close as you'll ever get to a classic speakeasy—small, nondescript, curtains drawn, and upon arrival you'll wonder if you need a secret password to enter. Deemed Portland 's premiere drinking parlor, the Box is all about locally sourced fine spirits, wines, and beers. The atmosphere is warm and dark with a feel that begs you to keep your conversation on the down-and-low. Lots of candles and dim lighting soften and quiet this intimate space. Staff cater to keeping you comfortably hydrated and are happy to test their mixology skills to match your pallet and pocketbook. The place screams "brown liquor" the minute I walk in and I can't resist. Cocktails are cool and creative, pairing local fare with international spirits like Novo Fogo Cachaca from Brazil. The food menu is short but sweet. Don't leave without a lap around the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. Box Social has an early and a late happy hour making it a great stop at the beginning or end of an evening in the NoPo neighborhood. Frankly, it's a great stop all evening and one I am drawn to on a regular basis."

Portland’s Legit Late-Night Happy Hours - Eater Portland

"A sumptuous, intimate lounge, the Box Social offers a generous late night happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. until it closes at 1 a.m. Late-night visitors can find shareable snacks like pimento spread and bread for $5, parmesan popcorn for $4, and a hummus plate for $6.  House wines and draft pours are $5, as are a few select cocktails, while a number of other drinks including a French 75, margarita, or mulled wine made in-house, are just $6." - Alex Frane