The Lion's Eye

Definitely in my top 3 dive bars in Portland. The drinks were a good price (beer + 2 ciders = $18), the other patrons were friendly. But the star of the show was Christina, she's an absolute gem! She's very personable, helpful, actually got to know her customers, and provided great service. There's also a jukebox and billiards table. Only downside is that the jukebox only clearly be heard by half the bar. If you're sitting by the bathroom it isn't all that clear. Luckily Christina played music off her playlist most of the time and that could be heard everywhere, but she needs a new aux cord. Managers, give Christina a new aux cord and a raise 😁. I'll be returning for sure.

I can’t say anything great about this place. I’m not allowed there for whatever reason. It’s too bad. I liked this place. Owner didn’t even give a reason for 86ing me. A decade as a solid customer and then ousted. Sometimes I wonder if she mixed me up with someone else. Never did anything wrong.

Great dive. Great pours. Great prices

I hate to recommend this place as I don't want it to be overrun. Cheapest bar in Portland by far,I got a craft beer pint and a shot of Maker's Mark for $10.50,which is about the same price as some bars' """shot+beer special""". Bartenders have always been friendly and helpful-I never expect to be recognized,but I have had more than one person mention that they definitely know my face. I cannot honestly review the food, since I am not eating here aside from the many special events they hold. One of my favorite places,I hope it stays low key and friendly,always good vibes!

Amazing dive bar. Great bartenders, great vibe. I liked how chill the place was. 2 pool tables 2 pinball machines. Fun nostalgia tunes for a millennial.

I haven't been here in over five years and it is just as charming as it used to be ♡

Love this weird dive. It's very unassuming, but it does have a couple pool tables and a very full bar. Great beer list, too. The best part about this place is the back patio. Tons of light, heaters during the winter, just a great spot to crawl into for an evening or afternoon.

Lowkey, this is a pretty chill bar on 82nd. Went on a weekday around midnight and still lots of people. I ordered a cranberry juice I think since I don’t drink and it was only about $2-3. I would go back here for sure

Had a great time here with some family that came into town. Place was cool, nice pool tables, pinball machines, nice patio, great draft beer, and loved the music. It was pretty quiet and staff didn't mind that we can in for a good time and lots of laughs. The place was well kept and had a very inviting atmosphere. We easily spent a few hours just shooting some pool and having some drinks.

"I should have come here earlier!" This is a great dive bar! So may great options for beers. Literally, so many options between draft and canned beer and it's not expensive at all. They have regular sized pool tables for 25 cents/game! After a few beers, anyone places with anyone there! The bartender will change your music if you play the same song more than twice in a row. I didn't appreciate that I paid for the song and they changed it on my third time playing it. But, I understand. :) They have a nice back-patio/smoking area! Music is never too loud. Always decent music.

I really want to love this place, really good outdoor seating area, has pool table, good drinks, servers are great. The only thing I would change is the smell. I'm sorry but this place smells like a Porta Potty. The bathroom smells really weird and it carries through the inside of the bar. Outside is great, inside is weird. I like this place , please change the smell of it.

Omg love absolutely love this place always great drinks great prices you can chill in there nice back patio you can play some pool the bartenders all ladies and all rock love it

The signs on the restroom door say "Lock the door when in use" and "One at a time, please." The Lion's Eye on 82nd near Woodstock is the bar closest to home, and it's easy for most folks to not think of 82nd as part of a neighborhood, just a through way. Inside it's dark, two small windows. But there's a large patio in back, where 82nd almost doesn't exist. Around 8 taps, and just 5$, 4$ at happy hour!, and an eclectic collection. Plus around 40 bottles and cans. And though I'd be wary to check the menu, they serve enough food to have a full bar. Couple pool tables and pinballs. A grade A dive.

I used to like this place but the drinks have become too expensive. Also, you guys have a rat problem.

This is my home away from home (at least before the global pandemic, but what can ya do) I am from Montana and we have the best bars around, mainly because they feel like family. That's how I feel at the Lions Eye. The staff and the patrons are always so friendly, not to mention their drink specials and beer selection is amazing. Definitely recommend coming here.

Came in on my Birthday chill place met bartender her name was Raven really cool chick. I'll definitely swing by again.

Nice no frills bar. The bartender was very patient with me as I was from out of town and not sure what the beers were. Let me taste a few before I made my choice. The patio is a nice size with tables and plenty of room.

Great place to pop in for a round or two. Friendly service, decent drinks. Nice dark bar in the SE.

This is wholly dependent on what you're looking for. Thorough dive bar with great secret outdoor patio. Cheap drinks, pool, jukebox, friendly staff and edible food. I think it's a great spot for just a relaxed chill.

This has become my favorite watering hole. Honestly, everything about this place is awesome. Great music and atmosphere. The patio is outstanding.

The last time I went to the Lion's Eye the owner was very rude to me. Here's what happened: the barstools were all full and so I stood behind them and waited for my turn to order. When the owner (I think her name is Erin) made eye contact with me and asked me what I would like, I did a little "happy dance" by bouncing a bit while I ordered my beer. It was something I was excited to try. She said okay and turned around and started pouring drinks for other customers. I waited and waited and then, when all the other customers had been served and I was still thirsty, I asked Erin if she had forgotten my order. She replied, "bouncing up and down isn't the way to order a drink." Are you goddamn kidding me? You looked me in the eye and asked me what I wanted and I told you. I wasn't drunk, I wasn't rude, I wasn't being a nuisance. I was excited to try a delicious beer. That happened this summer and I deliberated on writing this review for a few months but here it is. I'll never go back and neither will the 3 of my friends who were there that night.

My girlfriend and I went here to have a drink and it was a great experience. It's a medium sized dive bar with two pool tables and friendly staff. There are a few board games and the next time we go we will definitely be playing monopoly. I think it's awesome that they have a rotating selection of local brews. Two Towns Made Marion was the pick of the night and well worth it. The only reason I've given 4 stars and not 5 is because the selection of food isn't wonderful, but they do have some great toast!

Is this the best dive bar in Portland? I'm not sure, because I always arrive already buzzed, so you know. But I will say this: the patio is totally legit and the beer selection is on fleek, or whatever. That's a thing we Millennials say, right? Just know why you're here (to drink, not to eat) and you'll be fine. The music is always perfect and the customers always charming. And the Rainier is as good as anywhere else, so what are you worried about?

Local rotating taps, local spirits, and local craft cans and bottles. Pool's only .25 cents a game and decent tables. Go grab a sandwich from next door or a burrito from down the street and relax and socialize on their heated, covered smoking patio out back.

When I choose to partake in consuming copious amounts of alcoholic beverages, I usually choose my kitchen as my primary location. I'm not by any means a bad drunk, but I'm 26 years old and fuck going to bars on a regular basis. However I will never pass up drinking at the lions eye tavern because it is worth every cent. Customer service Their bartenders are never scared of a challenge, and are very skilled mixologists when given the opportunity to be creative. They are very attentive, and if you tip like you should, they will make sure your beverage will not go dry. Their beer selection is is very impressive, probably better than the average bar. They also grow their own herbs, and one time they muddled a peach basil cosmopolitan, that's right lets see your bartender do that!!!! Activities and environment I like that this bar is on 82nd that scares away most of the hipster douchebags. Mostly neighborhood patrons that are very nice and might even kick your ass at pool. The smoking area has seating and heater thingys. They also have board games and crayons for people who like to do drunk activities. If you want to fuck with some pinball, you also have that option. It's a very dark cramped bar, great for those who like to bottle up their emotions and suppress them with hard alcohol. In closing if you find yourself in the area, drop on by and flex your liver. One time my roommate and I went there and had shots of blue berry moonshine which put hair on your chest, but tasted great. My roommate also reported that he remembered it tasted great when he projectile vomited in the front yard when we cabbed it home. From his regurgitation he killed some of the lawn, every time I look at it I think of the Lions Eye Tavern.

Staff is always great! Decent seating inside for the layout. Pool tables! The outside seating is HUGE! Love this place.

I went here tonight for some cocktails with my girlfriends. I've been several times before, but In this time of covid going to any bar is always a risk. But Stephanie was the only person on staff tonight, and would not let anyone in for any reason until they had a mask on. She even made us come back in from outside until a table was available. She also Lysol sprayed every surface immediately when anyone moved. I've been to several bars since I've been allowed, and the attention to detail has never been so high anywhere else. Thank you Stephanie for the great service, and for keeping us safe!

The owner was so nice at the door, young looking too for a 6 year owner. Anyways, limited choice of appetizers due to absence of a grill or frier. Either way, all my friends ordered food, but no drinks. She approaches us at the pool table and asked if we wanted drinks. That wasn't awkward until she started making comments about how weird we are for coming to a bar and not buying drinks. We just bought $16 of food and played three pool games, and left because they also shorted us on our appetizers. Food was overcharged and just a skimp. Their mozzarella sticks were the size of my index finger!

This place is amazing. All of the bartenders are fantastic and damn fine. The patio is a great place to make new friends and play some corn hole. Free pool on Sundays (there is a league some Sundays) and a monthly tournament. The community at this place is above and beyond. Never a bad time at the Eye

This place is a hidden gem. Located directly on 82nd next to a pawn shop in a not so desirable part of town, I was skeptical. Approaching the doorway with my friend, I imagined this place was going to be seedy as hell. Quite the opposite. Their bar area is sweet and cozy, with comfy bar stools and a decent rail with seating for small groups as well. The pool tables were bustling with legitimate players and the jukebox played good tunes the whole time. The vibe of not only the barkeep, but the patrons as well seemed warm and welcoming. The nice surprise was their large outdoor patio. It's partially covered and has heat lamps. There seemed to be a good crowd hanging out here no matter what the weather. Our bartender, Kylie was a sweetie pie and made sure to establish a good report right off the bat. She seemed very attentive and equally friendly to all her customers. I watched her constantly cleaning, stocking, serving and chatting. This lady can multitask. Her personality is so welcoming. They offered a great selection of beverages at a great price. I haven't tried their food or even looked for a menu, but will report back later. My friend and I felt like regulars and made friends easily. It was hard to leave since we were having so much fun, but I know I can return. I'm glad I got over myself and gave this bar on 82nd a chance. I will say though that their bathroom was slightly reminiscent of train spotting. I don't know if it's because I chose the unisex one, but it's dark, dingy and kinda gross. Luckily they had toilet seat covers, well stocked hand soap and a hands free paper towel dispenser so all I had to use was my foot.

I found my very own Cheers at Lion's Eye. The first time I walked in, I was greeted by Adrien who slapped my ever-beer-lovin' mind into pieces when she laid out the deets on their incredibly varied (and most excellent) beer selection (tap and bottles). From that day on, she and her cohorts greet me by name when I walk in. They make it a point to acknowledge you when you show up, learn a little about who you are, and never let you leave without having been introduced to at least five new people. Where else are you going to find that? Having just recently moved to this neck of the woods, I'd say I struck neighborhood tavern gold. It helps that all of the bartenders are incredibly awesome people. The back patio is amazing (rumors say summer time is movie time on the patio). Plans for barbeque cookouts are in the works, and you can hog one of three wide-screen flat panels to finish out watching NBA playoffs (or whatever. They got cable, so choose your poison). Pool tables, a couple pinball machines, and internet juke all make for good times. One side of the bar has comfy booths for kicking back and playing board games (gotta bring your own though), reading a book, and surfing the web (did somebody say free wifi!?). Go for the beer, go for the people. Go for the awesome. You won't leave disappointed.

I've got to admit that I was expecting the worst. A cool bar on 82nd Ave? Hmmmm.... I doubted my friend's judgment when he chose the Lion's Eye to have people meet on his birthday. David lives pretty close by, so I figured that his criteria must have been limited to "stumbling distance from home." Lion's Eye turned out to be a really cool spot. Great beers on tap -- I was drinking C-Note and Total Domination, and they had at least 8 others. Lots of fun bar toys, too -- pool, pinball, darts, Internet jukebox. Best of all, the woman who owns the place is super friendly and has a great attitude.. we were there the night before Easter, and she was gearing up for an in-bar Easter egg hunt! A monumental change from the space's past life as a meth bar. If people support this place, it will get better and better. Perhaps there is some hope for the "Avenue of the Roses" after all?

A huge selection of $3.50 bottles and cans and, of course, $2 Hamms tallboys. Of course. This fun little oasis of a bar is hidden in plain view amongst the flotsam and jetsam that is 82nd Ave. (inappropriately known as the Avenue of Roses). Blink and you'll miss the Lion's Eye Tavern amidst a mini mall of random shops in a mini mall. If it weren't for all the stellar reviews, I never would have bothered to come here...but I'm glad I did. The bar area is cozy, with low ceilings and a horseshoe shaped bar with TV on one side and a pool table and a juke box on the other. In back is a shockingly pleasant patio that will make you forget you're near 82nd Ave. The bartender (and owner?) was very friendly to me and seemed to enjoy chatting up her regulars which were a colorful group including one guy who claimed he just woke up (it was 9pm?!). If you find yourself in the area, you should give Lion's Eye a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

I have to admit that my primary reasoning for not granting Lion's Eye its fifth star is because they don't sell booze, being hard liquor. I'm a big girl, with fast metabolism, and I know how to drink (through a sippy cup. full of vodka). So if I want to get my buzz on, that's not going to happen with beer. But I can't justify not giving Erin's bar that star, because it's not a full bar, it's a tavern. And in regard to taverns, it kicks ass. I'm pretty sure the bar is working on its liquor license. But I have to wonder if the joint is so laid back and inviting BECAUSE of the lack of booze causing people to be aggressive do-do heads. For those who've commented about it being a drag that it's dead at times, bring some friends in, spice it up. I've never had a bad experience here, never felt like I couldn't be myself. And I've always enjoyed all of the accommodations, the chill patrons, yummy non-greasy food, classy brews, comfy patio, and the rockstar owner. Keep it up, Lion's Eye.

I love a great dive bar! The Lion's Eye not only has a great selection of beer, but it has pinball machines, pool tables, a local dive bar feel, but still welcoming and fun! The bartenders are super friendly, great to talk to, pour great drinks, and the prices are appropriate. I'm a big fan of the back patio, whether it's raining or beautiful out, you can hang out in the back to get some fresh air. They even do movie nights abd BBQ's when the warmer months hit and it's really fun. Worth checking out if you are in the area and are looking for a fun, chill, casual bar to go to with your friends! ps- order a sake bomb! they make it with cider and it's super good! :D

New favourite spot to shoot pool in Portland. Don't let the outside fool you. Much, much nicer inside; unbelievably cool patio, killer beer selection, jukebox, board games, and all-female run.

Lion's Eye is the friendliest place on 82nd - and maybe even the city of Portland. I can't wait for them to be able to serve spirits. Until then, they keep a great selection of beer on tap, make a fine sakitini and have one of the best outdoor seating areas in Portland. GO TO THERE.

The Lion's Eye is pretty much everything you want in a local dive bar. A variety of clientele without too much of a hipster vibe, super nice and efficient bartenders and enough of a divey feeling to keep it real. All they need is a ping pong table and my attendance would increase exponentially!

I put 5 stars because "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" (on 82nd.) Love the bartender, love the draft beer on tap, love the 'making it way better than you'd expect it to be' vibe. ...support your local bar because they had the BALLS to open a bar on 82nd. good job, lion's eye! they just need to make their 'bar front' look more accessible...saying 'YOU'RE SAFE HERE! and you'll like it."

I have to admit, I've only been here a couple of times, but that is only because I very rarely carry cash. I mean, this place is only a matter of a couple of blocks from my house! And, that is my main reason for not giving them 5 stars. I was a little nervous about this place at first, but I'd heard from some friends that live in the 'hood (Mt. Scott/Arleta) that they new owners had really turned it around. And turned around it is! Like I said, I've only been here a couple of times but both times me and hubby had a great time! Drank very delicious beers (they have a great micro brew selection) and enjoyed kicking it out on their back patio. And, the patio was surprisingly quiet and relaxing; despite being a matter of feet from 82nd. The staff has also been awesome. Very attentive and nice. Absolutely no complaints there! The only thing that is really meh about this place is the food. The menu is about what you'd expect of a small bar - deep fried! While it isn't great, it isn't terrible either. It is a bar after all! Lastly, I wanted to mention that I know the owner(s) of this bar have been supportive of recent neighborhood improvement efforts. A small grassroots organization has been working really hard to make our neighborhood better/safer and I know the Lion's Eye has been involved in this as well. I think that is way cool and gives them extra props in my book! And even more reason to carry cash and spend it there more often! :-)

Let's get this out in the open: I did not have high hopes for the Lion's Eye the first time I visited. In fact, I had no hopes other than to survive one drink in order to fulfill my obligation to stop in and wish a friend a happy birthday. Not only did I survive that one drink, I stayed for a couple more and had one of the nicest nights with friends in a while. The bar is cozy, warm and inviting; just old-school shabby enough that you feel comfortable settling in and making yourself at home, but not so much that you're afraid of what you might bring home with you if you decide to use the ladies' room. There's a great patio out back, and the wait staff was exactly what you'd expect in a place like this: Sassy, smart, sweet and take-no-shit (but in a good way; Piney made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt. More than once.)

The best dive hole bar in the area for a slightly younger crowd. Good patio, good staff, pool is 25 cents, and it isn't empty all the time like Steinhaus. I always forget this place is here, and then I always say "Why don't we come here more often?" when we do.

I come for the cheap beer but stay for the Piney... And on occasion, a shot of Four Roses

This is a fan-f@%kin-tastic bar! The staff her are amazing and have great memory :) They have a great patio space and even have corn hole in the back. The patrons here are probably the friendly group of people you will ever meet!!! They welcome everyone with a smile and a toast! Come in and say hi!

I was skeptical when my then-new girlfriend introduced me to this, her favorite neighborhood bar, a little over 5 years ago. A bar on 82nd Avenue? How good could it be? As it turned out, my worries were unfounded and I've been going there (with my girlfriend, now soon to be my wife!) regularly ever since. Fun rotating beer selection, an interesting and friendly crew of regulars (helped immensely by the bar's "no gambling machines" policy), and great seasonal events like the Halloween haunted house. There's a nice covered patio, too. And I've never met a bartender there I didn't like! My favorites are Piney, who perfectly balances gleeful snark with genuine warmth and friendliness, and Raven, who makes you feel magical and amazing even on the worst of days. It's just about the perfect place to relax and recharge. Highly recommended!

I've been here a couple times since they opened. Everything about this place is great. Music is a little loud but whatever its a bar

Def the best bar I've experienced east of the 205 - and we have tried many. A decent draft selection (in comparison with similar out here) and a nice enclosed patio with corn hole and a good seating area. We will come back!

I love this bar. I have came here with some friends that are regulars. I am new to town and new to this area but got a job around there and was invited by some friends to go play pool and the drinks are fairly cheap or reasonable price. Also the atmosphere is pretty comfortable. I had a good time and will be coming back.

This place is alright. not in my usual area but I love dive bars. Pretty limited tap selection, and the beer seemed a little warm and a little under carbonated. Average-ish prices. Atmosphere was okay. The bar divides the place in half. Overall friendly vibe and service. if the beer was better I'd easily give it another star.

This is the first bar I went to when I moved here and it is still my favorite bar! The bartenders are all so nice, the drinks are cheap. The smoking patio is amazing!

Lion's Eye is a good bar overall. But really, it's the owner's endearing dedication to making the Lion's Eye a neighborhood bar that makes this place. It's got great beer on tap, very inexpensively priced wine and sake, and the litany of other fun toys and rad patio that other yelpers have mentioned. Add on an earnest owner who remembers you after one visit, and you've got a great bar that you want to come back to. Check it out next time you're in the hood-it's really not 82nd Avenue scary!

I first went here a couple of days before my birthday. An old friend was talking it up and I needed to see what the fuss was about. Wow. I've been back a dozen times, and I have to say that every. single. person that I've met there, from staff to customers, has been insanely welcoming, warm, and friendly. No lie. Erin is fantastic, all the bartenders (Naomi, Kiley, Adrienne, um... i'm forgetting someone but she's great too!) are bright and smiley and awesome, and the regulars are great. Since I lost my other favorite bar in a recent breakup/drama situation, I'm thrilled to have a new place to have a pint or two of an afternoon. Oh yeah, and their patio is fantastic!

Can't say enough positive things about this bar! So sad when I moved to Vancouver, because it's not just right down the road anymore. However, you better believe if I am hanging in Portland, or have a friend in from out of town...first place we are going is the Lion's Eye! Kylie and Adrian are the best bartenders! Love being welcomed with a smile! The owner Erim is amazing as well...the haunted house at halloween is a must see!! So many beers to choose from, and though they are on 82nd, no riff raff! The fact they they have quality beers/local liquors at real prices and no video poker keeps out the "others" this is my favorite little gem!!

The Lion's Eye Tavern is replete with all of the things for which a person could want. From their welcoming environment on the back patio, to their great beer and drink selections. The staff is friendly, but more importantly, the intelligent, inviting, and accepting clientele is the real draw of this establishment. The mix of people you encounter is as unique as the individuals themselves. I would describe the atmosphere as safe, warm, and fun. Don't miss out on one of the best bar experiences in Portland. You will have a great time there. They have a trivia night, pool tournament, live music, benefit gatherings, and service industry discount nights. 2 Pool tables Internet Jukebox Covered Patio Bean Bag Toss 2 HD televisions

This bar is a hidden gem on 82nd. The low-key atmosphere, great service, great selection of drinks and pool tables all add to its unique charm. The back patio maybe one of the best in PDX, it has heaters in the winter and cornhole year round except for Halloween when it turns into a haunted house. Check this place out and ask for Piney, she makes a mean cocktail.

This is my favorite place to grab a drink in the neighborhood. The beer selection is impressive. With all of the options it would take a lot of day drinking to work your way through it. I haven't tried the food because the menu is less than intriguing. Enough with the hummus plates, Portland! There is also a great patio and I am always happy with the service

Went to The Lions Eye tonight for the first time. After reading reviews on here, and living so close we were really hoping it would be great. Unfortunately, it wasn't. We got there around 6pm but the place was completely empty. We ordered 2 beers and she asked if we wanted to keep it open. We said yes, and handed her our card. We felt really awkward sitting there all by ourselves, so we decided to close out after our beers. She then told us that they didn't accept cards, but they had an ATM. WTF? Then why did she take our card and not tell us that? What if we didn't have an ATM card with us, or no money to withdraw? Won't be going back.

A surprising taste of Portland where you wouldn't expect it... All the way out on 82nd avenue. Local art, local beer, and a great local vibe tucked away amongst the closed down shoe stores and empty store fronts. Check it out.