The Lotus boasts a storied history. Opening in the midst of Prohibition, the bar was once a card room dominated by gamblers, bootleggers, and Roaring '20s crowds. Nowadays, the bar has softened a bit. There's no bathtub gin, and no one's going to get in a fight over a lost hand of poker, but a bit of that history hangs around. A gigantic and gorgeous wooden bar dominates the main area, and the backstory of that particular piece of furniture is helpfully printed on the menus. The food and drink are all fairly straightforward, but for a small glimpse into Portland's past, the Lotus is worth it. JOE STRECKERT