When we go out to see art, we go for the art. We love to see it, interact with it, be changed by it. But second best to the art is the talking about the art. Like food, wine, or a big bag of candy—art is better when shared.
This year’s Spring Arts Preview contains profiles of art and performance shows you’ll want to go out to see and discuss, and an even more vast list of upcoming events we’re excited about. So in the spirit of treating the whole arts-goer, Wm. Steven Humphrey and I compiled a list of our favorite spots to grab a drink or dish before or after an arts event.
Many of these venues have snack bars inside, so you may imbibe with sophistication during the show. This list is about meeting an hour before, to get all the gossip out of our systems preshow. Or really needing to know what Carla thought about that striking female antihero afterward.
Portland’5 (111 SW Broadway) / Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park)
There’s always a lot to see at Portland’5—the multi-venue downtown spot which includes the Schnitzer, Keller, Winningstad, Newmark, and Brunish auditoriums—as well the Portland Art Museum, both of which unfailingly inspire a lot of OPINIONS. Naturally the best way of expressing those loud thoughts are over drinks with friends, preferably within a quick walking distance (as “thoughts” often skitter away if not shared in a timely fashion). But if one has had enough “hoity” or “toity” for one evening, a sure bet for after-show drinks is always the Virginia Cafe (820 SW 10th) where you can get drinks of the high (semi-fancy cocktails) and low (can of PBR) variety, as well as tasty grub such as hamburgers, Reubens, and my personal unhealthy fave, popcorn shrimp and fries. Too lowbrow? While they’re currently closed for a kitchen remodel, later this spring you’ll be able to scoot over to The Nines’ rooftop restaurant/bar Departure (525 SW Morrison), where a gorgeous view goes down as well as their house craft cocktails, sake, and a pan-Asian menu of delicious snacks. Or if one wants to split it down the middle, there’s also Beastro (1455 SW Broadway)—from former Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch—which, despite its sporty demeanor also has a rather delicate menu of Korean delights and cocktails… that is, if you avoid the ones named after Lynch (Beast Mode Margarita) and stick with the seasonal menu, currently featuring a far more subtle Japanese Old Fashioned and Korean Hot Toddy. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
