When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Marathon Taverna
Why Marathon Taverna is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Marathon Taverna, located on West Burnside Street in Portland, Oregon, stands out as a lively and welcoming spot ideal for meeting up with friends. Known for its vibrant sports bar atmosphere, it features over 20 high-definition TVs broadcasting a range of sporting events including Timbers, Thorns, Blazers, and UFC matches, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts. Beyond sports, the tavern offers three pool tables to challenge your friends for some friendly competition. The drink selection is impressive, boasting over 19 draft beers highlighting popular Portland brews, as well as creative cocktails and daily specials. Food is a cornerstone of the experience here, with Marathon Taverna renowned for its mouthwatering Greek specialties such as their famous gyro, a recipe carried on since 1974 from their original Acropolis Tavern location. The menu also includes juicy burgers and crispy tots, perfect for casual dining. Open from early morning until 2:30 AM, the tavern serves breakfast with $2 specials until 2 PM, catering to early risers and late-night patrons alike. Its convenient proximity to key landmarks such as Providence Park, Crystal Ballroom, Powell’s Books, and the Pearl District further underscores its appeal as a gathering place in the heart of the city. Whether you’re stopping by for drinks, a full meal, or to catch a game, Marathon Taverna offers a friendly and memorable environment to connect with friends.
Here's what people think of Marathon Taverna
As of recent, Marathon Taverna holds a 4.1-star rating based on 816 reviews.
Customers generally appreciate Marathon Taverna for its solid food offerings and sports-centric ambiance. Positive reviews highlight the quality of the house-specialty gyros and cheeseburgers, praising their authentic taste and satisfying portions. Patrons also enjoy the affordable breakfast options available until 2 PM, which many find a great deal. The extensive beer selection and the lively atmosphere created by multiple large TVs and pool tables contribute widely to the establishment’s appeal for socializing and watching sports. Many reviewers value the tavern’s location, close to downtown landmarks and venues, making it an accessible spot before or after events. However, some negative feedback centers on the service experience. Multiple reviews mention the staff’s occasionally surly or aggressive attitude, which can detract from the overall welcoming vibe of the place. Some customers found the ambiance less charming compared to other Portland dive bars or pubs with richer character, describing it as a pseudo sports bar lacking distinctive personality. While the tavern provides free popcorn, a nice touch for bar-goers, the atmosphere may not suit those in search of a deeply historic or cozy setting. In conclusion, Marathon Taverna is a popular neighborhood tavern for casual dining and sports viewing with tasty food and extensive drink choices. Improvements in staff friendliness could enhance the experience, but the combination of good food, affordable breakfasts, and a bustling sports environment make it a great destination for gatherings with friends.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
David Herr
This place should also be on the Portland Oregon bucket list of stops for both residents and travelers. Their hospitality , food and service are intact as they treat you as an important person and mix their drinks well , and you are not over-served and this is a place that leaves you wanting more but if gone there early afternoon it transforms into an evening like no other on the Burnside strip.The vision of night life and fun will be had by all. This place does not disappoint as it is out-done by their hospitality and the treatment of people equally.
Alita Hawksworth
Had never visited before but definitely added to my rotations when in the area as the food was delicious and great pricing! Enjoyed my cheeseburger 🍔 with tater tots for $9.50!! Great neighborhood spot with their own parking lot Loads of screens so you won't miss out on any sport events and a room with pool tables
Jerry Bell
$5 Breakfast Done Right! First off, you just can't beat getting a full breakfast for $5, especially with the price of eggs these days. I get extra bacon with a side of grillled onions & peppers? Still a steal! The eggs and bacon be cooked exactly how I like them—over medium, hot, and fresh. The morning staff? Super friendly, upbeat, and just good vibes. They really help set a positive tone for the day. And the kicker? Free popcorn! Unexpected but a cool treat that makes this spot even more unique. This review is 90% based on my morning experience, so giving this this a 5-star rating.
shiloh23 Esthetics
I haven’t eaten here but I’m going too! S O ms like the kitchen is really clean, they have over 20 TV’s to cover all your games, pool tables and games too. I like the chill atmosphere and the bartenders are nice :) The only thing creepy is the blocked off dummy waiter lol.
Ann DeWitt
This is our favorite dive sports bar. We love coming before Timbers/Thorns games. The gyros are very good. The food and drinks are cheap (you will be pleasantly surprised when you get your check). I don't love the video poker and the occasional homeless person coming in off the street, but I really love this bar overall. If you like dive bars, you'll love this one.
How to reach Marathon Taverna
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Why Marathon Taverna may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Marathon Taverna with your friends? Because this vibrant sports bar and eatery offers the perfect blend of lively atmosphere, delectable food, and engaging entertainment to create memorable gatherings. Located on a bustling street in Portland, Marathon Taverna has built a reputation as a comfortable and affordable hangout that caters especially well to groups seeking a casual spot to watch games or simply catch up over hearty meals and drinks. Whether your crew is coming together before or after a local sports match—especially with Providence Park just a block away—or just looking for a welcoming place to unwind, Marathon Taverna’s ample seating, big-screen TVs, and generous beer selection make it a natural magnet. With a solid rating around 4.1 stars and over 800 reviews, many patrons appreciate the friendly bartenders and affordable prices, not to mention their famed chicken gyros and breakfast specials. This combination of good value, spirited ambiance, and variety ensures that your group can enjoy themselves without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality. In essence, it’s a dependable choice where friends and family can rally around good food, strong drinks, and shared experiences.
What activities can you enjoy at Marathon Taverna? Marathon Taverna offers a dynamic environment tailored to a broad range of group activities, making it ideal for meetups. The venue boasts numerous large high-definition televisions scattered throughout the space, providing an excellent setup for watching multiple sports events simultaneously or focusing on a big game with your friends. Beyond just watching sports, the bar also features a game room that includes pool tables and ping pong, offering interactive fun and friendly competition that’s perfect for bonding or lighthearted rivalry. If you’re not in the mood for games, the venue’s lively weekend DJ sessions provide a soundtrack for socializing and dancing, adding an energetic vibe to your gathering. Additionally, Marathon Taverna frequently offers drink specials and features a wide variety of beers on tap, catering to diverse tastes and ensuring your group finds exactly what they want. The venue also welcomes large gatherings, with servers accustomed to managing sizable groups efficiently, making it easy to coordinate group orders and keep everyone happy. All these elements come together to deliver more than just a meal or a drink — it’s an active, engaging place built around fun and social interaction.
Why is Marathon Taverna ideal for group meetups? Several factors make Marathon Taverna an excellent choice for hosting groups of friends or family. First, the seating arrangement is designed to accommodate large parties comfortably with spacious booths and large communal tables, avoiding cramped conditions that can detract from the social atmosphere. This wide seating capacity ensures your group can stick together while still enjoying personal space. Second, the food menu is budget-friendly and satisfying, with standout items like their chicken gyros considered among the best in the area, complemented by a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and even $2 breakfast specials served until mid-afternoon. This allows diverse tastes and dietary preferences to be met without causing budget concerns. Third, the friendly and efficient staff are experienced in serving large groups, helping your event flow smoothly—taking orders quickly, offering recommendations, and managing tabs efficiently to keep everyone relaxed. Fourth, the bar’s strong sports focus and proximity to local sports venues add a layer of excitement and relevance for sports fans in your group. Finally, Marathon Taverna’s consistent positive reviews highlight the welcoming, down-to-earth vibe that promotes laughter, conversation, and shared memories—exactly what a group gathering needs. These combined qualities establish it as a reliable and enjoyable destination for any group event.
What makes Marathon Taverna’s food and drink selection special for groups? Food and drink often serve as the centerpiece for any successful meetup, and Marathon Taverna delivers in spades with both quality and variety. The bar prides itself on affordable yet filling menu options, including their famous chicken gyros—highly praised locally—and diverse sandwiches like club sandwiches and burgers. Their breakfast offerings, one of the few spots offering $2 breakfasts until 2 PM, provide a unique and economical option if your group is meeting earlier in the day. Complementing the food is a well-curated selection of beers on tap—around nineteen varieties at any time—as well as a full cocktail menu. Many patrons note the good value of these drinks compared to other local bars, making it easy for your group to enjoy without worrying over costs. The bar also features drink specials frequently, adding extra incentive for groups looking for deals. Additionally, the availability of free popcorn offers a nostalgic and communal snack that adds to the experience without extra charge. This range of satisfying food and drink options ensures every group member finds something they enjoy, heightening the communal spirit of your meetup.
How does Marathon Taverna’s atmosphere contribute to a memorable gathering? The overall vibe at Marathon Taverna is one of casual comfort and spirited enjoyment, which is essential when hosting a group event. The bar’s interior blends a classic sports bar feel with unique touches—evident in its eclectic décor and prominent sports memorabilia—providing a laid-back yet lively setting where everyone feels welcome. With about 20 large screens around the venue, your group never misses a moment of any major sports event, creating a shared excitement that bonds guests together. The presence of an ardent local fan base, particularly for Portland Timber soccer matches, only adds to this electric, communal energy during game days. On weekends, the live DJ sets further uplift the mood and create a festive environment that encourages more engagement and celebration. Despite some past criticisms about the exterior appearance or occasional brusque staff attitude, many repeat visitors emphasize the friendly bartenders and regular patrons that create a loyal and inviting community feel. This combination of spirited sports enthusiasm, music, and community presence forms the perfect atmosphere to make your group meetup stand out as a fun and memorable occasion.
What tips should you know when planning a group meetup at Marathon Taverna? Efficient group gatherings require a bit of forethought, and there are a few practical tips to keep in mind to get the most out of Marathon Taverna. Large groups should consider arriving a bit early to secure ample seating together, especially during prime sports events or weekend evenings when the bar is busiest. Coordinating orders around the bar’s efficient but busy service staff helps ensure drinks and food arrive in a timely fashion—many groups appreciate the hassle-free cash payment option available in the game room, which simplifies split bills. If your meetup is around a game day, it’s wise to check the sports schedule and reserve spots early or inquire about how they handle large parties during popular matches. Since the venue offers a rich variety of beers and cocktails, communicating preferences in advance or designating a drink coordinator can smooth ordering. Lastly, enjoying the included extras like free popcorn and engaging in games of pool or ping pong can add layers of enjoyment well beyond eating and drinking. These small planning steps guarantee your group meetup runs smoothly and is filled with fun and ease.
In summary, Marathon Taverna stands out as a welcoming, activity-packed venue perfectly suited for groups of friends or family looking to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment together. Its combination of affordable, delicious food—especially the celebrated gyros—diverse drink options, plentiful TVs for sports viewing, and interactive games creates a dynamic environment primed for socializing and celebration. The spacious seating and attentive service ensure that managing a large group is convenient and enjoyable. Whether tailgating before a Timbers game, enjoying a casual weekend night, or simply gathering to reconnect, Marathon Taverna’s spirited atmosphere and crowd-pleasing features make it a top choice for memorable meetups.