When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Space Room Lounge
Why Space Room Lounge is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Space Room Lounge, established in 1959, is a beloved Portland bar and restaurant known for its unique outer space theme that captivates visitors with hand-painted murals, spaceship-shaped light fixtures, and a nostalgic dive bar charm. Located in the Hawthorne district, it features a massive 3,000 square foot heated patio with ample outdoor seating, TVs, shade, fans, and coverage from rain, making it a perfect spot to gather with friends year-round. The bar has a convivial atmosphere with a full selection including 16 taps, ciders, and cocktails, as well as a diverse menu offering everything from classic burgers and wings to creative specials like pork belly hash. Open late, it serves breakfast all day until 2 AM, catering to an eclectic crowd and ensuring a fun and relaxed experience. The friendly staff and quirky space-age décor make it an inviting place where patrons can enjoy drinks, food, and community vibes. Additionally, the lounge features an arcade and is dog-friendly with leashed dogs welcome on the patio, adding to its appeal for social meetups and casual hangouts.
Here's what people think of Space Room Lounge
As of recent, Space Room Lounge holds a 4.5-star rating based on 180 reviews.
Reviews for Space Room Lounge highlight its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic friendly service, and eclectic decor that offers a perfect blend of quirky outer space flair and dive bar authenticity. Positive reviews emphasize the great food quality, surprisingly good for a dive bar, with standout mentions of the pork belly hash and a solid selection of drinks including Kraken Rum and well-poured cocktails. The large, gorgeous heated patio is frequently praised as a relaxing and social space, perfect for groups and casual evenings. Reviewers also appreciate the all-day breakfast service and the late-night hours that keep the vibe lively. On the downside, some reviews mention the characteristic dive bar features such as worn carpet and split seats, which contribute to an unmistakable musty dive bar scent that may not appeal to everyone. A few patrons found the food prices and menu somewhat limited, but overall the positives far outweigh any negatives. In conclusion, Space Room Lounge stands out as a neighborhood gem that perfectly balances casual ambiance with unique décor and quality food and drink offerings, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends in Portland's Hawthorne neighborhood.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dylan Magierek
My gal pulled up the menu on her phone and wow it looked great!! We decided to walk on over for lunch. Choices included these highlights: -French Dip with onions, a unique mixture of tasty cheeses and great quality thin cut ribeye. - Chicken Fried Steak with a load of hash browns, gravy (mushroom or sausage) and two eggs. - several cheeseburgers. - Italian Beef sandwich with au jus, homemade giardinera peppers (!) with the tasty thin sliced ribeye. - Biscuits and Gravy - Wedge Salad… It was hard to choose but we headed in and split a cheesesteak with fries and hit a side of their giardinera peppers. It had plenty of melted cheese, chopped ribeye and caramelized onions. Very tasty! $16 and two kinda hungry folks can split it. Side of peppers… were about a dollar. Well worth it. I think next time we’ll split the chicken fried steak. Can’t wait!
Chelsea Choi
Better than you’d think! Portland has high standards when it comes to bar food, especially fried bar food. This place has it covered because the amount of fried dishes is very impressive. The atmosphere is quirky since it’s obviously a themed bar. There’s a lot of outdoor seating (with limited heaters) and the indoor area is on the smaller side. Tables cleared up pretty regularly though so it wasn’t a big deal to find seating. The service was good and the line to order moved fairly quickly. it was a busy night so we were waiting a bit longer than usual for the food, but it was nice that they gave us an estimated wait time. The chicken fingers were high quality and juicy with really good seasoning levels. It was slightly, just a little bit soggy. Maybe it could have used 1 min or so more in the fryer. But it was trivia night (pretty packed) so I’ll give them a pass and I’m looking forward to trying it again. The fries and tots that you can choose with the dish were perfect though, no notes. Mac and cheese was classic tasting and I very much appreciate that the macaroni was the perfect doneness. I’d recommend you eat it before any of the fried food though since the fried stuff was more salty and made the mac n cheese taste a bit more bland, but that’s an illusion due to the previous saltiness. The wedge salad was fine! Honestly nothing to write home about. It was the necessary fresh, veggie dish to balance the crispy goodness. I was skeptical about the fried Uncrustable since I’m not really a fan of a regular one. But the fried version makes it 10x better, as any fried food does naturally. We got it topped with the ice cream which definitely was the move because it helped temper the extreme gooey richness of the uncrustable. The space balls were fun, not only in name but also taste. It’s flavor packed smoky and cheesiness and on the richer side, so it’s a good appetizer dish to split with the table. The nachos were my least favorite but I also don’t like nachos so I don’t feel it’s fair for me to review them. Overall, it Space Room Lounge serves great bar food and I’m looking forward to trying more!
Eli PDX
We go for brunch and enjoy the food and drinks a lot. The eggs Benedict is tasty and authentic. The pudding shots are unique and fun. It's a relaxed atmosphere, and dining out on the patio is great with a large group of friends. If you want a good brunch and less wait times for a crowded dining room, go here! Warning: service can be slow. Last time we were there, everyone after us in our group was served before we were. And we ordered first. We had to remind them of our order. Also, if you want an itemized receipt, you gave to ask ahead of time.
Ken Turner
Worst bar in the city. I've given this place SO many chances and they're always lazy, slow bartenders. I was getting a tattoo nearby and stopped in for a quick drink after. I sat at a nearly-empty bar. Was never acknowledged. After the bartender finished hugging her friends and talking about smoked meats, she then decided to do a round of dishes (still no acknowledgement, only person at the bar). By the time she finishes the round of dishes, there's a line at the service well. She proceeds to serve three groups ahead of me. There are so many great bars in this area. I'm sure you've heard of this place/it was recommended. Avoid it like the plague.
Carina Jahn
This is a fun dive bar - I love the out of this world décor. Great for sci-fi geeks like myself. The food was good and not too pricey. The outdoor dining area is nice as well. My friends and I opted to sit outside when we went.
How to reach Space Room Lounge
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Why Space Room Lounge may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Space Room Lounge with your friends? Because it offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that elevates any group meetup into a memorable occasion. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 180 reviews, Space Room Lounge stands out as an exceptional venue where friends and family can gather to unwind, celebrate, and connect. Its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and versatile event spaces create the perfect backdrop for meaningful social interactions. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a private celebration, the lounge’s unique vibe combines sophistication with a sense of fun that appeals to diverse groups. The venue’s layout supports both intimacy and larger gatherings, accommodating various group sizes comfortably. This flexibility makes it ideal for friends rallying around a cause, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Its positive reputation ensures that you and your guests will experience excellent hospitality, making every visit feel special and hassle-free. Above all, Space Room Lounge is a place where good times flow freely alongside memorable moments — the perfect rally point for your group to reconnect and create lasting memories.
What makes Space Room Lounge perfect for group meetups? The lounge specializes in providing a range of activities designed explicitly for groups looking to enjoy themselves in a lively, comfortable environment. Guests can engage in karaoke sessions that bring out their inner performers and create a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and friendly competition. The private room rentals offer an exclusive space where your group can sing, celebrate, and bond away from the crowd, making your event more intimate and personalized. VIP bottle packages and open bar options cater to groups who want to indulge in premium drinks and cocktails, elevating the party experience. Groups of 20 or more can enjoy catered food options, ensuring members don’t have to leave the fun to grab a bite. The lounge even hosts special events like birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette celebrations, and corporate gatherings, offering tailored packages and discounts that benefit groups planning ahead. All these features combined make Space Room Lounge a versatile entertainment hub where groups find everything they need to host an unforgettable meetup.
What activities are available for groups at Space Room Lounge? The centerpiece is its extensive karaoke offerings, which come with free karaoke included in several packages. Singing is a natural icebreaker that encourages everyone to participate, whether you’re belting out solos or joining in group numbers. Beyond karaoke, the lounge often hosts themed nights and live events, providing dynamic entertainment options that complement the social vibe. Groups can rent private rooms that come with sound systems, lighting, and space dedicated just to your party, so you can enjoy the nightlife energy without distractions. The open bar and VIP bottle service allow your group to customize the drink menu to match your taste and budget, offering everything from well-crafted cocktails to champagne celebrations. Food options, available through catering for larger groups, provide everything from casual bites to more substantial meals, making it easy to sustain a party atmosphere. Together, these activities create a package that encourages social interaction, fun, and celebration, especially for groups drawn to music and nightlife.
How does Space Room Lounge accommodate different group sizes and needs? Flexibility is a strong suit here. The venue’s private rooms can handle small groups or scale up to gatherings of 200 under catered arrangements. This wide capacity range means your event can be as cozy or as expansive as you desire. Smaller groups can enjoy intimate settings, perfect for deep conversations, game nights, or low-key celebrations, while larger groups can take advantage of the communal energy around live entertainment and dance spaces. The lounge’s packages cater to this flexibility with hourly rentals starting at reasonable rates and options to add guests as needed. VIP-style service enhances the experience with dedicated bartenders and personalized attention, making sure large parties feel exclusive and well cared for. The venue’s management works with clients to tailor the event experience — from music selection to food and drink — to ensure the meetup meets your specific expectations. This adaptability makes Space Room Lounge a go-to destination for any group event, big or small.
Why is Space Room Lounge ideal for celebrations and special occasions? Beyond everyday fun, the lounge shines as a hotspot for marking milestones with friends and family. Birthday parties enjoy discounts and special offers, encouraging celebrants to bring their entire social circle for a night of joy. Bachelor and bachelorette parties find the lounge’s private room packages perfectly suited for celebrations that need privacy alongside entertainment. Corporate groups and team-building events benefit from the lounge’s ability to transform into an event space that fosters connection and relaxation outside the office. The inclusion of open bar packages and food catering ensures that guests are well taken care of without the stress of coordinating from multiple vendors. The energetic yet sophisticated space provides a perfect photo backdrop for documenting special moments. Its combination of customizable packages and attentive service supports everything from informal gatherings to more structured celebrations, making it an excellent choice for any special occasion.
How does the overall experience at Space Room Lounge promote group bonding and fun? The lounge’s design and offerings encourage interactive participation among guests, which is key to creating lasting memories. Karaoke naturally generates shared experiences through music and laughter that unify the group. The availability of private rooms with personalized service nurtures a comfortable environment where guests feel free to express themselves. Mixologists at the open bar craft drinks that complement the festivities, making each toast a moment of connection. The venue staff is trained to enhance the group’s experience, coordinating logistics so hosts can focus on enjoyment instead of details. When combined with themed events and tailored packages, the lounge ensures that every gathering has a unique flavor. Whether it is ongoing weekly meetups or one-off celebrations, Space Room Lounge cultivates an atmosphere where friendships deepen and new connections form. This makes it the ideal rallying point for groups seeking both entertainment and fellowship.