When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge
Why Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge in Portland stands out as a vibrant, multi-faceted destination perfect for gathering with friends at any time of day or night. Located at 4830 NE 42nd Ave, it is open daily from 7 AM until 2:30 AM, offering an extensive menu that spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. What makes the Spare Room particularly appealing is its combination of a traditional dive bar atmosphere with diverse amenities including two separate bar areas, a pool table, full-sized shuffleboard, and a spacious seating arrangement with numerous booths and tables. The venue also features a stage used for live music, karaoke nights, and other entertainment, enhancing its social appeal. Regular events such as “Karaoke from Hell” Monday through Wednesday at 9 PM, live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as well as Sunday trivia at 6 PM, provide patrons with a lively and engaging atmosphere to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, accommodating families during the day with its breakfast served all day, and turning into a classic dive bar late at night. This blend of welcoming vibe, diverse entertainment options, extensive opening hours, and solid American comfort food highlights why Spare Room is a favored meetup spot in Portland for locals and visitors alike.
Here's what people think of Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge
As of recent, Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge holds a 4.2-star rating based on 915 reviews.
The Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge has received a mixed yet generally positive reception from patrons, reflected by its 4.2-star rating derived from over 900 reviews. Many positive reviews emphasize the casual, friendly vibe of the place, appreciating its extensive hours that cater to early risers as well as late-night crowds. Frequent mention is made of the hearty American comfort food offerings, including unique standout dishes like a turkey dinner and all-day breakfast options. The presence of multiple bars, games such as pool and shuffleboard, and lively entertainment such as karaoke and live music receive praise for creating a fun and engaging environment to socialize. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the dive bar aesthetic being a bit dark and dingy, which might not appeal to those seeking a more polished or upscale experience. There are also notes about limited beer selections on tap and some inconsistencies with service or atmosphere at times. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is that the Spare Room provides good value and a dependable, unpretentious environment for groups looking to meet up, relax, and enjoy diverse entertainment throughout the day and late into the night. The combination of positive energy, variety in programming, and accessible food and drink options contribute to its enduring popularity in the Portland social scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jessica j
The Spare Room is definitely a fun place to go. Sometimes they have live bands and other times they have DJ's playing good music and having great energy 🥳🥳🥳 they also do karaoke. The drinks are really good and the staff are amazing!!! They have pool tables and shuffleboard. And of course slot machines. They have a good menu of food and keep the party jumpin! We will definitely be going back and recommending to others 🥳🥳🥳
Alex Hammond
Came here for lunch. Love the dimmed lighting and nostalgic bar vibes. The place is very spacious and seats are comfortable. Staff is a friendly bunch and are happy to make sure you feel welcome. I sat and was helped quickly, got my order filled and then got my food - Mushroom swiss burger - in record time! Food was great and I'll be coming back again. The place is kept somewhat cool so you might want to bring another layer if you get a bit chilly!
avalon151
One of Portland's old time, jumbo sized (dive bar) treasures at NE 42nd & Alberta. Affordable drink and food prices . . and that's saying a lot these days. A much better deal than most of the really overpriced, gentrified establishments all up and down NE Killingsworth & Alberta. Vintage locals bar & restaurant, def worth trying out . . especially for the breakfast food, which is available from open to close! They also have breakfast and lunch specials. The best time to visit for a chill, more relaxed customer/server vibe, is from 7:00am to about mid afternoon. The servers can seem a bit aloof until you get to know them better but it's mainly because they're just really busy and runnin' their tails off most of the time. Server Tiffany, is a real off the wall, hoot! lol ♡♡♡ They feature karaoke, dj's or live music on the weekends.
William Crowe
A very nice place to come and be friendly with real people. Live music on the weeknd's. A good breakfast lunch and dinner situation. And dancing is allowed.
Troll Puncher
Really fun spot! Old school Portland still alive here!!! Came here with my buddy for karaoke from hell. Good sound and good drinks. Good prices. And cool atmosphere!!!
How to reach Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge
None
Website: None
Why Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge with your friends? If you are looking for a vibrant, cozy, and uniquely entertaining spot to gather with friends or family, the Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge is an exceptional choice. Its combination of a speakeasy-style ambiance, excellent cocktails, engaging activities, and a warm social vibe sets it apart from typical gathering places. Often praised for its intimate and stylish setting nestled within a hotel, it provides a perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations or lively celebrations. Whether you want a laid-back evening with great drinks, a bit of friendly competition, or just a comfortable space to enjoy each other's company, this venue offers all of this under one roof. Its convenient location near key entertainment hubs also means you can easily make it part of a broader night out. With a strong rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 900 reviews, many guests have highlighted the quality of the drinks, the charm of the decor, and the friendliness of the staff, making it a trustworthy option for your next meetup. In essence, the Spare Room is not just a restaurant or lounge but a holistic social experience designed to bring people closer in a refined yet playful setting.
What activities make Spare Room the perfect meetup spot? One of the standout features of the Spare Room is its unique entertainment options that elevate it beyond just food and drink. The venue boasts classic bowling lanes right within its speakeasy environment, offering a fun twist where you and your friends can engage in friendly contests. This activity is great for breaking the ice or energizing the group, creating memorable moments together. Additionally, the lounge houses a selection of classic board games, appealing to groups who enjoy relaxed, interactive pastimes while savoring great drinks. The fusion of these activities with a cocktail bar means your meetup can be diverse—whether it’s lively bowling matches or chill moments of gameplay and chat. The venue often features live DJ sets, enhancing the vibe with curated music that encourages dancing or simply enjoying a stylish ambiance. This blend of entertainment options makes it a highly versatile space, accommodating different group moods and preferences. In short, Spare Room’s activity mix makes it an excellent place to bond, celebrate, or simply unwind in a warm and engaging environment.
Why is the atmosphere at Spare Room so inviting for groups? The Spare Room is known for its distinctive speakeasy design, which mixes vintage charm with modern sophistication to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages socializing. The space is intimate and cozy, with dim lighting and stylish furnishings that make groups feel comfortable and special. Because it is located inside a hotel on a mezzanine level, it has a somewhat hidden, exclusive vibe that adds to the experience of escaping the everyday and entering a unique social setting. Guests often comment on how the lively yet relaxed atmosphere fosters genuine interactions, whether you're catching up with old friends or meeting new ones. The presence of a great DJ or curated playlists further tailors the environment to a friendly and upbeat mood, making it easy for everyone to feel part of the scene. Its adult-only policy also ensures the ambiance remains sophisticated and enjoyable without distractions, making it ideal for mature groups who want to relax and have fun. This combination of factors creates a perfect atmosphere for memorable group experiences.
What food and drink options can groups enjoy at Spare Room? The culinary offerings at Spare Room complement its entertaining setting perfectly, providing a range of delicious light meals and expertly crafted cocktails. Guests can expect a cocktail menu with inventive drinks that cater to a variety of tastes—whether you prefer classics, creative concoctions, or seasonal specials. Many patrons cite the quality and presentation of the cocktails as a major highlight, ideal for groups who appreciate a finely tuned beverage selection. The food menu focuses on light bites and appetizers that pair well with the drinks and are easy to share, enabling a relaxed dining experience that doesn’t interrupt socializing or gameplay. This approach ensures that groups can snack over rounds of bowling or board games without the formality of a full meal, making it simple to enjoy diverse flavors while maintaining a lively atmosphere. The bar service model, where you order at the bar and take a seat, supports a casual, interactive environment that suits groups well. Overall, the food and drink experience is tailored to maximize fun and flavor, making it a cornerstone of the Spare Room’s appeal for meetups.
How does the location of Spare Room enhance your group meetup experience? Conveniently situated near popular venues like Mississippi Studios and set in the heart of Hollywood, Spare Room benefits from its prime location to attract vibrant crowds and easy accessibility. Being in a hotel on the Hollywood Walk of Fame also means it’s surrounded by iconic attractions, creating a perfect prelude or follow-up to other entertainment plans. The location encourages groups to make the Spare Room their hub before or after shows, concerts, or other events, supporting a full night out without the hassle of long travel between stops. Additionally, the buzz around the site often reflects in the lively ambiance, attracting diverse crowds yet maintaining an intimate feel due to its design. This combination of centrality and atmosphere ensures groups can seamlessly incorporate their meetup into broader city excursions. The accessibility by public transit or rideshares also means no one needs to worry about parking or driving, which can often complicate gatherings. Essentially, the location of Spare Room makes it a practical and exciting choice for any group looking to enjoy a memorable social occasion in a key entertainment district.