When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Spirit of 77

Why Spirit of 77 is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Spirit of 77 in Portland is a popular and lively sports bar known for its extensive TV screens, ideal for catching live games with friends. The venue offers a spacious and casual setting that combines an industrial aesthetic with a friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to meet up for happy hour or a game night. It serves sizable portions of food including favorites like chicken wings and fish tacos, alongside a diverse drink menu featuring rotating specials. Guests appreciate the ample seating and the bar area staffed by attentive bartenders, creating a welcoming environment for both sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Located on MLK Boulevard, Spirit of 77 is accessible with street parking nearby, adding convenience for groups. Its energy and variety of offerings have made it a favored destination over the years for groups seeking good food, drinks, and an engaging sports viewing experience in Portland.
Here's what people think of Spirit of 77
As of recent, Spirit of 77 holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1060 reviews.
Reviews of Spirit of 77 highlight its strengths and some drawbacks as experienced by patrons. Positive feedback often praises the venue's excellent atmosphere for sports fans, citing numerous TVs, generous food portions, and a beverage menu that caters to varied tastes. Particularly, staff members like Jose (known for their exceptional fish tacos) and bartender Billy receive commendations for attentive and friendly service that enhances the overall experience. Many guests feel at home and enjoy the lively yet comfortable vibe, recommending it as one of Portland's top sports bars.
On the other hand, some reviews mention that the industrial decor can feel a bit run-down, and there are occasional reports of indifferent service at the bar during busy periods. A few patrons also noted that the space can become quite crowded, suggesting an early visit for the best seating. While the drink quality is generally good, some visitors have found it inconsistent.
Overall, the reviews convey that Spirit of 77 remains a beloved spot for sports and social gatherings, with its large TVs, friendly staff, and solid food and drink options outweighing the occasional service hiccup or aesthetic quibble.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emily Laudi
Came by to watch NHL playoffs and have a few snacks. Great spot to watch sports and have a bite. Plenty of seating and screens to watch whatever is on. Food was good and arrived quick.
Todd Singleton
Great environment to watch a game on the big screen. They seem to rely heavily on that. The food was meh. The wings were really skinny and really overcooked. The fish tacos included two pieces of fish that were burnt. They clearly don't prioritize the kitchen. Perhaps go there for the environment and the drinks, not so much for the food.
Sneha Sinha
This place has a really fun vibe and it’s perfect to pregame before any event at the moda center or the convention center. The reason why I felt compelled to write the review today is because their JoJo’s are crazy big each one is the size of about a quarter of the biggest potato you can think of and The mushy potato inside to fried surface area of the exterior ratio is off so I just wouldn’t recommend that particular item on the menu.
Brittoni Ward
We stumbled on this place while visiting and wanting to watch US soccer. Cannot recommend this spot enough! Great food and beers but also a full bar if you want cocktails. The turkey sandwich with mama lil’s peppers is delicious! The burger was also delicious and I recommend adding the peppers to it. Great atmosphere to watch games, play indoor games, socialize, and unwind. We look forward to our next visit to Portland just so we can pop over here again.
M A
The staff is very nice at this bar/restaurant but the food is just average. The burger was serviceable, but they didn't have typical toppings like mayo and mustard. The jojos were a bit underdone, while the onion rings were overdone. Free refills on the fountain sodas were a nice touch. Proximity to the Convention Center means it is a little pricey for what it is, but during the convention we attended at mid-day, it was a ghost town inside. They do have a free-play set of make-a-shot basketball games and lots of big screen tvs showing the games.
How to reach Spirit of 77
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Why Spirit of 77 may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Spirit of 77 with your friends? Spirit of 77 is an ideal hotspot in Portland for gathering friends for a memorable outing thanks to its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere and diverse offerings. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or celebrating a special occasion, this venue strikes the perfect balance between a lively sports bar and a welcoming neighborhood hangout. The friendly, attentive staff and the upbeat energy create a space where groups can truly connect, enjoy great drinks, and indulge in tasty food. Its location near the Convention Center makes it easily accessible, especially if you and your friends are coming from different parts of the city. Plus, the combination of ample seating, multiple big-screen TVs, and a thoughtful service approach means your party can comfortably settle in without feeling cramped or rushed. Perhaps most importantly, its reputation as a transgender safe space adds an essential layer of inclusivity, making everyone feel welcome and safe during their visit. For anyone looking to rally with friends in Portland, Spirit of 77 offers a dependable and exciting environment to share laughter, watch games, and enjoy quality time together.
What activities can you enjoy at Spirit of 77? Spirit of 77 offers a variety of activities designed to keep your group entertained from start to finish. Foremost, it's known as Portland’s premier sports bar, outfitted with every major sports package imaginable, ensuring you won’t miss a single game whether it’s basketball, football, or other major sports events. This makes it a haven for sports fans to cheer alongside friends in real-time. Beyond viewing games on numerous TVs, the venue features dart boards, adding a casual competitive element fostered by friendly interaction. The bar also has an extensive beer selection that caters to refined tastes with local drafts and unique pour sizes, complemented by carefully crafted cocktails. Food-wise, its menu focuses on "scratch recipe" dishes with generous portions, perfect for sharing with your group, although the offerings lean towards hearty, fried items with some salad alternatives. During the day, the bar’s ample WiFi and convenient laptop outlets create an environment inviting to casual work sessions or relaxed socializing. This multifaceted experience accommodates different group preferences, whether your focus is on watching sports, playing games, enjoying food and drinks, or simply spending quality time chatting in a comfortable setting.
Why is Spirit of 77 perfect for a group meetup? Spirit of 77 shines as a meetup venue due to its spacious and adaptable environment that accommodates groups of various sizes without sacrificing comfort. The layout provides plenty of seating options to ensure everyone in your circle can sit together while still having ample room to move around. Its lively yet not overwhelming ambiance encourages conversation, making it easier for friends and family to catch up and share memories. The bar’s focus on excellent customer service means that from the moment your group arrives, staff members like the well-reviewed bartender Billy and others make an effort to enhance your experience with prompt, friendly service tailored to your needs. They also accommodate private parties, making Spirit of 77 a reliable choice if you want a customized celebration or business gathering. The availability of happy hour specials further sweetens the deal, offering affordable drinks and food options that help groups enjoy a full, satisfying meetup without stretching the budget. Together, these features create an environment where groups feel energized while also feeling at ease, a rare combination that makes Spirit of 77 a standout choice.
How does the food and drink contribute to the group experience at Spirit of 77? Food and drink play a pivotal role in making Spirit of 77 a welcoming haven for groups. The menu features classic bar fare with large portions meant to be shared, from their well-regarded chicken wings to diverse scratch-made dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. While the cuisine focuses heavily on fried items, there are salad options available to balance the menu. This diversity makes the spot appealing to groups that may have mixed dietary preferences. On the drink side, Spirit of 77 boasts a broad selection of craft beers, local drafts, and specialty cocktails, allowing every group member to find something that suits their palate. The bartenders’ expertise and willingness to help select drinks enhance the overall enjoyment and create a convivial atmosphere around the bar. Happy hour specials provide excellent value, allowing groups to indulge in quality food and beverages affordably, which is a strong plus especially for larger meetups. Altogether, the thoughtful culinary and beverage offerings ensure that whether your group is looking to fuel up while watching a game or celebrate an occasion, Spirit of 77 meets those expectations with flair.
What makes the atmosphere and service at Spirit of 77 stand out for group gatherings? The atmosphere at Spirit of 77 strikes a balance between being upscale yet casual, preserving the classic spirit of a sports bar while maintaining tidiness and comfort. Patrons frequently compliment the clean environment—including well-kept restrooms—enhancing comfort for all, including women and families. The vibe becomes electric during major sporting events, especially Blazers away games, creating an "out of this world" experience where fans and friends unite with shared enthusiasm. Beyond the ambiance, the standout service by staff such as Pat, Sarah, Scott, and Jose has earned high praise for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Their commitment to customer satisfaction extends to flexibility in working within budgets and tailoring experiences for private parties or casual meetups. These factors collectively produce a welcoming, inclusive environment where groups can relax, indulge, and enjoy themselves without hassles or delays. This combination of a vibrant yet comfortable setting with exceptional service ensures memorable group occasions and builds lasting loyalty.
Where is Spirit of 77 located, and how accessible is it for meetups? Spirit of 77 benefits from a prime, easily accessible location on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, just steps from the Portland Convention Center. This central spot makes it convenient for locals and tourists alike, whether arriving on foot, by public transit, or car. Although parking is mostly on the street, the area’s urban setting means you’re in close proximity to many city amenities and attractions, encouraging a full night out after your meetup. The venue is noted for its accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible toilets, ensuring that all members of your group can enjoy the space comfortably. This accessibility strengthens its appeal as a group-friendly destination that does not exclude anyone due to mobility or logistical concerns. Being situated in a lively, well-trafficked part of Portland also adds to the overall excitement, offering opportunities to extend your outing before or after your time at Spirit of 77. The location, coupled with its inviting atmosphere, makes it an easy choice for groups planning casual or celebratory gatherings.
How does Spirit of 77 accommodate different group needs and occasions? Spirit of 77 has tailored its offerings and services to suit a wide range of group dynamics and event types. The bar’s capacity and layout accommodate casual friend meetups, family gatherings, and private parties with equal finesse. It supports work-friendly visits during the day with ample WiFi and power outlets, providing a comfortable setting for remote work or casual business meetings that might spill into evening socializing. For private parties, staff are known to collaborate with you on menus, budgets, and setups to ensure your event flows smoothly and meets your expectations. The venue’s status as a transgender safe space underscores its commitment to inclusivity, reassuring all guests that their identities and preferences will be respected. The combination of flexibility, attentive service, and diverse environment options makes Spirit of 77 a versatile venue ready to host anything from informal drinks to more structured celebrations. Whatever your group size or purpose, this bar’s dedication to meeting varied needs elevates it beyond a typical sports bar.
In summary, Spirit of 77 is a top-tier choice for rallying with friends or family in Portland due to its exceptional mix of sports enthusiasm, inclusive and lively atmosphere, diverse activities, and attentive service. Its large, comfortable space and extensive drink and food menu accommodate groups of all kinds, while the staff’s dedication to guest experience ensures every visit is enjoyable. With easy access in a prime location and a reputation for quality, Spirit of 77 stands out as a premier venue to connect, celebrate, and enjoy time together.