When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Fixin' To
Why The Fixin' To is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Fixin' To is a well-loved dive bar located at 8218 North Lombard Street in Portland, Oregon, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere ideal for meeting up with friends. Known for its vibrant and unpretentious vibe, it is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking great drinks and good company. The bar operates mainly in the evenings and late nights, opening from the afternoon and staying open till the early morning hours, making it a perfect destination for night owls and late-night hangouts. The venue is known for its friendly service and a laid-back ambiance where patrons can enjoy a relaxed time. One of the highlights includes its unique pinball art created by Derek Yaniger, contributing to the quirky and fun environment. The Fixin' To provides actual dive bar charm with a respectable reputation amongst Portland’s bar scene. It caters to a diverse crowd that appreciates a no-frills, comfortable place for drinks and socializing, and it is perfect for casual meetups, after-work drinks, or weekend nights out.
Here's what people think of The Fixin' To
As of recent, The Fixin' To holds a 4.4-star rating based on 492 reviews.
Reviews of The Fixin' To reveal that customers generally appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, enthusiastic bartenders, and the bar’s unpretentious vibe. Many reviewers describe it as a staple dive bar with a relaxed, genuine feel that makes it a reliable hangout spot in Portland's diverse nightlife scene. Positive reviews frequently highlight the late-night hours, which offer great opportunities for winding down after a long day or continuing a night out. The unique décor and pinball art also receive praise for adding to the bar's character. On the other hand, some of the less favorable reviews mention factors such as the bar being crowded especially on weekends, occasional service delays, or a limited food menu, which could be points for improvement. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment remains positive. The Fixin' To is celebrated mostly as a dependable dive bar offering a solid nightlife experience with strong community vibes and a sense of authenticity. This balance of charm and casualness keeps patrons coming back, solidifying its reputation as a respectable dive bar in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melissa Gossett (Reddragonflys)
Really nice place, almost dive bar with some fun games. We brought our dog in and we're surprised that we could bring her through the bar. Fresh water bowls. Food was good, sandwich was not a portion for a hungry person.
Jacob Freida
Love the love music and atmosphere there. Drinks are great and food is good. Have gone there several times and can't wait to go back
Kelly Kavonius
Went to a concert here and had an odd experience with a customer assuming we were talking to her and was asked to leave, but quickly got it situated and everything turned out on our end. Beer was cold, service was friendly and quick, and was able to watch 3 bands play in the back. Good little bar
S. Anderson
Went here last night for a hip hop performance. Fun space to enjoy live music. The place is bigger than it looks with heated outdoor seating with both a smoking/vaping section & a non smoking section. The event space has a good sized stage. The place has a fun rock and roll lifestyle vibe. Had some nachos and a couple of drinks. The food was tasty, the drinks were solid. The staff is friendly and the bathroom was clean. I would definitely go here again.
Chris Johnson
Cool dive bar/music venue! Big covered patio, several pinall machines, and dedicated music venue room.
How to reach The Fixin' To
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Why The Fixin' To may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Fixin' To with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot to gather with friends or family can make all the difference in creating memorable moments. The Fixin' To, located in Portland, Oregon, stands out as an ideal venue to rally your group for a relaxed and enjoyable outing. Rated 4.4 stars with nearly 500 reviews, this establishment offers a compelling blend of cozy atmosphere, quality food and drink, and engaging social vibes that naturally foster connection. Whether you seek a laid-back environment for casual chats or a lively setting filled with local charm, The Fixin' To hits the mark with its vibrant yet welcoming personality. Its century-old building further adds character, delivering an ambiance full of history yet thoroughly inviting for modern patrons. This is a place where friends can kick back comfortably, savor handcrafted pizzas, sip well-made cocktails, and find a collective rhythm after a long day. The outdoor seating area also enhances the experience, encouraging groups to enjoy Portland’s weather while immersing in lively conversations and the bar’s crafted offerings. With a strong reputation for friendly service and a uniquely local flair, The Fixin' To beckons groups wanting a destination that feels authentic and congenial.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at The Fixin' To?
The Fixin' To is not just a place to eat and drink; it offers a combination of activities that adapt well to group settings and varied interests. For starters, the venue serves crafty handmade pizzas made to order, ideal for sharing and satisfying diverse tastes within your group. The food, although noted as slightly pricier, is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared, making mealtime a focal point of your meetup. This culinary aspect aligns perfectly with the communal atmosphere, encouraging guests to savor each other's company over excellent eats. Beyond pizza, the venue boasts a well-curated drinks menu featuring expertly mixed cocktails and beer on tap, ensuring that every preference is accommodated, from craft beer aficionados to cocktail lovers. Outdoor seating amplifies the appeal by offering a casual open-air environment, perfect for groups who enjoy mingling under the sky in an inviting, fresh setting.
Adding to the vibe, The Fixin' To also includes unique interior touches like retro gaming systems and old sports memorabilia, which give the space a nostalgic feel and provide informal entertainment during your stay. These features foster a sense of playfulness and shared experience that transform a simple outing into a memorable event. Whether your group wants to challenge each other at a quick game or chat about local history displayed on the walls, these details elevate the atmosphere beyond a typical bar or restaurant. The venue’s music and no-frills Southern flair create an environment that feels both cozy and spirited, meeting the needs of a dynamic group looking for more than just food and drinks. Overall, The Fixin' To offers a fun, layered experience designed to encourage social interaction and provide multiple points of engagement for groups.
Why is The Fixin' To perfect for a group meetup?
The Fixin' To’s appeal for group meetups stems from its versatile space, friendly service, and an overall atmosphere that promotes connection and enjoyment. The establishment’s sizable interior and outdoor seating mean it can easily accommodate groups of various sizes without feeling cramped or rushed. Its historic building adds a unique charm and spaciousness that larger venues sometimes lack, providing room for people to spread out and socialize comfortably. Attention to service is another highlight; guests often mention the friendly, efficient staff who manage the sometimes busy bar with professional grace, making group members feel welcome and attended to without intrusive oversight. This balance of attentiveness and relaxed vibes ensures everyone can focus on enjoying the moment together.
The venue's happy hours and reasonably priced drinks provide an economical option for groups who want to indulge without overspending, which can be critical when coordinating meetups that involve multiple people. Moreover, The Fixin' To’s late operating hours, stretching into the early morning, cater well to groups who wish to extend their gathering beyond dinner or early evening, making it a viable spot for celebrations or night-long hangouts. The presence of a no-frills bar with a bit of Southern hospitality adds a layer of distinctiveness, making your gathering feel like a true Portland local experience rather than a typical commercial venue. Whether it’s a casual reunion, birthday party, or simple weekend wind-down, The Fixin' To provides all the ingredients to make such moments both memorable and comfortable.
How does the ambiance contribute to the value of group experiences at The Fixin' To?
Ambiance is a critical component of any successful group gathering, and The Fixin' To excels here by combining a laid-back, cozy atmosphere with subtle touches of nostalgia and local culture. The décor includes a fence made of doors, vintage sports memorabilia, and nostalgic elements such as retro gaming systems, all of which contribute layers of visual interest and conversation starters. This setting appeals not only to those seeking a comfortable place to sit and chat but also to those who appreciate an environment that tells a story and offers something unique visually and experientially. The blend of old-world charm from the century-old building and modern craft beverages creates a harmonious balance that attracts diverse groups—from longtime locals to visitors wanting an authentic Portland vibe.
Moreover, the outdoor seating area allows groups to bask in seasonal weather while still being part of the lively social fabric of the neighborhood. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a mild summer evening, having an open-air option adds a refreshing dynamic that indoor-only venues can struggle to provide. Such an environment naturally encourages relaxation and ease, key ingredients for quality social interaction. The friendly staff’s approachability further enhances this by making guests feel genuinely welcomed and attended to, crucial when managing larger groups who may have varying needs or requests. Together, these ambiance factors foster an inclusive, warm, and engaging setting that helps groups forge stronger connections while enjoying their time together.
What makes the food and drinks at The Fixin’ To suitable for groups?
When hosting a meetup, food and drinks are often the main attraction, and The Fixin' To meets this demand with its focus on high-quality, shareable options that enhance the group experience. The menu’s highlight is its handmade pizzas, crafted with care and designed to cater to various palates, making them ideal for sharing across any group size. Customization and made-to-order preparation ensure that everyone can find something they enjoy, whether they prefer classic toppings or more adventurous choices. This flexibility is invaluable when coordinating with diverse appetites and dietary preferences, helping to avoid any dining friction.
On the beverage side, The Fixin' To offers a selection of well-made drinks, including craft beers on tap and expertly mixed cocktails, serving as an appealing complement to the food and the social setting. The drinks not only help set the mood but also encourage a relaxed pace for conversation and fun. Special attention to happy hour prices also makes it an affordable option when multiple drinks are part of the plan, supporting longer and more enjoyable gatherings without excessive cost. Overall, the combination of carefully prepared, tasty food with a compelling drink menu scales well to meet the demands of groups, helping keep everyone satisfied and engaged throughout their visit.
How accessible and convenient is The Fixin’ To for organizing meetups?
Convenience and accessibility often decide where groups choose to meet, and The Fixin' To is well positioned to serve as a go-to venue. Located in an easily reachable part of Portland’s St. John’s neighborhood, it enjoys good visibility and accessibility for locals and visitors alike. The venue’s hours — open from late afternoon until early morning — provide significant flexibility, making it a practical choice whether your group favors early evening meetups or late-night celebrations. This helps avoid the pressure of fitting a social gathering into narrow time windows, allowing organizers to plan according to their group’s rhythm.
The building itself is spacious and historic, surprising for its size, which means larger parties can often be accommodated without the stress of overcrowding. This supports comfort and logistics, including seating arrangements conducive to conversation and group cohesion. Parking and easy entry are further benefits for groups who may be arriving via car or public transit. Collectively, these factors contribute significantly to The Fixin' To’s suitability as a practical and appealing location for group meetups, minimizing common organizational hurdles and maximizing enjoyment.
In conclusion, The Fixin' To offers a harmonious mix of atmosphere, food, drink, and social features that make it an outstanding choice for hosting gatherings with friends or family. Its unique setting, quality offerings, and welcoming vibe contribute to memorable experiences that bring people closer in a congenial Portland locale. Whether you plan a casual hangout, a dinner party, or a festive night out, The Fixin' To provides an ideal backdrop to celebrate connection and camaraderie.