SoLo So Good

How many bars have you been to in Portland where you just don’t feel at home? Lots of places have a certain appeal, but where oh where does it feel like “your place”? Like you could move in and make it a regular hangout?

How about SoLo? Don’t fret – we’re not talking about hanging out solo – we mean a new bar called SoLo! It’s genius, truly. Between their fantastic patio and the extra-long happy hour, we’re considering setting up a tent and forwarding our mail. In fact, we’re almost bummed that we have to tell you about it, since it’s good enough to keep to ourselves.

We love the cool atmosphere, too, it’s very NYC. When they renovated Lovejoy Square they discovered this hidden cavern, a la Al Capone, and voila, SoLo was born. But what they’ve done with the place! It rates a 10 on the Atmosphere Scale, with a marble bar, cool floor lighting, and groovy music to set the mood. And the name, SoLo is perfect. In the vein of Nobu, Soho, Lobo, there’s SoLo (south of lovejoy), but it’s also about one’s journey (and what a journey one can have at SoLo!).

We predict this is the next “It Place” – a place to make the scene for people in their 30s/40s who want a hip place to go that doesn’t involve 20-somethings spouting cheesy pick-up lines. SoLo attracts hot men and women of a more experienced age, and we can’t resist the friendly servers and that “hidden gem” vibe. Oh yeah. And dinner is the perfect time to pop in with your honey or a hot date to soak up the scene.

Ooh, and the specialty cocktails are not to be believed! Have you tried an espresso martini? That will get the party started. And in May they’re opening for lunch, and that genius happy hour runs every day from 4-6 p.m., where beer and wine are $1 off, well drinks are only $3-$4, and Small Plates are half off.

Check them out on Fridays for “SoLo Fridays at Four,” where happy hour is extended til 7 p.m. Plus they offer complimentary infusion and food tasting, and cocktail specials. Yes, please!

Bring a big group of friends, or even, dare we say it, fly solo to SoLo! You’re guaranteed a good time. And tell them Portland Picks sent you! See you in the mix!

SoLo
1300 NW Lovejoy St., Portland, OR 97209
503-220-0080
www.solobar.net

Tues.-Fri., 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sat., 2 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sun., 2 p.m.-11 p.m.