Shanghai Tunnel
Portland, OR 97204-2706
Phone: (503) 220-4001
- Best of Citysearch:
- Dive Bar 2007, Dive Bar 2006, Dive Bar 2005
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 4pm-2:30am, Sun-Mon 8pm-2:30am
Editorial Review for Shanghai Tunnel – by Andre Hagestedt
In Short
Patrons wander underground into a dark, slightly spooky cavern, or they can stay upstairs and converse with friends on red vinyl couches. Legend has it this place was a tunnel where 19th-century Portlanders were shanghaied, so dim Oriental lights, dragon murals and dive-bar elements lend appropriate atmosphere. It's a favorite among service-industry types, musicians, and the occasional rock star who pops in after a big show. Potent drinks keep the regulars and visitors bubbly.
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Insider Tips
On the MenuNouveau Asian fare is a must--it's inexpensive and on its way to legendary. Don't pass up potstickers, which are delicious and tender. Other interesting culinary finds: coconut and lemongrass soup, various incarnations of ahi tuna, and noodle bowls.
Where to SitWarmer months mean a large, outdoor seating area, great for late-night people watching or meeting others.
Know Before You GoQuiz the staff and you'll hear some good stories.
User Reviews for Shanghai Tunnel
03/20/2008 Posted by plushie1
Shanghai is a really cool bar. It's different from most in Portland because it lies below street level. It has a funky vibe and low-key. Plus, drinks are cheap :-) However, the reason I cannot go back there is because of the smoke. I have barely walked in the main door upstairs, and I can already smell the cigarette smoke down below. By the time I've walked down stairs, my clothes, hair, skin is hopeless. I stopped going because of that. I realize that Oregon will be smoke-free in 2009, but it's not too early to start. Especially when competing bars in the area are smoke free, or have established and well-ventilated smoking areas that don't waft into the main bar. I look forward to visiting Shanghai again once it's smoke-free.
Pros: dive, ecclectic, downstairs, cheap beer
Cons: SMOKE SMOKE SMOKE
06/18/2007 Posted by chelseabree
So I've been going to the tunnels for about 3 years now and it is hands down my favorite bar. We go there about twice a month, and the guy at the door remembers us everytime we walk up. (And greets us with smiles.) The bartender pours the STIFFEST drinks that I've had since moving to Portland. (Reasonably priced too.) I've never had bad service here...the bartenders have always been friendly and respectful. And the food is awesome too! They have a great menu with alot of variety. Not your usual "pub grub." (Try the potstickers and a noodle bowl!) The food, like the drinks are reasonably priced... The tables out front are great for people watching on a nice day. Keep in mind this isn't a frou-frou frat type hangout. The downstairs decor is dark and eerie. It has a certain spooky "dungeon" feel to it. The smoke gets pretty thick when it gets packed later at night. (For cleaner air, try the upstairs bar.) The jukebox ROCKS with some of the best music I've heard on any jukebox in town. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone looking for stiff drinks, no frills and a kind of dark "edgy" feel.
Pros: Great service, good food, stiff drinks, reasonably priced
Cons: none
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