Brazen Bean
Portland, OR 97209-1173
Phone: (503) 294-0636
- Best of Citysearch:
- Happy Hour 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
Editorial Review for Brazen Bean – by Nancy Levenson
The Scene
In the evenings, the curved porch on this house-turned-bar is abuzz with conversation and clinking glasses. Heat lamps chase the chill away in winter, as do the creatively mixed libations. A stone's throw from NW 21st Avenue, the bar serves as a popular meeting spot for pre-dinner drinks as well as a cozy place to put a cap on the night.
The Draw
Cocktails are king here, evidenced by more than 25 specialty martinis. Feeling adventurous? Sip on a Left Bank with rosemary-infused vodka, or taste the flowery lavender martini. Visit between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays and all martinis are half price. The drink menu overflows with other options, too--such as classic coffee drinks and creative concoctions like the cucumber kamikaze. Nibble on light meals and to-die-for desserts like fondue for two. Nonsmokers beware: This is one of the few places where cigar smoking isn't just tolerated--it's encouraged.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe Brazen Bean is a cocktail and cigar bar. There's a designated nonsmoking area, but true smoke haters should take a table outside.
Save MoneyDon't miss happy hour Monday-Saturday, 6pm-8pm when $4 martinis are offered. Another happy hour takes place from 9pm to close when drinks and food is discounted $5.
User Reviews for Brazen Bean
04/10/2008 Posted by FawnPDX
The first time I went to Brazen Bean I swore I'd never go back. It literally took my best friend and I 30+ mintues to get our FIRST drink. The service is not professional, there are no greetings and they are SOOO slow. I decided to give it one more chance last week and my guy friend and I walked out. It was so packed but regardless the service should still be existant. We were standing at the bar, THE BAR, where there was three employee's behind the counter. We didn't even get a glance, let alone service. We then just thought of our experience as a test and waited to see how long it would take to be served. It was 20 mintues before the bar tender even took our order. And no joke he warned "It will be a while"....Um, to make two martini's? We walked out. Very disappointing. I don't recommend this bar to anyone who wants respectable service. And it's too bad because the martini's have such potentional to be there reputation. I chose District or Vault over Brazen Bean anytime.
Pros: Hmm, can't think of one....
Cons: Poor Poor Service. Very slow service. I cannot stress this enough.
02/29/2008 Posted by hankbrummels
the bean has always been like an alternate universe to me. the place is so beautiful i forget dodgy old 21st avenue ever existed. its alway abuzz with excitement and i love the line of beautiful people who show up early for the 5pm opening. the libations are delicious and thoughtfully (if not just down right soulfully) crafted. i love to bring friends there. it simply never ceases to amaze visitors from other citties (seattle, minneapolis) at how friendly and homelike a bar can actually be. finally all the snacks on the menu are freakin delicious! the chef has his brightly colored cocina and an apt chandelier for his cooking prowess. go to the brazen bean! get there early or send friends in adavance. it gets real busy and you will hook up!!!
