written by Julie Lee | photo courtesy of 10 Barrel Brewing
It’s easy to tell when our beloved MLS champions, the Portland Timbers, play at home: traffic comes to a standstill around Providence Park and everyone dons green and yellow scarves, even in the summer heat. Here are some favorite watering holes where you can talk MLS stats and strategy on game day— while quenching your thirst, of course.
10 Barrel Brewing
Timber loyalists chose their favorite pre-game hot spot (Kingston Sports Bar & Grill) decades ago—before The Timbers Army was the raucous, boisterous fan force it is today—and they aren’t giving up their stools. Don’t worry because delicious alternatives abound, such as the 10 Barrel Brewing Portland pub. 10 Barrel finally opened its anxiously awaited rooftop deck, and it exceeds expectation. It’s a multi-level wooden masterpiece, and you’ll feel like you are on top of the city as you slug back a Crush Cucumber Sour and munch on some delicious pepperoni pizza, warming up your lungs for the game.
1411 NW Flanders St. | 10barrel.com
Leaky Roof
Adjacent to the stadium is the courtyard of fast eats like Uno Mas Taquiza, HOTLIPS Pizza, and Jimmy John’s—perfectly fine options if you’re in a hurry. For a more leisurely game-day warm-up or cool-down, Leaky Roof is a go-ahead goal a couple blocks south of stadium.With outside seating and an indoor fireplace, this is a favorite spot no matter the weather, and the salmon fish and chips are some of the best in town. A bonus on game day: side street parking.
1538 SW Jefferson St. | theleakyroof.com
Marathon Taverna Restaurant
A 92-inch HDTV, a pool table, ping pong, a live DJ (weekends only), cold beer and one of the best chicken gyros in town? This is a sports bar for sports fanatics. For soccer fans, this is the place to watch every match around the world. If all that isn’t enticing enough, consider the hours: open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., so, theoretically, you can dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then you can close it down after a Timbers win.
1735 W. Burnside St. | marathontaverna.com
Kell’s Brew Pub
Kell’s Brew Pub in northwest, an official Timbers partner, has become a second home to exuberant scarf-wearing spectators before and after Timbers games. Nothing beats a hearty Irish stew and a stiff stout in a festive atmosphere to get you primed for game time.
210 NW 21st Ave. | kellsbrewpub.com
The Civic Taproom
The Civic Taproom & Bottle Shop is a hot-spot for pre-function revelry. This Portland beer bar, a new city favorite, is a great place to go before a Timbers game. With twenty-two taps pouring beer, wine and ciders, you won’t go thirsty. You can also bring in your own food, making this an extra affordable option. Boise Fry Co. is next door and will deliver too.
621 SW 19th Ave. | thecivictaproom.com
Note: You know that huge space right across from Providence Park that was once Agency Ultra Sports Lounge, then Oscar Drake’s, and now sits empty? It will soon be Sushi Mioga, featuring made-to-order sushi. Stay tuned, Army.
