Unearth The Voyage
Oregon’s dining scene hides some of its best treasures below street level. From Portland to Bend, basement bars and restaurants offer more than just great food and drinks—they deliver atmosphere, mystery, and a sense of discovery. Whether you’re hunting for a speakeasy vibe, live music, or a cozy spot to escape the rain, these underground gems are well worth the trip downstairs.
1. 2NW5 at The Hoxton (Portland)
Finding this spot requires a little insider knowledge—hotel staff will point you toward a hidden door that leads downstairs. Once inside 2NW5, you’ll discover a speakeasy that feels like a secret club, with plush seating and dim, flattering light.
The menu leans classic, offering nightcaps that would make any cocktail lover happy, plus bar bites that are surprisingly satisfying. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for hours without noticing time pass.
Whether you’re a hotel guest or just exploring downtown Portland, this discreet basement bar rewards those who seek it out with serious style and solid drinks.
2. EastBurn Public House – TapRoom (Portland)
EastBurn splits its personality across two floors, and the downstairs TapRoom is where the grown-ups go to play. This 21-and-over space features skee-ball, a solid tap list, and pub fare that hits the spot after a few rounds of games.
Upstairs, the main floor welcomes all ages for brunch and dinner, but the basement vibe is distinctly more relaxed and playful. It’s a neighborhood hangout where you can grab a pint, challenge friends to skee-ball, and enjoy some quality bar food without any fuss.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy to drop in anytime you’re craving good beer and good times.
3. Sousòl (Portland)
James Beard Award winner Gregory Gourdet brings his culinary magic underground with Sousòl, a moody pan-Caribbean basement bar tucked beneath his restaurant Kann. The space glows with warm lighting and island-inspired energy, making every visit feel like a mini escape.
Caribbean flavors shine through every small plate and cocktail on the menu. Expect bold spices, tropical ingredients, and drinks that transport you straight to warmer shores. The vibe is intimate without feeling cramped, perfect for date nights or catching up with friends.
Reservations are smart here since word has spread fast about this stylish hideaway.
4. Kells Irish Pub (Portland)
With live music echoing through its walls most nights, Kells Irish Pub has been a Portland staple for years. The downstairs cigar lounge adds an extra layer of character, offering a cozy retreat for those who enjoy a good smoke with their whiskey.
The full Irish menu delivers everything from shepherd’s pie to fish and chips, all made with care and generous portions. Whether you’re there for the Guinness, the tunes, or the hearty food, Kells nails the authentic Irish pub experience.
The basement cigar lounge feels like a hidden club within a club, perfect for winding down after exploring downtown Portland’s busier streets.
5. Old Town Pizza & Brewing (Portland – Old Town/Chinatown)
History runs deep—literally—at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, which sits directly above the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. Tours of the underground passages start right here, and the building’s haunted reputation only adds to the intrigue.
Before or after your tunnel tour, grab a pizza and a house-brewed beer in the atmospheric dining room. The pies are solid, the beer is fresh, and the whole experience feels like stepping back in time. Old Town/Chinatown’s gritty charm surrounds the building, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Portland’s darker past.
Even skeptics will appreciate the character this place brings to the table.
6. The Basement Public House (Portland)
True to its name, The Basement Public House is literally underground, offering a cozy escape from the city streets above. The menu leans heavily on curries and comfort food, with flavors that warm you from the inside out.
Games line the walls, making it a fun spot to hang out with friends while you eat and drink. The small space feels inviting rather than cramped, with a neighborhood vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, play a round of darts, and enjoy a meal that feels like a hug.
Perfect for rainy Portland nights when you need somewhere snug to hide out.
7. Ringlers (Crystal Ballroom) – Ringlers/Annex/Underground spaces (Portland)
The Crystal Ballroom complex is legendary for its concerts, but beneath the venue lies Ringlers and its connected underground spaces, buzzing with late-night energy. Burgers, pizza, pinball machines, and a lively crowd make this a go-to spot before or after a show.
The subterranean layout feels like a maze of fun, with different rooms offering different vibes—some quiet, some loud, all entertaining. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for the evening, the atmosphere here pulses with Portland’s creative spirit.
It’s a place where music lovers, night owls, and hungry people all find common ground below the dance floor.
8. Venti’s Café + Basement Bar (Salem)
Salem’s downtown scene gets a boost from Venti’s, which splits its offerings between a street-level café and a lively basement bar. The basement is where the party happens, with a broad menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options alongside classic favorites.
Live music and events keep the energy high downstairs, while the café above offers a quieter spot for coffee and conversation. The inclusive menu means everyone can find something they’ll love, making it a popular gathering spot for locals. Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or just drinks, Venti’s delivers on flavor and fun.
It’s a Salem staple that knows how to keep people coming back.
9. Hotel Oregon – Cellar Bar (McMinnville)
McMenamins brings its quirky charm to wine country with Hotel Oregon, where the Cellar Bar hides downstairs in Prohibition-style glory. After taking in rooftop views of McMinnville, head down to the cellar for a pint and some pub fare in a space that feels like a secret hideout.
The décor is classic McMenamins—eclectic art, cozy seating, and a sense of whimsy throughout. It’s a perfect stop after a day of wine tasting, offering local brews and comfort food in an atmosphere that’s both historic and welcoming. The cellar’s low ceilings and intimate layout make every visit feel special.
Wine country deserves a great beer spot, and this is it.
10. Porter Brewing Co. – The Cellar (Bend)
Tucked just below downtown Bend, The Cellar at Porter Brewing Co. pours traditional English-style ales in a cozy basement pub setting. The space feels like a hidden gem, with low ceilings and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.
Porter Brewing focuses on quality over quantity, crafting beers that honor classic brewing traditions while adding their own Oregon twist. The cellar location adds to the charm, making it feel like you’ve discovered something special that not everyone knows about yet. Pair your pint with some pub snacks and settle in for a proper session.
Bend’s beer scene is strong, and The Cellar holds its own beautifully.
11. Cellar 65 Speakeasy (Bend)
Finding Cellar 65 requires a little detective work—look for the stairwell, head down into a literal cellar, and you’ll be rewarded with a speakeasy serving scratch cocktails and Moroccan-Mediterranean snacks. The hidden entrance adds to the thrill of discovery.
Inside, the vibe is intimate and sophisticated, with carefully crafted drinks that showcase serious bartending skills. The food menu offers flavors you won’t find everywhere in Bend, with spices and ingredients that transport you across continents. It’s a date-night winner or a spot to impress out-of-town guests who think they’ve seen everything Bend has to offer.
Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you have to search for.
12. Cellar Z at Zupan’s Markets (Portland & Lake Oswego)
Yes, you read that right—Zupan’s grocery stores hide fully equipped basement private dining rooms among their wine racks. Cellar Z offers bookable dinners and tastings in an unexpected setting that turns a trip to the market into something much more memorable.
The rooms are designed for special occasions, with elegant touches and the convenience of being surrounded by some of the best wines and gourmet foods in the store. It’s a unique concept that works beautifully for intimate gatherings, wine club meetings, or celebrations that call for something different. Who knew grocery shopping could lead to such a cool dining experience?
Available at both Portland and Lake Oswego locations, this is one cellar worth exploring.
