The Nest
1801 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 282-0230
The Nest opened up a year or so ago in what was once Joe's Place, probably the last bar on Alberta Street where black folks hung out. It seemed like a symbolic gesture of gentrification, but what it has turned into is a very low-key, unpretentious neighborhood bar. And lots of the Joe's regulars still hang there. Drinks are stiff and cheap, there is a pool table, some pinball and video games to boot. Only downside is that it gets so freakin smoky in there. The smokers don't seem to mind that of course, but can make it hard to enjoy a drink, or 2 or 5.