Portland, OR Restaurant Review: Matchbox Lounge

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland

There is nothing quite like having a neighborhood bar that suits you just perfectly. By that, I mean that all factors converge to create your Cheers moment — the feeling that a tiny, ideal spot was made just for you, from menu to lighting. I think Matchbox Lounge in the SE section of Portland on Division is one of those kinds of places. Just quaint enough, you can always find a seat and everything there seems to work. Let me try to explain a bit more.

I don’t like super well lit bars. I tend to like dive bars on one end of the quality continuum, and hotel bars on the other end. I like just a few choice beers on draft, with a bit of a rotation on those beers, but consistency as well. I like bar food, but not too much of it and not everything fried and greasy. I want to “go” to a bar, but if I can walk there, or ride a bike and stay off the road in a car, then I’m happiest. I like friendly service that stays out of my face for the most part, and staff who knows more than just how to pour a whiskey sour. They should know stuff about what they are serving, both food and drink. Like they have a vested interest in the place where they work. Is that asking too much?

Matchbox Lounge: Breaking Down the Menu and Ambiance
I don’t think so. And I think that Matchbox Lounge, for me, represents a pretty close take on what I’m looking for. So here’s what you’re gonna’ get. Knowledgeable, super-friendly staff. They know how to make a great drink, and the specialty cocktail menu is actually pretty interesting, and I’m more of a beer and bourbon guy, so that’s saying something. Here’s an example. A week or so ago, it was still super summer cold in Portland, and I ordered a Buffalo Toddy, which consisted of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Local Honey, Cinnamon, Cloves, Orange and Lemon, served hot for $7. Totally hit the spot.

Haven’t tried this one yet, but take a look. Sounds promising too: The Smitten Kitten. Ketel One Vodka and Fresh Squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit, shaken with a touch of Simple Syrup, served up with a sugared rim for just $8. If you’re a fan of gin, maybe this is up your alley: The Bees Knees, which is Tanqueray Gin, Honey Syrup, and Lemon, shaken and served up for $7.

Typically there appears to be about ten beers on tap, including local favorites like TG IPA on the premium side and Pabst Blue Ribbon on the blue collar side. Supplementing the local brews are a few international flavors from Belgium, Germany and the UK. If you’re a beer person, this is a great and not overwhelming location to start making inroads into becoming an aficionado. And their bartenders will help you out without making you feel like an idiot. Give it a shot. The recent brief inclusion of Reissdorf Kolsch on tap was excellent and I hope for everyone’s sake they bring back a few more kegs this summer.

Happy Hour Burger: Matchbox Lounge, Portland

The regular menu is slightly “upscale” in flavor and description, but not in price. Again, the bartenders are friendly and will help you find a way into the menu, which is great. Matchbox Lounge, like many local bars and restaurants in Portland, prides itself on local, organically grown ingredients. They feature Painted Hills Beef, Carlton Farms Pork, Draper Valley Chicken, Gathering Together Greens and Vegetables, Little T American Baker and Grand Central Baking Bread. And they make sure to let you know, right there on the menu.

Try the Wild Boar Gumbo, the Meatball Wedge, or have your way with a Portland Cheesesteak if you’re hungry ($11, $9, $10). Small Plates include Chili Honey Roasted Hazelnuts, which are surprisingly delicious and not filling, so you may need more if you’re looking for a larger snack ($3). Instead, you might try the Three Olive Tapenade, served with Chevre, and Baguette ($7), or have the Grilled Squash Pizzetta with Caramelized Onions, Chevre, and Provincial Herbs ($8).

I am on a mission to find the BEST burgers and fries in this city, and for $5, the happy hour version at Matchbox Lounge gets a seriously strong vote. Check the picture above: juicy, thick and not gigantic. Toasted delicate bun that is half the flavor. Painted Hills beef cooked just right. Cheddar cheese, fresh onions, greens and a home made spread. I don’t know what it is, but this is just about perfect for me: flavor, size, condiments, price, all of it conspire to create a near perfect bar menu item.

Lastly, the ambiance — for some, Matchbox Lounge might be too “open” — meaning there aren’t a lot of dark corners and nooks to take a date and hide away in. Closer to an open beer hall but in the shape of a square, smaller and more lounge in feel, Matchbox is cozy in the truest sense. Moody lighting is not too bright but light enough to see something you might be trying to read, like the WW crossword puzzle, on your table. Lounge booths in the two front windows, tables in the middle of the room, half a dozen bar stools at the bar, and a few tables out front at night and in the summer give you plenty of options.

Happy Hour menu includes “just about everything you’ll find on [their] Dinner Menu, only cheaper!” Happy Hour is served daily from 10pm-midnite and all day Sunday.

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Pictures

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Exterior 1

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Interior 1

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Signage

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Exterior

Matchbox Lounge, SE Portland Exterior

Portland, OR Restaurant Details: Matchbox Lounge and Bar
Matchbox Lounge
3203 SE Division (at the corner of SE 32nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97202
Southeast
(503) 234-7844
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 4:00pm – 2:30am

Portland, OR Restaurant Map: Matchbox Lounge on Division
Click here for a map of the area: Matchbox Lounge in SE Portland

The official Matchbox Lounge website (Click)
Matchbox Lounge on Portland Mercury site (Click)
Matchbox Lounge Review at Bar Fly: Portland (Click)

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