Black Water

Reviews

• Dave R.

  star star star star star 6 July 2026

  This is my favorite guilty-pleasure vegan food in Portland.  Birthday-meal good.  The beer choices are also great, some of every style.  They also have a lot of unique mixed drink options.  The prices are low and day-old desserts can usually be had for $1.  The staff is friendly, but with a hipster aloofness.
  
  The only gotcha is that they keep it super dark inside and everything is painted black, so if you'd like to be able to see your food -- which, for me, is a must -- you need to go on a weekend when they first open and grab one of the few seats by a window.

• Steve H.

  star star star star star 26 June 2026

  Vegan bar, eh? If you say so. The Black Water I'd simply an old skool rocker bar, leaning in the death metal direction. Flat black interior. Stage for band. Some beers and whiskey. You know, the basics of a great Saturday night.
  
  Never ate here. Can't vouch for the food. And offense to the fine vegan people out there.

• Joe R.

  star star star star star_border 20 June 2026

  I have been coming here weekly to several times a week for a long time. I love the affordable vegan food and interesting events they have there. I like the vibe, and even though some of the bartenders can be rude on the wrong day, for the most part everyone is nice.
  
  Unfortunately, the affordable part is gone with their "new menu". Sides don't come with your meal anymore, yet the prices of the meals didn't go down. It is now $3 for most sides, plus an extra dollar for to go, plus they expect a tip on top of that.
  
  I have been in this industry for 15 years, and I've always thought that the better business model is to make money off volume and not price increase (especially a $3 increase for a meal with side..wow). If you think about it, the regulars that used to come a few times a week or weekly may only come in every few weeks now, which is my case. Not sure that's the best way to make money.. I'll still see you every now and then, but not nearly as often.

• Luke H.

  star star star star star_border 12 June 2026

  This a a pretty cool dive bar right on broadway. The service at the bar is exactly what you want and expect at a place like this. They have a stage with live music and a couple pin ball machines in the back to stay busy with. It is pretty good size so it doesn't feel crowded even with all the regulars here. It's deceptively clean and has a punk rock feel that jives perfect for the area. There are some sketchy places in the area that don't hold a candle to this place. I would recommend this to anyone searching for a proper dive bar in the area. They have a good selection so go check it out. Cheers!

• Amanda T.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  This mine and my hubby's go to date spot. It's a drive for us since we live in Gresham but it's SO worth it. All vegan menu and cheap drinks. They have games and a fun event calendar. I'm obsessed with their wings  it's yummy dive bar food. Definitely recommend!!