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slides: Ten Floating Restaurants and Bars To Visit This Summer

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Jack Rushall, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Denizens of Portland, Oregon sometimes forget that they have the Willamette River and the Pacific Ocean at their beck and call. Fortunately, where there is water, Oregon also provides alcohol and food – through a number of successfully imaginative, and sufficiently kitschy outlets.

If you’re the type who likes to confuse having had one two many IPA’s with seasickness, you might consider dining at one of the following floating restaurants or bars this summer. 

See Slides Below: Ten Floating Restaurants and Bars to Visit this Summer

  • Newport Seafood Grill

    Are you looking for a classy dive with significant views of some of Portland’s most prominent bridges and skyscrapers? Check out the Newport Seafood Grill, a place that is typically vacant on a Friday night even during the tail end of happy hour. Though this place is very business casual, it is a tad fancy. You might want to dress up with a date and take to the outside deck where you can order drinks and watch the sun rain down over the Willamette, leaving glorious pastel clouds in its wake. Romance rating: 5/5. 

    0425 SW Montgomery St Portland, OR 97201

     
  • The Deck PDX

    Everybody loves a restaurant with its pin dropped in the middle of the Columbia River. If you have kids who enjoy pointing at quacking ducks strewn about a ship-heavy harbor while you sip on a four-star margarita, The Deck is the noontime spot for you. Note: comfort food is the main attraction here. Enjoy fried things.  

    2915 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211

     
  • Island Café

    The Island Café has that Caribbean feel paired with contagious river views and solid draft beer right here in North Portland. This place is the definition of summer: playful, sunny, and family friendly. Order some fried fish and chips for your tots. Sit back, relax, and sip on a colorful drink in a chilled glass. 

    250 Ne Tomahawk Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217

     
  • Portland Spirit

    Sail away, sail away; sail away on the Portland Spirit! Say goodbye to the shore and say hello to Portland’s only boat-driven, river-acquainted city tour. This boat is especially ideal for mid-morning when you can find an adventurous brunch menu with items ranging from eggs benedict to pasta. If you want to be at a floating bar or restaurant that is not just floating, but moving too: this should be your pick. 

    110 SE Caruthers St Portland, OR 97214

     
  • Three Degrees

    Ok, so Three Degrees isn’t technically floating. But it’s pretty darn close. At Three Degrees, you can laze around in wooden chairs on the Portland waterfront and enjoy a glass of cold white wine on a warm evening. Three Degrees is known for its outside seating and the place itself has a flexible and easygoing American-inspired menu. 

    1510 SW Harbor Way Portland, OR 97201 Southwest Portland, Downtown

     
  • The Puffin Café

    Though technically out of state, this floating bar is only a 28-minute drive from Southeast Portland. And it’s worth it. This floating bar/restaurant has adorable multi-colored twinkle lights strewn about its wooden beams. The vibe is laid back and somewhat reminiscent of a restaurant you might stumble upon along the Oregon coast. Portions are big here and the cuisine is diverse: enjoy halibut -- or canned cheese! 

    14 S A St Washougal, WA 98671

     
  • Salty’s on the Columbia

    If you enjoy windows as opposed to walls – especially in the middle of a significant body of water, Salty's is a solid option for a sunny, or a moody day. The upstairs bar and the outside deck are both visually stimulating with assorted views of the Columbia River. This place also has a tempting happy hour, plenty of buffet style options, and (most notably) $10 bottomless mimosas. 

    3839 NE Marine Dr Portland, OR 97211

     
  • Newport Belle Bed and Bre

    Are you down for a creative weekend getaway to the Oregon Coast? Book a room at the Newport Belle Bed and Breakfast, a hotel based aboard a vintage ship with an adjourning restaurant/bar that is sitting pretty atop the Pacific Ocean. This experience is bound to be sincerely unique, and it’s totally affordable. Side-note: this is the only riverboat bed and breakfast in all of America. Check this one out if you’re the type of individual who craves an experience!    

    2126 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365

     
  • Buoy Beer Company

    If you’re not interested in driving all the way to Newport, you might settle for the Buoy Beer Company in Astoria for a prime seaside attraction that will wet your mouth with quality local beer on tap. Astoria is a town full of dramatic bridges, and this bar has plenty of visitors: from squawking sea lions below to enthusiastic patrons above. Everyone returns to sip on some delectable clam chowder. Indeed, Astoria is the ideal Oregon town for an exploratory -- or even a bored Portland couple on an otherwise monotonous Saturday afternoon.  

    1 8th St, Astoria, OR 97103

     
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