Shift Drinks

3 Reviews on “Shift Drinks”

• Michael Crews

  This is one of the best craft cocktail bars in Portland and I work here so I’m definitely not bias.Where to sit: Most of the regulars like posting up on the bar seats at the north windows. Here you can watch the weather roll in and the sun set over the stained glass windows of the First Presbyterian Church (built 1890). This is also a good vantage point for Portland people watching and there’s plugs/chargers located under the bar.Cocktails: As far as I know, nobody has ever regretted ordering a Negroni or an Old Fashioned. The signature cocktails are more seasonal and ambitious in nature. The Physically Forgotten is a main stay that brings people back the next day. Also, owner/bartender Alise is one of the top spirits experts around. Get your money’s worth by asking her a lot of tough questions about drinks.Wine: This is the best top to bottom wine list I’ve seen at a bar. I’m not just pumping our tires here, check it out: shiftdrinkspdx.com There’s 5 bottles of bubbles you can get for under $39 but there’s also grower Champagne and biologically aged Oregon Chardonnay that you can geek out to by the glass with owner/ Advanced Sommelier Anthony Garcia. Also $10 off all wine to go sales til 2:30AM 7 days a week.Beer: There’s 4 taps ranging from Ranier to local IPAs made exclusively for Shift Drinks. There’s also solid selection of bottled beers with plenty of German classics.Food: Don’t miss out on the food. I work here three days a week but I usually end up eating here four days a week. The kale salad is meticulously sliced into the smallest slivers so it’s not laborious to eat. The romesco bruschetta is the best vegan appetizer you’ll ever consume. A customer had to point out to me that it was indeed vegan because I didn’t believe vegan cuisine could be so indulgent. And my go to item is definitely the pesto/tomato/mozarella panini. So satisfying, every time.Other notes: The building was built in the 1920’s and is downtown Portland’s only Art Deco structure. The previous occupant was a bank whose vault was converted into our wine cellar.

  August 13, 2016, 12:02 pm

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• [email protected]

  A cocktail bar with a very strong wine program and simple, yet refined food, SHIFT DRINKS is owned and operated by Bartender Alise Moffatt, Advanced Sommelier Anthony Garcia and Chef Anne Garcia. The trio converted an old bank, located in an Art Deco building, into a large venue that resembles more of an art gallery than traditional NW pub. The bar offers 23 foot ceilings and large picture windows for folks wanting to watch the bustle of the West End and the Max train rolling by. The wifi is fast and free with lots of places to charge a phone or post up with a laptop. The late night crowd is mix of hospitality professionals getting off work and enjoying their shifties and a cross section of the PDX populace. The massive room is also perfect for accommodating large parties. Expect a large selection of unique spirits from all over, a smart ever-changing wine list and fast cocktails. This is the only place in downtown Portland you can get a decent glass of wine til 2:00 am. Should you need to keep the party going late, they sell all of their wine to go until last call for a reduced price. The prices for the food is modest with a focus on Italian inspired bruschetta, panini, and wholesome salads all served until last call. You wont find burgers or fries here, yet a selection of snacks, which pairs nicely with all manner of alcoholic beverages. The beers on draft are on a rotating selection and the bottle list is finely curated. The spirits presented are super cheap to pricey, just depends on what youre in the mood for. There is also a nice selection of gluten-free sake, cider and ale.

  May 16, 2016, 9:16 am

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• Lee Fuller

  Fun spot! Very high ceilings and open space. The cocktails and bruschettas are delicious and the service is excellent. Looking forward to trying their sandwiches next time! Erin Mckalip – Bakery Bingo Pechluck Rachel Lloyd Mary Ellen @ Pte Chew

  October 1, 2015, 8:43 pm

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