Portland makes no apologies for the rain or the alcohol. More breweries and distilleries per square inch than anywhere. Accent on the period. It leaves locals and visitors alike with an abundance of choice when it comes to having a drink. Duff’s Garage is my regular stop for Friday happy hour for a couple of great reasons. Duff’s is a neighborhood haunt attracting regulars and newbies alike. It’s is a full bar and live music venue attracting local and regional acts. For a dance hall, it’s on the small side, but packs a pleasant musical punch from blues to country western.
For my economical taste, $2 cover at the door, the early show on Friday’s with Honey and the Hamdogs is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Susan ”Honey” Hammel is the closest thing PDX has to Patsy Cline or Bonnie Raitt. The selection of local craft beers and distillates leaves ample variety to amuse for the two, one-hour musical sets. The elbows start flying around the dance floor during the second set as the pace picks up. Duff’s serves limited bar food that fits the decor. The good news is the proximity to the food carts up on Hawthorne after the music is over. Or, hang around for the main act for the evening, when things get crowded, usually with an everyone welcome feel. Duff’s in PDX on Friday. Post a repeating event on your calendar and enjoy.