Welcome to Bible Club, a speakeasy-esque Portland bar that is often described by both the staff and regulars as a swanky Prohibition-era museum that you can drink-in. There isn’t a sign out front but don’t let that deter you, simply walk right up to the door of this little 1920’s house in a SE Portland neighborhood. No need to knock or utter a secret password, just step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered into a black and white photograph.
Nearly everything you see, from the paintings and furniture, down to the bar tools used by all the bartenders, are antiques from the early 1920’s. A majority of these items (including the big, wooden bar itself) came from the owner’s personal collection. Although you could designate Bible Club as a “themed” bar, no aspect of it feels cheap or kitschy. Every detail is well crafted to transport you to another era, including the beverages.
The cocktail are served in vintage crystal or, in some cases, even pewter drinkware. You’ll notice some old classics on their “Heritage menu” like a Tipperay and Remember the Maine, which taste better than ever while sitting in Bible Club’s charming parlor listening to some ragtime via an old-school radio.
However, we highly advise getting to know Bible Club’s head barkeep, Jessica Braasch and familiarizing yourself with a few of her original creations. A definite stand-out for the fall/winter season is her delicious Pie Hole Fizz: a rich and creamy cocktail that’s incredibly balanced and will have you feeling all the cozy winter vibes on the first sip.
Pie Hole Fizz by Jessica Braasch
- 1.5 oz Ransom Old Tom gin
- .5 oz rich simple syrup (2:1)
- .5 oz amaretto
- .5 oz orange juice
- .5 oz heavy cream
- 1 egg white
- .75 oz St Elizabeth allspice dram
- Pumpkin Beer
Combine all ingredients in shaker and dry shake vigorously. Add ice, shake again. Top with Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Beer as one would with a Ramos Gin Fizz. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Bible Club details
6716 SE 16th Ave. Portland, OR 97202; 971-279-2198; bibleclubpdx.com; @bibleclubpdx
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