Blue

Kudos for offering a home for jazz in downtown Portland. They also feature stand up comedy. It reminded me a bit of a college rec center with its casual tables, but the bar was standard. For the opportunity to listen to live jazz on a Tuesday night over a Bissel Brothers ‘Substance’ I was very happy. I can’t really comment on the kind of music that is typically featured, the group mid-​week reminded me of some of the jam sessions I watched in college, lot of long solos, not necessarily playing as a real band. However like I said it was nice to have live jazz available and with a suggested donation instead of a cover, the bands can earn their tips.

I had my first visit to Blue last night and I’m definitely going to be back. Monday nights are comedy nights and last night was part of the Big Name, Little Rooms schedule. We saw the comedy legend Barry Crimmins get up on stage and ramble for probably 80 minutes about a variety of topics with his hilarious take on them.
It’s very cozy at Blue with small round tables and chairs scattered about plus a bar at the back. We had tickets for this show and were told to find empty seats wherever. We shared a table with another couple and had a very attentive waitress. She checked in on us a few times and brought my boyfriend an Irish coffee very quickly. It came with a huge mug with Bailey’s and whiskey and a dainty french press that you pour into the big mug. It just seemed like a fun way to serve it. I was a little put off that it was $ 10, but then again I have no idea what an Irish coffee should cost.
I really like this space for comedy because there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Barry was wearing a wireless mike that kept turning off and they tried to fix it, but gave up after awhile. He was speaking loud enough that I’m pretty sure the people sitting way in the back could hear him fine. I’m not sure if listening to a band here would be too overwhelming given how small it is. Perhaps just sitting near the bar would be okay.

Relaxing. Affordable. Conversational. Stopped in for post dinner drinks + live music, which Blue delivered. The basket donations every 15m is an exaggeration: it’s per band (approx 1 band/​hour and $ 10 on this Saturday night. A perfectly reasonable counter to the modestly priced under $ 10 wine in a city you can easily cough up $ 15-​$ 20/​glass. Band was great and noise level perfectly catered to good conversation and a soft glass of vino. A solid pick for affordable live jazz right off the main strip.

Found my way in here for a jazz night. No cover to get in, they ask for donations for the artists, and I think that’s a pretty smart system. They also frequently break and the musicians will mingle with the crowd, which is a really cool vibe.
The service is relatively good, they know when to leave you alone and when to check in on you. The food service however, is exceptionally slow, and the food is mediocre. It’s not bad, it’s just… regular.
Great beer selection, lots of local selection. Pretty good drink menu, and the prices are on par for Portland.
This place could easily get another star or two upon my next visit. I’m sure some of the food service woes were just an off night. Will be back for the atmosphere, hopefully my third time will be for the food.

Is a decent space to watch music, BUT…
1. Enough already with the pushy basket donation tactics. You pride yourself on «no cover» but make a speech about putting money in the basket every 15 minutes and suggest you put in $ 10 to $ 15 each time. If you go for a few hours you hear this same speech multiple times. Am I really supposed to put $ 10 to $ 15 in the basket every 15 minutes all night? And to make matters worse, they come around and stand in front of you with the basket until you put money in it. Just charge a cover and stop being so weird and rude. You are NOT doing anyone any favors.
2. If you come in with a group and even just one person gets a water, may even be a designated driver, you will be told to order something or leave.
Blue, get your act together already, geez.

Quaint restaurant with local beers, always a plus. We went to listen to a friend play. We ordered the cheese board, which was delicious. The menu is a bit limited so we didn’t have dinner.

My second five star review. Classic jazz club bar but high quality and unique food and drinks. The Red Snapper hot dog (Craziest. Bestest hot dog ever. Curry aioli, jalapeño bacon (wha?) and pickled cucumbers. OMG time five) is worth the visit. This is a neighborhood gem that all of Portland can and should enjoy.

This place came highly recommended. The level of talent was exceptional however, after sitting for 15 minutes the hostess insisted the crowd donate a minimum of $ 15 to the band. It was quite nervy and I was totally turned off. I will not be revisiting. Would have had no problem throwing in money but did not appreciate being strongly urged.

Visiting Blue here is basically like walking into a musicians living room and spying on them while they jam out. This was such a neat experience for me and my fiancé and we really enjoyed listening to these talented musicians. Plus, a $ 4 Guinness doesn’t hurt.

I stopped here for brunch and had the hash n eggs. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. We also lucked out and had some fresh baked banana bread. They have a collection of records to listen to or you can bring your own. Friendly staff and fun spot. I’d recommend stopping in here.

Twice the space, twice the taps, twice the food, twice the potential for major acts. All that without losing the charm that makes Blue Blue.

A (very) cozy spot to see local live music.
Although I am usually interested in the acts playing, I rarely feel up to the standing-​room-​only situation that arises with well known groups or the demand to buy a drink as soon as you sit down (there is a one purchase minimum) sometimes they insist you make a decision before your coat is off.
Overall, a decent wine list and fair prices if you can find a seat and know what you want.

While I still think this place is great (see original review), I was totally let down last time!
My friends and I came in and sat at the bar, and we ordered a bottle of wine in anticipation of a jazz singer + band. Half an hour passes by, and the music doesn’t begin. We look at the nearly empty stage… where are the instruments?
While the singer was fantastic, we didn’t hear a note of the jazz that we specifically came for on this particular night. Downed the wine and headed elsewhere for the evening.

Well this is a mixed review. There were several things about Blue that put me off. That said, there were some things that I appreciated.
Many reviews commented on the intimate atmosphere in Blue which is code for this place is very small. There’s seating for about 22 people at tables, then additional seating at the L shaped bar.
On the evening I attended, there were only two servers and one of them was the bar hostess. That means there was a lot of work for only two people with a full house. The bartender and hostess had to pour all the drinks in addition to making all the food and managing the audience. Granted the food menu is small plates and nothing requires cooking.
The pricing on the menu seemed in line with other bars with similar offerings. For my budget, it’s pricey for very small bits of food. 2 very small pieces of cheese, an ounce of honey, 8 olives, and 15 almonds = $ 12. Like I said, normal for Portland, but still pricey for what gets served.
The food and drink menus are on big chalkboards on a wall over 3 tables. If you don’t have great vision, you have to stand over seated people to see the menus. This was a little uncomfortable for me, and I imagine those seated.
This is not a cocktail bar, only wine and beer are served. For that reason I would have expected a better wine list. There were only three whites, I ordered one and wasn’t that thrilled with it, but that’s a matter of taste, you might love all the choices.
The part I enjoyed the least was when the hostess addressed the audience, as the band stands watch, to explain that this bar doesn’t charge a cover but expects that you will contribute cash to a basket that she brings around and puts in your face. There was a distinct sensation that this was not optional. Imagine the discomfort of those lured in by seemingly free live music (which exists all around Portland) then faced with having to stare down the lady with the basket if you didn’t want to ‘voluntarily’ contribute.
Additionally, when I sat at the bar I immediately ordered a bottled water, then a glass of wine, then (when I could get her attention) a food plate. When my friend joined me at the bar I gave him my glass of wine but the bartender insisted that he had to order a drink because the bar has a one drink minimum. This policy is in place because they don’t charge a cover and they offer live music which is understandable. So I ordered another bottle water and a cup of tea for my friend.
When I was finished and ready to pay, I waited through 4 songs and the banter between the songs before I was able to get the attention of the bartender without shouting at her. She washed a sink full of dishes with her back to the bar while I studiously watched for even a glimpse over her shoulder. Eventually, waving my credit card, she noticed and brought me a bill.
I agree with the other reviewers that there’s an intimate atmosphere for live music at Blue and that deserves to be appreciated. I added a star to this otherwise 3 star review.
It was the aura, the ultimate price tag, and the service that made me decide this place is out of my league.

Blue seems to get skipped over when planning a night out and, while I can understand why (I’ll get to this in a minute), it’s also one of my favorite spots for a relaxing night.
Blue hosts different local bands each night, with a focus on jazz, and occasionally holds ticketed shows. You can check their Facebook page for regular schedule updates.
The atmosphere is relaxed, staff is friendly, and audience interaction with musicians is often encouraged. They offer local beers, a decent wine list, coffee, tea, and food. Overall, this is a great place that offers a cozy environment for listening to live music.
Which brings me to the downside of Blue. Like I said, it’s cozy. Cozy enough that if you’re talking loudly over the band, you will be interrupting your neighbors. And sometimes the musicians. Blue is a great space to watch music, but not so much for catch up with old friends. Go for the performance and please don’t be the person that everyone else in the room is forced to listen to all night.

Loved it! Intimate, friendly. inviting atmosphere. Fiesty owner. Great service. Saw an egyptian trio and a fabulous 6 member band the Evan King Group. No cover — suggested donations. Didn’t eat — had a few beers. Made me want to move to Portland. Would definitely go again!

A small intimate music venue with big sound and welcoming atmosphere. I went to the Sean Mecher show and never being here before didn’t know what to expect. The place is very small, but I had no trouble getting a seat at the bar at 7:40 for the 8 pm show. And they have half price happy hour before 8 with a nice beer selection that is already cheaper prices than I’m used to.
There was no cover-​just a donation request part way through the show. The five person band that barely fit on the little stage and put on a 90 minute full-​on show that I would gladly have paid an admission charge to see.

If you like live music in an intimate venue, this place is for you! They have a variety of musical acts from blues, jazz and bluegrass to Irish night and even Turkish music with belly dancers. This is a tiny venue, but the acoustics are good and the focus is on the musicians. This is definitely not background music. They have a nice selection of wines by the glass and their draft beer selection is always stellar with some of the best local brews on tap. The food options are simple but delicious, not to mention affordable. I can’t give this place enough praise. Give it a try!

Magic. One of the best venues I’ve been in, in any town. Intimate and cozy, friendly and neighborly.
Listen to local legends like Samuel James and Dana Gross play like they are in the living room of your good friend.
Always good beer on tap, and a well curated wine list. The food is home, yet sophisticated — the pasta bowl, the olives, Barry’s hummus.
Barry and Terez make this place feel like the hippest B&B you’ve ever seen.

Blue is a cozy little room with everything you want in a small music venue. They’ve got a nicely edited wine and beer list and just a few items to nosh on: cheese, bread, olives, desserts and a couple of dishes you could make a meal out of like Baked Meatballs, mmm.
The music is immediate and intimate, mostly jazz, blues, old-​time, and singer-​songwriters, and there is never a cover. The crowd seems to be a mix of folks who come out to see the artists and those who want to meet friends for a drink and enjoy the music while they chat. This can be a tough balance to pull off, but when it’s right, there’s a great casual, social atmosphere. The staff is also super friendly and helpful, so I have no complaints. Except that Portland is too cold for me to live there and go to Blue all the time!