33 — The Slammer Tavern

History by the Glass

Remember FUN?! Well, thanks to vibrant old locals like The Slammer Tavern (500 SE 8th Ave.) it's BACK. And, hey, so are WE for a THIRD season of History by the Glass! We were thrilled to get busy living at one of Portland's most unique, friendly, and fun-loving dives (or is it?), which has been sentencing folks to good times as "The Slammer" since the late '70s on the ground floor of a towering, mysterious 135-year-old building that's featured a neighborhood watering hole since the start of WWII (if not earlier). Lovingly family owned and operated, we had the pleasure of grabbing a bolted stool alongside owner/bartender/contractor/maestro of bar mojo Christopher -- whose legendary mom, Lizzie Robarts-Dille, has worked and/or owned the place for about as long as it's been The Slammer -- to learn all about the magic of this Portland institution. There's the refreshing simplicity of the beer selection, the intentionality of games both offered and NOT offered, and...hands down, one of the most memorable bar bathrooms we've ever experienced. All this, plus reflections from our recent borderland bacchanal in Alfredo's hometown of El Paso, Texas, and more! Bar visit and episode recording: Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 HBTG theme song: "Frozen Egg" by Lame Drivers Interlude music: "Right Track" by Lame Drivers