The Cheerful Tortoise

Name: The Cheerful Tortoise
Location: 1939 SW 6th Avenue
Portland, OR
Contact information: 503.224.3377
Smoke free: No
Hours: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday
Features: Happy Hour: 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; $2.75 well and featured microbrew and $1.95 standard bar appetizers; Daily specials
Insider tip: Chill with the college kids ignoring their books

Review: I’ve often wondered where the college kids in Portland hang out – I’ve never seen them in the Pearl district (understandably) and downtown is also a bit to spendy. The bars around the University of Portland are scarce and there’s not much more within staggering distance of Portland State. However, there is one notable exception, the Cheerful Tortoise.

The Cheerful Tortoise is famous for two things: their $1.99 breakfast that features two eggs, hashbrowns and toast, at any time of the day, and televisions. And by televisions, I mean at least two dozen of ’em, and I’m pretty sure they never show anything but sports.

On an early Sunday afternoon, the bar was packed with people nursing their hangovers and screaming at the Seahawks. Service while seated at the bar is excellent. When I visited, there were less people smoking than at most sports bars, which was a nice bonus. More than 15 micros are on tap, as well as the old cheap standbys. Sunday and Monday night football sessions showcase specials on Coors.

The Cheerful Tortoise offers a happy hour from 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday with $2.75 well and featured microbrew and $1.95 appetizers. And what college bar would be complete without cheap beers on Thursday nights?