910 NW 14th AvenuePortland, Oregon 97209503-227-7020Business Hours: M-Th 11 a.m.-11 p.m., F/Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.Happy Hour: M-F 3:30-6:30 and 9:30-close, Sat/Sun 9-closeTwitter: @ondeckpdx [rating:4]



While the ever popular On Deck Sports Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch, we find ourselves gravitating to the smartly decked out Pearl District hangout for happy hour—especially now that summertime weather is gently breezing in and the cold, rain and wind is headed out (at least we hope).

Whether it’s a sunny day just chillin’ at one of the spacious tables on their sprawling patio or catching an afternoon Major League Baseball game or an international soccer match, the happy hour food and drink specials are even more of an incentive to come out and cheer on your favorite team.

First and foremost, On Deck is about sports—lots of sports. If you’re looking for somewhere to catch “the BIG game” or even some of the more obscure sporting events, On Deck is a great place to gather. There are 25 flat screens all over the bar and a 68” plasma TV, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to catch all the action.

Monday through Friday On Deck offers happy hour from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and then again from 9:30 p.m. to close. On Saturday and Sunday happy hour is from 9 p.m. to close. Food prices range from $2 to $5, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Drink specials range from $2.75 domestic pints to $3.50 well drinks to $5 Captain & Cokes.

Since we live relatively close by (and we don’t get to watch our beloved Dodgers on the TV at home) we’ve spent plenty of time at On Deck, so we’re familiar with most of the items on the happy hour menu.

Happy hour food portion sizes are large and most of the items are easy to share. If you’re with a group, we suggest ordering a few items and divvying it up. As for the quality, it’s good food for a sports bar but don’t come expecting ultra-gourmet fare. Some favorites include the nachos ($4, or $5 with meat), the pulled pork sliders ($4), the buffalo waffle fries ($3), chicken strips with fries ($3) and the hummus plate ($3).

The service at On Deck is typical of a sports bar—if it’s busy you’ll have to wait a little longer, if it’s slow the service is pretty speedy. The last time we were there (just last Sunday evening to watch the Timbers tie the New York Red Bulls) our drinks were ready almost immediately and our food was on the table in probably less than 10 minutes. Our server was attentive and checked to see if we needed drink refills on a regular basis.

Our personal favorite aspect of On Deck is the dining patio, which they claim to be the largest in Portland. When the weather is nice this is where you’ll find everyone from Pearl businesspeople to hipsters to jersey-wearing sports enthusiasts to families with kids*—they even allow dogs on the patio!

Overall, On Deck is a great place to enjoy a happy hour pint and nibble on some tasty bar fare while checking out a game or chitchatting with some pals without breaking the budget.

PROS:

Daily late-night happy hour

Great patio space for sunny afternoons

Lots of TVs to catch your favorite team on

CONS:

Parking (like anywhere in the Pearl) can be a pain in the ass

It can get really crowded during certain popular events

(*Minors are allowed at On Deck until 9 p.m.)