Expatriate

Tucked in the Concordia neighborhood of northeast Portland, Expatriate is a cocktail lounge with a soul. The moment you walk in, warm lighting, deep woods, and an easy intimacy greet you—this isn’t a place for loudness, but for crafted drinks, thoughtful conversation, and surprising snacks. Expatriate’s bar program is polished. The bartenders are mixologists who know how to balance classics and curveballs. Expect seasonal, complex drinks that pull in flavors from all over, alongside a dependable selection of cocktails that hit just right. It’s also a place that takes its bar-food seriously: shareable bites like nachos, a burger, tempura mushrooms, and snacks with Asian or global twists accompany the drinks. The food doesn’t just fill—it complements the drinks in a way that feels considered, clever. The ambience is nostalgic and unpretentious. Vinyl records play in the background, the stools and booths are just close enough to feel friendly without crowding, and there’s a sense that the décor—rich woods, old posters, dim mirrors—is as much part of the experience as what’s in your glass. Even though it’s stylish, there’s comfort: go solo, with a date, or with friends; linger, talk, sample, get curious. Expatriate is most alive in the evening—from when the doors open at 5 PM, when the lights dim fully, the cocktails begin flowing, and the city settles into night. It’s a place with character, where small details matter—a garnish, a beverage story, a dish with texture, a playlist that feels human. If you want something more than just “a night out”—if you want drinks that are worth remembering, food that surprises, and an environment that feels intimate but vibrant—this is it.