Teardrop Lounge

Since its opening in 2007 by Daniel Shoemaker (with early collaboration by Ted Charak), Teardrop Lounge has anchored Portland’s cocktail revolution. Located in the sleek Pearl District, it greets you with sensuously curved concrete, exposed beams, abundant natural light, and clean industrial touches—creating an environment both contemporary and inviting. The heart of the venue is its signature island bar—teardrop-shaped and designed to foster conversation and connection with the bartenders. From the start, Teardrop distinguished itself by crafting everything in-house: house-roasted coconut for piña coladas, bespoke bitters, tonics, tinctures, and rare ingredients like Amer Picon and costus root bitters. This dedication to the craft is mirrored in a rotating menu of about 30 cocktails, divided across classics, house originals, and guest “Friends,” and refreshed seasonally. More than just expertly mixed drinks, Teardrop prioritizes the guest experience—bartenders guide patrons through flavor profiles, educating as they serve, making each visit feel personalized and exploratory. Its reputation extends beyond local acclaim: Esquire, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and others have named it among America’s best cocktail bars. Over the years, the lounge has become a training ground for top bartending talent, with alumni shaping other prominent programs and even launching The Commissary, a supply hub offering quality bitters, syrups, and juices to bars across Portland and beyond. In short, Teardrop Lounge is more than a bar—it’s a sensory journey through cocktail artistry, rooted in innovation, education, and the spirit of Portland.