Mad Hanna

From the outside, Mad Hanna is in a non-descript and a touch scary building in a random neighborhood, but behind the door lies an oasis! I never thought a dive bar could be pretty, but this one kinda is, oddly. Cozy, dark with fun and quirky décor; everything from a sparkly black tiled ceiling to a chandelier over the pool table and naughty embroidered art (my favorite? “Grow a pair!” with an image of a uterus and ovaries. Harhar!). Everywhere you look is something fun and interesting to see. And talk about oases – the backyard is an oasis within an oasis! Not expecting much we exited to the back and found a shady patio with ping pong table, fire pit and plenty of tables and chairs tucked in among the edges. Fantastic spot to while away a summer weekend afternoon.

By definition, dive bars are not known for their creativity when it comes to food and drink, but this Mad Hanna breaks those rules as well. Numerous yummy sounding cocktails, many created using house made infused spirits (I tried the honeydew cucumber gin one; on a hot day, oh yeah!) and are a solid value. We had two of the fancy cocktails for 14 bucks during happy hour; anywhere else that would pay for one comparable drink. They also have J-ello shots, with or without pop rocks a ala mode; pudding shots and 5 craft beers on tap. Menu is limited to a few well-chosen essential drinking foods – grilled cheese with various available add-ins like bacon, avocado as well as nachos.

This place is small, but packs a big punch. In addition to all described above, they also offer live music on the weekends, karaoke and other events. Overall, it feels like a secret hangout spot for the heavily tattooed cool crowd who appear to frequent it. So buy a friend a drink on the public board and give yourself an excuse to come back to share it with them.

Quadrant: Northeast

Address: 6129 NE Fremont, Portland – [Google Maps]

Website: https://madhanna.com/

Happy Hours: 3-6pm daily

Full kitchen: Yes

Jalapeno Poppers: No

Breakfast: No

Outdoor Seating: Yep

Distinguishing features: Live music, quirky décor, fabulous patio

Words by KC Shomler Author of Falling Out of Love With My Career

Photos by Steven Shomler

Website Wizardy by Arthur Breur