Classic Portland pub The Moon & Sixpence has reopened
The Moon & Sixpence in NE Portland’s Hollywood neighborhood
The Moon & Sixpence, one of Oregon’s last great British-style pubs and an underrated beer destination has finally reopened to the public for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. If you are a fan of American Craft Beer, English and Irish pub ales, and old world authentic pub food and atmosphere, then the Moon is a must visit. Similar in style and tone to the world famous Horse Brass, the Moon has long flown under the beer buzz radar but remained a favorite for classics like corner lanes for dart games, and regular live string bands and jug music, as well as their old timey European food and spirits menu.
The Moon & Sixpence is named after the classic 1919 novel by Somerset Maugham that describes the life of a London stockbroker character that is loosely modeled after the French post-impressionist painter Paul Gaugin. The novel is all about breaking out of a mundane existence and the daily routine. Visiting the pub Moon & Sixpence certainly breaks out of the mold of modern, slicker taprooms that don’t have the history and well worn wear of this one. Each of this pubs 22 years in operation are painted on the dimly lit oak booths and wood paneled walls that provide cozy nooks under old world photos and beer signs that look on from above.
“The Moon” as it is often referred to by it’s regulars, has managed to fly relatively under-the-radar since it’s founding in 1999 though it used to garner more buzz before we had breweries in every corner of town. For some reason the Moon has almost no social media presence and rarely promotes beer events or the live music - even though they do have brewers nights and special tappings. For this reason the pub has stayed marvelously free of following beer trends even with a great taplist most of the time - you won’t find any hazy IPA’s on the menu.
For those who were already fans of the Moon, they will be happy to find the pub has survived the pandemic; and even under rumored new management has scarcely changed. The pub boasts two increasingly rare cask engines for classic hand drawn pub ales among 20 draft lines. The taplist usually consists of favorites from the local distributor Point Blank that pretty much always includes a number of pFriem Family Brewers, Barley Browns, Double Mountain and Boneyard. But don’t sleep on the bottle list which is full of imported classics from Ayinger to Westmalle, and Samuel Smith to Orval.
Unlike many bars that have reopened after long slumbers closed during COVID, the Moon has brought back their full and extensive English pub menu. Everything from Cottage Pie and Fish & Chips to Curried Chips and Welsh Rarebit. Fans of scotch and whiskeys also will not be disappointed with Pendleton, Tullamore, Lagavulin, to Pimms, Fernet and Campari.
If you are worried about COVID protocols, there aren’t many changes to the normal here. Bar seating was open, even without any screens, booths and tables were free seating and the pub features full table service or bar ordering. The only major update noticeable was QR codes to view the menu, but you still place orders with staff. Also if you are wondering about outside seating, The Moon & Sixpence sports a lovely secluded and large patio that’s perfect for accommodating your friends and family with more than a few cigarettes being lit up.
The Moon & Sixpence is conveniently located a short distance from the Hollywood Transit Station max stop and bus station. Located just off of NE Broadway the pub hides behind an unassuming facade at 2014 NE 42nd Ave and has a good amount of street parking and nearby bike racks.
The Moon & Sixpence Free House in Portland
2014 NE 42nd Ave, Portland , OR, 97213
503-288-7802
Monday to Thursday: 4pm - 11pm
Friday to Sunday: 3pm - 11pm