Photo credit: Sandy Jug Tavern
In a bit of an unintentional “sike” move, the folks behind the Sandy Jug Tavern announced yesterday that their opening day is planned for Monday, January 29, 2024.
I really thought they’d open this Friday but I suspect the ice storms slowed things down last week. On social media, they posted that their hours will be 2pm to 2:30am daily, with happy hour from 2pm to 6pm each day. Yes, they will be open 7-days-a-week.
I like this tidbit: “first name sandy? first drink free! everyday!” So bring your IDs all you Sandys.
Above is a photo from 2019 with a similar angle to the top photo, via Google Street View. I like that they’ve de-paved some of the parking lot and put in dirt, which I hope will have some landscaping in it at some point. The new paint job, rose rosettes, glass block windows, signage, and overall vibe is much improved from the way it was before. You can also see some of the insides they had to work with, here and here. No doubt the interior will be like night and day.
Over on their expired Poached job listing, they described the Sandy Jug Tavern as “A neighborhood staple, the atmosphere is fun, casual and cool. A real ‘fine diving’ sort of place!” So, yes, it will remain essentially a dive bar. Plus, dang I love me a good pun.
As for what they’ll offer to eat and drink, they did apply for a full on-premises liquor license, so beer, wine, cocktails—and hopefully zero-proof cocktails—will likely be on the menu. And because of the laws in this state, “food service is a requirement of this [Full On-Premises, Commercial liquor] license.” One of the permits filed was for ” Two pot burners, flat top grill and two fryers.” The kitchen remodel included: “1 grease interceptor schier GB2, 2 hose bibs, 1 blackflow for soda, 2 floor sinks, 2 hand sinks, 1 floor drain, 1 ice maker.”
UPDATE 1/26/24: The Oregonian published some details on some of the things you can expect to eat and drink at the Sandy Jug:
- Cocktails: “Throwback” drinks at $11 include the Lemon Drop, Tequila Sunrise, and Roseway Sour (with a Dubonnet float finish).
- Beer: Domestic beers at $3.50; microbrews at $6.
- Food: Burgers (Best Western, Bacon Royale, Vegan Supreme, Juicy Lucy); fried foods like onion rings, fries, and wings; chopped cheese (originally a popular NYC bodega item), French Dip, Brie and Apple with Bacon.
My guess is they’ll have other ways to amuse ourselves, like maybe pinball and pool. A Quarterworld truck was spied by the Jug earlier this month.
The reception from the neighborhood so far is very positive and people are excited to check out the new Sandy Jug. As a reminder, here’s a shot from the interior when it was Pirate’s Cove strip club.
There are definitely folks who are completely unenthused about the changes at the Jug. Sentiments like “I guess it’s just going to be a bar only with no dancers now.” and “I’m gonna cry when I see the stage is gone.” If there’s one thing you can count on happening in our crazy world, it’s change. And, there are plenty of strip clubs with bars in Portland—in fact, our city is known for its preponderance of strip clubs. The absence of one is going to be okay.
And as I’ve said repeatedly on this blog, changes like this at the Sandy Jug Tavern means a more welcoming scene for Portlanders, and I see that as a good thing. The same goes for My-O-My, which used to be the dive bar Rocky Butte Pub; they now offer a friendly space, drinks, and food for a broader variety of Portland residents.
All the best to Warren Boothby, Marcus Archambeault and the whole Sandy Jug Tavern team as they get the place ready to open on Monday.
Sandy Jug Tavern [opening January 2024]
7417 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Instagram | Facebook
Updated January 26, 2024
Meg Cotner
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Will there be live music at all?
That’s a great question. My guess would be “yes” but I’m not sure. Hoping to stop by this coming week and will see what I can find out.
Just had my first Juicy Lucy burger at the Sandy Jug and am quite pleased. So happy to have this place reinvented again and more accessible. Will be glad to frequent and try all the other offerings they have, then walk it off on the way home.
Glad to read your comments about the Juicy Lucy; I’ve also heard great things about the onion rings and excellent cocktails. I’m happy the reception has been so positive. I’m going to try to go sometime in February. I loved the look, though, when I did stop in – it was full and super busy! I look forward to getting a drink and some food when it’s a bit more chill (I have a hard time processing too much sound – I blame it on my previous career as a musician).