Moloko Celebrates 20 Years of Cocktails Among the Coral in Portland

I recently learned that cocktail lounge Moloko in North Portland is celebrating 20 years in business this month—a notable milestone. They’ll recognize these 20 years at their space on North Mississippi Avenue with an anniversary party on the evening of Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Moloko: What’s in a Name?

They originally opened Moloko in 2006 as “Moloko Plus.”

“Moloko plus” was the name of the spiked milk served at the Korova Milk Bar in the movie “A Clockwork Orange” (1971). Moloko is the Russian word for “milk,” and korova means “cow.” In the movie, Alex and his droogs consume “milk plus”—milk plus drugs, which could be vellocet (speed), synthemesc (synthetic mescaline), or drencrom (andrenochrome, derived from adrenaline). 

I remember seeing this film when I was but a wee freshman at CalArts, and boy did it make an impression on me (RIP Bill Moritz, my teacher who screened the film).

The Location

Before it was Moloko/Moloko Plus, this location was home to the Mississippi Avenue Social Club, which Moloko’s owner Christian Fitzpatrick also ran. There’s a blurb from Wright Architecture from 2006 about the work they did on the space, including the white concrete bar they designed. A curved white bar remains, though it is in among some of the aquariums.

From a press release from the Moloko folks:

“Moloko opened in 2006, when North Mississippi Avenue was still developing into the busy cultural and entertainment destination it is today. As Mississippi Ave’s first 21st century cocktail lounge, Moloko has watched the street evolve into a sought-after Portland destination filled with restaurants, bars, independent businesses, and music venues.”

Moloko Today

They dropped the “Plus” in the ensuing years, going simply by “Moloko” these days. They are known for a number of things: their seven saltwater aquariums containing living coral and colorful marine life; excellent cocktails; and the oasis that is back patio garden.

The Aquariums

I would have to say that this is a truly unique element among Portland’s cocktail lounges. A little history: When they first opened 20 years ago, they had decorative fish bowls mounted on the walls. A couple of years later they expanded that into their seven saltwater aquariums. “They create an immersive environment unlike any other cocktail lounge in Portland,” wrote Marsh Schoenhard, Moloko’s GM.

These seven tanks harbor the presence of one-of-a-kind statuary art pieces within. The coral live on them—the word used is “encrusted.” Apparently coral naturally glow in blue light, so this lends itself to a very atmospheric environment, and I’m told that it creates a living “vaporwave” effect. There are also tropical fish swimming around in there.

People talk about being entranced by the activity in the aquariums, and that it helps give a chill atmosphere in the lounge. Moloko says they want to “provide adults with a polished but welcoming place for cocktails, conversation, and date nights in an environment that is at once energetic and calming.”

“For the last 2 decades, our goal has been to create an experience, rather than just a place to order a drink,” says Christian. “We want guests to walk in with someone special, look around and immediately feel that they have been brought somewhere truly unique.”

Drinking and Eating at Moloko

The cocktails are well-regarded and they make both classic cocktails—e.g., Whiskey Sour, Moscow Mule AKA Moloko Mule—as well as signature cocktails. Here are some examples:

• Hyperpop: House-infused butterfly pea flower gin, cranberry, lemon, simple syrup, St. Germain (sour candy sweetness).
• Room Service: Maker’s Mark bourbon, cinnamon-infused demerara sugar, allspice dram, fresh-squeezed orange juice, lemon (fall spice, vanilla, lightly sweet).
• Room 222: Raspberry-infused vodka, amaretto, Licor 43, lemon, soda (tart, sweet, bubbly).

Note: Room 222 likely references the TV show of the same name from the 1970s.

They also serve beer (draft, bottles, cans) and wine.

The NA Side at Moloko

Moloko also offers some NA cocktails, designed to give those avoiding alcohol a quality experience in a mixed drink sans booze; descriptions provided by Marsh Schoenhard:

• Virgin Mule: A bright, crisp, and refreshing cocktail with a vibrant ginger finish.
• Virgin Hot Toddy: Warm, comforting, and lightly spiced—perfect for slowing down and savoring the moment.
• Surf & Bird : A tropical escape in a glass, balancing bright citrus with subtle sweetness for an easy-drinking refresher.
• Love in an Elevator: Elegant and complex, with layers of tart fruit, fresh herbs, and a silky texture that feels every bit like a craft cocktail.

“We also offer juices and are always happy to customize a spirit-free drink to suit our guests’ preferences,” Marsh added.

You can see the current drinks menu on their website.

As for food, they offer a half-dozen pizzas, a couple of salads, some garlic bread and cheese bread. Note: the 9-inch Margherita pizzas are only $5 everyday until 6pm.
 
“We’ve seen this neighborhood transform into one of the most beloved business districts in Portland for dining, socializing, and spending an evening out,” said Christian. “We have a deep connection to the people who live and work here. Reaching 20 years is something we want to celebrate with the community that made it possible.”

Celebrating Moloko

They are looking forward to hosting the party to mark their 20th anniversary. It’s on Sunday, August 9 from 5pm to close and they look forward to seeing everyone—longtime regulars, neighbors, first-time visitors, and you.

At the party, they’ll bring back several of their signature specialty cocktails from throughout Moloko’s history—ones that aren’t currently on the menu. It will give longtime fans a chance to revisit old favorites, and a way to show new visitors a piece of Moloko’s history. They’ll also have a DJ performing throughout the evening.

And they’re not stopping at 20 years. They look forward to being a part of the neighborhood for many years to come.

Congrats on 20 years to Portland’s only coral reef cocktail lounge!

Moloko
3967 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland
Moloko website | Instagram | Facebook

Updated August 5, 2026 to add details about Moloko’s NA cocktails and the 20th anniversary party.