As a member I am clearly a fan of MWL. I do wish they would bring back the risotto with pork belly. It was my favorite meal in downtown Portland.
Joey Jones
Can I just say that the management staff at this place are the absolute best people, the entire staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is so unique.Parking: You valet with the Hyatt next store at no cost to you.
While adventuring through the downtown area and talking to the people , everyone kept recommending that we try this bar if we liked whiskey and craft cocktails ( who doesn't?). We decided to venture out for food and then make a stop by this place for a drink and to see what all the talk was about! When you walk up there are two doors! One for a restaurant called Green Door and another for the Whiskey Library! They are both part of the same building and owner. We were greeted at the door by the hostess. We did not make a reservation but it was early so we were able to go in and sit immediately! We were told that there was a reservation in 2 hours for the seats they gave us! That was no issue as I didn't plan on drinking for 2 hours with so much sunshine outside. We walked upstairs to the library and were impressed with the ambiance and music playing. We were left with two menus! One for craft cocktails and another "Whiskey Bible"! I was in whiskey wonderland. Reminded me of Whiskey Cake on steroids. We started off with two old fashions. The make them stirred on ice and then served over a large cube with an orange peel and no cherry! I'm not a fan of the cherry so I was very pleased ! Great balance of bitters and simple syrup with a good whiskey pour! I like to taste my whiskey. My wife had two of these and then I had the bartender do a curated flight of three whiskeys based on me telling him what I usually drink! King's County, Rabbit Hole, and Cascade Moon (15 year). I enjoyed 2/3 that fit my taste. The Cascade moon was almost too mellow for me! I don't like a burn but want a little bit and the alc content was 39% where most are higher. Overall I enjoyed it very much! Very nice ambiance, great for a group of friends, no food in library area! I would recommend to any one visiting.
David Conklin
Outstanding selection of ALL things alcoholic, not just whiskey!I have never had more knowledgeable bartenders/wait staff (helps that they love who and where they work!). If you know someone with a membership, it's an even better experience, but not required. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner.
We were very impressed with the knowledge of our bartender. He offered suggestions that demonstrated he had listened carefully to what we were interested in and what our likes and dislikes were. In addition to that the entire staff was very friendly, the ambience was relaxing, the noise level was perfect in that we could have a conversation while sitting next to each other without having to raise our voices. If I lived in Portland I would be trying to get a membership.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs
renee hall
What an absolutely lovely experience. The menu was amazing. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly and the drinks were on point. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Charcuterie Board, Meat and Cheese Board
Katie Weinberg
Really great spot with good drinks and excellent food. The vibe is nice and the servers are super attentive. I liked it here, even though I can usually be found in a casual pub.Dietary restrictions: Lots of GF options noted in the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Siam Fiaz
A must see in Portland if you're visiting, or the perfect stop for a classy night out if you're a local.Contrary to popular belief, you can get in without a membership or a hall pass. Go right at opening on the weekdays and your likelihood of getting in without being put on a waitlist are really high. This is what we used to do and it always worked well. Hall passes are great if you wanna show up at peak times and skip the lineBecame a member here and have been very much enjoying the perks. Well worth it if you're looking for a space to regularly bring friends and family
Our first visit as new members last night and we very much enjoyed it - friendly and super knowledgable staff, excellent food, fun table side cocktail making, beautiful venue - this place fires on all cylinders!
Lee L.
What a phenomenal place on every level, pushing it to one of my favorite drinking establishments in the world. I didn't have a reservation, but decided to chance it since I was in the neighborhood. I am not a member, nor did I purchase their hall pass and hoped for the best with my last minute decision. I arrived at their 4pm opening time and used the Green Room entrance to ask about availability, and success they had availability. This place doesn't miss a beat at any juncture; from the genuinely welcoming greeting, the amazing selection, the warm moody dark academia decor and the perfect service and expertly crafted cocktail from my bartender, Scott. This is a not to miss experience.
Mike M.
Another wonderful night at the MWL. Our friends loved the place and we were grateful to get to celebrate one of there birthdays with you all. Jordan was fantastic as usual, she is bar none, one of the best host/server etc in the city. We always know things will go perfect with her taking care of us. Nick our bartender was wonderful as well! Picked perfect cocktails for the group and was always attentive and available. Food was as good as it always is. It's so fun bringing people in because they expect the drinks will be great but are always surprised at how top notch the food is....whiskey is in the name but the food is just as tops as the drinks. Thanks you all!
As a member I am clearly a fan of MWL. I do wish they would bring back the risotto with pork belly. It was my favorite meal in downtown Portland.
Can I just say that the management staff at this place are the absolute best people, the entire staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is so unique.Parking: You valet with the Hyatt next store at no cost to you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Charcuterie Board, Popcorn
While adventuring through the downtown area and talking to the people , everyone kept recommending that we try this bar if we liked whiskey and craft cocktails ( who doesn't?). We decided to venture out for food and then make a stop by this place for a drink and to see what all the talk was about! When you walk up there are two doors! One for a restaurant called Green Door and another for the Whiskey Library! They are both part of the same building and owner. We were greeted at the door by the hostess. We did not make a reservation but it was early so we were able to go in and sit immediately! We were told that there was a reservation in 2 hours for the seats they gave us! That was no issue as I didn't plan on drinking for 2 hours with so much sunshine outside. We walked upstairs to the library and were impressed with the ambiance and music playing. We were left with two menus! One for craft cocktails and another "Whiskey Bible"! I was in whiskey wonderland. Reminded me of Whiskey Cake on steroids. We started off with two old fashions. The make them stirred on ice and then served over a large cube with an orange peel and no cherry! I'm not a fan of the cherry so I was very pleased ! Great balance of bitters and simple syrup with a good whiskey pour! I like to taste my whiskey. My wife had two of these and then I had the bartender do a curated flight of three whiskeys based on me telling him what I usually drink! King's County, Rabbit Hole, and Cascade Moon (15 year). I enjoyed 2/3 that fit my taste. The Cascade moon was almost too mellow for me! I don't like a burn but want a little bit and the alc content was 39% where most are higher. Overall I enjoyed it very much! Very nice ambiance, great for a group of friends, no food in library area! I would recommend to any one visiting.
Outstanding selection of ALL things alcoholic, not just whiskey!I have never had more knowledgeable bartenders/wait staff (helps that they love who and where they work!). If you know someone with a membership, it's an even better experience, but not required. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Hand-Cut Fries, Charcuterie Board, Meat and Cheese Board, Whiskey Flight, Pulled Pork Sliders, Bruschetta, Bourbon Short Rib, Meat Board
Best martini ever in the Green
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We were very impressed with the knowledge of our bartender. He offered suggestions that demonstrated he had listened carefully to what we were interested in and what our likes and dislikes were. In addition to that the entire staff was very friendly, the ambience was relaxing, the noise level was perfect in that we could have a conversation while sitting next to each other without having to raise our voices. If I lived in Portland I would be trying to get a membership.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs
What an absolutely lovely experience. The menu was amazing. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly and the drinks were on point. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Charcuterie Board, Meat and Cheese Board
Really great spot with good drinks and excellent food. The vibe is nice and the servers are super attentive. I liked it here, even though I can usually be found in a casual pub.Dietary restrictions: Lots of GF options noted in the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A must see in Portland if you're visiting, or the perfect stop for a classy night out if you're a local.Contrary to popular belief, you can get in without a membership or a hall pass. Go right at opening on the weekdays and your likelihood of getting in without being put on a waitlist are really high. This is what we used to do and it always worked well. Hall passes are great if you wanna show up at peak times and skip the lineBecame a member here and have been very much enjoying the perks. Well worth it if you're looking for a space to regularly bring friends and family
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Hand-Cut Fries, Charcuterie Board, Popcorn, Whiskey Flight
I've been several times. The selection and knowledge of the servers is unmatched. The food is also surprisingly good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hand-Cut Fries, Whiskey Flight, Deviled Eggs
Restaurantji Recommends
Great atmosphere and 72 pages of whiskey and bourbon! Amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whiskey Selection, Deviled Eggs
Our first visit as new members last night and we very much enjoyed it - friendly and super knowledgable staff, excellent food, fun table side cocktail making, beautiful venue - this place fires on all cylinders!
What a phenomenal place on every level, pushing it to one of my favorite drinking establishments in the world. I didn't have a reservation, but decided to chance it since I was in the neighborhood. I am not a member, nor did I purchase their hall pass and hoped for the best with my last minute decision. I arrived at their 4pm opening time and used the Green Room entrance to ask about availability, and success they had availability. This place doesn't miss a beat at any juncture; from the genuinely welcoming greeting, the amazing selection, the warm moody dark academia decor and the perfect service and expertly crafted cocktail from my bartender, Scott. This is a not to miss experience.
Another wonderful night at the MWL. Our friends loved the place and we were grateful to get to celebrate one of there birthdays with you all. Jordan was fantastic as usual, she is bar none, one of the best host/server etc in the city. We always know things will go perfect with her taking care of us. Nick our bartender was wonderful as well! Picked perfect cocktails for the group and was always attentive and available. Food was as good as it always is. It's so fun bringing people in because they expect the drinks will be great but are always surprised at how top notch the food is....whiskey is in the name but the food is just as tops as the drinks. Thanks you all!
more alcohol than the regular library