Bars in Portland

For years, billiards was associated with smoke-filled pool halls, the dens of asthmatic hustlers and seedy habitués. At Hot Shots Westside Family Billiards, a charcoal-filtered HVAC system ensures the air—and the atmosphere—stays clean, making the establishment appropriate for players of all ages. Kids under 10 always play for free on the hall's 22 pocket billiard tables ranging from 7 to 9 feet, including three premium Chevillotte heated tables imported from France. At the Over the Rail Café, the staff prepares burgers and milkshakes, and an arcade room provides a healthier diversion with pinball machines, video games, and dart boards. Beyond recreational games of pool, Hot Shots also hosts charity tournaments throughout the week, and instructors impart the secrets of activating the powerful magnets under the table during private lessons.

Equipped with everything from pool to shuffleboard, these brotherly bars provide a modest food menu served up with sides of interactive table games and televised sporting games every night of the week. In between lofts at the dartboard, hang a fang on an order of beer-battered onion rings ($5.75) or a savory black-and-bleu burger ($9.25), and then shower your stomach with a refreshing brew ($3 domestics, $4 microbrews) or a spirited mixed drink ($5 from the well). Much like the international dateline, Blitz Pearl refuses to acknowledge time itself, which is why it serves breakfast all day strong with options ranging from french toast ($5) to fruit bowls ($3).

The cozy interior of the lounge provides an inviting backdrop for tossing back classics and discovering new favorites. Peruse the creative menu, or ask a friendly bartender for a suggestion that suits the mood. Soothe a sore throat by gargling an Ambassador—a boozy blend of absinthe, St. Germain, grapefruit bitters, and soda with grapefruit ($9)—or quench a dry mouth with a Corpse Reviver ($7.50), featuring brandy, Menta Branca, Fernet Branca, anise tincture, and a lemon twist. Those who would say something like "Give it to me straight, doc" can slam back The Local ($4), an unadulterated sip of Olympia beer plus a shot of house whiskey. Soak up potency with clever eats that include grilled flatbread sandwiches ($7–$9); spiced nuts ($2); and a green-apple, roasted-garlic, queso-fresco, and blue-cheese pizzeta ($6), among others.

At Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar, there are many ways to treat yourself—more than 75, to be specific. That’s the approximate count of the international and regional wines that populate the racks at the wine bar, which earned Open Table’s 2012 Top 100 Notable Wine Lists in the USA award. Ranging from New Zealand sauvignon blanc to Italian prosecco and syrah made in Colorado, diners have seemingly limitless pairing options to complement the kitchen’s bistro cuisine. The sommelier can also make pairing suggestions, such as coupling an Oregon King Estate pinot gris with seared scallops drizzled in Valencia orange and ginger beurre blanc. As you sip and dine, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide awe-inspiring views of the Front Range and the patio offers a place to sink into plush couches beside a fire pit.