The Landmark Saloon — Photo courtesy of Landmark Saloon

Everyone in Portland should garb a friend and jump in their cars, hop on a tram or bike on over to the country-themed bar on Division and 50th: Landmark Saloon. Unlike most country bars, Landmark Saloon has nailed what every bar should be about, which is live music, good drinks, decent bar food and a great space to hang out in. Landmark Saloon has perfected this to the point that you might think for a moment you are in Texas. 

Landmark Saloon on Division — Photo courtesy of Landmark Saloon

As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a happy crowd enjoying whichever band is playing for the night, and it’s likely there will be a handful of couples two-stepping. On stage could be a honky tonk band or, occasionally, it could even be a DJ.

The bar is long, and the bartenders are serving cold, cheap beers and tasty mixed drinks in a mason jar. Look for their version of sweet tea, Tumbleweed Tea. 

Landmark Saloon's large back yard — Photo courtesy of Landmark Saloon

Just when you think it can’t get any better, you step out back into their large backyard. At night, the yard is lit up by Christmas lights. Outside you are greeted with covered picnic tables, an outdoor bar and some games like cornhole. Not sure what cornhole is? Just grab somebody and ask. They’ll be happy to teach you.

Before you know it, you’ll find yourself in a cornhole tournament or forcing your friends to play.