About Produce Row
Produce Row Cafe (nicknamed “Pro Row”) is a historic craft beer bar and restaurant in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood. Founded as a workers’ café in 1953, it earned its name serving the city’s produce-dock workers (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). In 1974 famous brewpub entrepreneur Mike McMenamin bought the spot, cementing its place in Portland’s early craft beer scene (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). McMenamins later sold it to longtime employees in 1978 (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). The venue’s slogan even boasts it’s been “an effortlessly cool place to hang out since 1974” (www.producerowcafe.com ). Indeed, Produce Row has consistently been a community anchor – called “the pulse of the craft beer movement for over 40 years” (www.indieonthemove.com ). It still maintains an old-Portland vibe (exposed brick, vintage signage and decorating touches) while offering modern AV gear for shows. The café’s menu is American/Pacific Northwest comfort food (burgers, fries, salads) and classic cocktails (www.producerowcafe.com ), paired with one of Portland’s largest beer selections. Today Produce Row functions as a full restaurant and event venue, combining pub dining with a stage for live performers. Its long history and signature mural room (an upstairs parlor with an art-nouveau mural (www.producerowcafe.com )) make it a beloved meeting place and music venue in Southeast Portland’s Inner Eastside.
Events and Programming
Produce Row hosts live entertainment most weeks, blending local bands, singer-songwriters and DJ sets. In recent years it has favored hip-hop/R&B and house music days on the patio, plus indie-rock and folk gigs indoors. Regular programming includes weekend DJ parties and “brunch beats”: for example a 2022 summer event promoted “Global Based: DAY PARI!” – a Sunday afternoon house-music party with six DJs, patio dancing and an advance ticket price ($15 cover advance, $20 at the door) (www.producerowcafe.com ) (www.producerowcafe.com ). Other nights feature touring electronic acts (e.g. a Proper Sound dance night with guest DJs from Portland and LA (ra.co )). According to the venue’s booking profile, “most shows take place on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons” (www.indieonthemove.com ), though one-off concerts pop up any night. The house sound system and Funktion-One speakers (supplied by a local audio outfit for some events (ra.co )) keep the music high-quality. Cover charges are usually modest – often $10–20 for DJs, sometimes lower for singer-songwriter nights. Advance tickets (when available) are sold online (Ticketfly or Eventbrite), but many events also allow pay-at-door. For example, a Proper Sound dance night had $16 online tickets (ra.co ). Because shows range from free community gigs to ticketed parties, visitors should check each event’s listing; popular acts often sell out.
Tickets and Booking
The easiest way to attend a show is to buy tickets through the organizer’s public sale or directly at the door. For ticketed events, announcements typically appear on Produce Row’s website and social media several weeks in advance. Many events sell through standard outlets (for instance one event used Eventbrite for online $16 tickets (ra.co )). Advance sales often start 4–6 weeks before a show and run out quickly for big names. At-door sales are common for smaller events – check the calendar and arrive early. Ticket prices are generally in the $15–$25 range; a July 2022 DJ event was listed $15 advance and $20 door (cash only) (www.producerowcafe.com ). Cash is still king at the door, especially on Sundays. Box office pickup isn’t standard, so plan to print or display a digital ticket. If a show sells out online, occasionally there is a waiting list or a small release of door tickets. Save your confirmation and ID: doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime, and staff will verify names at entry. For unique bookings (private parties or corporate events) the venue’s staff can be contacted through Produce Row’s website, but public concerts don’t require that.
Seating and Layout
The space at Produce Row is flexible rather than fixed. The main indoor dining hall and event space is about 1,575 square feet (capacity ~130 standing or 100 seated) (www.producerowcafe.com ). Stage and performance area sit at one end of the hall. For events, seating is usually removed so the floor becomes general admission. During concerts expect mostly standing room; occasional chairs may be set in the back or along walls. There is no balcony, but the Mural Room is a semi-private loft one step up, which can sometimes double as an elevated viewing area for quiet gatherings. (The Mural Room itself is 275 sq ft with 20 seats (www.producerowcafe.com ).) In general the best views are right in front of the stage or near the bar area. The adjacent covered patio (1,500 sq ft, 100 capacity) (www.producerowcafe.com ) is also used on warm nights, offering a raised seating area and stage off the main room. Acoustics are those of an old pub – lively wood floors and brick walls – so crowd noise can get loud, but sound crews tailor mixes for the room. One insider tip: if lots of people crowd the stage, the bar or upstairs Mural Room offer sight-lines without squeezing forward. In short, there aren’t “bad seats” per se, but arriving early for front spots or grabbing high tops near the middle gives a fuller sound experience.
Getting There and Parking
Produce Row Cafe is located at 204 SE Oak Street, Portland, OR 97214 (kids.kiddle.co ). It sits in Southeast Portland’s Central Eastside district, just off the Burnside Bridge approach. By public transit, the venue is well-served by TriMet buses: for example, routes #12 (Killingsworth/Interstate), #15 (Belmont), and #70 (12th–Greeley) all stop within two blocks (moovitapp.com ). The Burnside–Stark (#20) route runs one block north on SE 5th. The Portland Streetcar’s A/B loop stops at SE Ankeny & MLK (east of downtown); that is a 6–8 minute walk (0.3 mile) north of Produce Row. No direct MAX rail stop is nearby; the closest light rail is on the Green/Yellow lines at the Central Library (SW Yamhill) about 1 mile west. Many fans simply use rideshares or cabs — drop-off can be at the front door on SE Oak (just off 2nd Ave).
For drivers, street parking is plentiful in this industrial area. Metered parking lines SE Oak and adjacent streets. The venue’s event listings note that street parking is available all day, and a nearby lot at 333 SE 2nd Ave offers free parking after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends (www.cvent.com ) (this lot is a 1-minute walk north of Produce Row). In short: arrive before 5pm for easier free spaces, or grab metered spots on Oak (no on-site lot except private use). If using a smartphone map, search for “Produce Row Cafe – Oak & 2nd” to find the exact entrance (it’s a low brick storefront under modest signage, set back slightly from the sidewalk). Remember that SE Oak is one-way eastbound, so approach from downtown via Hawthorne Bridge or SE 2nd Ave. The area is safe, but post-show transit does thin out, so plan an Uber/Lyft or downtown cab pick-up. Bicyclists: there are a few racks on 2nd Avenue.
Inside the Venue
Step inside Produce Row and expect a laid-back, vintage-industrial brewpub feel. A friendly host will greet you; at most times you can seat yourself or wait to be shown to tables. Security is usually low-key (ID check at the bar for alcohol, and bag search only at very large events). The main hall has mixed seating – bar stools, high-top tables, booths and some scattered low tables – but remember it turns into a dance floor during shows. Lighting is dim and warm by design. A long bar runs along one side with dozens of craft beer taps and a full cocktail menu (www.producerowcafe.com ); bottles and draft lists change regularly, reflecting their craft heritage. Menus showcase Pacific Northwest pub fare (think burgers, fries, shareable appetizers) (kids.kiddle.co ) with seasonal specials. Many visitors praise menu standouts (for example, one review noted the house burger and Brussel sprouts as highlights). The kitchen typically stays open until closing (kitchen closes by 9pm–10pm depending on the day (www.cvent.com )), so you can grab food during performances or late-night drinks.
Facilities include ADA-accessible restrooms and entrances (TripAdvisor confirms it’s wheelchair accessible (www.tripadvisor.ie )). The patio doors can open for fresh air on summer nights. As you move around, you’ll see nods to Portland’s past – vintage beer signage, reused barnwood, and even a quirky antique barber chair in the entry (a nod to the building’s history as a barbershop (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org )). Coat check is not formalized, but staff will often hang coats in the back during cold nights. Expect a cash bar or card terminal at drinks; tipping bartenders is customary. Most shows have merchandise booths (bands/pass around a tip jar), but Produce Row itself doesn’t sell branded souvenirs aside from t-shirts for private events. They do provide free Wi-Fi (ask the staff for the network name). The atmosphere is electric but not pretentious: you’ll hear live music announcements before the set, and staff often interact with fans. A quick note: smoking is prohibited indoors (it’s a non-smoking restaurant (www.tripadvisor.ie )), but the patio allows vaping or cigarettes. Finally, cell reception and internet are strong – good for posting live updates.
Nearby Amenities
Surrounding Produce Row is an up-and-coming Eastside area with plenty of dining and nightlife. For pre-show meals, nearby options include casual spots like The Whole Bowl (healthy grain bowls) and local sandwich shops along SE 6th and Burnside. A few doors north on SE 5th is Culmination Brewing (for a pre-show craft brew) and two blocks west is Burnside Brewing Public House. A 10-minute walk south leads to more Eastside eateries: check out Lardo (gourmet sandwiches) on SE Clinton, or Pok Pok’s Pok Pok Wing (takeout cocktails). Downtown Portland (just 1 mile west) offers a huge range of dining: old-school Nostrana (Italian) or modern Asian spots. Food carts are also a draw – the “Cartopia” pod is a 5-minute drive or short TriMet ride away.
For drinks before or after the show, the area has breweries and bars aplenty. On a chill night try Silver Dollar or Crush Bar nearby on SE Hawthorne. For late-night rides, Lyft/Uber drivers know to pick up around SE Oak & 2nd or from neighboring Westburn Tavern and Southeast Lunch counters. A handful of hotels and hostels lie within a mile: the Ace Hotel (Burnside at 10th), Marriott Courtyard (5th & Stark), and Hotel Eastlund (Lloyd District) are common picks. Habitue Lodge (on Belmont) and various Airbnbs also serve the Central Eastside. If you plan to stay overnight, booking ahead is wise on busy weekends. Portland’s street grid is easy to navigate – consider arriving up to an hour early to eat before showtime, then stay late to enjoy late-night ambiance (after midnight buses start to thin out, so plan rides accordingly).
What Makes This Venue Special
Produce Row isn’t just another bar – it’s a piece of Portland’s cultural fabric. In its decades of operation it has been home to multiple generations of the city’s creative crowd (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). It saw the rise of PDX indie rock in the ’80s and ’90s, pivoted to a dance and DJ hub in the 2000s, and even hosted the international hip-hop brunch party “The Do-Over” on its patio (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). Its continued evolution (a 2008 remodel introduced a modern beer-hall style and big patio (kids.kiddle.co )) shows how it stays relevant. The very building breathes history: built in 1951, it’s been a café, barbershop, and event hall in turn (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ). Star performers and locals alike cite Produce Row’s intimate vibe and friendly staff: there’s real nostalgia in the handmade wooden stage and glowing Edison bulbs above. Community members recall waiting in long lines for sold-out shows (reflecting its cult status). Reviewers note it’s “still great”, a place that “has evolved but never lost its soul.” Tourists find it an authentic Old-Portland experience. In short, artists love the venue because it feels like a living room jam space, and audiences love it because it feels like a reunion of friends sipping fine local beer in a storied space. It’s this rare combination of craft‐beer pedigree and neighborhood warmth – plus the lore of surviving a 2014 closure only to reopen stronger in 2015 (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org ) – that makes Produce Row truly unique in Portland’s music and bar scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is fully ADA-compliant – wheelchair ramps and an accessible restroom are available (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Service animals and guide dogs are allowed. Seating for disabled patrons can be arranged (just let the host know).
What to Bring: For most events bring just your valid photo ID (especially if the event is 21+ (www.producerowcafe.com )) and cash/credit card. Small bags or purses are fine; large backpacks may be discouraged when concerts are busy. Earplugs can be good for loud shows, and a light jacket is wise if you plan to use the patio. Dress is casual – jeans or dresses both fit right in. Don’t forget tipping means a lot here.
Phone and Tech: Expect full cell service and free Wi-Fi inside. If you’re streaming or posting, the network holds up even when packed. Power outlets for charging phones are scarce in public areas, so top off devices beforehand.
Common Policies: Bags: If the show is crowded, security may look in bags. Cameras: Small personal cameras are generally okay, but no professional gear or flash photography unless the performer permits it. Re-entry: Usually once you enter, you can’t leave and come back without paying again (common music-venue rule). Smoking: The venue is smoke-free inside (www.tripadvisor.ie ); only smoke or vape on the patio. Dress code: None formal – creative or casual attire is fine. Age: Many evening events are 21+ (www.producerowcafe.com ); some dance parties are 18+ (ra.co ). Always check the specific event’s age rules on the calendar.
Arrival & Departure: Arrive early (30+ minutes) for popular shows to nab front-row or seating. Late arrivals find it harder to get close. After shows end (typically by 1–2am), streetcar runs linger until 1am, and buses run less frequently, so arrange your ride. Safety: The Central Eastside is generally safe, but intersections (SE 2nd & Oak) have fast-moving vehicles – use crosswalks. If on foot at night, stay on lit streets.
