The oldest restaurant in Portland has become more than a tradition.
What was once a bar on First and Morrison serving a turkey sandwich with every drink purchased, is now an elegant, grand lady of a bar and restaurant aging gracefully in the 21st century. Opened in 1879, the restaurant relocated to 411 SW 3rd Ave in 1910 and has been there ever since. The feel is 1910 – with Tiffany glass-styled glass ceiling, brass accents, and dark wood throughout. The continuously running restaurant is a destination and experience unto itself.
They still specialize in turkey dinners and turkey sandwiches. But the experience that is unique to Huber’s is their signature drink – the Spanish Coffee. Servers dressed in their black and white arrive with the makings to create the drink table side. Their practiced pinpoint accuracy astounds as they fill a glass with Kahula, Triple Sec, and rum with from a moving-target waterfall almost two feet away. Watch closely as they manage to light a match with the flick of one hand. The dark wood booths are the perfect backdrop as they light the beverage on fire, with a blueish glow in the dim romantic light. As they top it off with coffee, whipped cream, and nutmeg, the light extinguishes and you get to enjoy the creation at your leisure.
Nothing feels rushed here. No loud pulsating music. The iPhone in your hand feels surprisingly out of place. You tuck it into your coat pocket where it remains the rest of your stay. It seems a distraction to relishing the ambience, the history, and the tradition of the grand old lady that is Huber’s.
Huber’s Restaurant
411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland OR
