What’s new at Portland’s vegan bar called The Bye and Bye

What it is: A Vegan Bar

The backstory: In a city whose reputation is entangled with hipster stereotypes, The Bye and Bye offers a relaxed, upbeat space free of pretension. Located on Alberta Street, an artsy thoroughfare in Northeast Portland, this vegan bar was established by six friends in 2007. “The owners built the bar with their own hands, then tended bar while running the daily operations,” says communications and events manager Phillip Conner.

Why we love it: The Southern-inspired menu features sandwiches and bowls centered on tofu, greens, and grains—all under $10. Don’t miss the Meatball Sub, on a perfectly crunchy baguette loaded with housemade marinara, oat cheese, and almond Parmesan. A bowl with BBQ tofu, Brussels sprouts, and brown rice epitomizes healthful bar food. The Bye and Bye’s eponymous cocktail is served in a Mason jar and made with peach-infused vodka and bourbon, lemon, cranberry juice, and soda. Beer offerings range from draft regional microbrews, such as Terminal Gravity IPA, to PBR tallboys. With large windows and interesting paintings (including a large Evel Knievel portrait) on bright walls, the bar’s comfortable, airy feel welcomes families and trendsetters alike. Enjoy Portland’s mild weather on the spacious front patio or snag a picnic table in the bamboo-lined beer garden in the back. See alsoVeg Hot Spot: NYC’s Hot Bread Kitchen

Bonus: The Bye and Bye recently raised funds for One Tail at a Time dog rescue. “We fenced off the parking lot and invited friends and their canine companions to join us for games, food, and beer,” says Conner. Lisa Barley is an editor and writer living on Bainbridge Island in Washington. Whenever she visits Portland, she always makes time for an awesome sandwich The Bye and Bye.