Art Bar & Bistro

This place used to have a decent menu. Now there is nothing interesting at all. Thinking I would play it safe, I ordered a hamburger medium rare. I would have been better off at McDonalds. I had an overcooked thin patty with a little cheese and onion thrown on. It was barely edible. My friend ordered yakisoba noodles, which arrived in a Chinese take-​out carton. They were mushy and greasy. Perhaps they were reheated from the Chinese restaurant nearby. You would think that a venue that caters to sophisticated tastes would have sophisticated food. Definitely not the case. I will not return until there is a change of ownership. I will go to the Heathman bar, which serves delicious Happy Hour food at a good price.

My wife and I have been doing to the Art Bar for a number of years now… always before the symphony because it’s convenient (being across the alley/​street). It used to be better, but the food has become boring (with few changes).
But the biggest change in the last 2 years is the service, which has gone from «OK» to rather «poor.» The turnover has been tremendous. Get this, at our last visit (just a few days ago) were heard an arriving waiter say «nobody works around here.» Then, the manager passed by flipping his keys into the air and whistling. On another occasion, we were brought the check — whereupon we asked if we might not know about the deserts, followed by a «oh, I guess so.» Wait-​staff stand around looking bored.
We’re done with the place. Can’t imagine returning.

I went here for a pre-​Schnitz cocktail or two to cool off and right my wrongs from riding my bike in September to downtown. Yeesh, it was warm. I was alone this night and the staff were friendly and welcoming.
They take cards and there was a cocktail menu with drinks from $ 8 – 12. I think a pint of beer was $ 7? I heard a lot of interesting orders and house wine seemed to be in the $ 10 range. Outdoor seating was avail on a quiet (er) side street and there’s a bathroom in the lobby. Many seating arrangements optional, from the bar, to arm chairs, to patio to full out table with food, I think. Kind of a cool venue, classy and hip.
I’d go here again pre-​show for an event but I wouldn’t seek this place out due to the cost. But I felt classy while I cooled down and had a few drinks.

So, when you sit at a table outside for Music on Main Street you are ordering from Art Bar & Bistro. You get a good view of the bands, and that’s nice. We didn’t want anything huge, so we tried the Vegetable Skewer. It’s a little pricey for what you get, BUT, the veggies are nicely grilled, the feta harissa dip is yummy, and the gluten free crackers are hearty and delicious — just wish you got more of it all. I guess I would give it another try, though.
I haven’t sat inside, but the lobby where you would sit it beautiful. I love the sculpture there.

Great place to have a drink before watching a show. Fast and friendly service with completely reasonable prices.
I’m not sure about going here to just hang out though…

Actually pretty impressed for a theatre bar. We snagged seats next to the fireplace and were treated with delicious a cocktail and mocktail — ordered two salads and the gnocchi. The salads were tasty — the gnocchi I just couldn’t get into the polenta-​like squares they came in. Friendly and quick service with reasonable prices for where we were.

Decent pre-​show bites. We got caught in the rain trying to find a place in Southeast, and were almost going to miss our concert at Arlene Schnitzer. We decided we had to return downtown at once. Fortunately, I remembered seeing this place, and within no time we were eating whole wheat pasta with thyme and roasted broccoli. Cappuccino was decent too, but best of all, we made it to our show next door with five minutes to spare.

How hard would it be to have competent people serving beverages in such a lovely space? Especially if PCPA wants to draw people in who might also be going to the Schnitzer or other downtown activities.
It’s not about the prices, though I question whether they can be truly competitive with such high ones, but given profits go to PCPA — no complaints from me.
But in a city with some of the best bars I’ve ever been too, there’s only one way to describe this one: Fail.

Art Bar is in point of fact a perfect place, but only for the following two scenarios:
ONE: You want to seduce an aging senator or tenured law professor. He loves the old Hollywood feel of dark wood, dim lights, and persistent yet discreet mirrored panels. He drinks scotch rocks, and mentions how lovely you’d look in white silk. Order whatever you want; he’s paying.
TWO: You’re going to a great show at the Schnitz at 8pm. Every other place in a 5-​block radius is packed and will cost you more than your ticket for just a drink. Art Bar is empty, you can get a quick drink and snack for a comparatively reasonable $ 20, and walk ten feet to the show.

Art Bar is in the lobby of the PCPA building which houses multiple theater and performing arts groups.
The atmosphere is a little strange since its a really open space in the lobby. Its great if you are seeing a show and need a beverage before you head in, but I think its a little strange for just stopping in. Be prepared to pay upwards of 8 $ for a drink.
The same goes for food. Snacks and appetizers are good and decent priced, but the dinner menu is limited and over priced.
Its in a great location right across from the schnitz, but there is almost no parking. Be sure to take the max — its only a few blocks away. Basically for a lobby bar its good, but I don’t think it could stand on its own.