What the Shanghai Tunnel Bar and Tunnels Are
At 211 SW Ankeny Street in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown, the Shanghai Tunnel Bar is a nightlife spot whose décor and atmosphere pay tribute to the city’s mysterious past. It combines an atmospheric setting, inventive pub fare, and local nightlife. The nearby Shanghai Tunnels are associated with Portland’s history and folklore; access to them is available only through guided tours. For background, see Oregon Encyclopedia, Travel Portland, and PDX Today.
History and Cultural Significance
Origins of the Tunnels
The so-called “Shanghai tunnels” were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to move goods from Portland’s waterfront to the basements of hotels, taverns, and warehouses, bypassing congested and muddy streets. Their role in the city’s logistical infrastructure is well documented (Wikipedia; Oregon Encyclopedia).
The Shanghaiing Legend
Stories connecting the tunnels to “shanghaiing”—the kidnapping of men for forced labor at sea—emerged in the 20th century and were popularized by journalists and tour operators. Shanghaiing did occur in Portland, but historians have found no direct evidence that the tunnels were specifically used for it. The legend nevertheless persists as part of Portland’s identity (Legends of America; Oregon Encyclopedia).
There is stronger evidence that tunnels facilitated illicit activities during Prohibition, including smuggling and the operation of underground gambling dens and bars. Newspaper accounts describe secret passages and tunnels associated with vice, though the full extent of these activities remains debated (Legends of America).
Cultural Impact and Modern Identity
Old Town Chinatown has a history tied to Portland’s immigrant, commercial, and nightlife communities. The Shanghai Tunnel Bar draws on the area’s layered stories, while oral histories, ghost stories, and themed tours continue to shape public interest in the tunnels. The boundary between fact and legend is part of their appeal (PDX Today; Oregon Encyclopedia).
What to See and Do
The Shanghai Tunnel Bar
The bar’s moody, subterranean-style interior features exposed brick, vintage lanterns, red lighting, and eclectic art. It draws a diverse crowd and has a welcoming, alternative social scene. Seating includes booths, bar stools, communal tables, and outdoor options.
The menu includes an extensive craft beer selection, creative house cocktails, and happy hour specials. Asian-inspired pub food includes ramen, dumplings, bao, and spring rolls, with ample vegan and vegetarian options. Food service runs late.
Events and activities include:
- Live music by local and touring punk, indie, rock, and other acts.
- Karaoke on Wednesdays.
- Trivia nights on Sundays.
- Pinball, pool, and classic arcade machines.
Event listings are available through Songkick.
Guided Tunnel Tours
The Shanghai Tunnels, also known as the Portland Underground, can be visited only on guided tours. Their association with shanghaiing is debated, but they remain an attraction for visitors interested in Portland’s past (Tourist Secrets).
Tour options include:
- Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour Includes ghost stories and a beer or cider tasting. It starts at Old Town Pizza & Brewing and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Portland Underground Tours Seasonal, often on weekends, with a focus on preservation and educational content. These tours are not wheelchair accessible.
- Bar-related experiences Occasional themed events take place at the Shanghai Tunnel Bar. They offer an immersive atmosphere but do not provide structured tunnel access (The Dive Bar Tourist).
Practical Visiting Information
Bar Hours and Entry
The Shanghai Tunnel Bar is open Wednesday–Saturday, 5:00 PM–2:30 AM, and Sunday, 5:00 PM–midnight. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays (Shanghai Tunnel Bar Official Website).
Bar entry requires no ticket and is 21+ only. Some concerts or special nights may have a cover charge or require an advance ticket; check Songkick.
Tour Hours, Tickets, and Starting Point
Most Shanghai Tunnel tours operate Thursday–Sunday, with departures between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM; seasonal schedules may apply (Travel Portland).
- Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour Thursday–Sunday, 5:00–9:00 PM; $25–$35 per person.
- Portland Underground Tours Seasonal, often weekends; $20–$30 per person.
- Guided tunnel tours Typically $20–$35 per person. Advance tickets are required; booking online offers the best availability.
Most tours depart from Old Town Pizza & Brewing, but check the tour operator’s instructions.
Location, Access, and Services
The bar is at 211 SW Ankeny St and is accessible by public transit, including MAX light rail and bus lines. Street parking is limited.
The bar has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. The tunnels and some tour venues are not wheelchair accessible because of stairs and uneven floors.
Reservations are not required at the bar, but are recommended for large groups or busy event nights. An ATM is onsite, and major cards are accepted. Delivery and takeout are available through DoorDash and other platforms.
Tips
- Book tours in advance; they can sell out, especially on weekends (Travel Portland).
- Tunnels are cool and damp. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a jacket.
- Some tours are 21+ because they include alcohol.
- A tunnel tour can be paired with a visit to the Shanghai Tunnel Bar or nearby attractions.
- Check current hours and updates through official websites, social media, and apps such as Audiala.
Nearby Places
Other places to visit in Old Town include:
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Oregon Historical Society Museum
- Portland Saturday Market
- Japanese American Historical Plaza
More information is available from Travel Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Shanghai Tunnel Bar’s hours?
A: The hours are listed under “Bar Hours and Entry” above.
Q: Is the bar 21+?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I need tickets for the bar?
A: No. Some live events require a ticket or cover charge.
Q: Are tunnel tours wheelchair accessible?
A: No. Stairs and uneven floors prevent wheelchair access.
Q: Where do tunnel tours start?
A: Most depart from Old Town Pizza & Brewing; check your tour operator’s instructions.
Q: Can I visit the tunnels without a tour?
A: No. Access is only via organized tours for safety reasons.
