What These Places Are
Portland’s cultural and historic attractions include the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, and the Oregon Pioneer Monument. Shift Drinks, a former downtown cocktail bar, is also part of the city’s hospitality history, though it permanently closed in mid-2020.
History
Shift Drinks
Founded on May 18, 2015, Shift Drinks was created by Anthony Garcia, an advanced sommelier, Anne Garcia, and bartender Alise Moffatt—both with experience at the prestigious Multnomah Whiskey Library. Located in the historic Terminal Sales Building downtown, it was conceived as a “professional drinking establishment” for hospitality workers and the public. Its name referred to the common practice of enjoying a “shift drink” after work.
Shift Drinks became known as a “bartender’s bar,” while also attracting cocktail enthusiasts and other Portlanders. It ranked #4 in The Oregonian’s “Portland’s Best New Bars” in 2015. Willamette Week called it “maybe the smartest bar in Portland” for its thoughtful, precise approach to drinks.
After five years, the bar closed permanently in mid-2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eater Portland named it among the city’s most notable restaurant losses of 2020. A new establishment now occupies the space.
Portland Art Museum
Established in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest cultural institutions. Its collections include Native American art, contemporary works, Asian art, and European paintings, with permanent displays that include works by Mark Rothko and Winslow Homer.
Pittock Mansion
Completed in 1914 for newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana, Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style estate in Portland’s West Hills. Architect Edward Foulkes designed the 16,000-square-foot mansion, which features elaborate woodwork, stained glass, and original furnishings. Transferred to the city, it now operates as a museum of early Portland life and architecture.
Oregon Pioneer Monument
Erected in 1912, the bronze Oregon Pioneer Monument was designed by Frederick William MacMonnies. It honors the determination of Oregon’s early settlers and reflects the history of Portland and the broader region.
What to See
Shift Drinks’ Design and Beverage Program
Shift Drinks had a minimalist industrial design, with high ceilings, concrete walls, and expansive windows that brought in natural light. Black-and-white photographs—including a quirky image of a “drunken Batman”—decorated the walls. Its open layout seated about 90 and encouraged conversation.
Anthony Garcia’s wine program featured over 100 bottles, from classic European and West Coast vintages to natural and experimental selections. The cocktail menu included inventive combinations built around bitter herbal liqueurs such as Amaro Nonino and Cynar. Signature drinks included the “Tijuana Pipe Dream” and the beer-based “Omaha Nightblade.” A collaboration with StormBreaker Brewing produced the exclusive “ShiftBeer” pale ale.
The simple, comforting food menu included items such as grilled cheese with tomato soup and bruschetta. The bar’s upstairs Makeshift Room evolved from hosting the acclaimed Nomad.PDX restaurant to serving as a private event venue.
Portland Art Museum
The museum’s permanent collections and rotating exhibitions feature historical and contemporary art. Its program also includes lectures, workshops, family-friendly events, and evening receptions.
Visitors may photograph the exterior and select exhibitions, without flash. The museum’s architecture and art installations offer photo opportunities.
Pittock Mansion
The mansion’s architecture and furnishings offer a view of early Portland life. From the terrace and gardens, visitors can see downtown Portland, the Willamette River, and the Cascade Mountains. Sunset is a popular time for photographs.
Oregon Pioneer Monument
The monument’s intricate sculpture and elevated placement provide photographic opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The adjacent park adds to the setting. Community events, art walks, and commemorations take place in the area throughout the year.
Practical Visiting Information
Shift Drinks
Shift Drinks was at 701 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, in the heart of downtown, with access by public transit. It operated from late afternoon into the evening, serving after-work patrons and late-night crowds. Special events and private gatherings were occasionally held in the upstairs Makeshift Room. Regular visits did not normally require tickets; reservations were only needed for private events. The bar is permanently closed.
Portland Art Museum
- Hours Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Fridays until 8:00 PM
- Closed Mondays and major holidays
- Admission
- Adults: $20
- Seniors (62+): $17
- Students with ID: $12
- Youth (17 and under): Free
- Discounts for Portland residents on select days
- Tickets Available online or at the door. Guided tours and audio guides are available.
The museum has wheelchair ramps and elevators, assistive listening devices, and large-print materials. Service animals are welcome. Amenities include a café, gift shop, and free Wi-Fi. Paid parking is nearby; public transit is encouraged. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but refreshments are available at the on-site café.
Pittock Mansion
- Hours Daily, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed major holidays
- Admission
- Adults: $12
- Seniors (65+), veterans, and students: $10
- Children under 12: Free
- Portland residents: $8 with ID
- Tickets Available onsite or online
- Accessibility The main floor and grounds are wheelchair accessible; upper floors may have limitations due to historic preservation.
Knowledgeable docents lead 45-minute tours. Seasonal events include garden tours and holiday celebrations. Only service animals are allowed.
Oregon Pioneer Monument
The outdoor monument is open 24/7 year-round, with no admission fee. Public transit, nearby parking, and ride-share options are available. The surrounding park has wheelchair-accessible paved paths and benches. Local organizations offer guided walking tours that include the monument.
Tips
- For the Oregon Pioneer Monument, early mornings and weekdays may bring fewer crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons also offer favorable light for photography.
- Consider a walking tour for historical context, respect the monument and park grounds, and dress for Portland’s variable weather.
- Downtown Portland is generally safe; exercise standard precautions, especially at night. As of mid-2024, outdoor monuments were open without restrictions; check city health guidelines for updates.
- Check the museum’s calendar for current events and the mansion’s website for tour and seasonal-event schedules.
- The Portland Art Museum permits photography outdoors and in select exhibitions, with no flash.
Nearby Places
The Portland Art Museum is downtown and reachable by public transit, bike, or car. Nearby cultural attractions include the Oregon Historical Society and the Portland Japanese Garden.
For visits to Pittock Mansion, nearby destinations include Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Art Museum, and the Pearl District.
The Oregon Pioneer Monument is at the west end of the South Park Blocks near Chapman Square. Shift Drinks’ former downtown location was near the Multnomah Whiskey Library and other historic downtown bars.
FAQ
Q: Is Shift Drinks still open?
A: No. It permanently closed in mid-2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What were Shift Drinks’ opening hours?
A: It typically opened in the late afternoon and operated into the evening.
Q: Did Shift Drinks require tickets or reservations?
A: No tickets were needed for regular visits. Reservations were only needed for private events in the upstairs Makeshift Room.
Q: What made Shift Drinks unique?
A: Its hospitality-focused service, minimalist design, ambitious yet approachable beverage menu, and community initiatives—including an all-day happy hour introduced in 2017 and free Sunday dinners started in 2016—helped distinguish it. The bar’s all-day happy hour and free Sunday dinners strengthened community ties.
Q: Are tickets needed for children at the Portland Art Museum?
A: Children 17 and under enter free.
Q: Is parking available at the Portland Art Museum?
A: Paid parking is nearby; public transit is encouraged.
Q: Can I bring outside food or drink to the Portland Art Museum?
A: No. The on-site café has refreshments.
Q: Are Pittock Mansion tickets available online?
A: Yes. Tickets are also available onsite.
Q: Is Pittock Mansion wheelchair accessible?
A: The main floor and grounds are accessible; upper floors may have limitations.
Q: Are pets allowed at Pittock Mansion?
A: Only service animals are allowed.
Q: Is there an entrance fee for the Oregon Pioneer Monument?
A: No. The monument is free and open to the public.
Q: Are guided tours available at the Oregon Pioneer Monument?
A: Yes. Local tour organizations offer historical walks that include the monument.
Q: Is the Oregon Pioneer Monument area wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. The park has paved paths and accessible amenities.
Q: Can I photograph the Oregon Pioneer Monument?
A: Yes. Photography is encouraged.
Q: When is the best time to visit the Oregon Pioneer Monument?
A: Early mornings and late afternoons offer favorable lighting, and weekdays may have fewer visitors.
