Tag Archives: The Bible Club Bar

Your Drink Runneth Over at the Bible Club

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Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (# External photo attribution at the end of the post #1.)

Although I’ve visited and reviewed about 150 Portland area watering holes since starting this hobby in 2011, there’s still no shortage of interesting establishments which beckon. Such was the case with the Bible Club, which I recently visited with a former Schwabe law firm colleague, Margaret Hoffmann.

And I would suggest that the Bible Club is unique in the truest sense of that word and not the overused expression which people use to convey something that is very unusual. First, it’s a speakeasy – I’ll address those characteristics below – but there are only a few of these in Portland which merit the label. (#2)

Yes, this is a speakeasy.

But what really distinguishes the Bible Club? It’s the trappings and resulting ambiance when one walks into this historic home in a neighborhood setting. As stated in a 2016 article in the Portland Mercury shortly after it’s opening:

“Despite its unadorned facade on SE 16th, just barely off Westmoreland’s main drag, Bible Club is one of the most aggressively beautiful bars in Portland. It’s just so full of stuff. It demands to be slowly explored, visually and tactilely. Virtually everything in the bar—from the tools the bartenders use, to the glassware patrons drink from—is American made pre-1930.“

Now before telling you more about the bar – a little bit more about Margaret Hoffmann. She’s a Beerchasing regular going back to 2016 when she, Brian (Brain) King and I made a foray to one of my favorite bars – Mummy’s Bar and Grill – unfortunately now gone but not forgotten.

We met at Margaret’s office and ambled the block and one-half from the PacWest Center to this underground treasure. The picture on the right below, shows, Mounir Ghobrial one of the brothers who co-owned the bar and restaurant for many years serving our drinks.

Interestingly enough, after graduating from the University of Alexandria in Egypt with a Masters Degree, he worked as a chemist for ten years before co-founding the restaurant with his brother in 1980.)

In 2025 Margaret and I had a great visit to another “spiritual” bar when we visited a classy establishment. The Holy Ghost, one of the bars owned and operated by Portland’s Three-on-a-Match Bar Group.

Marget is now retired and besides having been honored in her profession as a top product liability litigator (Oregon Super Lawyer and named as one of the Best Lawyers in America), she is also skilled at fly fishing and in her “spare time” spends additional court-time playing pickle-ball and traveling the world.

We agreed to meet at 4:00 when the bar opens, but I got a call at 4:10 and Margaret informed me that she got mixed up and was at the Holy Ghost instead. The fact that she made the drive to the Bible Club in fifteen minutes at rush hour, is a “testament” to her fortitude.

Is it Really a Speakeasy?

The only other Portland so-called speakeasy I’ve visited was in 2017 – a classic – Gil’s Speakeasy, where they were true to their motto: “We’re the nicest assholes in town!” Unlike the Bible Club, Gil’s is a great dive and makes no pretense otherwise.

Gil’s Speakeasy

The historical definition of a speakeasy originated during Prohibition. It was not illegal to drink alcohol during Prohibition. The 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act specifically banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, but they intentionally omitted actual consumption or private possession of alcohol.

These havens provided illicit drinks – usually bootlegged cocktails – in a space where the entrance was disguised and required a password or code and one could partake while socializing with others.

Contemporary speakeasys are now legal – noted for their “intimate, vintage-inspired décor, creative, craft cocktails and maintain the mysterious, exclusive atmosphere of their historical roots.”

The Bible Club fits these criteria to a T.

Walking into the Bible Club is like stepping into the 1920’s. It is totally upscale and almost like a museum. Nicholas, our friendly server, explained that before it opened in 2015, the owners had furnishings and embellishments – even the wooden floor – flown in from all over the country.

Affirming this premise is another article published shortly after the opening. Willamette Week gushes:

“This Sellwood side-road speakeasy is a Prohibition-themed bar so oddly sincere and unhip in its dedication that it utterly flips the script on authenticity Almost every item in the bar is over a century old, from great-grandma crystal glasses to the huge ‘Bible Club’ meeting sign behind the bar to a sewing pinking device used to pretty up orange-peel fronds.”

True to the genre, the Bible Club has no external signage or indication of the business or the upscale character that greets you when you walk in. As one 2024 Yelp review aptly described:

“The atmosphere makes you feel like many people probably felt back during the Prohibition. Sneaking into an illicit drinking establishment, grabbing a drink and hoping you don’t get caught. Accompanying this whole vibe is live jazz music. Could not ask for a better environment to imbibe.“

I’m not going to attempt to describe all the memorabilia and accoutrements, but these pictures give you a very good idea.

The Drinks

The Bible Club also comports with a speakeasy’s renown for esoteric and upscale (expensive) cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. (#3)

Margaret and I eschewed these, however, for our standard “Beerchasing” beverage – martinis – up and with olives although Margaret opts for vodka and I elect gin. (And one of those in the picture of me below was Margaret’s!)

We didn’t eat and although its food offerings are limited to reasonably-priced sharables such as a Charcuterie board, stuffed mushrooms, baked meatballs and a Ceasar salad option supplemented by a few dessert choices, the chef gets very good reviews.

There is also an appropriately named, “Revival Patio” – not for religious ceremonies – but where live jazz draws good weekend crowds (it seats about eighty) for a minimal $6 cover charge. The no-smoking requirement is a plus. (#4 – 6)

We were sold on the Bible Club although our time there was short. About the only negative I can cite is the wooden chairs were pretty uncomfortable – a comment made in at least one review – and the couch is reserved for parties of at least six.

Consistent with the low-key speakeasy theme, I only found two newspaper reviews of the Bible Club both of which were cited above – written ten years ago shortly after the opening.

Rather than believe me, take a look at some of the Yelp or Trip Advisor reviews and you will see this is a place you should visit. Just remember, they don’t take reservations – the seating is pretty limited and they have a loyal clientele.

Restuarantji.com – April 2016: “Bible club gives you the feeling you’ve found a hidden gem without doing anything more than walking up to what looks like a house and intruding to be offered some of the best drinks in the city crafted by excellent mixologists.”

Yelp.com – July 2025: “This place is so much fun! The environment is classy low key with amazing signature cocktails. All the cocktails are twists on classics that are just phenomenal to look at, let alone, delicious to drink. The food is good, but the drinks are really what it’s about.

The waitstaff are engaging and seem to enjoy their job as they never stopped looking after their guests with a smile.” (#6)

Cheers!

External Photo Attribution

#1. The Bible Club Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=998729678926193&set=pb.100063675094960.-2207520000&type=3).

#2. Yelp.com (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bible-club-portland?select=hE5MxBy8SvVFFQFbyDQoVw).

#3. The Bible Club Facebook Page    (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=767575455374951&set=pb.100063675094960.-2207520000&type=3).

#4.  The Bible Club Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=546150357517463&set=pb.100063675094960.-2207520000&type=3).

#5. The Bible Club Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=861056589360170&set=pb.100063675094960.-2207520000&type=3).

#6. Yelp.com (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bible-club-portland?select=DdbMEKM5CwhTWGKcMTyqwQ). #7. The Bible Club Facebook Page Profile Picture (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=707033701429127&set=a.490803056385527

The Holy Ghost Bar – A Spiritual Progression

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Welcome to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post #1 – #2)

I’ve been to a slew of bars and breweries in fourteen years of Beerchasing in which the establishment had a previous life – something distinctly different from a watering hole.

These have included automotive shops and garages, drycleaners and laundromats, printing shops and even lawyer offices and houses of ill repute (in one case, reportedly in the same quarters…)  In many cases, the bar or brewery was initially another drinking establishment that went out of business or changed ownership.

Such is the case of The Holy Ghost – opened in November 2022 in Southeast Portland at the busy intersection of 28th and Gladstone.  For decades, it was a funky dive bar – Pub at the End of the Universe – operated by the McCormick family – notable Portland restauranters. It closed in 2017.

“(The developer) has been researching the building and says it seems to have been built in the 1920s or earlier and played home to four or so tenants over the years. It was once a pharmacy with a tavern alongside, and before it was named Pub at the End of the Universe…”  Portland Eater 12/15/17 (#3)

“A haven for all vibration”

“Pub at the End of the Universe has been established for over 30 years by the McCormick family. A haven for all vibration that liked to chill out and be treated like family. The Pub has a unique atmosphere with multi levels and full bar, pool and darts.

The music scene dates back to late 80’s with rock and roll and metal bands opening up the ears and eyes of the Pub….We were creating a place where folks can get together and be creative with the Universe.”  Reverbnation.com

Why the Holy Ghost?

In 2024, I had two informal gatherings with colleagues involved with the Abbey Foundation of Oregon (I serve as VP of the Board).  I was looking for a new Beerchasing venue and thought a religious theme would be appropriate.  

Having already been to the wonderful Church Bar in 2013, I ruled that one out – maybe a good choice because in November, a patron was stabbed to death in the bar (The Oregonian.) https://thebeerchaser.com/2013/12/11/church-eat-drink-pray-repent/so

I also thought that the venerable Bar of the Gods – one of the first bars I visited early in 2012 – only six months after I started this hobby – would be inappropriate so I narrowed it down. (Notice the prices on the BOG menu….)

The Bible Club and The Holy Ghost both get great reviews and had convenient locations, but the latter got the edge because of its martinis.  I met my former law firm colleague, Margaret Hoffman there and it was a good choice. 

Marget is now retired and besides being honored in her profession as a top product liability litigator (Oregon Super Lawyer and named as one of the Best Lawyers in America), Margaret is an outstanding human being.  She is also skilled at fly fishing and in her “spare time” spends additional court-time playing pickle-ball and traveling the world.

The Holy Ghost has a bright and attractive interior that has been totally refurbished since the Pub at the End of the Universe days.  The only reference to elements of the trinity in the former were vodka, wine and beer. 

Sid Chi, the friendly Bar Manager, since it opened in 2022, said the bar was named “after some song the owners liked.” Subsequent research revealed that it emanated from The Bar- Kays:

“The Bar-Kays is an American funk band formed in 1964. The band had dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including ‘Soul Finger’ (US Billboard Hot 100 number 17, R&B number 3) in 1967, ‘Son of Shaft’ (R&B number 10) in 1972, and ‘Boogie Body Land’ (R&B number 7) in 1980.”  (Wikipedia) (#4)

The_Bar-Kays_1968_press_photo

(In 1978, they had a hit single “The Holy Ghost” that rose to #9 on the US Rhythm and Blue Chart.)

“Your love is like the Holy Ghostshakin’ all in my bonesI never felt such a feelin’In all the days I been round, yeahWhenever I feel the pressure(Jah!) I can’t seem to hypnotize my mind(Well!) Your love is like the Holy GhostAnd I feel like I’ve been born a second time.”  (Genius.com)

Margaret and I are both martini drinkers (me with gin and her with vodka) so we didn’t take advantage of their extensive cocktail/mocktail selection which draws rave reviews.  And the Holy Ghost Gin Fizz may be worth returning:

“We’re really into the idea of the gin fizz. It’s a great drink but no one wants to make it because it takes so long to shake,” Caraeff says, describing the five-minute shaking process it takes to mix a proper version of the New Orleans classic.

So, the team purchased a number of bubble tea shaking machines to do the work for them. It still takes a solid five minutes to make, a fact that is outlined on the menu, but that’s just part of the charm.”  (Portland Eater)

Cocktail “Heaven”

But the gin fizz is not the only innovative concoction as evidenced by this excerpt from Wikipedia:

“Among cocktails on the mezcal and tequila-focused drink menu is a ranch water with infused tequila, a mezcal old fashioned with Cazadores Reposado, and an Altos Plata Aperol spritz. Holy Ghost also serves a drink with bubblegum-infused vodka.

The bar has a 400-bottle agave collection and also serves beer, wine (including sparkling varieties), and low-ABV and non-alcoholic drinks made with drinking vinegars, Seedlip, and syrups. One mocktail has gin, ginger, hibiscus, and raspberry, and another is a whiskey chai.”

Quite often in these posts, I go into a detailed description of the bar, but in this case the photos below convey it better than a narrative.  Evidently, the total refurbishing of the bar was done through a collaboration between Three-on-a-Match Bar Group and Guerilla Development Co. both of which are very innovative firms. 

A principal in the Match Group is Ezra Ace Caraeff – a well-known figure in Portland and former Music Editor for the Portland Mercury.

I always try to visit an establishment twice before doing my review and in November, I returned – again with Abbey Foundation Board members, John Meek, John Limb and Gene Dieringer.

Both Meek and Limb are recent Board Presidents and we affectionately refer to them as First and Second John, although I avoided my inclination of an initial toast of:

“In the beginning was the Word…..”

While the Holy Ghost doesn’t serve food, it shares part of the building with The Electric – a pizzeria and 28 Tigers – a dumpling and noodle shop. There is a nice patio with a fire pit that is very popular with patrons and the social media reviews of the offerings are quite positive.

There’s good street parking available and the only real complaint is that the acoustics aren’t great and carrying a conversation can be a problem, although we didn’t experience that. It’s also sometimes challenging to find a seat.

Portland is fortunate to have the Three on a Match Bar Group which appears to have the same mission as Portland entrepreneurs and “bar revivalists” Marcus Archambeault and Warren Boothby.

The other Three on a Match bars are 

The Old Gold
 

Paydirt

Tough Luck

Hi-Top Tavern

Stay tuned for a review of the Hi-Top which I visited late in 2024 and is another quality Portland neighborhood bar.

Another good Portland watering hole

Cheers and Happy New Year

External Photo Attribution

#1. – #2. Holy Ghost Bar Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/holyghostbar/photos).

#3.  Pub at the End of the Universe Facebook Page (PUB at the END of the Universe | Portland, OR | Shows, Schedules, and Directions | ReverbNation).

#4.  Public Domain – Wikipedia Commons (File:The Bar-Kays 1968 press photo.jpg – Wikimedia Commons).  This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published in the United States between 1929 and 1977, inclusive, without a copyright notice. Author: Distributed by Stax Records. The Bar-Kays in a press photo from the late 1960s.  – 1968.