Happy Landing
520 SE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97233
Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:00AM – 10:00 to 10:30 PM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
7:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Grade: B+
Drink Price Points:
$3-$8.50
Bar Seating: Seats 14 (L-shaped bar)
Food: Out of 5
Bathrooms: Out of 5
OK… may be an overstatement, but if you’re on your way home, we advise a little will power and pride and hold off the go.
Surrounding Area:
Not the best. Before an iron gate was put up across the street at the 7-11 on the side of the building, it was quite a scene watching the gallery that coalesced there.
Review:
For all its scary external, Happy Landing is comfy inside with decent lighting, good music but poor music speakers. This is a CASH ONLY bar so know that before going and then complaining about it. You really want to expose your entire credit history in this place? The L-shaped bar courts 14 seats and there are four new tables clutching the south wall with four new chairs each. But don’t let the newness fool you, they’re only so-so comfy. One pool table (with new felt top) and a country style table with seating dominate the main floor. To the left, as you enter, are five gaming machines that will gladly take your money and increase your per drink cost. The overall appearance of the interior is way better than you’d expect from the parking lot. Speaking of which, there is plenty of parking but be sure to lock everything up and don’t have anything of value in view from the windows. However, leaving can be a challenge as your only exit is on to 148th which can back up quickly blocking your escape.
Tom Workman, ex-U. of Seattle hoop star and ex-NBA player has owned the “Landing” since 1977. Do a little research on him before going and you will have some great conversations with a true pioneer of the game. FYI, he shoots between 83-88 at the Gresham golf course. Not bad for an 80-something ex-athlete. When you can shoot your age, that’s a milestone. The bar was named for a nearby airport back in 1958 in the area.
Linoleum flooring gives the bar a clean look…or it may be the fact that there’s a continuous water leak that floods the floor from time to time that keeps the crew mopping it clean often. A separate kitchen provides daily food specials to customers at moderate prices with cast iron stomachs. Their food specials are the best in the Stark/148th street cross section. They have a popcorn machine that’s always two inches deep with god-knows how old the popcorn is, which is reflected by the fact you never see anyone with popcorn in front of them. Drinks are basic. Not going to have a wide variety of top of the line liquor.
The bartenders are regular favorites and will reflect the mood of the customers. You’re not in a good mood? They won’t be either to you. So be nice and expect nice service. See the mirror, be the mirror. Good cast of characters that enter the establishment will keep you regaling stories for months after you leave. A true dive bar. Enjoy!
