Jun 9, 2025 - Food and Drink

Portland's Too Soon named one of "best bars in America"

Meira Gebel

Dimly lit cocktail bar with purple and pink neon lights, diagonal shelves filled with liquor bottles, a long wooden counter, round hanging lamps, and intimate booth seating in the back. — Too Soon, located in Portland's buzzy Kernside neighborhood, is known for its $11 happy hour cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Seth Marquez

Too Soon, the Kernside cocktail bar with an extensive bartender's choice program, just added another accolade to its shelf: One of Esquire's 15 "Best Bars in America" for 2025.

Zoom in: The magazine highlighted Too Soon's last call ritual — where Chef Bones gives out freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies — and hand-cut, slow-melting ice cubes — designed to not dilute the drinks — as reasons customers should hang out under the bisexual lighting 'til 1am.

Yes, but: It's the thoughtful and fun atmosphere industry vets Adam Robinson and Nick Flower cultivate that keeps Portlanders coming back.

That, and the quest to try all 1,000-plus signature cocktails.

If you go: Too Soon (18 NE 28th Ave.) is open Monday through Saturday, 5pm to 1am.

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Portland's Too Soon named one of "best bars in America"

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