While Portland has changed dramatically over the years, Goose Hollow Inn still feels wonderfully familiar.

Before Portland became known for trendy food carts, craft breweries, and ever changing restaurant concepts, there were neighborhood taverns where regulars gathered after work and visitors quickly felt like locals. One of those places has been quietly holding onto that tradition for nearly six decades. Found on Southwest Jefferson Street, Goose Hollow Inn has become far more than a neighborhood pub: it's grown into a Portland landmark where history, comfort food, and local character all come together under one roof.

Walk through the front door and you'll immediately understand why so many people keep coming back. Historic photos, delicious food, longtime traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere have helped Goose Hollow Inn remain one of Portland's most treasured taverns since 1967.

A Local Pub That Helped Shape Portland

The story of Goose Hollow Inn actually begins a few years before its 1967 opening. In 1962, Bud Clark and his wife, Sigrid Fehrenbacher, bought the Spatenhaus Tavern in downtown Portland for just $1,600, then had to borrow money to buy beer for the grand opening.

But downtown urban renewal soon caught up with the little tavern. The Spatenhaus was demolished in 1967 to make way for what became the Ira Keller Fountain, and that same year Clark bought Ann’s Tavern at Southwest 19th Avenue and Jefferson Street. He renamed it Goose Hollow Inn, turning a displaced neighborhood bar into one of Portland’s most recognizable gathering places.

Bud Clark’s influence eventually reached well beyond the walls of his neighborhood tavern. He became widely recognized for the famous “Expose Yourself to Art” poster before launching a successful campaign for Portland mayor, taking office in 1985 after defeating incumbent Frank Ivancie.

Fun fact: After winning the election for mayor, Bud Clark sold autographed copies of the famous poster to pay his campaign debt.

While Bud was serving as mayor, his wife, Sigrid Clark, a violinist with the Oregon Symphony for 39 years, oversaw the tavern. Today, Goose Hollow Inn remains in the Clark family, with Bud's children continuing the tradition that began 59 years ago.

Goose Hollow Inn Gave A Neighborhood Its Name

Many Portlanders know the Goose Hollow neighborhood today, but few realize how closely its identity became tied to this tavern.

The inn became such a defining local landmark that many people credit it with helping establish Goose Hollow as the neighborhood's widely recognized name. Over the years, the pub became woven into the area's identity as new businesses arrived, MAX light rail transformed nearby streets, and Portland continued to grow around it.

Through all of those changes, Goose Hollow Inn remained consistent. That consistency has earned an incredibly loyal customer base. It's common to find guests who have been stopping in for twenty years or longer sitting alongside college students, tourists, sports fans heading to nearby Providence Park, and first time visitors who simply heard someone say, "You have to try the Reuben."

The Sandwich That Became A Portland Legend

If there's one menu item that has become almost legendary at Goose Hollow Inn, it's the Reuben.

Before you even place an order, the pub makes its signature sandwich impossible to miss. Inside, you'll quickly notice a bold claim that the house Reuben is the best on the planet, setting the bar high before the first bite.

Layer after layer of grass fed, regionally sourced corned beef is stacked generously between slices of grilled rye bread with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing that brings everything together. The bread has a crisp exterior while staying soft inside, balancing the hearty filling without becoming soggy.

Visitors frequently mention that this isn't just a good Reuben. Many describe it as the best they've ever eaten. The praise doesn't stop with locals either. Travelers regularly make special trips just to try it after hearing recommendations from family or friends who insist it can't be missed.

Is Goose Hollow Inn's Reuben Really Worth The Hype? For many people, the answer is an easy yes. After decades of glowing reviews and recommendations from both Portland locals and first time visitors, the Reuben has earned its reputation as one of the city's best sandwiches.

A Vegetarian Twist On The House Favorite

Even guests who don't eat meat have something worth getting excited about. Rather than relying on imitation meat products, Goose Hollow's vegetarian Rachel's Reuben swaps out corned beef for garlic sautéed mushrooms while keeping the tangy sauerkraut, melted cheese, and grilled rye that make the original so popular.

Longtime customers specifically mention the vegetarian version as one of the best they've found because it embraces vegetables instead of trying to imitate meat. If you're someone who already enjoys sauerkraut, chances are the vegetarian version of Goose Hollow's famous sandwich will earn a spot on your list of favorites.

Comfort Food Beyond The Reuben

While the Reuben gets most of the attention, it certainly isn't the only reason people return to Goose Hollow Inn again and again. One of the best bargains on the menu is the garlic bread. On its own it's an inexpensive snack, but adding broiled cheese with marinara transforms it into something much more satisfying. Pair it with an affordable beer and you've got a filling meal that's surprisingly easy on the wallet.

Other customer favorites include the turkey dip, shrimp melt, crab melt, spinach salad, beet salad, and hearty soups.

Tuesday brings another specialty that has developed a loyal following. That's when the kitchen prepares its Crab and Shrimp Louis, a tradition many regulars specifically plan around.

The menu also includes fresh salads and classic pub fare prepared with attention to detail instead of speed. That's something first time visitors should know before arriving: Goose Hollow Inn isn't trying to compete with fast food. Meals are prepared carefully, and during busy hours there may be a wait, though most regulars don't seem to mind when the result is something delicious.

The Patio At Goose Hollow Inn Is One Of Portland's Best Places To Sit And Stay Awhile

Surrounded by vine maples and covered with awnings and heaters, the patio at Goose Hollow Inn creates a comfortable place to relax during much of the year, whether it's a warm summer evening or one of Portland's cooler afternoons. Its location also makes it especially convenient.

Goose Hollow Inn sits just steps from the MAX station, close to Providence Park, and at the base of Washington Park. That makes it an easy stop before a Timbers match, after exploring the city, or while spending the day nearby.

Great Food Is Only Part Of What Makes Goose Hollow Inn So Special

There's a reason Goose Hollow Inn has attracted loyal customers for decades. The food may be what first catches people's attention, but it's the laid back atmosphere that keeps them coming back. Inside, the atmosphere stays refreshingly simple. Historic photos reflect the pub's long history, and the emphasis remains on conversation rather than constant distractions. That slower pace has become part of the pub's identity.

The mix of customers is also part of the pub's charm. Longtime regulars share the space with first time visitors, creating the kind of welcoming neighborhood gathering place that's become increasingly hard to find.

Goose Hollow Inn Played A Surprising Role In Changing Oregon Law

Goose Hollow Inn has another claim to fame that has nothing to do with its famous Reuben. Back in the early 1970s, Oregon law prohibited dancing and singing inside bars. That may sound almost unbelievable today, but those restrictions were very real. Many thought the rule was ridiculous.

One of Goose Hollow Inn's regular customers happened to be Oregon Representative Steve Kafoury. After a waitress pointed out that customers weren't legally allowed to dance or sing along with the jukebox (which Kafoury was trying to do), Kafoury helped get the law changed.

That simple conversation inside Goose Hollow Inn helped pave the way for the kind of nightlife Oregonians now take for granted. The change opened the door for dancing, karaoke, and singing along with live music to become a regular part of the bar scene.

The Drink Menu At Goose Hollow Inn Is Full Of Portland Character

The drinks are every bit as much a part of Goose Hollow's personality as the food.

Beer lovers have plenty to choose from with 13 taps and a strong local beer selection. One feature many guests appreciate is the option to order smaller ten ounce pours, making it easy to sample several different beers without committing to full pints.

The pub has also developed a reputation for reasonably priced drinks that feel refreshingly old school in a city where cocktails can easily climb well into double digits.

One unusual favorite has become something of a conversation starter over the years. Known as the "house special concoction for the land of rain and beer," the drink combines Widmer Hefeweizen with orange Emergen-C powder. It sounds like an odd pairing, yet plenty of curious visitors discover that it works.

Information About Goose Hollow Inn, In Portland Oregon

• Location: 1927 SW Jefferson St, Portland, Oregon
• Hours:
  • Sunday - Tuesday 11 AM - 10 PM
  • Wednesday - Saturday 11 AM - 11 PM
• Check out their full menu and get more information on the Goose Hollow Inn Website.

Portland has changed dramatically since Goose Hollow Inn first opened in 1967, but stepping inside still feels like a trip back to an earlier era. Historic photographs, well worn booths, and a welcoming atmosphere have remained part of the experience through decades of change. While the city has grown around it, the Clark family has carefully preserved the character that Bud Clark created all those years ago. Whether you're stopping in before a soccer match or simply looking for a classic neighborhood pub, Goose Hollow Inn still offers a genuine slice of old Portland that's becoming harder to find.