Portland, Oregon, is set to embrace the Halloween spirit with a diverse and exciting array of themed food and drink offerings for 2025. From eerie cocktails and vegan delights to festive sweets and city-wide bar crawls, the city’s bars and restaurants are rolling out the cobwebs and cauldrons for a memorable spooky season.
A Samhain Celebration at McMenamins
McMenamins locations across Portland are once again embracing the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain by transforming select venues into pop-up bars throughout October. Establishments like The Annex at Crystal Hotel and the Boiler Room at Kennedy School are expected to host these enchanting spaces, featuring Halloween-inspired cocktails such as “El Diablo” and the non-alcoholic “Jack-o’-Lantern Mule.” Guests can also anticipate themed bites like “Ichabod’s Slider Trio” and “Herman Muenster Grilled Cheese Toasties”. To add to the fun, McMenamins is encouraging guests to participate in a social media contest by posting selfies with pop-up creatures for a chance to win gift cards. For those seeking an extended experience, special hotel packages are available at select McMenamins properties, often including food and drink credits.
Tropical Goth and Ghoulish Delights at Blank Slate Bar
Blank Slate Bar is bringing back its popular “Tropical Goth” theme for the season, offering a unique blend of specialty cocktails and mocktails. Patrons can expect creative concoctions like “Black Scorpion” and “Arrackn Capone,” alongside the return of the highly anticipated “Eye Scream Sundae”. This decadent dessert features ube pudding, Oreo cookie crumbles, vanilla soft serve, drizzled with raspberry “blood,” and topped with a single candy eyeball. Known for its artful food and unique cocktails, Blank Slate Bar offers a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere, making it a prime spot for seasonal celebrations.
Vegan Vibes and Horror-Themed Sips at The Uncanny
In North Portland, The Uncanny stands out with its commitment to a completely vegan menu, encompassing both food and drinks. This Halloween season, the bar is serving a lineup of creatively named cocktails, including “Spawn of Satan,” “Painsicle,” and “Prowl by Night,” alongside non-alcoholic options like “La Llorona Soda”. Their vegan culinary offerings are equally impressive, featuring items such as the “Smash Burger,” “Cuban,” and various “Chick’n” sandwiches. The Uncanny blends a dive bar aesthetic with speakeasy charm, positioning itself as a destination for those seeking innovative vegan Halloween treats.
Spooky Coffee and Eerie Eats at Memento Mori
Memento Mori, a vegan coffee shop, is capturing the darker side of the season with its themed menu. Patrons can enjoy items like “Mourning Toast,” a creation featuring scream cheese and black sesame tahini on sourdough, and the “Grim Reaper” sandwich. The drink menu is equally thematic, with beverages named after horror icons and macabre concepts, enhancing the shop’s gothic ambiance. Memento Mori also serves as a gathering spot for local artists, with planned meetups to draw inspiration from its spooky atmosphere and specialty brews.
Sweet Treats and Creative Confections
Beyond the beverage scene, Portland’s pastry and dessert artisans are contributing to the Halloween festivities. Mikiko Mochi Donuts is offering a range of returning and new flavors, including “Horrochata,” “Witches Brew,” and “Dirt & Worms”. Critter Cookies / Anuja is taking pre-orders for elaborate Halloween cookie boxes filled with festive designs. For those inclined to bake, DB Dessert Company is hosting a Halloween cake decorating class, providing a hands-on, creative way to engage with the holiday.
Halloween Bar Crawls and Seasonal Specials Across Oregon
For those who enjoy a multi-venue experience, Portland is hosting several Halloween bar crawls. Events such as the “Haunted Halloween Bar Crawl” and the “Boos Fest Halloween Bar Crawl” promise access to numerous bars and pubs, often featuring exclusive drink specials, themed entertainment, and costume contests. These crawls frequently include popular spots like Rogue Portland Public House and various McMenamins establishments, offering a comprehensive nightlife experience. Additionally, national chains are participating with special deals; Baskin-Robbins is offering 31% off all scoops on Halloween, and Krispy Kreme is providing a free doughnut to anyone in costume on October 31st.
As Halloween 2025 draws near, Portland’s food and drink scene is a trending destination for unique, themed experiences that cater to every taste, ensuring a spirited and delicious celebration throughout the city and the greater Oregon area.
