23 — Bill's Steak House

History by the Glass

Filled with gratitude, gravy, and goodwill, the HBTG boys emerged from their hiatus refreshed and ready to kick off season TWO of the podcast at the place it all inexplicably began nearly 5 years earlier -- Bill's Steak House (10227 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland's Parkrose neighborhood. This time, instead of near-crippling depression and doubt, the boys found an earnest, scrappy regulars bar that continues to roll with the punches thrown its way decade by decade, night by night. Founded in 1940 as a hot dog stand called Bill's Streetcar (because, you know, they served hot dogs out of a literal streetcar), Bill's is thought to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant east of 82nd Ave., but, more importantly for us, it's been a beloved local watering hole since its days of 25-cent glasses of wine. Nevermind the literal name on the front though -- don't come from your airport hotel looking for a classic Portland steakhouse. Come in search of an honest pour, respectable bar food, and a chance to bend elbows with some real life Portlanders and all their beautiful, sometimes unsettling, complexity. We checked our preconceptions at the door this time around and left with our HBTG cups full. Special thanks and cheers to bartender Lisa -- it was an honor to watch you steer that ship! Bar visit & recording date: Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 HBTG theme song: "Frozen Egg" by Lame Drivers Interlude music: "Right Track" by Lame Drivers