After 100 years of business, Portland’s Skyline Tavern has closed.
When I first came to Portland in 2004, I took a drive along Skyline to look at the view and came to an old tavern that had over 2 acres of beautiful grounds but had clearly seen better days. I enjoy dive bars, so I stopped, talked to the bartender, and developed a liking for the place, returning now and then for a beer when I was in the area.
The bar was built in 1920, and as far as I know, remained a tavern until it “temporarily” closed when Covid-19 hit in 2020.
Scott Ray Becker, a member of the Black Dogs of Skyline band, and eco-filmmaker bought the property in 2014. He did what was unthinkable to many regulars, giving it a good cleaning, bringing in a better selection of beer and wine, adding edible food, and breathing new life into the large, forested area around the property. It wasn’t long before people started coming back, and I was one of them. For me, dealing with MS was all about achieving goals, and I set lots of difficult ones for myself, the biggest was hiking the Waterline Trail from the St. John’s entrance to Forest Park all the way up to Skyline Drive for a beer and sandwich at the tavern. It took me multiple tries, but eventually, I was able to make it, and my reward was a leisurely lunch, a stroll around the grounds, and an all-downhill walk back to my car. Like this website, it played a part in regaining some of the self-worth that I lost when I first got sick.
After such a long closure, I had a suspicion Skyline Tavern would never reopen, which was confirmed to me today in a note from Scott. When I wrote to him about my hiking goal, he said,
That was one of my favorite things about the tavern—that folks could hike through forest park and emerge into a clearing at the top of the hill to a wooden palace with tasty food, frothy beverages and good music. And views out west after being in the forest canopy.
I bought the Tavern in January 2004 from Andy Craig. Closed it Wednesday March 11 2020 after my band BLACK DOGS OF SKYLINE played a final set knowing the close confines of the cozy tavern we’re going to be viral incubator for the ensuing pandemic. And almost two years later…still the virus runs rampant.
It was a great run. I’ve decided to close the Tavern(food & drink part) for good but I do plan on some small outdoor music events there this summer. I’m currently developing an email newsletter to update folks. Ideally they will hike to the tavern like you to keep the impact to the neighborhood to the minimum.
Thanks for loving the Skyline Tavern.
Scott
1920-2020. A good run.
Private Music Recording Studio and record label now.
Info@skytav.com for anyone who wants periodic updates.
The Skyline Tavern wasn’t a place I visited often, but I always liked knowing it was there when I needed something new, or had a friend in town that I knew would appreciate it. I’m sad to see it go but will return for future events.
Michael says
A pox upon Scott for keeping a 100 year old establishment for his own selfish needs. Turning an historic tavern into a music studio for a band few have heard of or will ever care about is a pathetic excuse to shut it down for good.
PDX Food Dude says
You know, before you make a dumbass, uninformed statement like this, you might spend three minutes doing a little research.
It was priced as a vacant lot when he bought it because no one was likely to try to restore the building. Do a search and educate yourself. If it weren’t for him, it would be houses now. If most restaurant owners had bought the building odds are very high it would have closed during covid and been torn down. Scott loved that place, but like dozens of other Portland restaurants, it just wouldn’t work through Covid.
Try educating yourself with this excellent article in Willamette Week
Lisa says
You could stand to do your own research yourself. Frankly. Lots of people created the Skyline that the city grew to know and love. People that gave their blood sweat and tears for the project. By no means did Scott do it alone. I would be shocked if he would agree to that. And some late comers to the project who have claimed to be stewards of the place only got there after it was named best bar. Yes please do the research before you make Scott the one and only hero. It was a whole lot of others. Ask around.
PDX Food Dude says
I’m not making him a hero. I’m just saying it’s his business, he paid for it, and he has the right to burn it down if he wants to. Restaurants are closing every few days. If it isn’t working for him should he keep throwing money into the fire?
Mike says
I’m embarrassed to have the same name as the jerk above who made the ignorant comment. Good response, PDX Food Dude
lauren says
Scott may not be perfect ( out of all us humans – who is ?) But having known him well for quite some time I can say, I have always thought of him fondly
as being self-less in regards to being a visionary of service to his community.
John says
I more or less agree with Michael and the WW article almost makes it worse.
He could get an operator in there, and make it work.
Feels like he doesn’t want the headache.
Cindy Banks says
Michael – Scott gave many bands (including mine) a place to play and build community. it’s unfair to characterize him as selfish. I don’t know him well, but every discussion I’ve ever had with him, he was focused on what was for the good of the musicians, the patrons and the neighborhood. And speaking of the neighborhood, there are a dozen reasons why running a business in the current environment is difficult but it also doesn’t help when you are in the middle of a quiet, residential neighborhood and have to be constantly vigilant about the complaints. I’m sad to lose this resource but I really don’t blame him. Covid closed a lot of businesses and he has the right to make the decision that is best in his judgment, it was his investment.
Lisa says
It’s pretty selfish. But he can do whatever he wants. It will be a private clubhouse. As it has been for the past two years.
I’m glad I experienced it when I did and I’m glad we gave you, Cindy, and many others the opportunity to play at STP.
It’s got plenty of room to provide a space for people to enjoy it. It’s a personal decision to make it private. It’s a shame. But some of us weren’t welcome before it closed. So I was hoping someone else would be able to buy it, open it, and continue providing a kick ass venue for musicians, music lovers, nature lovers and yes beer drinkers. Too bad. I won’t say a pox on Scott but I do smh.
Timothy Nishimoto says
I’m so sad to read about the permanent closure! I have spent many afternoons there with friends from out of town and locals alike, often bringing our own food to barbeque, playing horseshoes, watch the world go by from afar, drinking delicious beer, and taking in the quiet, beautiful forested surroundings.
As a former restaurant owner myself, I get it, though!
Sandra Mueller says
This is some sad sad news! I enjoyed many an afternoon sipping a cool one out back with my dog and friends after a hike in Forest Park. Such an awesome relaxing atmosphere! Thanks for all the amazing memories! As a healthcare worker working the frontlines, I appreciate your efforts to keep people safe! Wishing you all the best Skyline!!
Karl W says
We have frequented Skyline Tavern since 1972
when we purchase our property down the road. Back when the owner Irene and her Doberman welcomed all. As we are sorry it is closed, we understand the reasons. An end to a wonderful era.
Claudia Sinclair says
Irene was my Mom!
She loved her tavern and all who came in! Thanks for your note, Claudia
D. P. I. L. C. says
Recording studio huh? How much is he going to charge? I’ve never been to the skyline but it sounds like it will be missed. Sucks the whole covid pandemic really caused alot of great places in Portland to close down. But places can be bought and reopened or another old place can become a great watering hole and music venue. R. I . P. Skyline Pub. I’m sure your walls and wood will forever retain the years and smells of fun and friendship. May the Lairs of the building enjoy it now.
cole platt says
We have no one to blame for restaurants closing other than ourselves for not standing up for what is right and making our voices heard. Our mob fear based response to covid it what closed these places. I hope it was worth it.
Ron vitko says
I knew the owners personally and they are turning over in their graves. I have watched garbage like you systematically kill all the history of many folks that call this area home.. you move in don’t care a thing for the folks that made this area great…..wipe out a community of friends and turn it into place that has no trespassing signs on every tree and not give a shit… I met you just after you aquired the Skyliner, priced locals out to be able to call it yours, it will never be yours greedy people have a way of ignoring the lives of others. i seen the lights of your eyes and knew right away the skyliner was doomed.
Toni Maselli says
I lived down the street from the Skyline. Rode my horse in one day. Irene was beside herself. Tended bar there once in awhile. Loved the place and sorry to see it go. Please put me on your list…
Toni
Doug says
More Portland authenticity bites the dust. I loved the Skyline Tavern and feared that it too would fall prey to the viral pandemic predator. From the Black Dogs of Skyline to The Brothers Jam it was a cool and very personable venue. As a regular who lives just down the road I shall miss it dearly.
Anna says
Thank you for being clear this is not Skyline Restaurant, the burger joint up the road. They are still open for business seven days a week at 1313 NW Skyline Blvd. // http://www.SkylineBurgers.com
Larry Weaver says
That may be but I’m among those who mourn the passing of the Skyline Tavern. Andy Craig hosted our Sunset/Beaverton high school reunion party and he was the perfect host to we folks and a good friend. Started going there when I turned old enough to drink, a beer and good conversation. I’ll miss the old place and my friend Andy.
terry smythe says
I feel the same about this closure as I felt about Rose’s on NW 23rd, and Henry Thiele’s at 23rd & Burnside. Very sad. Used to love stopping in there for a beer in “The Old Days”.
O'Grady says
My dad owned the place for a time in the 70s. I remember a gentleman named Rudy came by on his horse and gave me a ride (I was 6 or 7). I still have my dad’s green t-shirt with the logo. I loved the place and wish the best for the owner. I was hoping to take a friend there for a beer, but I get that times are tough.
Paula says
What a bummer. Really an iconic spot with awesome music and low key vibe. How about that other commercial spot up further on Skyline that used to be an ice cream shop or something? I wonder if this could be our new dive bar, hang out spot for the hood?
Justin says
Here’s the story on the ice cream shop, it was a pet project that wasn’t ever really designed to be a regular business. A fantastic dive into the history of the place, although somewhat sad:
https://www.oregonlive.com/history/2022/01/beacon-of-the-past-how-a-quirky-portland-drive-in-helped-a-wwii-veteran-heal-old-wounds.html
PDX Food Dude says
Thank you!
Jeff Ovington says
I miss this place so much. I may not have been much of a regular for the music and later evening stuff, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss the hell out of it! Pre-covid I would drive home to St Johns/Portsmouth on Fridays (half days of work in Beaverton and take either Kaiser or Spring Valley to Germantown home), or during other weekdays, and hit up Skyline on the way for a few cold ones, or local friends from St Johns going up and hanging on the weekends during the day, maybe play a little pool.
In hindsight I wish I had gone up more and checked out the bands. DAMMIT! MISSED OPPORTUNITIES! It was so homey and fantastic. I dearly, deeply miss this place, wish I had bought a tshirt or sweatshirt to always remember it by. That may sound a bit shallow, but I like having that stuff as a remembrance of good times and exceptional places that eventually pass us by.
I DID get a hat, thankfully, which I wore this last Saturday 07.30.22, for my North Portland/St Johns bar league softball game at Pier Park and got many comments on how it will be missed.
I pray, PRAY, that someday this comes back, as I’m sure many many Portlanders wish for it’s return as well, but running a small business in a residential neighborhood I’m sure was difficult and maybe not that profitable. All I can say is peace and good luck to the owners, I still take a drive by HOPING BEYOND HOPE that maybe, suddenly, it will be reopened and MAGIC!!!!!
I PROMISE if it does reopen that I’ll come by more often, for music and food and beers, especially now that my youngest will be 21 this month (8/22/22) and would beyond LOVE to take her there and show her why it’s so special. She would get it, even if she wants to live in NYC, but I would like her to have that memory of her and dad hanging at Skyline, even if only for a drink. Long shot, or no shot.
Anyways, good luck down the road everyone, sad to see another Portland bar institution leave us. I hope you know the impact you had on some of us regular normal people that would just drop in here and there and enjoy the trees, the views, the snow and cold windy days. Miss you.