Best cocktails in town – with games on the side
The Senet Game Bar in Tigard occupies a unique space in the local food and beverage scene.
Along with possibly the most innovative and colorful cocktails anywhere in the Portland metro area, it is probably the only place where you can go for drinks with friends and also enjoy a lively game of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. That’s just one of the many options for people looking to liven up their night out. There are plenty of quick and fun games, along with trivia nights and special Bingo nights where part of the proceeds goes to local charities such as Project Lemonade, a Portland nonprofit that works to provide foster children with clothing and other items that help bolster their self-esteem.
Located on the upper floor at 12553 SW Main Street in Tigard, the Senet Game Bar occupies a former bike shop in a light and airy space boasting local artists and tables and a bar crafted from the lanes of an old bowling alley.
“We opened in June 2019 and we had about eight months before the shutdown,” says owner Derrick Wright. “Just when everything is going smoothly, you have to figure out something else.”
Senet Game Bar, which takes its name from an ancient Egyptian board game, survived through the seemingly endless business restrictions brought on by the pandemic by serving its delicious cocktails on a to-go basis. They cultivated a loyal customer base that helped them stay afloat through lean times and has now inspired a slight change of direction where their business is concerned.
“We are really trying to broaden our appeal to people who are looking for an experience that you don’t have to go to Portland for,” says bartender and mixologist Katie Sabolek. “We want to appeal to people who want to go out and have great cocktails and have fun with their friends.”
Where they once tried to cater to a more serious gaming crowd, Wright now wants to bring a lighter feel to the table, along with an expanded breakfast menu to complement colorful drinks with names like Carmen Sandiego, Cucumber Collins and the Dreamsicle.
“We’ve got really light games, and we’ve been teaching people in their 20s who have never played a board game,” Wright said. “I have a few of them at ready. We’re going to focus on the games for people who aren’t really game players. They can just walk in and have a fun time with their friends.”
Senet Game Bar – 12553 SW Main St. Suite 201 Tigard • 503-583-7412 • www.senetgamebar.com
Open Wed. & Thurs. 5-9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 5-11:15 pm, Sun. 11-6 pm
