The low-slung ceilings and the red glow from the string lights make My-Oh-My one of my favorite haunts come fall.
The tufted wrap-around booth seating and chairs give a definite old-school fast-food-joint vibe, but the faux fireplace and wallpaper elevate the space juuuust right.
On a Tuesday at 4 p.m., it’s almost empty—though the 4 pinball machines, photo booth, and Magic Box vending machines still hum along. Mazzy Star, The Smiths, and Siouxie and the Banshees plays overheard, reminding you that without a doubt that yes, this is a bar in Portland.
A Neighborhood Finally Gets Its Spot
My-Oh-My’s location on upper Sandy Blvd and 86th made its opening a serious treat. For those of us who live out this way—where houses were once upon a time remotely affordable—the dearth of good bars where you can get a proper cocktail is real. And while bars like Park City Pub and Escape have their own charm, the arrival of My-Oh-My was absolutely something to celebrate.
The bar rounds out a trio owned by AJ Fosik, Jason Radich, and Matt Relki, whose other spots include Creepy’s and White Owl Social Club in lower SE Portland. Their reputation for consistently churning out top-notch, elevated-but-homey bars is well-earned. Knockout cocktails, spaces that feel lived-in and loved, and crowds that show up again and again.
And while I feel I’ve aged out of White Owl, I feel very at home at Creepy’s and My-Oh-My.
Throughout any night, you’ll watch the crowds cycle through. The 40- and 50-somethings roll in for the happy-hour/after-work window and usually peter out around 8 or 9. Then the second wave—Gen Xers—drifts in around 10 or 11.
It’s a bar that shapeshifts depending on the hour, and somehow works for everyone.
But no matter what, I always feel welcome.
Food, People, and the Feeling That Keeps You There
There is a patio out back, but I tend to save this bar for fall and winter. With only a few small windows, the dim lighting turns it into an indulgent cave. Like Tulip Tavern on lower Killingsworth (also with a patio), these cozy AF bars become the warm hug you need on a wet, super shitty night during our long Portland winters.
Like many bars in town, My-Oh-My partners with a rotation of food carts that take up residence on the patio. My frequency of visits may hinge on whatever cuisine is in rotation, but I’m a die-hard fan of these partnerships. It’s cost-effective for everyone involved, and lets both businesses laser-focus on what they’re good at.
The bartenders are always kind and personable—a trait I can’t say is common across Portland bars. Having spent my formidable drinking years in this city, I’m fully aware I’ve aged out of my “prime,” but the genuine kindness I receive here is something I deeply appreciate.
And they get slammed. I’ve seen it. I’ve been there. But the interactions remain human, warm, and respectful.
They host karaoke every Saturday at 9 p.m. and Drag Bingo every 2nd Thursday from 7–9. The drink menu runs from tiki-inspired cocktails to mocktails, N/A options, and CBD sodas. And yes, the famed Creepy’s Pickle Martini is still my favorite.
Dogs, Kids, and Airport People Friendly
My-Oh-My is dog-friendly, which means I often make immediate eye contact with some random lap pup and briefly resent my own dogter for preferring her couch over bar life.
It’s kid-friendly until 9 p.m. too—so parents don’t have to wait for bedtime to get their Manhattan.
And then there’s the My-Oh-Myle HIII Club, designed for people going to or from the airport (or working at it). Show a boarding pass or employee badge, get a card for 10% off. After that, you can use the discount once a month. Airport employees? Twice a month. It’s a very Portland kind of loyalty program.
Final Thoughts
My-Oh-My is a standout bar any season, but especially once Portland turns dreary. The parking may leave something to be desired, but if nothing else, pop in before hitting the Grotto’s winter lights display just across the road. You’ll need a little something to take the edge off that underwhelming but overpriced experience.
My-Oh-My
Address: 8627 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220
My-Oh-My
Address: 8627 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220
