Moloko

I love the fish. The bartender Jaz was great and very friendly. I had a hot toddy and it was like a 5 star review in my mouth!

I’m only giving this bar two stars because the bartenders and bar backs are amazing. Everyone that is actually working at this bar are super sweet and attentive. Unfortunately, as somebody that works in the service industry, it’s apparent to me that the staff at this bar is not very supported. This bar prides itself on fresh squeezed cocktails, but if you’re on a street as busy as Mississippi, you can’t expect one bartender to be able to handle an entire bar. I live right by this bar and they have a really high turnover rate in comparison to the bars nearby. Not surprising with the way it seems to be run.

Just got a note from HQ saying my previous review was pulled for lack of detail (?). Let me be more specific then:
When we entered we were not greeted, at all, ever.
When we tried to say hello we were first ignored and then grunted at.
We asked for a menu and the bartender threw one at us.
The bartender never came back for our order, instead hanging out and chatting with her friends.
We did not consume a drink because we could not order one.
Therefore I cannot comment on the drinks.
But I can comment on the poor service. See above.
Then we left and got drinks somewhere else.
If that enough detail? Charts and diagrams? Do I need to Perry Mason this sh*t?

Love Moloko. Drinks, staff, décor, patio, fish tanks, general atmosphere are all great and to my liking. Been going here for years and even though I don’t live as close to Mississippi Ave as I used to, still make sure I get over there fairly often. Also really enjoy it when they have djs — always playing a good selection and not the same music you’d find in several other spots around town.

Moloko? More like Mo-​joke-​o! No wait… More like mo-​choke-​o! Bewm! Okay, okay, I’m being kinda harsh. Honestly, the drinks were fine, as was the food and service, and the prices are reasonable, but the atmosphere (and much less importantly, the fact they don’t take AMEX) leaves something to be desired. It’s just an out of place, trying to be rather modern/​metropolitan bar in the wrong area of Portland. Go to Interurban or Prost down the street.

When I go out to drink I like to find a relaxing spot, especially since I’m a bartender myself. This is a good place to come decompress. The aquariums are gorgeous and the staff and owner are rad. There are now tank tours in the afternoon on Saturday. Highly suggest it!

I love this sweet cozy cool little bar. The interior is glowing because of a big tank full of tiny colorful fishies, and the back patio is chill af. Great date night bar.

I enjoyed a pint of LaurelWood’s WorkHorse IPA on an early Thursday afternoon.
It was 4pm, they’d just opened, the weather was shite, so not much business at this hour.
The other times I’ve been here — great atmos. and vibe later in the evening.
Service was kind and attentive. They offer crafted cocktails and bites. Their food menu is quite impressive.
You can’t beat the numerous, neon – lit aquariums, very cool spot to relax with some friends.
Years ago when I first checked it out, it seemed like a secret entrance, no sign or marquee on the window. So it’s very easy to just walk by. Don’t forget the heated back patio with some festive lights and décor.

damn! this place doesn’t disappoint. girls and guys like it, the music is always upbeat and the drinks (duh) are where it’s at. this night, i just wanted something simple — a whiskey sour. i had three! for only $ 6 the shit comes with fresh pressed juice, not some nasty syrupy mix. and those fancy bordeaux cherries. fuuck.

Place is amazing.
I am a huge fish tank nerd so usually places with tanks I stay away from because the fish health kind bugs me. It is so nice and refreshing to see these beautiful tanks with such healthy fish and coral. The care they must put into those tanks was is admirable.
The waitress we have had the last few times has been great. I could not believe the portions on what I ordered for a happy hour snack, I shared with two others and I have meant it just for me.
They always have a good IPA on tap, but my friends are mix drink lovers and they rave about there mixed drinks.
I love the music and chill vibe.
Great place

I like this place. It’s a great place to hang out when some of the other bars are much too crowded. There are some cool looking fish tanks inside and many times a DJ spinning some chill beats.
They have a cozy little patio out back which tends to be pretty quiet. Maybe a good place to do some catching up with an old friend.
As far as drinks go they have a nice selection. Something for everyone i’d imagine. Hard cider, beer, and a huge selection of fancy cocktails.
Last night I tried some of the food and was pleased with what I got. The grilled cheese was awesome and also tried the smoked salmon and cheese plate. Salmon was good, maybe could have been a bit better.
All and all a solid bar.

Rarely been disappointed by the drinks, music, or tropical fish in this place. They do something with mint, lemon, vodka, and cucumber that’s really outstanding, but I can’t remember it’s name.
Moloko is a dope spot to dance when there’s a DJ (big up Monkeytek for the reggae & dub vibes!) or take over the back patio and get sloppy. Sitting & staring at sea anemones & weird multicolored shelled things in the aquariums isn’t a bad way to nurse a drink f you’re rolling solo, either.
Thanks for keeping our wheels greased, Moloko.

Moloko is by far my favorite bar on the Mississippi strip. As other reviewers have noted, the aquariums are outstanding, but the best feature in my opinion is the patio. Heated in winter, shaded in summer, it’s a great place to hide away from the world and read or just hang out. The cocktails are all amazing, and in spite of appearances, during happy hour they have the cheapest beer on the street, $ 1.50 for a draft. The grilled sandwiches can be hit or miss, but are almost always worth it. Highly recommended.

Moloko’s best aspect has nothing to do with drinks or food. It has to do with fish tanks.
This bar features several fish tanks throughout the space. The tanks are filled with various sea critters, and they are really fun to watch. My favorite seat is right at the bar where I can sit there sipping on my vodka tonic, and watching the fish.
Moloko isn’t too sizeable, so you have to be careful when you decide to go there. I’ve never had trouble finding a spot there around happy hour, or really anytime other than 10pm-​2am on a Friday or Saturday night. This place also has a terrific outdoor area. The back area features a large back patio with several chairs and tables, nice lighting, some spots with an awning, and several outdoor heaters. Even when it’s raining, I sometimes like to hang out in this area just because it’s so well done and set up.
The drinks here are ok. The well drinks are pretty reasonably priced, around $ 4 I believe. The draft beer selection here is pretty lacking. I really wish they would get some more taps and offer better beers. I’ve also never been here when there were more than 2 bartenders working, and this place can get pretty crowded, so I think they should work on getting more bartenders out there. I’ve definitely had to wait ~10 minutes for a drink here on more than a few occasions.
But I don’t go to Moloko for the drinks or service. I go for the fish.

«Isn’t this that ‘A Clockwork Orange’ bar?»
Pretty much all it took to convince us all that we should stop in and take a shot. The décor is stark white walls accented with techno-​color fish tanks that make the place kind of fun and funky. The bartender was nice and recommended a comparable tequila when the one I requested wasn’t available. The shots were served quickly and amply poured. We didn’t spend more than 10 minutes in the bar but I left feeling like I would make a point to go back.

I usually stay away from the Mississippi/​Alberta area, as I am by no means a hipster. Moloko, however, caught my immediate fancy. It’s a little hard to find unless you know to look for the neon signs out front, but once you get in, you’ll like the aesthetic.
Cool neon fish tanks are at various places near the bar, and are pretty fun to watch. Not much room inside, but the outside patio is plenty spacious, and pretty. One downside is the bathroom, which is at best gnarly.
Their drinks are pretty standard, although I ordered an old fashioned, not from their house cocktail menu. I also got a grilled cheese sandwich, and all I can say is PHENOMENAL! Best I’ve ever had.
Overall fun place, as long as you stay away from the toilet.

Fun bar with friendly and talkative bar tenders. Cozy atmosphere.

We came on a quite a Saturday afternoon but that was fine by me because this place has happy hour e v e r y d a y. The prices are more than acceptable. The bartender was kind and quick with the order, not that anyone else was here to take up their time. I will lament that the food took longer than expected but it was tasty. To be honest a tuna melt on sour dough usually tastes pretty good and I can never knock a grilled cheese but for bar food it was good. I for one am happy that they sell hoegaarden but wish they had proper hexagonal glasses to serve it in. All in all this was a relaxing place to spend a weekend afternoon and I’ll probably be back. Oh smoking is allowed in the back patio area if you are so inclined but it can get chilly back there so bring a coat.

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in here on a Saturday night. Compared to all the other bars on N. Mississippi, I felt at home with the hiphop music. But, I was also confused walking into the modern space in the front where there are these low chairs and sticky tables (probably from previous drinks), bright neon colors, and a fish tank. The back room/​patio is a different environment where it’s not as loud as it is indoors, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the smoke.
I think I had one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had here: a Ciao Bella. It was a treat to even watch the bartender make my drink complete with the grapefruit peel rubbed along the rim and oy, was the drink strong — this kept me buzzed for a good bit. The sweet was cut well with the bitters.
I’m not sure if I would come back, but people seemed to be having a good time whether they were dancing in the bar in an awkward space between bar chairs and a wall, or just casually hanging out in the back patio.

The DJs here always rule. It’s more of a locals/​grownups joint, but everybody’s always friendly unless you’re totally blowing it. I heard they won’t let you in if you’re wearing a ball cap or flipflops, which works for me. Random people might come sit at your table.