MCMINNVILLE — 1109 Lafayette Bar plays like a funky Portland bar dropped into a small town and decided to keep the small-town manners. Somewhere between the two, it turned into one of the most vivid, unapologetically fun spots in Yamhill County.
They call themselves a modern speakeasy with Gen X flair, and the changeable sign out front backs it up - reading "Here's ta swimmin with bowlegged women” the day I rolled up (from the movie Jaws). It's a standalone black building with a covered patio strung with warm lights and flowers, the kind of setup that makes you slow the car just to read whatever ridiculous, perfect line is posted that week.
Inside, there isn't a dull corner in the place. Eclectic art, bold color, retro furniture with actual personality, chandeliers that ooze character. Even the bathroom is loud in the best way. A framed photo of Deborah Harry watched me on my way out - making me snicker.
I went solo on a Thursday open mic night. A local musician had the patio glowing, people drifting in and out between sets, and the staff clearly wants that scene to keep growing. Lex was behind the bar - warm, quick and treating every person who walked up, longtime regular or first-timer like me, exactly the same.
They keep a small, tight tap list and a fridge stacked with options, but the cocktail menu is where this place shows off. I had the smoked old fashioned, toasted almond version, and it's a small piece of theater. They torch it until smoke rolls fills the chamber, then let it sit 10-15 seconds. Rich, smoky, absurdly good. I had my eye on the peach cobbler too, peach crown, rumchata, honey simple, lemon, peach puree, graham cracker rim - the next visit for sure.
I didn't eat, poor planning on my part, but the menu wasn't shy on options. A bevy of hot dog options - including Seattle and Chicago style - a handful of sandwiches, and apparently something new is always cropping up, cupcakes one week, a new drink or dish the next. A great way to keep up is to follow them on their entertaining social media accounts (links above).
They lean into theme nights, including meat bingo on Mondays where the prize is exactly what it sounds like (meat), ladies night Wednesdays, industry night Sundays and so on.
I'll be back, and I can already picture date nights here with my wife, or solo trips just to catch whoever's playing the patio next.
