November 25th, 2011 at 5:21 PM ^
When ever we go to visit his folks in the NW we swing by there
November 25th, 2011 at 5:33 PM ^
Beat Ohio.
November 25th, 2011 at 5:33 PM ^
Great bar but I have yet to make it down there for a game. I don't like to be moble when I drink at 9 am.
November 25th, 2011 at 5:34 PM ^
to watch a Michigan game there, but I have heard it gets a decent crowd.
November 25th, 2011 at 5:42 PM ^
Beat Ohio.
November 25th, 2011 at 5:47 PM ^
I have. Get there early if you want a decent table. It can fill up by kick off.
November 25th, 2011 at 6:06 PM ^
I keep getting the alumni email and I thought I'd give it a try.
November 25th, 2011 at 6:34 PM ^
I saw Bacon speak when he was in town. They had him to Thirsty Lion to watch the Iowa game the day before. I seem to recall him saying the place was full with over a hundred people. The size of the crowd may have been due to his appearance so I don't know if that's typical.
November 25th, 2011 at 6:30 PM ^
Been there back before I had BTN. Good crowds for big games. Not the best TV's or sound. Once got reproached by an old alum with really bad breath about my cursing during a game (2006 Ball St.) because "chidren are here."
November 25th, 2011 at 7:11 PM ^
Clicked on this thread expecting a story about an escaped zoo animal ...
November 25th, 2011 at 7:37 PM ^
I thought maybe one of the Detroit Lions flew there after yesterday's gamd and got busted for DWI.
November 25th, 2011 at 7:14 PM ^
We live and Eugene and occasionally watch games at the Thirsty Lion when we are in Portland.
The bar itself is pretty nice and in the style of an English Pub. The beer selection is decent but not spectacular, at least by NW standards. Still has a good microbrew selection though, because you don't stay in business here otherwise. The bar is right in downtown Portland, allowing you to walk to the Brewery Blocks after the game if you are interested. I recommend Deschutes and Rogue. They are both doing some very excellent things with their beers this time of year and sell stuff at the bar that you can't buy in stores.
For big games (tomorrow obviously) it will get pretty packed which makes for a good atmosphere. It is a mixed crowd with equal parts old and young alums. The alumni association in Portland emphasizes that the Thirsty Lion is a family-friendly bar, so screaming profanity may not be a very good idea if that is your thing. Although that is true of a lot of bars.
Overall, I give the Thirsty Lion an A-/B+ grade and would recommend it to any Michigan fans who want to watch the game with fellow Wolverines.
Go Blue!
Beat Ohio!
November 25th, 2011 at 7:42 PM ^
The Thirsty Lion is a decent bar. As was said above, get there early if you want a decent seat. Hopefully the chapter president doesn't do his raffle into the third quarter this weekend like he usually does. If he does, punch him in the throat. People will probably applaud you for it, he's a douche.
For realsies, though. If you can watch it at home I would do that. Grab a sixer (or a dirty thirty, whatever be your pleasure) and enjoy The Game on the couch. I went to the Lion for every game the past two years and have enjoyed myself much more when not forced to watch with the horde. Although, that probably says more about me than the crowd. Either way - GO BLUE.
November 25th, 2011 at 7:53 PM ^
Great crowd. Place was a madhouse for the ND game. Advise getting there about 20-30 minutes early for a table. They do serve breakfast for the 9am game.
November 25th, 2011 at 8:43 PM ^
The food I have had there was very good. Never watched Michigan play there, due to the fact that I enjoy watching games either at my house or Michigan Stadium.
November 25th, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^
However, do not watch the game at Blitz Ladd. It is chock full o' tsio fans. Inlcluding an RV parked outside painted as a Buck helmet. It is their bar. It is in my neighborhood. It makes me sad. Once UM wins, I will be strolling by to say hello to the goon squad.
November 25th, 2011 at 9:55 PM ^
I also live in Oregon.. I didn't think there would be a Blue bar our here. I have only lived here 5 years, but i guess I have no excuse. Good to know i have a place I can call home for a game. though I enjoy profanity in the comfort of home. next year il try it out. BEAT OHIO
November 25th, 2011 at 11:00 PM ^
It's kinda expensive and the food is mediocre at best... but it's a good family-friendly enviornment for watching with other alums. A good safe choice if you want to make sure you have sound and a supportive crowd.