Mj's Wine - Portland

While it's less than a decade old, MJ's feels like an institution in downtown Portland to me. This review is a long time coming, but after going in for some drinks the other night and stopping by again the next day, I knew it was time! MJ's is a treasure by afternoon, night and by Sunday morning! Fridays and Saturdays the place is usually packed, yet I always seem to be able to find a seat. Cozy couches and candle lit tables await those on a special date or those simply wanting to sit down after a long day of walking around charming Portland for a glass or two. With over 30 varieties wine by the glass, it is easy to spend hours here sampling all the different delicious wines on offer (and we did). Not sure what you like? Go up to the beautiful hand painted map where you will find jars filled with different fruits, botanicals and spices to help guide your palate. Oh, and you bet I opened every damn jar to smell what was inside. ::::breaths in deeply::::: Ahhhh, so lovely. The friendly and attentive staff at MJ's are highly knowledgable and will be able to steer you in the right direction with their great recommendations! Of special note is their evening live music lineup. If you have the opportunity to see the talented Mike Maurice on a Friday night, seize it! He is an incredible pianist and can practically play any requested song you can dream up... even if he hasn't heard it before. He need only listen to the first 20-30 seconds before he picks it up. Such a talented guy! They also a regular act on Sundays (Bess Jacques and The Strayz) as well as pianist every other Monday (Mark Dumond). All very talented. Let's face it, music and wine just go together. Oh! And on Sunday mornings, they have $3 mimosas and $4 waffles. Ummmmm? Yes. Please. And thank you. I have spent many a summer evening out on their patio enjoying one of their excellent cabs and delicious cheese plates. I hope they continue to thrive in Portland, as they deserve to!

I really, and mean REALLY, want to like this place. But... it's just plain Jane. I've been numerous times. Always too dark. Usually very quiet, too quiet. But worst, the wine selection is very limited and not that inspiring. As a wine bar, they should have pages of wines. Not just 8 to 10 of each variety. I do like that you can order 3oz samples. My advise, expand the wines. Add some yummy food. Regular entertainment would help.

I can't believe I have not already written a review for MJ's!!!! I have to say, MJ's is one of my favorite places to go in Portland. Even prior to living in Portland, MJ's used to always be a very frequented place by my husband and I. Despite having delicious wines and cheese platters, the best thing about MJ's is their staff and service. I have never met such a wonderful group of employees anywhere. First, the owner Mark is fantastic. He is always extremely friendly and wonderful to talk to. He has been many places and his life stories are so fun to hear about. The rest of the staff also is amazing. Despite some of my favorites (Sam and Chole) leaving, Mark has continued to find exceptional replacements (Love Paige). All of the staff is extremely knowledgeable about the wines and cheeses and they all are so passionate about what they do. They are all also extremely conversational and make you feel very welcome every time you come in. MJ's also has a great happy hour if you are looking to have a nice glass of wine after a long day at work. Their cheese plates are also super tasty and they do a great job of selecting quality cheeses, nuts and olives! They do a good job of providing some great entertainment and live music in the evenings (can't remember the specific days) and they also do some wine tastings which I have been eager to try out one of these days!! If you haven't been to MJ's, you need to check it out! One of the best places in Portland!

The staff here is just fricken awesome- so friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable about wine. And the offerings are excellent; whether you know nothing about wine, or are a wine connoisseur, you'll find something to like about the menu here. I especially love the idea of having a few small pours back-to-back so you can compare and contrast, and there's something really awesome about telling the staff what you like and having them suggest something you may never have known about but is spot on. The strip-mall exterior really belays the cozy, welcoming, elegant-but-comfortable interior- I'm sad it took me so many years to discover this place, but now that I have, I'll make sure to always return when I'm in town.

MJ's is a quaint little wine bar with tons of character. My husband and I frequent MJ's as it is a terrific place for wine and small cheese plates. When you walk in, you are greeted with dim lighting, couches and various other seating and tables. They have daily happy hour specials and on Sundays they serve $3 mimosas! The staff is really knowledgeable and friendly. Check it out!