Goose Hollow Inn

Goose Hollow Inn is a classic Portland tavern (so don't call to book a room) opened in 1967 by Bud Clark. The Clark Family continues to own and operate the pub, which is still going strong. Stop by to support our family-owned Goose Hollow institution 

 

In May of 1967, when the neighborhood had fewer buildings and less traffic, Bud Clark bought Ann’s Tavern on SW 19th & Jefferson. Ann Fairfax had cultivated a fine tavern, mostly from a loyal clientele of West Hills Portlanders. Bud also owned "The Spatenhaus", a tavern located in a building at the current site of the Ira Keller (“four-court”) Fountain, across from the Civic Auditorium. There, he cultivated an eclectic clientele of PSU students, musicians, business people, and “hippies”. In November of 1967, the city tore down the building, including the Spatenhaus. Bud had to figure out where to open his new tavern; thankfully, Ann was ready to retire, and Bud's timing was just right.

 

Once the Spatenhaus closed, Bud's customers followed him to his new location in the foothills below Washington Park. When two of the customers at his new pub started a bar fight, Bud wrote his mission statement:  "Enjoy the Goose Hollow Inn, named to rejuvenate the history and stimulate the continuity of one of Portland's famous geographic areas. We are dedicated to Quality Draft, Fine Food, Pleasant Music, and Stimulating Company. We are also dedicated to extremes of opinion, hoping that a livable marriage will result. if physical violence is your nature, either develop your verbal ability or leave." Since then, many marriages, relationships, and discussions have been cultivated here. 

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Bud’s naming of the tavern as “Goose Hollow Inn” generated a new respect for the area’s history. Dating back to the 1890s, local women raised geese around Tanner Creek, which ran right down what is now known as Jefferson Street (Canyon Road). Legend has it that an argument developed over whose geese belonged to whom. The Oregonian newspaper ran an article covering the dispute in which it referred to the area as “Goose Hollow." The name was then lost during a half century of dramatic development in the area. Bud chose the name “Goose Hollow Inn” for his tavern in the interest of rekindling civic regard for the neighborhood and its history. Despite its name, there have never been rooms available at the Inn. We wouldn't recommend staying the attic; it's a bit drafty up there. 

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Bud’s goal was to cultivate a sense of community and belonging. He ran the bar during the 1970s and early 80s; during that time, Budweiser recognized the Goose for selling more Bud per square feet than any other tavern in the US. Bud was mayor of Portland from 1985-1993, during which time his wife Sigrid ran the bar and built the iconic deck. While the deck affected the square footage and our legendary sales fame with Budweiser, it added a lovely new area to mingle under the rays of the sun and in the shade of the Birch Trees that have become a symbol of the business.

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In the eight years that Bud was Mayor, beer drinking habits and tastes changed. Three beers were on tap when Bud was elected Mayor, and the number grew to twelve while Sigrid was at the helm. In 2016, we built a new system of 18 taps, featuring a spectrum of beers from a variety of breweries and cideries. 

 

Bud Clark is one of the most iconic Portlanders of all time, recognized by many proponents of local pop culture including the "Keep Portland Weird" brand. Aside from owning and operating Goose Hollow Inn, Bud was a neighborhood activist; an early advocate of neighborhood associations; co-founder of The Neighbor newspaper, which became the Northwest Examiner; father of four' grandfather to many; and model for the poster "Expose Yourself to Art." Most notably, Bud served the city he loved as Mayor of Portland, Oregon, for two terms, from 1985 through 1992. His colorful style and popular appeal even gained him a spot on the Johnny Carson show in October,1994.

 

Largely due to Bud’s vision about how to run an “Inn," we now welcome tens of thousands of people, young and old, from a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints, through our doors each year. The Goose has always been a place to share a pint or glass of wine with friends and mingle with both old and new acquaintances. There is no video poker to distract your table mates from the discussion, although a single TV is available for those die-hard folks who need to stay informed about scores, games, or political debates. Mostly, we’re about developing our verbal abilities – and promoting the consumption of Reubens. 

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Bud passed away at the age of 90 in 2022 surrounded by his loved ones. The Goose is still owned and operated by the Clark family; you might see his daughter, Rachel, who manages the Goose talking with staff or customers, or his son Nick, who makes sure maintenance runs smoothly. You might even see Jason, his eldest son, stopping in to support his siblings. We continue to thrive thanks to the talents of a free-spirited dedicated and cohesive staff, the Goose family, and our wonderful clientele. Stop by for a drink or a rueben, and stay for the conversation. 

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After all, we were voted "Best Place to Eavesdrop," Willamette Week.