McMenamins Pool and Tavern opened in 1984, the latest in a long line of pool halls and bars in this 1909 building on NW 23rd, in an area originally called Slab Town for the lumber mills and the slab wood they created. This photo of the bar from October 1985 shows a slice of life in this Northwest Portland neighborhood before it became a trendy destination. The vine-painted post in the center of the photograph is an example of the eclectic art found throughout the McMenamins properties.. A few months later in February 1986, owners Brian and Mike McMenamin hosted "Alequake 86," a take off of Portland's Artquake festival. The event introduced attendees to brews from several microbreweries as well as the works of local artists.