At Riley's Pub
Hot Karaoke heats up Lents landmark
By Steve Rodin
Riley's Tavern is a staple of the Lents District for about six decades. Located at 5836 S.E. 92nd Ave., just north of Foster Rd., this landmark business is owned and operated by Phil Barnes for the last 15 years.
About Bobbie Lee, the featured Karaoke jock for the last 14 years, Barnes says he cannot remember him ever missing a date. Recently, Barnes hired KJ Susie Q & Micky Too to handle the early host spot on Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m.
KJ Susie Q
Photo by Steve Rodin
Susie Q, who also hosts at the Canby American Legion on Fridays and VFW at S.E. 72nd and Fern on Saturdays, has hosted at Riley's now for a bit over four months. The regulars really like her. She's upbeat, energetic and extremely helpful to the would-be Karaoke superstars. This petite blonde bombshell can belt out tunes with the best of them, but seldom needs to with the slew of regulars continuously parading to the stage to perform their favorites. Susie Q puts her vast music knowledge and love to work for the patrons of Riley's, a very popular neighborhood bar.
Riley's has Karaoke six days a week. Tuesday through Saturday, Lee hosts from 9 p.m. to closing at 2 a.m. Sundays, Susie Q & Micky Too appears from 5 to 10, then Lee takes over until closing at 2. Mondays is currently a "dark day" as Barnes calls it. He is considering putting a group together to play live music on Mondays. Barnes is a very established musician, better known as Phil Richards. The locals love him and he feels the Monday music will be as well-received as the six nights of Karaoke are.
Riley's features a large dance floor, three large televisions, two pool tables, a complete array of Oregon Video Poker machines and Keno. In addition to the large selection of local, domestic and imported beers, there is a full selection of hard liquor for those who choose to partake. Like all establishments in Oregon, Riley's is now smoke-free.
The kitchen offers some great food. Rileys' quarter-pound burger, chili burger, keilbasa, hot dogs and buffalo wings are all favorites. You can also get oysters, clam strips, scallops, shrimp and either cod or halibut fish and chips. There is also a big array of appetizers and a couple of daily specials.
Riley's has a great sound system. It should, it's Barnes' personal equipment. Like most musicians, he considers himself a connoisseur of good sound and this system lives up to it. With 1000s of songs to choose from, singers can always find their favorite to entertain their friends and neighbors.
Take a ride into the Lents area and see the renaissance that is taking place; while you're there, bring your voice and thirst into Riley's for a great night of fun. Riley's is easy to find. Take I-205 to Foster Road, head west to the first light. Turn right on 92nd Ave. and you are there.