October is just another month at this Halloween-themed bar in Portland | Column

Portland’s year‑round Halloween haunt keeps spirits high

Zero Bar & Grille, named for the owner’s miniature Australian shepherd, offers a spooky‑fun atmosphere that lasts all year, not just October.

In the heart of Portland’s Riverside Street, just off the Ramada Plaza lobby, a door framed by a giant skeletal hand invites passersby into Zero Bar & Grille. The entrance, complete with hanging skeletons and gargoyles, signals that this is no ordinary hotel bar. Inside, a menu of pub fare, a rotating lineup of live music, and a host of themed nights have turned the former Seasons Grille into a community gathering place that is as Halloween‑themed as it is welcoming.

A vision turned reality

Liv True, who has lived in Portland for most of her adult life, launched the concept a little over a year ago after the lease for the space became available. “I’d been working as a bartender in this same building for years, and I always wondered how I could make the space more lively,” True told reporters. The answer came in the form of a year‑round Halloween theme—a decision that initially made her daughter question her sanity. “My daughter thought I was nuts,” True laughed, a sentiment she shares with many of her patrons.

True drew inspiration from a combination of personal interests and practical considerations. The bar’s name, Zero, honors her miniature Australian shepherd, a dog that shares its name with the ghostly canine from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her own tattoo—a haunted house on her upper arm—speaks to her affection for the macabre. The décor reflects this: skulls, spiders, bats, and a wall full of skeletons in various poses line the space. Even the kitchen walls and surfaces are covered in spooky imagery.

Beyond the décor

While the interior is undeniably Halloween‑centric, the bar’s programming keeps the energy alive throughout the year. Every Tuesday, the back room transforms into a dance floor for a country swing class, complete with a high‑chair for a child at Table 13—a table that is a popular spot for families because of the seated skeletons that greet diners. Thursdays feature two rounds of bingo: one with a music theme and a second that is “naughty”‑inspired, drawing the biggest weekday crowds.

The bar also offers karaoke, cribbage nights, and regular live music. A recent highlight was the “Zombie Prom” held on October 24, which was the largest event of the year and followed True’s own 50th‑birthday celebration. “Things have been picking up since Labor Day,” True said, noting that fewer outdoor shows are drawing music fans back to indoor venues. A summer TikTok video from influencer Jessica Annè that racked up over 90,000 views has also helped bring in new guests.

A loyal, diverse crowd

Zero’s regulars include a mix of locals and hotel guests. James Ostrander, a 70‑year‑old professor from the University of New England’s medical school who stayed at the Ramada, enjoys a cold beer in the bar’s casual atmosphere. Two women who first met at Market Basket have been coming in weekly, praising the friendly staff and the food—particularly the buffalo‑chicken pizza. “Bingo isn’t the only thing that brings us back,” one said. “The staff have become like friends, and you can count on the DJ to turn even your worst day around.”

Financial realities

True, who also works as a bookkeeper for her family’s Overhead Door Co., admits the venture has been costly. Startup expenses, coupled with a $10,000 loss from a spring break‑in, mean she expects to be a year away from recouping her investment. “Between the startup costs and the loss, it will be another year before I make back the money I’ve put into it,” she said. Nonetheless, the bar’s unique concept and strong community support keep her optimistic.

Looking ahead

Zero Bar & Grille has no plans to shut down after Halloween. Two weeks later, Friday the 13th will see patrons come in as their favorite horror characters, and thereafter the skeletons will don Santa hats and light‑up sweaters for a Christmas makeover. “I don’t have to worry about a lull after Halloween,” True explained. “I’m already planning the next event.”

With its blend of playful spookiness, regular events, and a welcoming atmosphere, Zero Bar & Grille has carved out a niche in Portland’s nightlife scene. Whether you’re a seasoned Halloween aficionado or just looking for a lively spot to unwind, the bar’s doors are open—day or night—ready to offer a slice of the season all year round.