Calling lovers and lonely hearts everywhere. Downtown Portland restaurant West Café invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, with the city’s best jazz, appetizer/drink deals and a delectable prix fixe meal! Solo or coupled; all are welcome to drink, dine and revel – we don’t discriminate.

Do you believe in love? Whether you’re defiantly single, deep in the throes of a grand passion, dreaming of that unique one who will dispel all your hesitations or you’re simply thinking it might be nice to find someone for the night, Portland’s West Café is the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day 2010. We’ll be doing all we can to ensure that love is all around – or at least nestled in our cozy downtown quarters for a few relaxing hours on Sunday, February 14.

On Valentine’ Day weekend, Carol Rossio will be performing both Saturday and Sunday evenings, singing your favorite songs of love, heartbreak and romance. West Cafe will be offering a unique prix fixe menu both evenings ($35 includes a 4 course meal and champagne aperitif).

Our amazing four course prix fixe V-Day dinner runs only $35.00 per person. We highly encourage reservations for the dinner experience as tables fill quickly. We’ll begin seating at 5:30 PM up until 9 PM.

$35 per person including champagne aperitif,
choice of desserts & live jazz

Make your reservation at www.westcafepdx.com or call (503) 227-8189 today!

Valentine’s Weekend Menu 2010

To Start

Spicy Roasted Eggplant Dip with tomatoes & cilantro
Served with toasted bread crostinis, sugar snaps, carrots & celery sticks

Dungeness Crab & Corn Fritters with a mango mustard drizzle
Served over a frisee & chevre salad

Marinated Portobello & Beef Tenderloin Skewers grilled
& served over marinated vegetable & jasmine rice pilaf

Salad Course

Our House Salad of mixed greens with sesame ginger vinaigrette

Spinach Salad* with spiced hazelnuts, sliced apple & balsamic dijon dressing

Caesar* – traditional style – with shaved pecorino cheese

Entrées

Baked Stuffed Patrale Sole stuffed with Dungeness crab & artichoke hearts over jasmine rice pilaf and wilted spinach with a lemon saffron aioli and served with lemon-roasted broccolini spears

Wild Mushroom Lasagna, layered with wild mushrooms, brie cheese,
swiss chard, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts
Served with a spiced roasted carrot coulis

Mexican Braised ¼ Chicken with Mole Sauce and served with mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots and broccolini spears

Asian Spice Rubbed Beef Tenderloin served over a special version of our au gratin potatoes with roasted fennel, carrots & red onion garnish and mango dijon sauce

To Finish

Tiramisu, traditional style with espresso liqueur soaked lady fingers, mascarpone cheese and dusted with cocoa

Mango sorbet with 2 homemade cookies

Chocolate soufflé warmed and topped with vanilla ice cream

*Raw egg products are used to make this dish

All meat & poultry products are hormone free

$35 PER PERSON · PRIX FIXE · CHAMPAGNE APERATIF
& LIVE JAZZ INCLUDED

February 6, 2010: Mike Metzner with Steve Cleveland
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz standards downtown on Saturday, February 6.

West Café is always pleased to present Northwest jazz singer Mike Metzner and accompanist Steve Cleveland on Saturday, February 6.  Mike “Scheckie” Metzner’s musical experiences cover miles of ground – with stints in bands such as The Crackpots, Mas Y Mas and the Latin band, Los Comatosos. Mike’s musical travels also extend to England, Ireland and Spain. He and acclaimed pianist Steve Cleveland will be performing standards from the 20s, 30s and 40s in our warm and intimate bar. Come enjoy the best songs of the 20th century while dining in our restaurant or simply relax at the bar with a perfect glass of wine and our always delicious appetizers. Our jazz performances are typically free.

Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

February 13 & 14, 2010: Carol Rossio
West Café, jazz and a taste of French flair downtown on Saturday, February 13 & Valentine’s Day, February 14.

West Café is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio. Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjures visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost. Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma. On Valentine’ Day weekend, Carol will be performing both Saturday and Sunday evenings, singing your favorite songs of love, heartbreak and romance. West Cafe will be offering a unique prix fixe menu both evenings ($35 includes a 4 course meal and champagne aperitif).  Check our Events page for details.  For more info on Carol and her various projects, please visit www.carolrossio.com.

Come take advantage of the West’s cozy intimate space and imagine you’re lost in the Latin Quarter, sipping the West’s finer wines and tasting the exquisite dishes crafted by head chef Sean Concannon. Saturday jazz shows are typically free.

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

Sunday, February 14, 2010:  Valentine’s Day featuring Carol Rossio & Special Prix Fixe Dinner (see above)

Please visit our Events page for details on our Saturday and Sunday V-Day prix fixe dinner special.
Time: 7-10PM

February 20, 2010: David Brothers
West Café presents down-home folk and blues downtown Saturday, February 20.

On Saturday, February 20, West Café is happy to welcome back the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David [www.myspace.com/davidbrothers] artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He packed the house for his debut cd release last April and we expect the café to be jumping in February. Because of an early evening private party, we’ll be limiting our dining options to Bailout Menu items and bar snacks.  But please come by and unwind at our cozy bar with top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.
Saturday music is almost always free.

Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

February 26, 2010:  David Bell & Angela Bailey

Portland Jazz Festival 2010 presents moody and esoteric jazz/blues with David Bell & vocalist Angela Bailey.

On Friday, February 26, West Cafe is proud to represent the 2010 Portland Jazz Fest with the return of David Bell and introducing vocalist Angela Bailey.  Featuring both instrumentals and choice vocal highlights, David and Angela focus on a wide range of material – including standards, Great American songbook tunes, blues, as well as more esoteric songs thrown in for good measure.  Please join us for a delicious dinner in the dining area or relax by the fireplace in our bar and enjoy some of the finest jazz Portland has to offer. Our jazz performances are almost always free.

Date: Friday, February 26
Time: 7-10PM

Februrary 27, 2010: Mary Kadderly
Rainy Portland winter settles in at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, February 27.

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz on Saturday, February 27. There’s rarely a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

January 2 2010: Mike Metzner with Steve Cleveland
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz standards downtown on Saturday, January 2.

West Café is pleased to present Northwest jazz singer Mike Metzner and accompanist Steve Cleveland on Saturday, January 2.  Mike “Scheckie” Metzner’s musical experiences cover miles of ground – with stints in bands such as The Crackpots, Mas Y Mas and the Latin band, Los Comatosos. Mike’s musical travels also extend to England, Ireland and Spain. He and acclaimed pianist Steve Cleveland will be performing standards from the 20s, 30s and 40s in our warm and intimate bar. Come enjoy the best songs of the 20th century while dining in our restaurant or simply relax at the bar with a perfect glass of wine and our always delicious appetizers. Our jazz performances are typically free.

Date: Saturday, January 2, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

January 7 2010:  West Cafe closed for the week of 01/04-01/09.

January 16 2010: David Brothers
West Café presents down-home folk and blues downtown Saturday, January 16.

On Saturday, January 16, West Café is happy to welcome back the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David [www.myspace.com/davidbrothers] artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He packed the house for his debut cd release last April and we expect the café to be jumping in January. Join us for a delectable dinner in the restaurant or simply unwind at the cozy bar with top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.
Saturday music is almost always free.

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

January 23 2010: Mary Kadderly
Winter settles in at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, January 23.  And as it happens, it’s Mary’s birthday – so round up your friends and bring them out to wish her all the best on her big day!

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz on Saturday, January 23. There’s rarely a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

January 30 2010: Carol Rossio
West Café, jazz and a taste of French flair downtown on Saturday, January 30.

West Café is always proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio. Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjures visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost. Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma. For more info on Carol and her various projects, visit www.carolrossio.com/home.html.
Come take advantage of the West’s cozy intimate space and imagine you’re lost in the Latin Quarter, sipping the West’s finer wines and tasting the exquisite dishes crafted by head chef Sean Concannon. Saturday jazz shows are typically free.

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time: 7-10PM

West Cafe Jazz Calendar November 2009 (more…)

West Cafe Jazz Calendar May 2009

May 2 2009: Mindy Anderson
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz downtown on Saturday, May 2.

West Café is pleased to feature Portland jazz songstress Mindy Anderson with guitar accompaniment on Saturday, May 2. Mindy’s intimate musical style should mesh perfectly with the West’s warm and cozy surroundings. In Mindy’s own words: “Some of my earliest memories revolve around two of the things I love most: family and music. For me, singing invokes the joy of belonging, security and celebration.” Hear and see more of Mindy at www.myspace.com/mindyrooted.
Please join us for a delicious dinner in the dining area or relax by the fireplace in our bar and enjoy some of the finest local jazz Portland has to offer. Our jazz performances are always free.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time:  7-10PM

May 9 2009:  Carol Rossio
West Café, jazz, and a taste of French flair downtown on Saturday, May 9.

West Café is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio.  Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal styling conjures visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sadness of romance.  Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma.  For more info on Carol and her various projects, visit www.carolrossio.com/home.html.
Come take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights and imagine you’re lost in the Latin Quarter, sipping the West’s finer wines and tasting the exquisite dishes of head chef Sean Concannon.  Saturday jazz shows are always free.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

May 16 2009: Carri Bella
Downtown Portland Jazz Bar and Restaurant features Carri Bella Saturday, May 16.

Join us Saturday, May 16, for live jazz with Carri Bella [www.myspace.com/carribellajazz] on vocals. Take advantage of our warm fireplace and enjoy a little swing and bossa nova with a torch song or two. Carri Bella’s exquisite voice has been likened to “the whimsy of Annie Ross in one moment and the sultry stylings of Julie London in the next.”

Since our dining room is completely open to the lounge, every seat in the house is great. Come in for dinner (all ages, all hours), or have a signature cocktail in the bar.
Always free!

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

May 23 2009: David Brothers
West Café presents downhome folk and blues downtown Saturday May 23.

On Saturday, May 23, the West Café is happy to welcome back the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David [www.myspace.com/davidbrothers] artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He packed the house for his debut cd release in April and we expect the café to be jumping on May 23 as summer approaches and the nights get shorter and warmer.  Join us for a delectable dinner in the restaurant or simply unwind at the bar with top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.
Saturday music is always free.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

May 30 2009: Mary Kadderly
Welcome June (and summer!) with us at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, May 30.

Join us as we commence our countdown to summer and say “Good riddance” to the long winter with jazz from acclaimed Portland singer Mary Kadderly on Saturday, April 25. Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. There’s never a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

West Cafe Jazz Calendar April 2009

April 4 2009: David Brothers CD Release Party and Wine/Dinner Extravaganza
David Brothers and West Café are proud to present an evening of captivating music and delectable dining.

Please join us on Saturday, April 4th for the release of David Brothers’ brand new album, Corn Flakes and Gin. Schooled in multiple disciplines, award-winning David Brothers [www.myspace.com/davidbrothers] artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.  And accompanist and collaborator Mario Carboni is one of the most exciting and virtuosic jazz and blues piano players in the NorthWest.
To help celebrate with David, the West will be offering a 4 course dinner with wine pairings from 6 until 10 P.M. Advance tickets for $40.00 are available by contacting West Café via email at eat@westcafepdx.com, or simply call us at 503-227-8189 to ensure seating. $50.00 tickets will be sold the day of show, but again, space is limited and seats are bound to sell fast, so reserve yours ASAP.

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time: 6-10PM

April 11 2009: Mindy Anderson
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz downtown on Saturday, April 11.

West Café is pleased to feature Portland jazz songstress Mindy Anderson with guitar accompaniment on Saturday, April 11. Mindy’s intimate musical style should mesh perfectly with the West’s warm and cozy surroundings. In Mindy’s own words: “Some of my earliest memories revolve around two of the things I love most: family and music. For me, singing invokes the joy of belonging, security and celebration.” Hear and see more of Mindy at www.myspace.com/mindyrooted.
Please join us for a delicious dinner in the dining area or relax by the fireplace in our bar and enjoy some of the finest local jazz Portland has to offer. Our jazz performances are always free.

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2009
Time:  7-10PM

April 18 2009: Carri Bella
Downtown Portland Jazz Bar and Restaurant features Carri Bella Saturday, April 18.

Join us Saturday, April 18, for live jazz with Carri Bella [http://www.myspace.com/carribellajazz] on vocals. Take advantage of our warm fireplace and enjoy a little swing and bossa nova with a torch song or two. Carri Bella’s exquisite voice has been likened to “the whimsy of Annie Ross in one moment and the sultry stylings of Julie London in the next.”
Since our dining room is completely open to the lounge, every seat in the house is great. Come in for dinner (all ages, all hours), or have a signature cocktail in the bar.
Always free!

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

April 25 2009: Mary Kadderly
Say farewell to the cruel month of April at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, April 25.

Join us as we continue our countdown to spring and say “Ta Ta” to the month of April with jazz from acclaimed Portland singer Mary Kadderly on Saturday, April 25. Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at http://www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. There’s never a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

West Café Jazz Calendar February 2009

Feb 7 2009: Mindy Anderson
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz downtown on Saturday, February 7.

West Café is pleased to feature Portland jazz songstress Mindy Anderson with guitar accompaniment on Saturday, February 7. Mindy’s intimate musical style should mesh perfectly with the West’s warm and cozy surroundings. In Mindy’s own words: “Some of my earliest memories revolve around two of the things I love most: family and music. For me, singing invokes the joy of belonging, security and celebration.” Hear and see more of Mindy at www.myspace.com/mindyrooted.
Please join us for a delicious dinner in the dining area or relax by the fireplace in our bar and enjoy some of the finest local jazz Portland has to offer. Our jazz performances are always free.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

Feb 13 2009: Anomalous Quintet
Downtown Portland jazz club features local quintet as part of Portland Jazz Festival on Friday, February 13.

West Café is proud to be a featured venue for the 2009 Portland Jazz Festival Friday, February 13. Portland’s own Anomalous Quintet will be performing their “luxuriant” compositions in our relaxing bar area – complete with roaring fireplace and the city’s best in cocktails and delicacies.
Led by guitarist and composer Jason Newsom, Anomalous Quintet is based in Portland, Oregon and has recorded three albums. Jazzreview.com says that Anomalous Quintet “pushes the envelope of jazz to the hilt” and describes their songs as “fresh and innovative.” This free performance will be a part of the city’s celebrated Portland Jazz Festival. More information can be found at http://www.pdxjazz.com/festival/bios2.php?id=25#Anomolous%20Quintet.

Date: Friday, February 13, 2009
Time: 8-10PM

Feb 14 2009: Stephanie Torres
West Café invokes romance and jazz with a special Valentine’s Day celebration meal on Saturday, February 14, featuring the sensuous stylings of Stephanie Torres.

Lonely hearts and satisfied lovers alike will want to join us at the West Café in downtown Portland on Valentine’s Day for an elaborate dinner and jazz package unlikely to be rivaled anywhere in the city. The West Café will be hosting The Lonely Hearts Supper Club, which includes your choice of a delectably filling (though not too fattening!) four course prix fixe meal ($50.00) or select deals on our bar-snack menu for you and your single friends. For those of you happily partnered, we’re offering the aforementioned four course prix fixe meal at a cozy private table in our dining area. And everyone will be able to soak in the romantic ambience with jazz from Portland songstress Stephanie Torres. Let love claim the evening—and be sure to make reservations, whether dining or pining. The restaurant and bar will fill quickly!

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

Feb 20 2009: Michelle Medler Quartet
Portland Jazz Festival ‘09 continues at the West Café with Portland’s own Michelle Medler Quartet on Friday, February 20.

West Café once again plays host venue for the nationally acclaimed Portland Jazz Festival on Friday, February 20, featuring the modern urban jazz of the Michelle Medler Quartet. Led by multi-instrumentalist Medler, the Quartet will be performing in the close and intimate quarters of our bar area, so be sure to arrive early to catch good seating as the place is bound to fill up fast. Michelle is influenced by all kinds of jazz from big band to straight-ahead to experimental -along with everything from dirty-blues, funk, hip hop, r’n’b, rock ‘n’ roll from the 50‘s on and classical music. Whether on saxophone or flute, Michelle makes a fierce statement and she says it with grace and integrity. More information can be found here: http://www.pdxjazz.com/festival/bios2.php?id=29#Medler
Come celebrate and support local jazz at the West Friday February 20. Music begins at 8 and the event is free and open to the public. How often do you hear that?

Date: Friday, February 20, 2009
Time: 8-10PM

Feb 21 2009: Carri Bella
Downtown Portland Jazz Bar and Restaurant features Carri Bella Saturday, February 21.

Join us Saturday, February 21, for live jazz with Carri Bella [http://www.myspace.com/carribellajazz] on vocals. Take advantage of our warm fireplace and enjoy a little swing and bossa nova with a torch song or two. Since our dining room is completely open to the lounge, every seat in the house is great. Come in for dinner (all ages, all hours), or have a signature cocktail in the bar.
Always free!

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

Feb 28 2009: Mary Kadderly
Say farewell to February at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, February 28.

Join us at the West as we count down to spring and say “Ta Ta” to the month of February with jazz from acclaimed Portland singer Mary Kadderly and accompanist, Dan Gildea on Saturday, February 28. Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at http://www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. There’s never a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

Join us Saturday, January 3, for live jazz with Carri Bella on vocals and Steve Blackman on guitar. Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, it’s a great time to sit by our fireplace and enjoy a little swing and bossa nova with a torch song or two.

Since our dining room is completely open to the lounge, every seat in the house is great. Come in for dinner (all ages, all hours) or have a signature cocktail in the bar.

No cover charge!

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2009
Time: 7:00 – 10:00pm

Carri Bella sings swing, bossa nova and sultry torch songs this Saturday with Steve Blackman on guitar. The duo will be adding a bunch of jazzy holiday favorites through the end of the year. Tunes like “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, “Christmastime Is Here” (from Charlie Brown Christmas), “Winter Wonderland”, “Let It Snow,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and many others will get a modern update!

Our dining room has great sight lines to the bar, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of live music wherever you sit at West Cafe. Bring the kids. It’s the only place in town where you don’t have to usher them out at a certain hour.

But if you want to hang in the bar, our fire will be roaring and we’ll have the hot nog and brandy ready!

Our Saturday jazz is always 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

You can find out more about Carri Bella by listening to her tunes on MySpace or Facebook and following her on Twitter.

Dismal economic news got you down? Don your best 1920’s garb – or bread-line appropriate apparel – and party with us like it’s 1929!

Carri Bella will be crooning favorites from the jazz age era and we’ll be pouring Absinthe cocktails – just the thing to help you forget dismal circumstances! Relax with a glass in your hand and imagine you’re in a dark speakeasy – without the big guy at the door demanding the secret password.

Carri Bella will sing favorites from the jazz era of the 1920s & 1930s.

Once you’re lubricated, Carri’s jazz renditions of “Blue Skies” or “Glad to be Unhappy” (depending on whether you are a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person) will soothe your frazzled soul.

Or request something from the era!  Leave a comment here by 5:00pm Friday and Carri will try to accommodate your song request.

“Even though Absinthe is no longer against the law, its mystique has made it a bootleg favorite of many international travelers over the years,” notes West Café co-owner, Doug Smith. “It is reputed to have mind-altering properties, so introducing it to Portlanders who need a respite from reality seems perfect.”

Event details:

Live jazz with Carri Bella & Steve Blackman 7:00-10:00pm
Special deals on Absinthe cocktails
Bail Out Menu available for dinner
No cover charge

Interesting facts and folklore 
about Absinthe from Wikipedia:

West Cafe serves Absinthe in a traditional glass.

Dubbed the Green Fairy, absinthe gets its chartreuse hue from wormwood and there is a long-held notion that absinthe is hallucinogenic. The most famous “users” of Absinthe in the past were bohemian artists or writers. In one of the best known accounts of absinthe drinking, Oscar Wilde described the feeling of having tulips on his legs after leaving a bar. Two famous painters who helped popularize the notion that absinthe had powerful psychoactive properties were Toulouse Lautrec and Vincent van Gogh.

One early critic of the liquor said “Absinthe makes you crazy and criminal, provokes epilepsy and tuberculosis, and has killed thousands of French people. It makes a ferocious beast of man, a martyr of woman…”

Albert Maignan's "Green Muse" depicts Absinthe's reputation.

Although Émile Zola mentioned absinthe only once by name, he described its evil effects in his novel L’Assommoir.

In 1906, Belgium and Brazil banned the sale and distribution of absinthe, although they were not the first. The Netherlands banned absinthe in 1909; the United States banned it in 1912, and France in 1915.

Today it is known that absinthe does not cause hallucinations. In 2007, a federal agency begrudgingly allowed two European distillers to sell the notorious liquor Stateside. You can read more about the recent changes that allowed for legal importing of Absinthe in TIME Magazine.