When you really want some color, head to The Ship in M.Village.  The place lives up to the name.  Simple, hard around the edges, nothing fancy...  I went here before the smoking ban and now since and it is fair to say the ambiance has improved a bit.  some smokers might disagree.  I recommend going to The Ship with a group and when you are in a good mood with friends who intend to tie one on..  it isn't the warm, cozy pub where you might see numerous folks bellying up to the bar to discuss Obama's Health Care Plan, but it does what a bar's primary objective is to do... serve drinks.. and for that reason, the Ship works for the limited night scene Multnomah Village has to offer.