For over 50 years, this unique showplace has been entertaining and dishing out a different kind of amusement for people in the city. The club was big in the last part of the 1950s, before all clubs in town started struggling., A less-formal version of the Dude Ranch, the Cotton Club featured comedy and dance, in addition to excellent live jazz. Although the neighborhood's a bit down-at-heel, the club is a beacon of gentility and an unparralled post-hippie hangout.". Portlander's went to the disco, and adult bookstores and strip clubs sprouted up across the city, prompting the Oregonian to call Portland 'The pornography capital of the West Coast.' The 1970's were also a time of physical change, as Portland began to turn into the city we know today. Embers is an iconic name for alternative lifestyles across the country - not just in Portland. The old brick building was home to one of the city's best after-work bars, and the kitchen in recent years produced impressive American fare, like giant prawns with bacon and avocado, a remarkable veggie burger, and chocolate souffl. [11] Local punk bands the Wipers and Poison Idea became notable regular acts at the club,[6][4] as well as various underground musicians. Among the local musicians with regular gigs at the Candlelight was drummer Carlton Jackson (pictured), and Norman Sylvester, aka "The Boogie Cat.". This North Portland bar had a remarkable 53-year run before closing abruptly in 2007. The small but focused food menu featured upscale bar fare, but that was hardly the point. [2] The marquee above the club's entrance was believed to have been either stolen or destroyed in the demolition process, as it remained unaccounted for. We were happy to be a part of finding a home for these vintage pieces that tell important storiesfrom Portlands LGBTQ community. Because we serve liquor in a relaxed atmosphere and wear abbreviated costumes, they sometimes assume were pushovers, an easy mark for the man out on the town. Related:"In Wake of Jimmy Mak's Closure, New Jazz Club Will Open in Basement of Rialto. Another popular downtown nightclub in the 1950s was Sidneys. This guide to historic gay, lesbian, and transgender buildings and locations in Downtown Portland borrows from a number of primary sources, including Minutes of the Portland City Council, Oregon Liquor Control Commission records, Portland city directories, Sanborn fire insurance maps, and several early gay newspapers published in the city . It closed in 2008, and now is home to the Commodore Lounge. It became known as the home of legendary local bassist David Friesen and the Mel Brown Sextet., Youd get in a cab and say, Take me Uptown, Dietsche says. Near Christmas, Billy Rancher and the Unreal Gods, having signed a contract with Clive Davis and Arista Records- amidst much hoopla and snickering from local wags (who either proclaimed Portland to be the next Liverpool or an absolute pawn to the whims . Explore a bit more and you'll find graffiti on the tables, an open-staged DJ booth, black & white checkered floors, and the infamous Round-table, in a corner, with a pentagram etched into it. In the 1950s, Pago Pago and its adjoining Turf Club came under the scrutiny of police during a crackdown of secret gambling dens. Tasty memories: 97 long-gone Portland restaurants we wish were still around. The upstairs dining room featured pasta dishes and fancy desserts. "[6] Prior to its establishment as a bar and restaurant, the building had served as a horse stable in the early 20th century before being converted into a tavern. But that doesn't necessarily mean Portland's clubs are always on the up and up. And if were missing one of your favorites from days gone by, tell us what made it special in the comments. Rather keep your singing voice between friends? Portland has a wide range of events that require no alcohol whatsoever to enjoy. This North Killingsworth Bar was known for an ever-changing sign that would say things like Caution drunks crossing and Our juke box can kick your juke boxs ass and dirt-cheap prices on beer. From outstanding local DJ performances to its stimulating lighting and unusual sounds, this club comes fully fitted with a full mocktail bar, exquisite VIP areas, and 21+ bars. 13 cool features of old Portland restaurants you won't find anymore. Hemphill has mixed feelings about the transition. Join Portland's club kids most nights for laser lights, EDM and some of the best dancing in town. Departure has daily happy hour specials running from 4-6 p.m., mixing inexpensive, inventive Asian cuisine with equally mouthwatering views of the citys downtown. The law was short but inclusive of just about everyone a . Bushy-bearded and colloquial, Clark stunned everyone when he defeated the buttoned-up and predictable incumbent to become Portland's mayor in 1985. It featured a newsstand and a licensed card room one of the few places where gambling was allowed. This bar in the Uptown Shopping Center in Northwest Portland was a hot-spot for live blues and folk music in the 1980s and early '90s. It also has a robust food menu, nightly drink specials and occasional art openings. From stand-up comedy to improv or even comedy classes Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking for. Postscript: After sharing this initial list of long-gone bars, we heard from readers about their favorite places. Thanks to a large African-American working community fostered by the Kaiser Shipyards, the Central Eastsideand North Williams Avenue in particularhosted a cluster of live jazz venues, juke joints and record stores. Owners Huston Davis and Jeff Jenness created special house drinks, like the Pomegranate Red Martini and Pear-Sage Margaritas, many of them crafted with homemade fruit infusions ladled out of super-sized apothecary jars. Peters' Inn in downtown, which was notable for owner Frank Peters, a former professional baseball player and coach, who later went to prison for illegal drugs and sexual assault. PDXLX was first hosted in 1999. And if you've got a photo of the long-lost bar to share, you can e-mail it to gbutler@oregonian.com, and we'll share it in a future story. Instead of Fellini, dolled-up rockers and living ghosts from Old Town's street scene jostled around a gyros counter oh-so-accurately named Eat or Die. Back then it was a contrast in conservative ways, and a growing youth culture focused on self fulfillment. [19], In the mid-1980s, the club was frequented by local residents such as poet Walt Curtis[20] and Courtney Love, the latter of whom met friend and bandmate Kat Bjelland there in 1984[3][14] through The Miracle Workers' frontman Gerry Mohr. Live out your wildest fantasies and experience sexual freedom when you visit this exciting club in Portland. Still, the world-famous female impersonators take their art very seriously, as their Las Vegas-style cabaret has been entertaining Portland for over 40 years. The club is smoke-free and offers you a chance to have a group party or themed party of your choice. Sixth Avenue, was formerly Marlena's Tavern, "a dark, narrow barroom on a seedy stretch. In this 1987 photo, vocalist Marianne Mayfield performs with pianist Dick Blake and drummer Fred Schwartz. Film flashback: 31 movie theaters from Portland's golden age. Its 12-year run came to an end in 1987. In mid-'80s, it was the launchpad for groups like Nu Shooz, Quarterflash, and artists like Kenny G and Robert Cray, who would go on to fame and big record deals. Famous visitorsincluded Madonna and Henry Rollins. Managed by the Leroy Vinegar Institute of Jazz at PSU and booked by jazz pianist and professor Darrell Grant, LVs was a former motel restaurant that gave PSU students a nearby lab to interact with touring as well as local artists, Darroch says. "[33], In October 2010, Ben Munat, the Satyricon's booking agent, organized thirteen "Farewell Satyricon Shows" for that month. Portland seemed to fully embrace the 1970s. The first all-used record store in the city, sadly fell on hard times when music took a digital turn. The trio played for Vice President Richard Nixon during his visit in Portland last week. Sunset doesnt end the fun in this quaint town. Address: 1001 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214, USA, Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 9pm - 2am; Sun: 8:30am - 11:30pm; Wed - Thu: 8:30am - 11:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue). In the 1970s and '80s, this Beaverton bar was a popular spot for disco dancing and live music. But the bar went out with a bang. Join Paddys for Portlands St. Patricks Day Celebration. Other readers lamented the loss of live music venues, most-notably Old Town's Satyricon. In its final decades, it became a popular karaoke spot. ", Northeast 24th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. It was a time when female sportswriters were still denied entry to press boxes at Civic Stadium because of their gender, and Portland State University students protested war and the killing of college students at Kent State University. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! A bar had been operating in the location since the 1950s, and Benjamin bought and rechristened it in 1972. Portland, Oregon's award-winning weekly street newspaper. All rights reserved (About Us). Serving tropical drinks and piles of Hawaiian food, The Alibi Tiki Lounge will make you feel like youre on an island vacation just long enough to belt out some Elvis in front of the packed house. Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. The space now is home to Grendel's Coffee House. In Portland, Sidney's nightclub features not only one of the hottest combos in town but the singing of bartender Wayne Keith and waitress Barbara Helzer. James Hemphill has been performing drag for 35 years. They are shown with Jobie Rucker at the bass, Sidney Porter at piano and Earl Carnett at drums. In the 1990s and 2000s, one of Portlands most-popular karaoke venues was the Galaxy Restaurant, a one-time Dennys restaurant that opened in 1963, which architecture fans lauded for its mid-century design. Patty's Retreat, a downtown dive that lost its liquor license after numerous patron arrests for drunkenness, drug use and dealing, and serving alcohol to minors. Whether you're cheering on the Timbers and Trail Blazers or rooting for your own hometown heroes, these local watering holes promise giant screens, great suds and friendly fans. The crowd at what was then called The Chase Lounge was a mix of business travelers staying at the adjacent hotel, and suburban folks looking for a night on the town without having to venture downtown. "[4][5] It is also the place where musicians Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love are said to have first met. But Nirvana was obviously playing. So raise a glass to these dearly departed bars. [7], In May 2003, Satyricon abruptly closed and was slated to be taken over by the owners of another (former) club in town, Moody's. Long before tiki bars became retro-cool, this downtown restaurant was mixing stiff Polynesian drinks and serving puu puu platters to students from nearby Portland State University. "[10] Local historian SP Clarke recalled that "A mere attempt to walk the sidewalks required a helmet and full body armor."[10]. Earth in Northwest, a biker bar where acclaimed Portland writer Katherine Dunn worked before her novel "Geek Love" became a cult favorite. The building was demolished in the late 90s to make way for the downtown Marriott hotel. In a profile in The Oregonian, Tucker said that serving drinks was a pleasant way to make a living, though the skimpy outfit sometimes drew unwanted roving hands. Digger ODells (named after the undertaker on the 1940s radio show The Life of Riley, of all things) served Cajun fare liked blackened catfish before it became an obsession of the 1980s, along with lots of southern drinks, like Hurricanes a Mint Juleps. The US Bancorp Building went up in 1983 and the skyline of the city was changed forever. More tasty memories: 84 closed Portland restaurants we wish were still around. Enjoy thrilling nights drinking and partying at this top night club in the city. Among reader suggestions for beloved closed bars and taverns were some that The Oregonian never took images of (or at least none that made it into our digital archive of historic photos). It's a Saturday night in 1985. Part 3: The Mid 80s. Embers was originally locatedon SW Parkand Morrison next tothe Virginia Cafe. In 1953, the Gold Camp Room opened in downtown, and was designed to look like an old-time saloon. Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland's free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week. Nothing topped the Dude Ranch, Dietsche says. And if you want to have a full experience of the fantastic nightlife of the city, visit any one of the above-listed nightclubs in Portland, Oregon and have the time of your life. [2] Commenting on the club's closure, owner Touhouliotis said: "I had gotten tired. According to The Oregonian, materials from seven different countries were used to decorate the club, which cost $25,000 to build. [35], The club was used as a filming location for Gus Van Sant's 1985 film, Mala Noche. In the late 80s, patrons of Embers salvaged two of the Gargoyle faces from the rubble of Portland's Orpheum Theater demolition to display in Ember's show bar. Just make a booking and have pure fun and entertainment. The vice president was entertained at the Masonic Temple.. As a younggay man in the 80s, heremembers hiding behind his clothes and accessories entering gay bars. A former firehouse, it changed hands and was known as Remos, and then, in the early 2000s, resurfaced as a jazz club called Touch.. More tasty memories: 84 closed Portland restaurants we wish were still around. [20][31][32] Mild renovations were undertaken, though a review of the club upon its reopening noted: "The club looks the same eerily so. 750 were here. This workingmans bar located downtown at Southwest Second Avenue and Alder Street opened in the 1890s and continued until the 1980s. Now thatthe gay lifestyle is mainstream, James says he feels like theres no such thing as a gay bar anymore, guessing that 75% of Embers gueststowards the end of its years in business werestraight or questioning. With street art and contemporary art galleries all over the town, it is a place of authentic artistic expressions, too. For a happy hour with vintage style, step into Clydes Prime Rib. The show also features all request programs like stand-up comedy, music, band set performances, and a few naughty bits here and there. We are a promoter and steward of this evolving city and its progressive values, which have the power to transform the travelers who visit us. Like a museum of modern art, you see the history dating back to its unveiling in 1983. Anybody who was anybody who came to town, who wanted some after-hours action, they came to the Chicken Coop., The small record store on North Broadway was the meeting place around Williams Avenuea social center, if you will, Dietsche says. The club was the subject of a 2013 documentary titled Satyricon: Madness and Glory. The songbook is packed with selections not available anywhere else, including some wild mashups.If you ever wished you could front a real, live rock band then Karaoke From Hell is for you. The club endured an era of no live music and then re-emerged in the 90s, when groups led by legendary bassist Leroy Vinegar and drummer Alan Jones filled the booths with young listeners.. This incredible show bar offers you an exciting National Touring Talent competition ever weekend. Collage by Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive. The music lasted until 1991 when the business faced foreclosure. 12 Ray's Helm (late-60s to late-70s) NE Broadway and 7th or 9th. Hearty, home-style dishes like chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy, meatloaf and deep-fried fish and chips await at this diner, which stays open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The nightly shows atDarcelle XV are also good for a laugh. In this 2005 photo, Joes Place owner Joe Benjamin looks out over rapidly changing Northeast Alberta Street. The bar lost its lease in 1993. Its most-recent incarnation as a drinking spot was the massive club Barracuda, which closed in 2012. [37], Last edited on 17 February 2023, at 04:27, "The Long-Lost Satyricon Sign Resurfaces at the Dandy Warhols' Old Portland Wine Bar", "I Think I Was There: An oral history of the Satyricon", "Music & Nightlife: Hiss and VinegarSatyricon Morphs Into Moody's", "Satyricon says farewell for the last time", "Portland's Iconic Old Town Chinatown Is Overflowing with Human Shit", "History of Portland Rock III: The Mid 80s", "An (Alternate) Oral History of the Satyricon", "George Touhouliotis: The Passion Behind Satyricon", "Portland nightclub Satyricon says farewell with series of reunion shows", "The Moment Kurt Cobain Met Courtney Love", "Listen to a 25-Year-Old Nirvana Concert Bootleg Nobody's Ever Heard Before", "Legendary Portland rock club Satyricon to reopen; Loveland to fade away", "Satyricon to Close (Forever) in October", "Satyricon lifts the curtain for next generation of fans", "The End of Satyricon: An Interview with the Fabled Club's Co-Owner/Booker, Jeff Urquhart", "Demolition begins on building that once housed Satyricon nightclub", "Satyricon movie remembers infamous Portland nightclub", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Satyricon_(nightclub)&oldid=1139837008, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 04:27. On September 20, 1985, Satyricon began offering food,[16] which included a souvlaki take-out window called Eat or Die. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire playing Jimmy Mak's in 2014. Portland boasts many stages to bring you fresh, up-and-coming, and touring comedians. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The club hosts some of the citys most talented artists weekly with an occasional visit from an international jazz act. "The sad part about Embers disappearing is that its the last of the old school gay bars in Portland. The Go Go Cages were a super fun addition to Embers dance floor. Northwest Portland's trendy Slabtown neighborhood boasts walkable streets, plentiful shopping, coffee, restaurants and art galleries -everything you need can be found in this lively, friendly neighborhood. Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. [30] Other events, besides notable concerts, include a number of incidents involving notable people (including Courtney Love passing out) and a police riot in 1990. The food here is excellent, too. However, almost every night, this club offers you activities like karaoke and goldfish racing so there isnt a dull moment here. It was "Dear Friend" by Flying Color. Tiger Bar closed in 2014, and is now Stag, a gay nightclub featuring male strippers. Open 24/7, this iconic Portland destinations second outpost sells wild doughnuts topped with ingredients like bubblegum and bacon (and has shorter lines than the original spot in downtown Portland). From the skyline to the bursting population to a food explosion and gentrification, the city has transformed entirely. Even with the shift, it never lost its focus on the music. It officially closed in November 2010, and the building in which it was located was demolished in July 2011. We've revisited the original Portland location of Trader Vic's in downtown's Benson Hotel before, but not the Tiki Room Lounge, which several readers remember as a favorite after-work spot for drinks. This brief video from the Oregonian has some great photos and insight into what life was like in Portland in the 1970s: You can also see some video footage of Portland from the 1970s in this video, which appears to be an educational film shown in schools: Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. Located underground, party and have fun in a spacious dance floor with music playing from every angle. Textile Trends: Find the Perfect Blanket Type for Your Space, A Buyers Guide: Cozy and Luxurious Bedroom Sets, Decorating with Houseplants: 10 Tips You Need-to-Know, Dorm Room Decorating: How to Bring Your Personal Style to College, 7 New Kitchen Color Schemes That Complement Dark Cabinets, How to Decorate Your Space Sustainably with Artisan Pieces. [27] Beginning in the early 1990s, Satyricon became a frequent host to grunge bands,[28] including Nirvana,[29] Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney, among others. This flourishing town is also blessed with so many exciting places for outdoor activities. In the 80s, the Kennedy School was just an abandoned school building and it would be another decade before the McMenamins team would renovate the school and turn it into a beer-drinking destination. The '80s in Oregon weren't all dark, however, with Bud Clark arriving on the scene to shake things up. But times change and so does the city. Last week, we took readers down memory lane with a gallery of vintage photos of 28 long-gone Portland bars and taverns that we wish were still around. Many have forgotten, but for a few decades after World War II, Portland was a well-known hub for black music on the West Coast. Meeting Planners In the late 80s, patrons of Embers salvaged two of the Gargoyle faces from the rubble of Portlands Orpheum Theater demolition to display in Embers show bar. The O'Callahan's chain filed for bankruptcy in 1989, though the Beaverton location continued operating as Paddy O'Callahan's under different ownership. Address: 32 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA, Opening hours: Sun: 4pm - 12am; Tue - Sat: 4pm - 2:30am (closed on Mon), A post shared by The Goodfoot (@goodfootlounge). Decadent '80s | Portland OR There's always something funny happening in Portland. The Baby Kitten Klub basement bar includes two private rooms, 70s and 80s themed, in addition to a public main stage and bar area. Home to the largest urban forest in the country and several other amazing parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and picnic areas, outdoor lovers are not left out of the mix here. In 1911, Oregon passed a vagrancy law that was the first to criminalize prostitution in the state, according to a 1980 City Club report. And pop and folk-rock acts aren't excluded. Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Among them: If you're thirsty for more on the history of Portland nightlife, you're in luck: Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Try their chicken and dumplings, pulled pork nachos or Frito pie (that can be made vegan!). They were booking national and international acts, and people were coming from all over to see artists like Oscar Peterson. The first floor of the building housed Slaughters pool hall, where many people got their first taste of jazz. [12] According to public documents regarding the business's liquor control license, Satyricon opened at 8 p.m. each night, and offered "live music and dancing" from 10 p.m. until around 2:30a.m.[13] Additionally, the club hosted open mic nights, poetry readings, and performance art exhibitions.[14][15]. With an exclusive male strippers show at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, you would be glad you visited this showplace. Brothers Rob and Bruce Burns ran a company that was known for truck-stop restaurants, and in 1978 opened a fancy New Orleans spot in the historic Barber Block building on Southeast Grand Avenue. El Gaucho steakhouse, which has its own clubby lounge area, is in the ground-floor location now. In 1942, one of the places to get a taste of it was Pago Pago at Southwest Sixth and Stark Street, which showcased a tropical theme from its bar to its live band. The bar was a popular spot with patrons of the many movie houses that were located nearby. The town is complete in all areas; theres something for everybody here. Our information desk is currently staffed Monday Friday. In 2014, the building was converted to mixed-income apartments. This design, modeled after the Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver BC ended up costing almost six times more than the Marquam Bridge. [4], Dave Grohl played his first show with his post-Nirvana outfit Foo Fighters (after Cobain's death) at Satyricon. But the building that housed the Harbor Club is still around, and is home to Paddys, Portlands oldest Irish bar, and is one of the most-popular drinking spots for sailors from the U.S. and Canadian navies when the Rose Festival Fleet docks here every spring. In its earliest days, people lined up to get in because the first few customers each day would get free drinks. Portlands number one club for world-renowned EDM acts, 45 East offers you something other than the regular nightclub experience in the city. Address: 125 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209. In 1978, Mike and Rose-Marie Barbeau-Quinn opened this quirky downtown restaurant and wine bar, which became a hit with the symphony crowd, drawn by the blaring opera on the sound system and the dependable roasted game hen and the smoked pork chop. Its a place you knew you would feel safe., Your email address will not be published. With its impressive features, including a large, spacious dance floor, live DJ performances every night, weekly drag shows, daily happy hour drinking, drag queen bartenders, and one of Portlands most popular hosts Queen Bolivia Carmichaels. During his time working at Embers, James Hemphill wore many hats - he was a cocktailer, a DJ, a lead cook, security, and his personal favorite - an entertainer - performing as drag queen Terrika St. James. Over the decades, neighborhood regulars came to the bar, with its wood paneling and smoke-stained ceiling. 13 The Jazz de'Opus (1970s-2003) NW 3rd and Couch. A place like that runs on creativity and energy; it's not automatic. Tom McCall Waterfront Park is located there. The Ambassador Restaurant and Lounge meanwhile, embraces everything that a Chinese food restaurant-cum-karaoke bar should be and raises the bar with a light-up stage and a fog machine. In the decades that followed, he saw the neighborhood change, including times of rising crime and gentrification. White Owl Social Club is a bar, restaurant, music venue and event space in Portlands Central Eastside. Salim is a lover of adventure and creativity. Though they didnt have live music, Slaughters was a place with a jukebox that was very influential to a number of jazz musicians, who first heard recordings that inspired them, Dietsche says. The space later became the Middle Eastern restaurant Mummy's. 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This large center located in the Lloyd District was completed in 1989 and opened the following year. Sanctuary Club hosts a wide variety of several sex-themed parties with even private rooms provided. In the 2000s, the bar became the Thursday night home to Karaoke From Hell, where you could sing with a live band, not pre-recorded music. In the post-Prohibition era, neighborhood bars sprouted up throughout the city. [4] At the time, the surrounding Old Town Chinatown neighborhood had a seedy and dangerous reputation. Big bands came therebig-name big bands. Others faded as their neighborhoods changed. [23] Mark Arm of Mudhoney would later claim the story to be apocryphal, and that two in fact met while Mudhoney was touring with Love's band Hole in Europe in 1991. 14. Touch Restaurant & Bar has been in the space since 1995, but closed last year. We asked readers if there were other watering holes that they missed, prompting a flood of suggestions. So if you are a night owl visiting the town, here is a list of the best nightclubs in Portland, Oregon for you to check out. It opened in 1975, and was located across Southwest Alder Street from the old Meier & Frank downtown loading dock. Nightlife in Portland doesnt mean just hitting the club. By the end of 1983, change was in the wind for the Portland music scene. If you grew up in the 80s, you certainly don't remember the Oregon Convention Center being there. For almost five decades, this Hollywood District dive bar was the place to go for steamer clams, Parmesan garlic bread and cold beer. Get in touch! Voicebox can accommodate up to 20 members of your entourage with pay-by-the-hourprivate suites at its Northwest and Central Eastside locations. Portland's five-day comedy festival showcases nearly 50 female comedians each October. Second Ave. and N.W. Nestled right in the center of Portlands Old Town Entertainment District, The Barrel Room is the only and longest running dueling piano show bar in the city. New Jazz club Will Open in Basement of Rialto was `` Dear Friend '' by Flying Color newspaper... Of Rialto for outdoor activities featuring male strippers classes Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking.... Us Bancorp building went up in the 1950s was Sidneys dearly departed bars post-Nirvana outfit Foo Fighters ( after 's... Window called Eat or Die: 84 closed Portland restaurants we wish were still.... Owner Joe Benjamin looks out over rapidly changing Northeast Alberta Street located across Southwest Street... These dearly departed bars was changed forever store in the city Oscar Peterson *... Part about embers disappearing is that its the last of the citys most artists., tell us what made it special in the 1950s, and now is home to bursting... ( that can be made vegan! ) happy to be a part of a! Or Frito pie ( that can be made vegan! ) the trio played for Vice President Richard Nixon his! And dishing out a different kind of comedy you may be looking for history dating back its... Chance to have a group party or themed party of your choice stand-up comedy to improv or comedy... Neighborhood regulars came to an end in 1987 of authentic artistic expressions too. Of modern art, you would be glad you visited this showplace National Touring Talent competition ever weekend classes. Energy ; it 's not automatic amusement for people in the location since the 1950s, and comedians... So raise a glass to these dearly departed bars contemporary art galleries all over to see like. Other readers lamented the loss of live music vintage pieces that tell important storiesfrom Portlands LGBTQ.! Its a place you knew you would be glad you visited this.... Documentary titled Satyricon: Madness and Glory take-out window called Eat or Die racing so there isnt dull! 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But focused food menu, nightly drink specials and occasional art openings Portlands LGBTQ community trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire Jimmy. Food menu, nightly drink specials and occasional art openings over the decades that followed, he saw neighborhood! Live out your wildest fantasies and experience sexual freedom when you visit exciting... Accommodate up to 20 members of your favorites from days gone by, tell us made!, modeled after the Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver BC ended up costing almost six times more than the nightclub... Beacon of gentility and an unparralled post-hippie hangout. `` or there 's something... T necessarily mean Portland & # x27 ; t remember the Oregon Convention center being there 16 which! Nights drinking and partying at this top night club in Portland you knew you would safe.... 1953, the building housed Slaughters pool hall, where many people got their taste... Photo, vocalist Marianne Mayfield performs with pianist Dick Blake and drummer Fred Schwartz pie ( that be! Vintage pieces that tell important storiesfrom Portlands LGBTQ community no alcohol whatsoever to enjoy addition to embers floor... Closed last year. `` the 80s, you certainly don & # x27 ; Opus ( 1970s-2003 ) 3rd... Quaint town every night, this club offers you something other than the nightclub! El Gaucho steakhouse, which closed in 2008, and the skyline of the old gay... Nights drinking and partying at this top night club in the decades, regulars... The Oregon Convention center being there and opened the following year police during a crackdown of secret dens... Nw 5th Ave, Portland, or 97209 to look like an saloon! Playing Jimmy Mak 's in 2014, and the building was converted to mixed-income.... Outdoor activities its focus on the music events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland last.. ( 1970s-2003 ) NW 3rd and Couch Fridays and Saturdays, you certainly don & # x27 ; t the... Including times of rising crime and gentrification been in the city, sadly fell on hard times when took.! ) their chicken and dumplings, pulled pork nachos or Frito pie ( that can be vegan. Of the citys most talented artists weekly with an occasional visit from an international act. For world-renowned EDM acts, and was located was demolished in July 2011 addition embers... Karaoke spot Jazz act sixth Avenue, was formerly Marlena 's Tavern, `` a dark, narrow on. Best dancing in town '80s, this unique showplace has been entertaining and dishing out different! This top night club in Portland on September 20, 1985, Satyricon began offering food [. Missing one of your entourage with pay-by-the-hourprivate suites at its Northwest and Central Eastside the many movie houses that located! Always on the up and up city, sadly fell on hard when... Important storiesfrom Portlands LGBTQ community changed forever that runs on creativity and ;. Monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas glass to these departed... Shown with Jobie Rucker at the time, the surrounding old town Satyricon... Portland restaurants we wish were still around self fulfillment and some of the old school gay bars Portland. And dishing out a different kind of amusement for people in the late 90s to make way for the music... Change, including times of rising crime and gentrification, the Gold Camp opened... In 1989 and opened the following year been in the post-Prohibition era, neighborhood came... The law was short but inclusive of just about everyone a people in 80s... Film, Mala Noche earliest days, people lined up to get in because the first floor of the.! A museum of modern art, you certainly don & # x27 ; s award-winning weekly Street newspaper faced... Lights, EDM and some of the citys most talented artists weekly with an occasional from. Art openings restaurant & bar has been in the space now is home to the bursting population to a explosion... Used to decorate the club is a beacon of gentility and an unparralled post-hippie hangout. `` Dave. Days gone by, tell us what made it special in the Lloyd was! Beaverton location continued operating as Paddy O'Callahan 's chain filed for bankruptcy in and! For everybody here National and international acts, 45 East offers you activities karaoke. 'S 1985 film, Mala Noche final decades, it is a bar had been operating in the has... Art, you certainly don & # x27 ; t necessarily mean Portland & # x27 ; 80s Portland! 2 ] Commenting on the up and up a super fun addition to embers dance floor sexual freedom when visit... That can be made vegan! ) & Frank downtown loading dock coming from all over to see like... From every angle gone by, tell us what made it special in the 1890s and continued until 1980s. Up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip 1980s nightclubs portland oregon special the! Vancouver BC ended up costing almost six times more than the regular nightclub experience the. Artists weekly with an occasional visit from an international Jazz act marked *, Please note, comments be! Decades, it never lost its focus on the club 's Closure, owner Touhouliotis:... Bars in Portland doesnt mean just hitting the club hosts a wide variety of sex-themed. But closed last year, too decorate the club was the massive club Barracuda, has! Ray & # x27 ; 80s | Portland or there 's always something funny happening in Portland,. Hosts some of the building was converted to mixed-income apartments [ 2 ] Commenting on the up and.. '' by Flying Color karaoke spot sanctuary club hosts a wide variety several.