Portland, Oregon, has a large gay population that makes for a varied nightlife, with plenty of different styles of gay bars. Whether you are looking for a casual lounge, a leather bar, a dance club or a bar specializing in drag shows, Portland has a wide variety of gay bars and clubs to choose from, suitable to many different tastes and styles.
The main attractions of the Silverado Bar are the go-go dancers and strippers, featured every night of the week. The bar claims to be the only gay-owned and gay-operated nightclub in the area. It is open every day of the year, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Among the special features are karaoke nights on Mondays from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Latino night on Wednesdays and a beer bust on both Tuesdays and Sundays. The bar draws a diverse crowd, and casual dress is appropriate.
The Silverado Bar
318 Southwest 3rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-224-4493
silveradopdx.com
Popular for dancing and music, CC Slaughters advertises itself as the only gay club in Portland with a live DJ every night of the week. The club never charges a cover and features a large dance floor with robotic lighting. Weekly specials include Quizzy on Mondays, a trivia contest with no charge to enter, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays also include free pool and $2 jello shots. Sundays feature the Superstar Divas show, a drag show beginning at 8 p.m. Apart from weekly specials, the club also hosts special events, such as the White Party in which the entire decor is in white, and prizes are awarded to best costumes. There is no smoking at the bar, and while the atmosphere is casual, slightly dressy attire is appropriate.
CC Slaughters
219 Northwest Davis St.
Portland, OR 97209
503-248-9135
ccslaughterspdx.com
Opened in 1967, Darcelle XV is one of the oldest clubs featuring drag shows. The club showcases a cabaret revue with female impersonators and is open from Wednesdays through Saturdays. Wednesday and Thursday shows begin at 8:30, while Fridays and Saturdays have shows both at 8:30 and at 10:30. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended. After the drag show on Fridays and Saturdays, a male strip show begins at midnight. There is a $15 entertainment charge for any show. However, if you attend the 10:30 show on Fridays or Saturdays, you can stay for the midnight strip show without paying a further charge. The club is for those 21 or older.
Darcelle XV Showplace
208 Northwest 3rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-222-5338
darcellexv.com
Eagle Portland's leather bar features rotating special events to keep the entertainment fresh, from leather events and contests, to costume parties and fundraisers. Special events include the rubber party, which encourages participants to wear clothing made of rubber. Practically any form of dress, or undress, is appropriate for the bar. The Eagle describes itself as a "rugged bar for masculine men" and welcomes a diverse range of attire. The bar is open from Mondays through Saturdays.
The Eagle Portland
835 North Lombard St.
Portland, OR 97217
503-283-9734
eagleportland.com (See Reference 4)
Scandal's Lounge has a casual atmosphere and generally is a starting-off point for the evening. Every night features various specials. On Mondays, requests for videos are accepted all night long, and draft beer is on special for $2.50. Karaoke night is Tuesday, with specials on well drinks. Every third Wednesday of the month features a comedy and burlesque show, and Thursdays and Sundays have a happy hour from 4 p.m. until midnight. Friday and Saturdays offer an upgrade on well drinks, to specific brands of liquors.
Scandal's Lounge
1125 Southwest Stark St.
Portland, OR 97205
503-227-5887
scandalspdx.com (See Reference 5)
