Portland, Oregon, has plenty of country bars for country-western fans and roots rock/Americana enthusiasts of all kinds. Some bars are old school and gritty, full of faithful regulars and passing truckers, while newer, trendier venues have also hit the scene, offering a fresh, younger crowd and indie influences.
Duke's Country Bar and Grill is a restaurant, bar and dance club featuring live country music and additional entertainment. The large venue has a dining and lounge area, outdoor patio and a big dance floor, all serviced by multiple bars. The bar also has a game room and a mechanical bull. Karaoke is held on Mondays, local acts are on Wednesdays and Thursdays are ladies' night. Weekend nights present featured country-western concerts from local and touring bands. Eight large plasma screens make Duke's a great place to catch sports; they also screen UFC matches. VIP service and banquet reservations are available at Duke's.
Duke's Country Bar and Grill
14601 SE Division
Portland, OR 97236
503-760-1400
dukesbar.com
Duff's Garage is a live music bar in the roots rock/Americana tradition, featuring country-western, blues, surf, rockabilly and 1960s surf bands throughout the week. The bar is reminiscent of a 1950s diner mixed with an old-school country-western bar, featuring wood paneling, wooden bar and dance floor along with black-and-white checkered floors and vintage booth seating. From 6 to 8 p.m., a nightly happy hour features drink specials and live music for a $2 cover (as of September 2010). Featured concerts play at 9:30 p.m.; Duff's is closed on Sundays.
Duff's Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
503-234-2337
duffsgarage.com
Ponderosa Lounge is large country-western bar and restaurant, featuring two dance floors, live country acts, arcade games and pool tables as well as large TVs for watching the game. The eclectic crowd ranges from the young and adventurous to older truckers and old-school cowboys. Tuesday nights offer extended drink specials from 4 p.m. to midnight; Thursdays bring in a DJ and offer free dance lessons from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; weekend nights present featured country acts. A full menu is served from Ponderosa's neighbor, The Cascade Grill.
Ponderosa Lounge
10350 N Vancouver Way, I-5 Exit 307
Portland, OR 97211
503-345-0300
ponderosalounge.com
The Kenton Club is an indie/country bar and nightclub featuring various styles of music, from blues and country to punk and alternative. Bands and DJs play music throughout the week at this bar, which is open daily until 2:30 a.m. The Kenton Club features a bar and lounge, dance floor and back patio; for additional entertainment, play darts, pool, arcade games or pinball. Special nights include trivia and karaoke.
The Kenton Club
2025 North Kilpatrick Street
Portland, OR 97217
503-285-3718
kentonclub.com
