Heres a long-running watering hole with an unlikely origin story. Every night of the week not just on weekdays happy hour generally gets the party started. It was "Dear Friend" by Flying Color. After a 3-year hiatus during the pandemic, its back to keep going strong, promoting Vintage Jazz Music and Dance. This North Portland tavern, which was a workingmans oasis for more than 50 years, sat on North Columbia Boulevard in the heart of Junk Yard Row, just east of the St. Johns landfill. Portlanders 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 1970s were also a time of physical change, as Portland began to turn into the city we know today. A Analog Caf and Theater B Backspace (Portland, Oregon) Berbati's Pan Blue Monk (Portland, Oregon) Brasserie Montmartre C Candlelight Cafe & Bar D The Dude Ranch J Jimmy Mak's L La Luna (Portland, Oregon) The Liquor Store N No Vacancy Lounge P Paris Theatre (Portland, Oregon) S Satyricon (nightclub) T The Know (Portland, Oregon) Tonic Lounge X [20][31][32] Mild renovations were undertaken, though a review of the club upon its reopening noted: "The club looks the same eerily so. According to The Oregonian, materials from seven different countries were used to decorate the club, which cost $25,000 to build. The wood carvings gracing the bar were made by Portland's Ed Quigley. In the 1960s, the bar became a part of the citys underground gay night scene, and in the late 70s and early 80s, it was recognized as the bar/business of the year several times by the Imperial Rose Court for its showroom where drag shows were staged. These Portland bars and restaurants keep their kitchens open late, serving high-quality food into the night. Read on for some highlights. The Harbor Club, which was located at the corner of Southwest First Avenue and Yamhill Street from 1948 to 1964, was one of the more-colorful drinking establishments when the waterfront area was still a place where U.S. Navy ships regularly docked. It's a Saturday night in 1985. Tiger Bar closed in 2014, and is now Stag, a gay nightclub featuring male strippers. On its last day open in 2012, it hosted a "Wrecking Ball Jam" that went into the wee hours and featured an all-star lineup of performers. But the iconic sign -- tourists stop to giggle and take pictures of it still hangs over the original building. A popular independent music venue, Holocene also hosts Gaycation, one of the citys longest-standing dance parties. Portland offers a wide range of arcades, from family-friendly game rooms to dive bars and adults-only bar arcades. James Hemphill has been performing drag for 35 years. However, almost every night, this club offers you activities like karaoke and goldfish racing so there isnt a dull moment here. [18] The interior of the building was described by journalists as such: As you step up to the long, obsidian-black bar, you may notice the Buddha that presides from behind the bar, the sensual art above, and stars on the ceiling. First opened as The Mural Room in 1947, the club became the Jazz Quarry in the late 1970s, and featured regular performances by many local musicians, including local singer Lloyd Fletcher, seen here in 1984 in front of a mural of jazz legend Charlie Parker. Most bars and nightlife options in the early 2000s were rather scattered and not concentrated along these stretches. East Burnsides iconic Doug Fir is known for live shows in the lounge downstairs, hearty brunch and generous dinner plates enjoyed in the mid-century meets log-cabin dining room. But the bar went out with a bang. 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). His family had to make the difficult decision to close the club. A place like that runs on creativity and energy; it's not automatic. [14] In 2013, after its demolition, a documentary about the club, Satyricon: Madness and Glory, was released. For over 50 years, this unique showplace has been entertaining and dishing out a different kind of amusement for people in the city. [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]. 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. requires no physical fitness program: Everyone gets enough exercise jumping to conclusions, flying off the handle, running down the boss, knifing friends in the back, dodging responsibility and pushing their luck. '' The Blow Fly would continue to operate into the 1990s. Its corned beef hash was a weekend brunch favorite. "The sad part about Embers disappearing is that its the last of the old school gay bars in Portland. 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. Back in the 80s and the early 90s, if you wanted to visit OMSI, the river was not the place to go. From the skyline to the bursting population to a food explosion and gentrification, the city has transformed entirely. Recording its popular public radio program in front of Portland audiences, Live Wire stitches together sketch comedy, music, and confessionals in a variety show format. Sewickly's, a Hawthorn District cafe and bar that served breakfast all day. Nothing topped the Dude Ranch, Dietsche says. The bridge opened in November of 1973 at a final cost of $82 million dollars. On New Years Eve 2005, the bar closed when Benjamin retired. But they linger on in memories and in photos that captured their essence. The town is complete in all areas; theres something for everybody here. These trees are massive a quarter of the storage at Embers was dedicated just to their branches and it took three to four people three to four hours to put up each tree for the holiday season [Photo by Cory Burnsed]. Open to all adults (18+), this night club is a proud supporter and welcomes the LGBTQ community to its nightlife haven. 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). For decades, this Chinatown restaurant on the corner of Northwest Couch Street and Third Avenue was known for strong drinks and traditional Chinese fare. Address: 2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, USA, A post shared by Holocene (@holoceneportland). Decadent '80s | Portland OR The buildings later became the popular Legin Chinese restaurant, which was sold and torn down in 2012 to make way for the expansion of PCC's eastside campus. Others faded as their neighborhoods changed. 15 LV's Uptown (Early 2000s . [7] By 1985, the club was selling around $7,000 of alcoholic beverages per month, and around $3,000 in food, with 20% of all food orders occurring through the take-out window. 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. It included tracks from local punk acts such as Poison Idea, Dharma Bums and Napalm Beach. At the end of last year, after almost 50 years in business, Embers Night Club opened its doors for the last time to a line that stretched from their entrance on NW Broadway all the way to SW Stark. In the 1970s, this downtown nightclub billed itself as "Portland's Original Environmental Tavern." [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. Y.G.B. If we missed one of your favorites from days gone by, tell us what made it special in the comments. Darcelle XV Address: 208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA Website: Darcelle XV Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6pm - 2am; Tue: 6pm - 6:30pm; Wed - Thu: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon) 2. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. For a happy hour with vintage style, step into Clydes Prime Rib. [11] Local punk bands the Wipers and Poison Idea became notable regular acts at the club,[6][4] as well as various underground musicians. But the unique thing about 45 East is in the position of its dance floor. 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. James Hemphill, an Embers long-time staff member of 26 years, contacted City Home looking for a buyer for some of the clubs memorabilia. Detox Nightclub gives you a safe and inviting environment to party hard and enjoy all the thrills of a great night out. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In 1953, the Gold Camp Room opened in downtown, and was designed to look like an old-time saloon. 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. Upon closing in 1984, owner Larry Hilaire recalled notable events that had happened here, including how a woman had given birth under a stairway. An accident during eye surgery in the 1930s left him blind. The Chinese fare in the dining room was notoriously greasy and bland, but the real scene was in the lounge, where you might hear live local music, karaoke or stand-up comedy, depending on the night. Every day from 3 to 6 p.m., find $9 prime rib French dips, $7 Louisiana-style hot wings, and a $9 lounge burger with fries alongside Old Fashions and martinis. The club offers a relaxed and fun environment for people that believe in alternate lifestyles, LGBTQ+ communities, and sexually empowered and curious individuals to party, meet up, and even hook up. And, yes, artistic greatness. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire playing Jimmy Mak's in 2014. Situated in the historic Mississippi District, Prost! Salim is a lover of adventure and creativity. A cowboy-themed oddity that hosted strippers, shake dancers, comics and the very best of jazzincluding Louis Armstrongthe Dude Ranch was a home away from home for Portlands night owls. 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. Situated in Washington Park, now the home of the Portland Children's Museum, was the place to go to explore science and technology. 8 The Jazz Quarry (mid-1970s to late 80s), Southwest Jefferson Street between 11th and 12th avenues, Southeast Woodstock Boulevard and 52nd Avenue; Southeast Holgate Boulevard and 39th Avenue. Randy L. Rasmussen, The Oregonian/OregonLive. Satyricon became a prominent music venue in the city, and hosted various local and touring punk and alternative rock bands throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Postscript: After sharing this initial list of long-gone bars, we heard from readers about their favorite places. Address: 125 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209. This environmental-friendly town in Oregon is a bubbling place of quality eating, drinking, and shopping. If you grew up in the 80s, you certainly don't remember the Oregon Convention Center being there. All rights reserved (About Us). The space was later converted to a health club, and is currently vacant. From small rock cafes to loud hip-hop-themed nightclubs, the city has a thriving and exciting nightlife. Hemphill has mixed feelings about the transition. With an exclusive male strippers show at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, you would be glad you visited this showplace. But it wasnt known for its food The Oregonian described the Italian menu as having an identity crisis in a scathing 1986 review. Having been home to many talents making waves all around the country, Darcelle XV gives you a chance to experience a one-of-a-kind display of glitz, pageantry, and luxurious cross-dressing by a talented bunch of guys-cum-ladies. Address: 105 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA, Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 8pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Thu), A post shared by Dixie Tavern Portland (@dixietavern). Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland's free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week. This year will be celebrating the traditional BOI BUMB, a celebration from the heart of north and northeast Brazil Presenting:, The Portland Lindy Exchange (PDXLX) is Portlands annual dance exchange celebrating the vintage swing music and dances of the 20s 50s, including Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. This Southern-inspired bar in the St. Johns neighborhood serves up decadent snacks and unique (often bourbon-based) cocktails. Satyricon was a nightclub in the Old Town neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, United States that operated from 1984 to 2010.It was the longest-running punk venue in the western United States, and has been referred to by some journalists and historians as the "CBGB of the West Coast." It is also the place where musicians Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love are said to have first met. El Gaucho steakhouse, which has its own clubby lounge area, is in the ground-floor location now. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds. Live out your wildest fantasies and experience sexual freedom when you visit this exciting club in Portland. 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. Address: The Bossanova Ballroom - 722 East Burnside Street - Portland, Oregon, Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 24 hours (closed from Sun - Thu), A post shared by Barrel Room Portland (@barrelroomportland). 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. In 2014, the building was converted to mixed-income apartments. 12 Ray's Helm (late-60s to late-70s) NE Broadway and 7th or 9th. On November 21st, 1970 dynamite was placed underneath the bell and detonated, destroying it. In town or planning your visit and need some advice? To start things off, we spoke with Robert Dietsche, The Dude Ranch was a speakeasy in the 1920s, before rising to become the most famous jazz club in the Central Eastside in the mid-1940s. We have a vast repetoire that makes us a great fit for any event and age group. Owner Dennis King, tending bar in this 1975 photo, was there for the restaurant's entire run, and watched the city change. Embers is an iconic name for alternative lifestyles across the country - not just in Portland. On September 20, 1985, Satyricon began offering food,[16] which included a souvlaki take-out window called Eat or Die. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. If you lived here in the 80s, you may remember these things about our city before it made this change. The owner of the bar, John Johnny Boston Runstein, was celebrated for raising money for charity. The building was torn down in 2011 as Lower Burnside became more gentrified, and was replaced by the larger Trio Club, where karaoke continues, but without the cool, gritty vibe. Portland's cocktail culture exploded in the 1990s, and there was no place better to see how creative mixed drinks could be than this Northwest Portland martini lounge, where the air was always thick with cigar smoke (this was before Oregon's Indoor Clean Air Act took effect). College students across the country walked out of classes and protested the deaths of four students at Kent State after 28 National Guard soldiers fired 67 rounds into the crowd. In this photo, bartender bartender Leo LeBoeuf, wearing a black string tie and checkered vest, works a 1920s cash register. And if were missing one of your favorites from days gone by, tell us what made it special in the comments. 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. Portland seemed to fully embrace the 1970s. [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. Everett St., N.W. This incredible show bar offers you an exciting National Touring Talent competition ever weekend. We'll send you a newsletter with what you need to know every week. Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. The nightly shows atDarcelle XV are also good for a laugh. Construction is underway for a new courthouse on the VQ site. Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Brothers Michael and Richard Sullivan are seen enjoying crab cocktails in this 2001 photo. This large center located in the Lloyd District was completed in 1989 and opened the following year. Address: 529 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA, Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 8pm - 12am; Mon: 7pm - 10pm; Wed: 8pm - 12am; Thu: 7pm - 12am (closed on Tue). 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