Portland gay bars
[Find the Mercury's Homosexual Guide in print—available in more than 500 spots citywide!—eds.]
The Silverado is obviously and stridently a gay bar. Rainbow tassels line the kitchen, attractive men in snug underwear sling drinks, and posters of shirtless guys adorn the walls. Also, after nine at overnight male strippers accomplish in the Silverado’s basement.
The Silverado was established over four decades ago and today is one of Portland’s longest-standing gay bars. It’s now in its third or fourth location, depending on how you count.
“It started as Flossie’s, which was up on Burnside where the Fred Meyer is now,” says Trevor Wion, the Silverado’s bar manager of nearly 25 years. He says that Flossie’s was “the same as what we are now, which is a very gender non-conforming bar, but much quieter. I don’t think they started having dancers until ’87.”
According to Wion, sometime in the early ’90s the owner of Flossie’s surprised everyone by announcing that the bar was suddenly moving to what is now Harvey Milk Street.
“Everyone picked something up. There was a procession of bar stools, records, and bottles of liquor. Everyone just carried everything, and that’s when they opened up down at Stark Stre
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
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A bartender makes sparks at Local Lounge.
You'll find plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly places to go to when the sun goes down in Portland.
3 min read
Note: This section was produced in collaboration with ProudQueer.com, formerly known as PQ Monthly.
Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to enjoy a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.
North Portland
Florida Room is both queer-friendly and dog-friendly. Enjoy a drink with your favorite two-legged and four-legged friends on one of their two patios.
Eagle Portland is Portland’s leather bar and home found for the Oregon Bears. Guests who wear a leather harness, vest, chaps, or full flamboyant with “significant effort,” get in free on Friday or Saturday nights.
Downtown and The Pearl District
Scandalscalls itself, “Portland’s Gay ‘Cheers.'” The relaxed vibe makes it a great place to rendezvous with friends, or meet new ones. During warmer months, grab a seat outside and watch the summer crowd cruise by.
There are two all-male strip clubs in Portland. Silverado, locat
11 Wine Bars for Every Kind of Vibe
Portland’s gay bars are more than just hangouts. Most of the city’s dozen-plus queer bars opened in eras hostile to the queer community. The city’s oldest surviving bars were havens in an openly homophobic era, while its newest venues join a chorus of voices against an increasingly transphobic national climate. The entire LGBTQ+ group should, in the best bars, notice safe and free to let loose, have fun, and maybe nibble on something tasty, on menu or off.
Not all lgbtq+ gatherings have a permanent home, so we’ve assembled a rundown of the city’s robust scene of recurring pop-up parties alongside our favorite brick-and-mortar establishments. From leather bars to drag dens to lesbian parties to trans cabaret revues to Portland’s “gay Cheers,” there’s always somewhere where everyone’s glad you came.
Jump to: Upbeat Clubs / Low-Key Venues / Strip Clubs / Recurring Queer Parties
Upbeat Clubs
CC Slaughters
Est. 1981 | old town
Though technically on the outskirts of Old Town’s Entertainment District, CC’s is very much at the center of the gender non-conforming downtown Portland scene. Part cocktail exclude and part gyrate club, it’s an approacha
8 Portland Best Gay Bars to Enjoy Queer Nightlife
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive culture, vibrant LGBTQ community, and celebrated queer nightlife. Whether you're looking for a queer club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying gyrate floor, a cozy queer bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring kingly shows, the city has an incredible range of options.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this instruction highlights 10 of the best LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and lounges in Portland. Whether you're visiting the famous Darcelle XV or exploring the bustling Pearl District, there’s a matchless spot for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
Download Lex and meet LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Portland! And check out our other city guides here.
Best Areas in Portland for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland is a city that proudly celebrates its LGBTQ community, offering a variety of neighborhoods where gay, lesbian, and nonbinary folks can appreciate an unforgettable night out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or one-of-a-kind queer-friendly spaces, Portland has something for everyone.
Downtown Portland – The Heart of the Scene
Downto