What are some fun, unique bars in Portland to hit up? Thinking places like Hale Pele or some shit like that.
Dante's on Sunday nights. SINFerno! Sex Industry Night! Strippers and sex workers in Portland put on a burlesque show. IT'S SO FUCKING AWESOME!
I went a few months ago. Aaron Ross, who hosted it, is in LA now. He's having his Talk show tommorow night, may check it out.
If you want a Punk/goth scene, Twilite Cafe is a little place with some decent bands playing and good sound system. Dante's is good. Billy Blues in Vancouver is a nice bigger place with kick ass sound. Caters to more 80'tribute and rock bands. Portland doesn't really have alot to offer when it comes to nice smaller clubs. After Dante's you are looking at the Hawthorne hideway and Hawthorne Theatre on... Hawthorne, could you believe... After that its large clubs like Roseland and the Crystal. There are some other venues, but they aren't really bars. More like music venues with a bartender.
Decent, but predicated on who is playing. Saw Red Fang a couple months back there. Never even made it to the Bar. LOL. My buddy said drinks were expensive there. But cool, large venue. Then there is always SWIL HQ in Canby, Live real music and beer in the fridge. lol.
East Side Bar and Grill is a little homey place, but they just improved the sound and lighting and are getting better bands in there.
The places that I liked are probably all gone now. I use to like the Veritable Quandary, Frankenseein'snd a tavern near the old Music Box theater that served the most delicious Guiness at cellar temperature and played classical music.
Dude....you just need to crash weddings, art openings, etc...that or I like to find an open mike bar and listen to people desperately playing for free.
I think it's been about 40 years since I've been there but I'll bet it's still the same. A very very different experience.
I don't know if this has been mentioned or not. McMenamins Crystal Ballroom provides an excellent experience for music and drinking.
You can also try McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub if you decide to watch Rocketman while having your faovrite drink(s).
