Before it was the swanky Hotel Modera, the downtown motor lodge at Southwest Fifth Avenue and Clay Street was home to the Portland Motor Hotel, where in 1979, cocktail waitress Gail Tucker served customers in its smoky lounge. Home to the largest urban forest in the country and several other amazing parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and picnic areas, outdoor lovers are not left out of the mix here. The upstairs dining room featured pasta dishes and fancy desserts. Long before lower East Burnside Street became a district of hot bars and nightclubs, it featured this hot-spot for acoustic music. Plastered with hundreds of band stickers, that would take someone days to take in. In May 2003, the club abruptly closed, after which it was acquired by new owners and reopened as an all-ages venue in 2006. And pop and folk-rock acts aren't excluded. In the distance of this 1959 photo is the old Oregon Journal building, which was later torn down. Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. Search by date, event type and more. With an exclusive male strippers show at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, you would be glad you visited this showplace. This Southwest Portland bar started out as a stagecoach stop in the 1870s, and was a popular suburban pit-stop until its closing a few years ago. [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. ", Northeast 24th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. Portland offers a wide range of arcades, from family-friendly game rooms to dive bars and adults-only bar arcades. In the 1950s, the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board placed the bar off limits to servicemen for matters of hygiene. It was military code for businesses that catered to a gay clientele. But the iconic sign -- tourists stop to giggle and take pictures of it still hangs over the original building. Local Businesses From outstanding local DJ performances to its stimulating lighting and unusual sounds, this club comes fully fitted with a full mocktail bar, exquisite VIP areas, and 21+ bars. Will the bar's distinctive sign be spared? Meanwhile, Helium Comedy Club is all about the punchlines,drawing everyone from touring, a-list professionals to emerging local talent to its stage. Whether you're looking for a cocktail bar, a brewpub or a dive, enjoy your favorite summer beverage at one of Portland's rooftop bars or outdoor patios. James Hemphill, an Embers long-time staff member of 26 years, contacted City Home looking for a buyer for some of the clubs memorabilia. 14 Atwaters (1990s) 37th floor of US Bank Building. Patty's Retreat, a downtown dive that lost its liquor license after numerous patron arrests for drunkenness, drug use and dealing, and serving alcohol to minors. Cocktails are $2 off during happy hour. Open 24/7, this iconic Portland destinations second outpost sells wild doughnuts topped with ingredients like bubblegum and bacon (and has shorter lines than the original spot in downtown Portland). Address: 32 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States Dixie Tavern Website 6. Related: Frosty glasses, stiff drinks: 28 long-lost Portland bars we wish were still around. This exciting nightclub boasts of several electrifying features that will keep you bouncing to the music all night long. This 1940 photo shows the interior of Marko's Moonlight Inn, a tavern and card room on West Burnside Street and Northwest Fifth Avenue. This incredible show bar offers you an exciting National Touring Talent competition ever weekend. It closed in 2008, later becoming the Pope House Bourbon Lounge. They ranged from gritty dives like North Portland's Blow Fly Inn, which catered to blue-collar workers, to posh cocktail spots like Northwest's Brazen Bean, where trendy young people gathered for elaborate sips and cigars. An arson fire closed the original restaurant in 2013, and it never reopened. Movie stars, white and black, came there to shop for records. Postscript: After sharing this initial list of long-gone bars, we heard from readers about their favorite places. After suffering a series of strokes, owner Steve Suss became incapacitated and unable to speak or write. Over the decades, neighborhood regulars came to the bar, with its wood paneling and smoke-stained ceiling. Holocene has an impressive building fitted with hand-built modern furnishings, state-of-the-art sound system, fantastic video projecting lighting, and a performance area. Young, Gifted and Brown Fosters Community Through Dance in Portland. Serving tropical drinks and piles of Hawaiian food, The Alibi Tiki Lounge will make you feel like youre on an island vacation just long enough to belt out some Elvis in front of the packed house. [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]. It was totally unique to Portland., Jimmy Maks rose to become Portlands premier jazz club along with the economic and demographic changes of its Pearl District neighborhood, Dietsche says. The O'Callahan's chain filed for bankruptcy in 1989, though the Beaverton location continued operating as Paddy O'Callahan's under different ownership. They offer a large vegan menu, plus wine, craft beer and unique craft cocktails that focus on products from local and regional distilleries. In its final decades, it became a popular karaoke spot. Hosted by Voodoo Doughnut co-founder Tres Shannon, the bands repertoire includes 600 songs, and they play twice a week at clubs like Dantes and the Spare Room. Film flashback: 31 movie theaters from Portland's golden age. On September 20, 1985, Satyricon began offering food,[16] which included a souvlaki take-out window called Eat or Die. You can see a PSU student production about the events of the protest in a 30 minute video below: In November of 1970 there was a bombing outside the Portland City Hall of the Liberty Bell replica. Lydia's from Southwest Portland, which one reader noted had a terrific Reuben sandwich. 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. For almost five decades, this Hollywood District dive bar was the place to go for steamer clams, Parmesan garlic bread and cold beer. Follow the journey of our beautiful city through the 1970s in these classic photos from around town and see if you remember any of these sights. Co-owners Sam Usher, seen here in 1959, and Jack Urman remodeled and expanded the restaurant, which featured two bars and a dance floor. Upon closing in 1984, owner Larry Hilaire recalled notable events that had happened here, including how a woman had given birth under a stairway. Media Anybody who was anybody who came to town, who wanted some after-hours action, they came to the Chicken Coop., The small record store on North Broadway was the meeting place around Williams Avenuea social center, if you will, Dietsche says. The old brick building was home to one of the city's best after-work bars, and the kitchen in recent years produced impressive American fare, like giant prawns with bacon and avocado, a remarkable veggie burger, and chocolate souffl. Back in the 80s and the early 90s, if you wanted to visit OMSI, the river was not the place to go. If you prefer a more down-and-dirty, rock-and-roll vibe, swing by Dixie Tavern where servers are known to dance on the bar and brave revelers are sometimes invited to join in. At the same time, it looks unfinished, like someone decided to remodel, ripped up a few boards and then totally slacked off. The bridge opened in November of 1973 at a final cost of $82 million dollars. People came here for the bar, which was a popular after-work drinking spot, that became on of the citys best places to hear live jazz and blues later in the evening. Jazz Quarry closed in 1987, and the building was demolished a few years ago to make room for a high-rise apartment building. The crowd at what was then called The Chase Lounge was a mix of business travelers staying at the adjacent hotel, and suburban folks looking for a night on the town without having to venture downtown. The Go Go Cages were a super fun addition to Embers dance floor. [4], Dave Grohl played his first show with his post-Nirvana outfit Foo Fighters (after Cobain's death) at Satyricon. The trio played for Vice President Richard Nixon during his visit in Portland last week. So raise a glass to these dearly departed bars. From small rock cafes to loud hip-hop-themed nightclubs, the city has a thriving and exciting nightlife. 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. The wood carvings gracing the bar were made by Portland's Ed Quigley. It became known as the home of legendary local bassist David Friesen and the Mel Brown Sextet., Youd get in a cab and say, Take me Uptown, Dietsche says. Terrika performed two signature numbers: one with a Marry Poppins theme involving a naughty spoon full of sugar and another act that revolved around spanking people with a cricket bat to sweet dreams by Annie Lennox. They were booking national and international acts, and people were coming from all over to see artists like Oscar Peterson. The first floor of the building housed Slaughters pool hall, where many people got their first taste of jazz. Owner Jack York was blind, but in a 1951 Oregonian feature said he remembered regular customers by the sound of their voices. 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. You had to use a little bit of intuition to find Tiger Bar. Every night of the week not just on weekdays happy hour generally gets the party started. Near Christmas, Billy Rancher and the Unreal Gods, having signed a contract with Clive Davis and Arista Records- amidst much hoopla and snickering from local wags (who either proclaimed Portland to be the next Liverpool or an absolute pawn to the whims . Beside the stage was a brass plaque that read, Mels Place., A rundown building in front of an apartment complex with the best chicken sandwiches in town, the Chicken Coop was the club for a while, Dietsche says. Others faded as their neighborhoods changed. The Satyricon, located at 125 N.W. 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. 750 were here. All rights reserved (About Us). [11] Local punk bands the Wipers and Poison Idea became notable regular acts at the club,[6][4] as well as various underground musicians. On the 37th floor of the US Bank tower, this elegant night night spot featured spectacular views, and featured a trio led by Leroy Vinegar and Mel Brown, Darroch says. Unofficially known as "The Candlelight Room," this downtown bar was Portland's most-dependable venue for live blues, with music happening every night of the week and no cover charge. Digger ODells (named after the undertaker on the 1940s radio show The Life of Riley, of all things) served Cajun fare liked blackened catfish before it became an obsession of the 1980s, along with lots of southern drinks, like Hurricanes a Mint Juleps. This brass ship wheel from Embers was originally on display at Romans Rip Tide on SW 10th & Stark in the late 70s to early 80s. Portland has changed considerably in the last 40 years with growing infrastructure, a changing skyline, and suburban sprawl. [2] In 2017, Courtney Taylor-Taylor, frontman of the Dandy Warhols, reported that he had found the marquee, which he had installed at The Old Portland, a wine bar he opened in 2016. The Ambassador Restaurant and Lounge meanwhile, embraces everything that a Chinese food restaurant-cum-karaoke bar should be and raises the bar with a light-up stage and a fog machine. Its most-recent incarnation as a drinking spot was the massive club Barracuda, which closed in 2012. "[20], Demolition of the building began in July 2011,[36] after which many pieces of furniture, memorabilia, and parts of the building were "unceremoniously given away to anyone interested. But that doesn't necessarily mean Portland's clubs are always on the up and up. Karma Rivera performs in Portland in 2019. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This guide to historic gay, lesbian, and transgender buildings and locations in Downtown Portland borrows from a number of primary sources, including Minutes of the Portland City Council, Oregon Liquor Control Commission records, Portland city directories, Sanborn fire insurance maps, and several early gay newspapers published in the city . Instead of a regular sign, the exterior boasted only tiger stripes. [8] The block was characterized as Portland's skid row,[9] "a real shithole of a neighborhood" with "open drug dealing, fights, knives, [and] guns. Portland has a wide range of events that require no alcohol whatsoever to enjoy. [7], Satyricon was founded by George Touhouliotis, a former taxi driver who acquired Marlena's Tavern in 1983. Even with the shift, it never lost its focus on the music. Located in the ever bubbling downtown Portland, the Jack London Revue is a haven for pure jazz. Address: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209, USA, Website: CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge. Old buildings were being torn down to pave the way for the future, yet things like pinball machines were outlawed. Take a break from the real world with the help of these themed bars in Portland, where the ambiance is just as important as the menu. King Kong Visits The Portland Building World of Clutter / Bing The original Vat closed in 1997, and the building was torn down so the Fox Tower could be built. The Crystal Ballroom and Roseland Theater attract all genres of current and pop music acts to Portlands downtown, while the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall hits the classics by hosting performances by the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theater. On November 21st, 1970 dynamite was placed underneath the bell and detonated, destroying it. In this photo, bartender bartender Leo LeBoeuf, wearing a black string tie and checkered vest, works a 1920s cash register. The stage itself is comfortable, like an old basement rehearsal space with a high ceiling. The second Vat became a Pastini Pastaria. Though gentrification and changing culture eventually forced the number of jazz clubs to witherthe recent shuttering of Jimmy Maks is just the latest in a long line of closuresthere has long been a history of unique venues in Portland. [20][34] Bands included Big Daddy Meat Straw, the Dandy Warhols (with original drummer Eric Hedford, playing songs from first two albums with some original guitars), Pond, Poison Idea, and Napalm Beach,[35] with the final concert taking place on October 31, 2010. Embers is an iconic name for alternative lifestyles across the country - not just in Portland. During World War II, Americans became obsessed with Polynesian culture. Beloved by local night owls and pancake enthusiasts, Portlands Original Hotcake House stays open 24/7, dishing up delicious diner grub and breakfast classics. This Italian restaurant opened in 1983 in an old firehouse on Northwest Glisan Street. 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. After a 3-year hiatus during the pandemic, its back to keep going strong, promoting Vintage Jazz Music and Dance. With barnwood walls, other hippie-era decor and photos of jazz legends on the walls, the Jazz deOpus was an Old Town night spot that presented many national touring artists in the 70s, Darroch says. Heres a brief look in photos and videos at what life in Portland Oregon was like in the 1970s. Instead of a sedate old folks' home, Satyricon's neighbors included a shady grocery store (later bombed) and a corner dive bar longtime Portlanders still remember with a shiver. York was born in Russia during the age of the Czars, and came to North America in 1909 to work as a tailor. The public was dissatisfied with the way the Marquam Bridge looked, so the Portland Art Commission helped design the new Fremont Bridge. The stage itself is comfortable, like an old basement rehearsal space with a high.. The last 40 years with growing infrastructure, a former taxi driver who acquired 's! 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