The photo below shows the Fremont Bridge under construction in 1972. They were a sacred space for him then: You walk in and theres a couple hundred people just like you, he said. The bridge opened in November of 1973 at a final cost of $82 million dollars. The bombing is still a mystery today as the culprits are still unknown. Sixth Avenue, was formerly Marlena's Tavern, "a dark, narrow barroom on a seedy stretch. Its a place you knew you would feel safe., Your email address will not be published. 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. Movie stars, white and black, came there to shop for records. 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. Hearty, home-style dishes like chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy, meatloaf and deep-fried fish and chips await at this diner, which stays open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But the unique thing about 45 East is in the position of its dance floor. Instead of a regular sign, the exterior boasted only tiger stripes. The tavern closed in 1996 after a 19-year run. 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 asked readers if there were other watering holes that they missed, prompting a flood of suggestions. An arson fire closed the original restaurant in 2013, and it never reopened. 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. Portland has always had a gritty underbelly, but in the 1970s, adult theaters, prostitution and strip clubs flourished, and the city struggled to address the growing number of sex-related businesses. Upon closing in 1984, owner Larry Hilaire recalled notable events that had happened here, including how a woman had given birth under a stairway. 1. Portland's five-day comedy festival showcases nearly 50 female comedians each October. 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. Enjoy thrilling nights drinking and partying at this top night club in the city. Brothers Michael and Richard Sullivan are seen enjoying crab cocktails in this 2001 photo. These Portland bars and restaurants keep their kitchens open late, serving high-quality food into the night. This North Killingsworth Bar was known for an ever-changing sign that would say things like Caution drunks crossing and Our juke box can kick your juke boxs ass and dirt-cheap prices on beer. It was the center of nightlife in Portland for adventurous and creative souls. In the early 1880s, Finnish immigrant August Erickson opened this bar at West Burnside and Second Avenue, which catered to the rough-and-tumble crowd of Portland's earliest settlers. Plastered with hundreds of band stickers, that would take someone days to take in. Shards of the bell went flying, and the blast damaged City Halls East portico columns and shattered windows. Almost every establishment in town has one, so finding the best depends on where you are and what you want to eat (or drink). [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. In this 1989 photo, Steve Brausen and Smitty enjoy a couple of cold ones. Located in a building that had served as a horse stable in the early 1900s, the club's owner, George Touhouliotis, founded Satyricon after acquiring a tavern that had operated in the building. Its success was also due to music policy and management by [the late] owner Jim Makarounis, and the internationally known club was famed for hosting drummer Mel Browns groups three nights a week. After a year without Carnaval, be ready for the 9th Annual Brazilian Carnaval Ball in Portland. 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The owner in the 1960s was rumored to have connections to the Las Vegas mob, and the card room became the focus of vice squad investigations into illegal gambling (and an internal police investigation into whether vice officers looked the other way at some of Dunkins Retreats shadier practices). Losing Albina from Christina Belasco on Vimeo. Young, Gifted and Brown Fosters Community Through Dance in Portland. Its most-recent incarnation as a drinking spot was the massive club Barracuda, which closed in 2012. The Vat resurfaced a block away in 2003, but closed when Rose-Marie, a French-Canadian, was forced to return to Canada in 2005 following an immigration dispute about the length of her marriage to Quinn, who died in 1991. In May 2003, the club abruptly closed, after which it was acquired by new owners and reopened as an all-ages venue in 2006. If youre thirsty for more on the history of Portland nightlife, youre 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). Portland, a town of friendly people and progressive ideologies is famous for its relaxing vibe and of course, beer. In 1971 as the bridge was under construction a six foot long crack was found along one of the girders and it costed $5.5 million dollars to repair. The Baby Kitten Klub basement bar includes two private rooms, 70s and 80s themed, in addition to a public main stage and bar area. Enjoy an enthralling Las Vegas-style show of glamour and comedy when you visit this place. The town is complete in all areas; theres something for everybody here. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds. 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. If you visit this nightclub on weekdays, what you get is a laid-back place where you can enjoy good rock music, have great cocktails and delicious meals, and strike exciting discussions with the bartenders and friendly staff. Longest running 80's night in PDX playing the best in B-Sides, Alternative & Dark 80s since 2004. 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. Get your guide to Portland's events, attractions and news. Situated in Washington Park, now the home of the Portland Children's Museum, was the place to go to explore science and technology. Join Paddys for Portlands St. Patricks Day Celebration. Friday offers New Noise, which is an Indie and Electro Theme. Karaoke is a popular way to keep the good times going, and from dive bars to private boxes, there are no bad places to sing only bad singers. Portland seemed to fully embrace the 1970s. Terrika St. James performances wereall about sex, drugs and alcohol. The large Mayfair operation included the Mayfair Lanes bowling alley. Get a taste of Prohibition-era cocktails (legally, of course) at speakeasy-style bars in Portland. Tiger Bar opened in 1997 on Northwest Broadway, bridging the gap between Old Town and the then-industrial Pearl District. 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. Cover Band & 80s Band from Poulsbo, WA (154 miles from Portland, OR) Soul Siren is the Northwest's Premier Party Band. A lot of people think were easy marks, Tucker said. [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. Just make a booking and have pure fun and entertainment. The public was dissatisfied with the way the Marquam Bridge looked, so the Portland Art Commission helped design the new Fremont Bridge. For decades, this Chinatown restaurant on the corner of Northwest Couch Street and Third Avenue was known for strong drinks and traditional Chinese fare. McClendons was really a huge club in the Williams district that took over after [TK TK], Dietsche says. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. When this venerable downtown restaurant and bar closed in 2016, it ended a 45-year run. The club moved to its NW Broadway location in 1979. Heres a brief look in photos and videos at what life in Portland Oregon was like in the 1970s. Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. Saturdays are when the 1980s to 2000s music is featured. There might have been about two blocks of this type of thing on Belmont and Clinton, but that was it -- of course it has since popped up on 28th, Williams, Missisippi, Division, Stark in Montevilla, etc. The space now is home to Grendel's Coffee House. Detox Nightclub gives you a safe and inviting environment to party hard and enjoy all the thrills of a great night out. That campaign led to an investigation of the bar by the OLCC, which was concerned that visibly intoxicated people were still being served alcohol. According to The Oregonian, materials from seven different countries were used to decorate the club, which cost $25,000 to build. Portland is a beautiful place to visit. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Other readers lamented the loss of live music venues, most-notably Old Town's Satyricon. First opened in 1928, it served chop suey, chow mein and lo mein when they were considered exotic. 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. This incredible show bar offers you an exciting National Touring Talent competition ever weekend. A few recommendations were large, long-closed nightclubs like Beaverton's disco-era favorite Earthquake Ethel's. In the 1960s, The Broadway Inn added topless dancers to the mix to compete with Marys Club on the other end of Broadway. "[4][5] It is also the place where musicians Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love are said to have first met. Whether you're looking for a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers. A regular crop of national and international folk acts come through every year. Sanctuary Club hosts a wide variety of several sex-themed parties with even private rooms provided. is an inviting neighborhood pub that features authentic German food and beer. They offer a large vegan menu, plus wine, craft beer and unique craft cocktails that focus on products from local and regional distilleries. It closed in 2008, and now is home to the Commodore Lounge. An index to pages dedicated to the clubs, music and dance venues of the Pacific Northwest from the 1950's through more recent times. It included tracks from local punk acts such as Poison Idea, Dharma Bums and Napalm Beach. Heres a long-running watering hole with an unlikely origin story. Jack London offers you a wide range of worldwide jazz music coupled with the traditional American jazz groove. Frosty glasses, stiff drinks: 28 long-gone Portland bars we wish were still here. 12 Ray's Helm (late-60s to late-70s) NE Broadway and 7th or 9th. Although the neighborhood's a bit down-at-heel, the club is a beacon of gentility and an unparralled post-hippie hangout.". Portland boasts many stages to bring you fresh, up-and-coming, and touring comedians. Address: 2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, USA, A post shared by Holocene (@holoceneportland). PDXLX was first hosted in 1999. 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. The jury is still out for most of them on whether they'll accept the new positions. From stand-up comedy to improv or even comedy classes Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking for. In his weekend best pulled together from Material Objects, 25-year-old Sid Tripp locks the door of his Exchange Street apartment at the Old Port Arms and heads down to see what the rest of Portland has been doing since Friday. The downtown restaurant space that has been home to Higgins Restaurant for decades was called The Broadway Inn in the 1950s and 60s, and featured murals by acclaimed Oregon painter Louis Bunce. Portland comes to life after hours with open mic nights held throughout the city, nationally acclaimed karaoke spots, delicious late-night eats, adult-friendly gaming spots, and plenty of alcohol-free fun. The City of Roses boasts one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires, with dances and lessons available almost every night. 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. But that doesn't necessarily mean Portland's clubs are always on the up and up. Nightlife in Portland doesnt mean just hitting the club. And by the late '90s, the turn of the millennium, my energy wasn't there. 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