For decades, Portland has been known for being inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. In the 1970s, it became home to early LGBTQ+ liberation groups that emerged in response to the Stonewall riots, as well as one of the first gay bars in the region. Since that time, many more entrepreneurs have come to Portland and started new businesses in the Burnside Triangle and Pearl District neighborhoods — opening queer bars, clubs, and lounges to unite and support the local LGBTQ+ community.
In this post, you’ll find a list of the best gay and lesbian in Portland hotspots that attract queer visitors day and night — and are totally worth visiting. Whether you’re coming to the city to celebrate Pride or for any other occasion, check out the following spots to feel the vibe of Portland’s LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods, meet new people, and indulge in great entertainment like drag shows and one-of-a-kind dance parties.
Best Gay Clubs and Bars in Portland
Silverado
Address: 610 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
Silverado is one of the oldest and most visited men’s gay bars and strip clubs in the Downtown Portland. It has been serving customers for more than 35 years and continues to maintain a high level of service.
Silverado is located on NW Couch St, and the venue has two levels: a nightclub with a dance floor downstairs and a lounge upstairs. So whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy live DJ music and dance late into the night, or somewhere more quiet and laid-back to relax and chat with friends — Silverado is a great spot for you.
This hotspot is also famous for having some of the hottest strip dancers — they’re athletic, fit, and charismatic. Many gay visitors come just to watch these guys perform. If you’re not into strip dancing, you can still enjoy restaurant food, drag shows, live music performances, and special events that take place every month.
Darcelle XV Showplace
Address: 208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Darcelle XV is famous for hosting the longest-running drag show on the West Coast. Every weekend (Friday and Saturday nights), Portland drag artists take the stage and deliver top-notch performances to amaze the audience. There’s also a Sunday drag queen brunch at Darcelle XV, where you can enjoy a tasty meal while watching performers sing, dance, and entertain.
Here’s an interesting fact about Darcelle XV: it’s currently the only Portland venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places that highlights LGBTQ+ history. So, if you’re into history and enjoy visiting places that have special meaning for the development of the queer community, make sure to stop by this iconic gay bar.
The Coffin Club Portland
Address: 421 SE Grand Ave, Portland
The Coffin Club (formerly known as Lovecraft Bar) is a unique venue with horror-themed décor and a gothic vibe. It’s one of the queer bars in Portland where anyone who loves gothic culture can dive into the darkness, enjoy alternative night shows, and dance to 80s, industrial, post-punk, goth, synth-pop, and other underground hits. The Coffin Club also hosts burlesque, drag shows, fetish balls, and karaoke, and welcomes everyone who feels at home in the alternative scene.
Back2Earth Portland
Address: 3536 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Back2Earth is a bar created with the intention of providing a welcoming space where gay and queer people can come together and enjoy all kinds of entertainment — from competitive LGBTQ game nights (including card games, board games, and video games), to high-energy dance parties, to spectacular drag events and karaoke.
One of the most fun recurring events at this gay bar is Queer Meets: A Monthly Happy Hour, which takes place every second Friday of the month. Guests are offered color-coded name tags so everyone knows who’s there and what they’re looking for. That means you can come to this space to meet friends, find romance, or connect with someone to spend the night with.
To feel more relaxed while chatting with queer strangers, take advantage of happy hour cocktails — or enjoy a mocktail if you prefer to stay sober.
Eagle Portland
Address: 835 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217
Eagle Portland is a gay bar that falls into the category of Bear and Leather bars. Gay people come here to play billiards or video games, sing karaoke, and watch performances by local artists — all while wearing fetish gear or sometimes no clothes at all.
Previously, this bar focused primarily on a gay male audience, but it has since expanded to welcome the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Now it’s also regulary helds fundrasing events and offer free drinks and meals in exchange for donations to Grant Fund that goes to the needs of queer youth.
CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge
Address: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209
CC Slaughters Nightclub is an iconic gay dance club in downtown Portland that began operating in the 1970s. It hosts drag shows on Fridays and events dedicated to the trans community on Thursdays. Unfortunately, the owners recently announced that the venue will permanently close in August. So this is your last chance to visit CC Slaughters — beloved gay club — and see why it was popular for so many years.
Lesbian bars in Portland, Oregon
Doc Marie’s
Address: 203 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Doc Marie’s is a top-rated lesbian bar in Portland. It opens its doors to anyone who wants to hang out with queer folks and offers all kinds of entertainment. On Fridays and Saturdays, it operates as a club with DJ sets and invites everyone to dance parties. On Sundays, LGBTQ visitors can enjoy live music or participate in queer quiz trivia, depending on the event. Thursdays are reserved for karaoke.
It’s a great place in Portland to meet lesbians and make new acquaintances. The club’s atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back — it truly feels like a safe space for all queer women during Pride Month and all year long.
The Sports Bra
Address: 2512 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
The Sports Bra is a queer-owned sports bar with a mission to promote and support women’s sports and inclusivity. At this place, all women — including lesbians — feel welcomed and respected.
The venue hosts watch parties that feature women’s volleyball, basketball, and other sports — with a first free drink or snack served to each guest. These parties often include prize wheels and giveaways, so you can try your luck and win something fun. There are also unique LGBTQ events during the Pride month, like the Sapphic Deadlift Party, where female guests compete in a friendly and empowering atmosphere.
This bar proudly serves the local community. If you want to contribute, come by, grab a drink, and enjoy a great meal.
Escape Bar & Grill
Address: 9004 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Escape Bar & Grill is a lesbian-owned bar with a reputation as one of the best queer-friendly hangout spots in the neighborhood (outside of downtown). Queer folks come here to enjoy superb burgers, drink craft beer, play board games, and show off their voices and charisma during karaoke nights.
The best thing about this space is how it helps Portland singles connect. They host LGBTQ dating events geared toward specific audiences — including single lesbian women, sapphics, trans and non-binary individuals aged 40+, and those interested in dating them.
Escape Bar & Grill also organizes trivia nights, music bingo, and fundraising events – check their Instagram for upcoming events. They provide excellent bar service and maintain a super friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The Goodfoot Lounge Portland
Address: 2845 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
The Goodfoot Lounge hosts one of the most electrifying dance parties in town, spinning soul, funk, hip-hop remixes, and more — the dance floor is on fire here every Friday and Saturday night. And while it’s not officially labeled as a lesbian or gay club, it has a strong reputation as a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, it attracts a very diverse crowd and radiates a positive vibe.
On Mondays, this local lounge features stand-up comedy shows. It’s also known for its art shows and exhibitions — in fact, it’s the only venue in Portland that uses art to help people learn more about Oregon-based artists.
Temp Lez Bar
Address: Location is subject to change
Temp Lez Bar is a temporary lesbian bar, or pop-up bar. It doesn’t have a designated venue and can appear at different locations in the Pearl District or Downtown. Currently, it pops up at Mississippi Pizza Pub & Atlantis Lounge on the third Friday of every month from 9 PM to 12:30 AM.
This bar offers one of the best experiences for those memebers of queer community looking for dance nights and lesbian parties in Portland. At this space, you can meet gender queer people from all over the city and explore the best that LGBTQ nightlife has to offer.
Must-Visit Pride Events in Portland, Oregon
If you want to celebrate Pride in Portland, plan your trip for July and take part in the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival. Here, you can march with a Pride flag alongside other LGBTQ+ folks, enjoy delicious food served by top-rated Portland restaurants, and sip cocktails from some of the city’s best queer bars.
Best Drag Shows and Parties to Attend
Check out Swan Dive Diva Drag Brunch and Drag Brunch: Spoon After Noon, both featuring Portland’s all-star drag queens and burlesque dancers. These drag shows bring energy, talent, and plenty of glitter — perfect for your Pride weekend plans.
Don’t miss Rise – Pride Weekend Kickoff Party at the Crystal Ballroom, one of Portland’s most iconic venues, originally built during the Great Depression. Expect great cocktails (with and without alcohol), dancing, and lots of opportunities to connect with gender queer folks. It’s a refreshing alternative to a typical night at gay club.
TheSports Bra Pride Block Party. A celebration of LGBTQ life and art at one of the friendliest bars in the city. The town’s Pride Block Party brings the community together with good songs playing, great restaurant food, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Wrapping Up: Portland City Welcomes You to Experience LGBTQ Nightlife
Portland is a great place for members of the LGBTQ community to live and enjoy themselves. Portland’s gay bars and clubs are safe spaces where everyone can enjoy great music, drag perfomances, craft cocktails, and welcoming company. Whether you’re traveling across the country to attend Portland Pride or just coming for a long weekend, be sure to visit gay hotspots from this list — from iconic venues like Darcelle XV to pop-up bars like Temp Lez Bar. You’ll leave with great memories and may even want to Portland return again.
Sober Activities in Portland
While you’re enjoying the city’s nightlife, don’t miss the chance to explore during the day. If you’re into history, check out the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest (GLAPN). You can take a self-guided walking tour to learn about Portland’s gay and lesbian pioneers who helped shape a more inclusive community.
You can also explore the city on two wheels — Portland city has amazing bike paths that link up with coffeehouses and microbreweries. If you’re craving a moment in nature, visit the iconic Washington Park — from the formal Japanese Garden to the Oregon Zoo, these places will help you recharge and unwind so you’re ready to party at quuer bars again at night.
You can also visit Portland’s art galleries and shop at the city’s best shopping centers. Many shops sell Pride-themed apparel and accessories — perfect for showing your colors and supporting LGBTQ-friendly businesses
Dating Opportunities in Portland City
Need a queer buddy to explore Portland’s LGBTQ nightlife with? Try a dating app. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish are all popular in Portland, so you can start your search there.
Or you can download Taimi — the top choice for Portland’s gays and lesbians. No matter whether you’re looking for someone to watch a drag show with, visit an art exhibition downtown, or attend an LGBTQ event, Taimi will help you find your perfect match. It might be someone from Oregon, or someone willing to travel across the country to celebrate Portland Pride with you. Join Taimi today and swipe right on your next queer soulmate.
Share this post:
