8 Portland Best Gay Bars to Enjoy Queer Nightlife

Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive culture, vibrant LGBTQ community, and legendary queer nightlife. Whether you're looking for a gay club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying dance floor, a cozy gay bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring drag shows, the city has an incredible range of options.

From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide 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 perfect spot for everyone in the LGBTQ community.

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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 enjoy an unforgettable night out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or unique queer-friendly spaces, Portland has something for everyone.

Downtown Portland – The Heart of the Scene

Downtown Portland is where you'll find many of the city's most iconic LGBTQ bars and dance parties. From legendary venues like CC Slaughters, which boasts an electrifying dance floor, to the world-famous Darcelle XV, home to the longest-running drag show in the country, this area is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city's thriving queer nightlife. Whether you're in the mood for cocktails at a stylish gay lounge or a wild night at a gay club, downtown has it all.

The Pearl District – Upscale & Inclusive

The Pearl District is a trendy, upscale neighborhood known for its art scene, stylish lounges, and growing LGBTQ presence. While not as packed with dedicated LGBTQ bars as Downtown, the area offers fantastic queer-friendly spots like STAG, an intimate gay strip club featuring all-nude male dancers, and several chic cocktail bars where the lesbian and nonbinary communities can enjoy a relaxed yet welcoming atmosphere.

Southeast Portland – A Hub for Queer Creativity

Southeast Portland is home to some of the city's most diverse and inclusive nightlife spots. This neighborhood is where you’ll find Doc Marie’s, one of the only lesbian bars in the country, known for its community events, craft cocktails, and regular dance parties. Southeast Portland thrives on inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for the LGBTQ community to gather, celebrate, and feel at home.

No matter which neighborhood you explore, Portland's LGBTQ bars and venues offer something unique for gay, lesbian, nonbinary, and all queer folks looking for an unforgettable night out. Whether you're into drag, cocktails, or dance parties, Portland has a spot for you! Check out 8 LGBTQ bars in Portland that suggested by Lex!

1. Scandals – A Classic LGBTQ+ Social Hub

Address: 1125 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97205

One of Portland’s longest-running gay bars, Scandals has been a staple of the LGBTQ community since 1979. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a relaxed space known for its outdoor patio, rotating art shows, and weekend events. Scandals is a great place to grab a drink before heading to a gay club in Portland, Oregon for a night of dancing. The operation hours is Mon-Sun, 3 PM – 12 AM.

2. CC Slaughters – Portland’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Dance Club

Address: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209

If you’re looking for a high-energy gay club in Portland, Oregon, CC Slaughters is a must-visit. Featuring a massive dance floor, themed nights, and iconic drag shows, this gay bar has been a favorite among the LGBTQ community for decades. The adjoining Rainbow Room offers a quieter space for cocktails before hitting the dance floor. The operation hour is Wed-Sun: 8 PM – 2:30 AM. Make sure you don't miss the dance parties events such as Latin nights and Friday Drag Extravaganza.

3. Darcelle XV – Legendary Drag Shows in Portland

Address: 208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209

No list of gay clubs in Portland, Oregon is complete without Darcelle XV, home to the Guinness World Record-holding longest-running drag performer, Darcelle XV. This legendary venue is the epicenter of drag shows, attracting both locals and tourists. The performances are bold, glamorous, and full of LGBTQ pride—a must-see for anyone looking to experience Portland’s queer nightlife. Darcelle XV is known as their nightly drag shows and themed performances. Th open hour of this iconic queer night club is Wed-Sun: 7 PM – 1 AM.

4. The Coffin Club – A Goth & LGBTQ-Friendly Bar

Address: 421 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

For those who love alternative nightlife, The Coffin Club (formerly Lovecraft Bar) is a unique LGBTQ-friendly bar with a gothic twist. Hosting drag shows, underground music nights, and themed events, this venue welcomes everyone from queer goths to punk rockers. You can enjoy Goth/industrial nights and live DJs when you visiting the bar in Portland.The operation hour is Thu-Sat, 9 PM – 2:30 AM.

5. Doc Marie’s – A Lesbian Bar in Portland

Address: 203 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Portland’s only lesbian-focused gay bar, Doc Marie’s, is a community-driven venue dedicated to inclusivity. This vibrant LGBTQ bar features drag shows, themed parties, and social mixers, making it a welcoming spot for lesbians, nonbinary folks, and allies alike. It is a must-have experience as a lesbian to visit Portland and get into the vibe of trivia nights, karaoke and drink specials at lesbian parties. The open hour is Tue-Sun, 4 PM – 12 AM.

6. The Sports Bra – An LGBTQ-Owned Sports Bar

Address: 2512 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232

The Sports Bra is a queer-owned sports bar that celebrates women’s sports and LGBTQ inclusivity. This bar has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most progressive and welcoming spaces in Portland’s LGBTQ community with its women’s sports screenings and game nights. For those queer with passion for women's sports, make the LGBTQ bar as your checklist when visiting Portland. The open hour is Tue-Sun, 11 AM – 11 PM.

7. STAG – Portland’s Gay Strip Club

Address: 313 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209

Located in the Pearl District, STAG is an all-nude gay strip club featuring talented dancers, upscale cocktails, and an intimate setting. If you’re looking for a gay bar with a more risqué atmosphere, this is the perfect Portland gay spot for you. The operation hour is Wed-Sat, 8 PM – 2 AM. 

8. Eagle Portland – A Portland Gay Hidden Gem

Address: 835 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217

Eagle Portland caters to the bear, leather, and kink communities, providing a laid-back, judgment-free atmosphere where everyone is welcome. With theme nights like Queer Dance Nights, Gear Night, Underwear Night, and Drag Bingo, there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you're into the leather scene or just want to enjoy a good drink with an open-minded crowd, Eagle is a must-visit. The open hour of the Portland pride spot is Thu-Sat, 8 PM – 2 AM. 

Find Someone to Explore Portland’s LGBTQ Nightlife Scene on Lex

Portland’s LGBTQ nightlife is diverse, exciting, and always evolving. Whether you're looking for drag shows, a laid-back neighborhood gay bar, or a wild night out at a gay club, this city has it all.

There’s always something queer happening on Lex. Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? Take charge and make your own! Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new LGBTQ friends here) together to check out a gay bar in your city. LGBTQ cuties in your neighborhood are right at your fingertips - go meet them!

Looking for something a little less nightlife-related? We’ve got tips for sober activities, too for those times where the gay bar and lesbian bar won't cut it. And check out our other city guides here.

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