20 Best Lesbian Bars in Portland, Oregon

20 Best Lesbian Bars in Portland, Oregon

Portland has long been considered a queer oasis, with more than 5% of its residents identifying as LGBTQ+, far higher than the national average. However, despite a thriving LGBTQ+ community, there are a handful of bars that explicitly identify themselves as lesbian bars.

This should not discourage you because many bars in Portland, even those owned by lesbians, prefer to be inclusive and not exclude any group of people. This is in an effort to show support and love to all races, genders and identities. Portland LGBTQ+ bars are making history by breaking discrimination barriers.

In the 20 Best Lesbian Bars in Portland, we will focus on LGBTQ+ bars that are welcoming to lesbians and events that are centred around lesbians.

1. Doc Marie’s

Doc Marie’s is famous for its controversial opening on July 1^st 2022 then drastically closing the following day. It closed down allegedly, according to Shane Dixon Kavanaugh of The Oregonian, because of mismanagement from the bar’s owners, resulting in two managers resigning and other employees forming a worker cooperative.

Fortunately, the bar was able to survive the troubled start and reopened again on 13^th August. Today, it is regarded as Portland’s only lesbian bar that welcomes everybody.  

The bar is named after Marie Equi, an early American medical doctor in the American West devoted to providing care to working-class and poor patients. She was a lesbian and the only known lesbian and radical to be incarcerated at the at San Quentin State Prison.

Doc Marie’s is renowned for its chic design and remarkable interior decoration.

Practical information

Address: 203 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Hours:

Mon – Tue: Closed

Wed – Sat: 5:00PM – 12:00AM

Sun: 4PM – 12:00AM

2. The Sports Bra

The Sports Bra is a women’s sports-focused bar that describes itself as “the sports bar dedicated to women’s sports.” According to Lizzy Acker of The Oregonian, The Sports Bra might be the only women’s sports bar in the world.

The bar was founded on April 1, 2022 by Jenny Nguyen, a former basketball player and local chef. Jenny was inspired to open the bar after watching the 2018 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament in a crowded sports bar on mute.

The bar is a must-visit for anyone who wishes to see female sporting events dominating the screen at a bar.

Practical information

Address:2512 NE BROADWAY,  PORTLAND, OREGON 97232

Hours:

Mon – Tue: Closed

Wed – Sun: 11:00AM – 11PM

3. Escape Bar & Grill

Escape Bar & Grill is a queer-friendly bar that welcomes everybody, however it is primarily dominated by lesbians.

The bar was established in 2019 by Jenn Davis and her partner, Armida Hanlon who choose to refused to call Escape Bar & Grill a lesbian bar. According to Davis, “I think when you put a label on the bar, it goes downhill. And the people who come in here love that we don’t label it.”

This bar is legendary for its mouthwatering brunch menu, karaoke, and board games.

Practical information

Address:9004 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220, United States

Hours:

Mon – Thur: 2:00PM – 11:00PM

Fri – Sat: 12:00PM – 1:00AM

Sun: 2:00PM – 9:00PM

4. Inferno Hot Flash

Technically, Inferno Hot Flash is not a bar, but rather dance parties held twice a month. From its website only cis gender female, or a trans* identified individual are welcomed to the dance party while cis gender males are not allowed.

This epic dance movement was started by Pauline Miriam, a political organizer from the 70s (anti-war, gay liberation, lesbian liberation, the women’s movement). These dance parties are meant to be a safe and fun place for both women and trans* identified individuals to mingle.

This dance party is a must to attend for all lesbians who wish to dance the night as they enjoy remarkable cocktails and great music

Practical Information

Address:

Trio Lounge: 909 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Bossanova: 722 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Hours:

Second Saturday of the month at Trio Club and fourth Saturday of the month at Bossanova.

5. Portland Pride Festival

The Portland Pride Festival is the single, the largest visibility avenue for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community organizations and businesses, where they can attract new supporters and clients, increase their volunteer base, and raise much needed funds.

This two days weekend celebration attracts visitors from up and down the West Coast, as well as influential and famous performers.

Attending this event is declaring you are non-apologetic for being a lesbian or a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Practical information

Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Hours:

July 15 – 16, 2023  

6. Crush Bar

Crush bar’s logo features images of two men holding hands, a woman and a man holding hands, and two women holding hands to indicate that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation, is welcomed to the bar.

The bar was founded in 2001 as an intimate wine bar. Over the years it grew to include burlesque, performing arts, comedy, social meet-ups, and more.  

This bar is a must-visit because of its exceptional services that have garnered it the “Best LGBT Bar” in 2015,  “Best LGBT Bar” and runner-up in the “Best Drag Show” category in 2016, “Best LGBTQ Bar” and runner-up in the “Best Happy Hour” category in 2018 and “Best LGBTQ Bar” category of Willamette Week’s “Best of Portland Readers’ Poll 2020”.

Practical information

Address: 1400 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Hours:

Mon – Thur: 3:00PM – 1:00AM

Fri: 3:00PM – 2:00AM

Sat: 12;00PM – 2:00AM

Sun: 12:00PM – 12:00AM

7. Santé Bar

Santé Bar is an LGBT-friendly bar owned by Veronique Lafont, a queer Black woman. The bar is famous for its mouthwatering sectional of liquor and house-made shrubs and syrups.

From the outside Santé Bar may not seem special but once inside you will be transported to a different world with vintage vibes and romantic lighting.

This is a must-visit for couples who just want to have a relaxing and romantic night out.   

Practical information

Address: 411 NW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Hours:

Sun – Tue: Closed

Wed : 5:00PM – 10:00PM

Thur: 5:00PM- 11:00PM

Fri – Sat: 5:00PM – 1:00AM

8. Scandals

Scandals, or sometimes Scandals PDX, exists as one of Portland’s most established LGBTQ+ bars having been established in 1979. The bar is famously known for its epic block party in June during Pride, where they shut down their section of the street.

Though originally dominant by gay men, the bar in recent years has been welcoming to other people, including lesbians. 

Over the years, this bar has made a named for itself as one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ bars, even being a runner-up in the “Best LGBTQ Bar” category of Willamette Week’s “Best of Portland Readers’ Poll 2020”.

This bar is a must-visit due to its comfortable, relaxing, yet energetic atmosphere that has dominated the original “PinkTriangle” section of downtown Portland for more than 40 years now.

Practical information

Address:1125 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97205, United States

Hours:

Mon – Sun: 12:00PM – 2:30AM

9. Holocene

Holocene is a music venue and nightclub that describes itself as “dedicated to the avant-garde of the Portland art and music scene, with an über-modern interior”. This venue hosts several events that cater to the LGBTQ+ community, such as the monthly  “Slay”, described as a “queer-centric” hip-hop event.

The bar was established in June 2003 in a former auto-parts warehouse. The 5,000-square-foot venue consists of two large rooms, a bar, high ceilings and a sunken dance floor, which has been described as a “living room in the midst of a gritty industrial loft”.

If you feel like dancing the night away, this bar is a must-visit, having been named the second place in the “Best Place to Dance” category of Willamette Week’s “Best of Portland Readers’ Poll 2020”.

Practical information

Address:1001 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Hours:

Mon – Tue: Closed

Wed : 8:30PM – 12:00AM

Thur & Sun: 8:30PM – 11:30PM

Fri & Sat: 9:00PM – 2:00AM

10. Shine Distillery and Grill

Shine Distillery and Grill is a restaurant, bar, and distillery that welcomes everybody including the LGBTQ+ community.It is the first restaurant, distillery and food service business of its kind in Oregon.

This venue made headlines during the pandemic with their drive-through performances by drag queens, including Bolivia Charmichaels.

Shine Distillery and Grill opened in July 2019. It is a two-floor, 250-capacity venue that has a family-friendly dining area and an upstairs with a patio for patrons 21 and older.

This queer-owned distillery is famous for its small-batch spirits and remarkable meals.

Practical information

Address: 4232 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97217, United States

Hours:

Mon – Tue: Closed

Wed – Sun: 4:00PM – 10:00PM

11. CC Slaughters

CC Slaughter is a queer bar and nightclub that is located in Portland, Oregon, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Its Portland branch was founded in 1981, closed in October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, but re-opened in April 2021.

The bar hosts  “Ladies’ Night” on Tuesdays, a diverse array of shows on Sunday that include performers from every gender identify, plus many more events throughout the year.

CC Slaughter is renowned for its exceptional events and services that have earned the bar a runner-up in the “Best Drag Show” and “Best LGBTQ Bar” categories of Willamette Week’s “Best of Portland Readers’ Poll 2020”

Practical information

Address: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Hours:

Mon – Wed: 5:00PM – 12:00AM

Thur – Sat: 3:00PM – 2:00AM

Sun: 2:00PM – 2:00AM

12. Eagle Portland

Though primarily Eagle Portland is considered to be a gay bar catering to bears and leather enthusiasts, it is also known for hosting occasionally lesbian nights according to Travel Portland.

According to its website, Eagle Portland does not want to be a part of any continued divisions in the LGBTQIA+ community, thus it welcomes everybody. This can explain why in recent years, the bar has been more inclusive to cater to other LGBTQIA+ individuals.

You will want to attend the ladies night here because Eagle Portland is legendary for hosting kink nights for every uniform, from leather and latex to pup hoodies.

To find out more about its lesbian night, check out their social media sites.

Practical information

Address: 835 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217, United States

Hours:

Mon – Sun: 2PM – 2AM

13. Coffin Club

The Coffin Club, formerly Lovecraft Bar, is a horror-themed venue and nightclub that pays tribute to the world of the weird, the macabre and horror in music, movies, art, and literature. Coffin Club is regarded as the city’s  “best known goth nightclub”.

It was opened on January 1, 2011 and named after H. P. Lovecraft, an American writer of weird, science, fantasy, and horror fiction. Over the years, it has been voted by Portland as having the top 10 best dance nights for queer parties.

This is a must-visit venture for all the goth girls out there.

Practical information

Address: 421 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Hours:

Sun – Tue: Closed

Wed – Sat: 8:00PM – 2:15AM

14. Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel is a recently new LGBTQ-friendly bar that was founded in 2022. Its interior is covered with red neon and decorated with tropical plants, wood panelling, and money cats: personal touches that pay homage to the owner’s Hawaiian upbringing.  

The bar is welcoming to all individuals. In the owners, J Buck, own words, “I want Rebel Rebel to be a space where every single person who identifies with any single thing they identify as, even allyship, to come in and have a good time, as long as we’re all really showing the amount of love we all deserve for each other,”  

The bar is renowned for its cocktail menu that trends to be sweet and herbal.

Practical information

Address: 20 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Hours:

Mon: Closed

Tue – Thur: 6PM – 1:00AM

Fri – Sun: 4:00PM-12:00AM

15. The Bye and Bye

Bye and Bye is a LBTQ-friendly vegan bar and restaurant, which might seem like a weird combination, but it seems to work considering the many positive reviews the bar is receiving.

The bar is praised for its wide selection of well cooked vegan meals as well as its good selection of beer, wine, and creative cocktails. To crown it all, the bar is welcoming to lesbians and is one of the city’s popping lesbian spots.

This is a must-visit for all vegan lesbians who wish to interact with like-minded people in a laid-back atmosphere.

Practical information

Address:

Hours: 1011 NE Alberta St Portland, OR 97211

Mon – Thur: 12:00PM – 12:00AM

Fri: 12:00PM – 2:30AM

Sat: 10:00AM – 2:30AM

Sun: 10AM – 12:00AM

16. The Florida Room

The Florida Room is a LGBTQ-friendly bar that was established in August 2006 by Suzy Day, Mike Hanson and Patty Earley. Over the course of the years it has been closely linked with lesbians, and now it is considered to be an informal lesbian hangout spot.

Apart from its tropical vibe and decoration, additional highlights of the bar include a pinball machine, a jukebox, pool tables, a photo booth and a slushy machine. Also, there is a daily happy hour from 3 to 4 pm with free pool.

The best day to visit the bar is on Sunday for the Church of the Bloody Mary Brunch that offers eight different kinds of bloody marys.

Practical Information  

Address: 435 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217, United States

Hours:

Mon – Sun: 3:00PM – 2:00AM

17. Blow Pony

Blow Pony is a monthly queer event organized by nightlife promoter Airick Redwolf, who saw LGBTQ establishments targeting either men or women and wanted to create an event series inclusive to the entire community.

This event was established in 2007 and was originally held at the “old” Eagle gay bar on West Burnside Street. Over the years it moved to different locations and as of June 2016 it has been held at Bossanova Ballroom.

This event is a must attend because it has been called a mainstay of Portland’s queer community.

Practical information

Address:  

Bossanova Ballroom:722 East Burnside Street, Portland, Oregon, United States

18. Temporary Lesbian Bar

Temporary Lesbian Bar is an event hosted by the Mississippi Pizza Pub and Atlantis Lounge. This event was created to fill the void created at a time when many lesbian bars were closing down.

As the name suggests, this pop-up lesbian party welcomes all lesbians of all gender identities, queers, trans and non-binary.

This event offers a safe and fun environment for all lesbians to interact as they enjoy great wine, bear and pizza slices.

Practical information

Address:3552 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217, United States

Hours:

Hosted every third Thursday of the month.

19. Weird Bar

Weird was established in October 2010 with the aim of bringing together individuals from all walks of life; Straight, gay, bi, trans, cross-dresser, swinger, male, female, lesbian and any other identify.

Due to its welcoming atmosphere and its various special nights hosting, the bar has become a favourite among lesbians in Portland,

Apart from its delicious meals, wide array of beers and cocktails, the bar boasts of a fun and wild karaoke nights Wednesday through Sunday  

Practical Information

Address: 3701 SE Division St Portland, OR 97255 Richmond, Clinton, Southeast Portland

Hours:

Mon – Fri: 1:00PM – 2:30AM

Sat – Sun: 4:00PM – 2:30AM

20. Doug Fir

Dough Fir is a LGBTQ-friendly Lounge that has revolutionized Portland’s music scene since its opening in 2004. The bar does not identify as lesbian, buts it’s dominated by lesbians who appreciate the bar’s old school comfort and hospitality.

This bar prides itself as a local club, bar and restaurant that draws on 50s modernism, with generous original woodwork, one of a kind glass design and a full range menu spanning breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night.

Dough Fir is a must-visit for lesbians who enjoy great music

Practical information

Address: 830 E Burnside St Portland, OR 97214 Lower Burnside, Buckman, Central Eastside, Southeast Portland

Hours:  

Mon – Sun: 7:00 Am – 1:00AM