A pizza and cheap-highball location, the Jazz Quarry was known as the Mural Room in the 1960s, but in the late 70s and early 80s it became a rite of passage for young Portland musicians to sit in at jam sessions, Dietsche says. The second Vat became a Pastini Pastaria. 2023 | That Oregon Life LLC | All rights reserved. The original Vat closed in 1997, and the building was torn down so the Fox Tower could be built. Portlander's 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 1970's were also a time of physical change, as Portland began to turn into the city we know today. Collage by Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive, By Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive. Related:"In Wake of Jimmy Mak's Closure, New Jazz Club Will Open in Basement of Rialto. It officially closed in November 2010, and the building in which it was located was demolished in July 2011. It featured a newsstand and a licensed card room - one of the. The small but focused food menu featured upscale bar fare, but that was hardly the point. The list of musicians who played here is a "who's who" of the local blues scene, and the bar became a popular after-hours gathering spot each summer during the Waterfront Blues Festival. 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. Enjoy thrilling nights drinking and partying at this top night club in the city. 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. On the menu were tropical cocktails, which weren't common at the time. But that doesn't necessarily mean Portland's clubs are always on the up and up. And, yes, artistic greatness. In the 1970s, this downtown nightclub billed itself as "Portland's Original Environmental Tavern." He was cute, he was attractive, and he was funny Everyone always writes that the song that was playing [on the jukebox] was Living Colour, but that wasn't it. In the 80s, the Kennedy School was just an abandoned school building and it would be another decade before the McMenamins team would renovate the school and turn it into a beer-drinking destination. [4] At the time, the surrounding Old Town Chinatown neighborhood had a seedy and dangerous reputation. Like a museum of modern art, you see the history dating back to its unveiling in 1983. The space is now home to Upper Left Roasters. The food here is excellent, too. Easily one of the most fun nightclubs in Portland! This North Portland tavern, which was a workingmans oasis for more than 50 years, sat on North Columbia Boulevard in the heart of Junk Yard Row, just east of the St. Johns landfill. 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. The bombing is still a mystery today as the culprits are still unknown. Satyricon was a nightclub in the Old Town neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, United States that operated from 1984 to 2010.It was the longest-running punk venue in the western United States, and has been referred to by some journalists and historians as the "CBGB of the West Coast." It is also the place where musicians Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love are said to have first met. Our information desk is currently staffed Monday Friday. A lot of people think were easy marks, Tucker said. This brief video from the Oregonian has some great photos and insight into what life was like in Portland in the 1970s: You can also see some video footage of Portland from the 1970s in this video, which appears to be an educational film shown in schools: Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. Heres how The Oregonians photographer Allan J. de Lay described it in 1958: New York City's Lexington Ave. isn't the only place where they have singing bartenders and waitresses. Although the neighborhood's a bit down-at-heel, the club is a beacon of gentility and an unparralled post-hippie hangout.". 1. Some were done in by redevelopment. [7], Satyricon was founded by George Touhouliotis, a former taxi driver who acquired Marlena's Tavern in 1983. The Baby Kitten Klub basement bar includes two private rooms, 70s and 80s themed, in addition to a public main stage and bar area. Heres a long-running watering hole with an unlikely origin story. "The sad part about Embers disappearing is that its the last of the old school gay bars in Portland. We have a vast repetoire that makes us a great fit for any event and age group. The public was dissatisfied with the way the Marquam Bridge looked, so the Portland Art Commission helped design the new Fremont Bridge. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas. The law was short but inclusive of just about everyone a . 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. Magic happened every Sunday night, when drummer Ron Steen hosted a weekly jazz jam, which often attracted the talents of pianist Tom Grant and sax player Jay Collins. If you grew up in the 80s, you certainly don't remember the Oregon Convention Center being there. Movie stars, white and black, came there to shop for records. Touch Restaurant & Bar has been in the space since 1995, but closed last year. A venue for music, arts, and even hosting, this club comes alive at night with all manner of parties and club night activities happening every night. The City of Roses boasts one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires, with dances and lessons available almost every night. More tasty memories: 84 closed Portland restaurants we wish were still around. The vice president was entertained at the Masonic Temple.. Brothers Michael and Richard Sullivan are seen enjoying crab cocktails in this 2001 photo. Just make a booking and have pure fun and entertainment. Heres a brief look in photos and videos at what life in Portland Oregon was like in the 1970s. Portlands number one club for world-renowned EDM acts, 45 East offers you something other than the regular nightclub experience in the city. Enjoy an enthralling Las Vegas-style show of glamour and comedy when you visit this place. The space was later converted to a health club, and is currently vacant. 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. The owner, Roman Wydra, was Ember's owner Steve Susss primary partner. Cover Band & 80s Band from Poulsbo, WA (154 miles from Portland, OR) Soul Siren is the Northwest's Premier Party Band. Darcelle XV Address: 208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA Website: Darcelle XV Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6pm - 2am; Tue: 6pm - 6:30pm; Wed - Thu: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon) 2. "[12] This largely had to do with the club's layout, which maintained little division between the bandstand and the bar. At the same time, it looks unfinished, like someone decided to remodel, ripped up a few boards and then totally slacked off. The lounge featured rum barrel tables and all sorts of Polynesian dcor, and was the place for sipping strong Fog Cutters and Mai Tais from the late 1950s until the early '90s. Every day from 3 to 6 p.m., find $9 prime rib French dips, $7 Louisiana-style hot wings, and a $9 lounge burger with fries alongside Old Fashions and martinis. The O'Callahan's chain filed for bankruptcy in 1989, though the Beaverton location continued operating as Paddy O'Callahan's under different ownership. [27] Beginning in the early 1990s, Satyricon became a frequent host to grunge bands,[28] including Nirvana,[29] Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney, among others. 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. York was born in Russia during the age of the Czars, and came to North America in 1909 to work as a tailor. Address: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209, USA, Website: CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge. A portion of net proceeds for the St. Patricks event will be donated directly to the Childrens Cancer Association. . "[7], In 1990, a benefit LP record was put out for the club called "Satyricon the Album". Among the local musicians with regular gigs at the Candlelight was drummer Carlton Jackson (pictured), and Norman Sylvester, aka "The Boogie Cat.". A regular crop of national and international folk acts come through every year. In a profile in The Oregonian, Tucker said that serving drinks was a pleasant way to make a living, though the skimpy outfit sometimes drew unwanted roving hands. Back in the 80s and the early 90s, if you wanted to visit OMSI, the river was not the place to go. Nothing topped the Dude Ranch, Dietsche says. These hidden gems are havens for jazz, punk, bluegrass, funk and more. If we missed one of your favorites from days gone by, tell us what made it special in the comments. 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. 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. A visit to this place will leave your inner jazz-loving spirit refreshed and satisfied. As a younggay man in the 80s, heremembers hiding behind his clothes and accessories entering gay bars. Famous visitorsincluded Madonna and Henry Rollins. Live Irish Music, Bagpipers, Irish Dancers, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Guinness, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey and more Sponsorship, 10th Annual Brazilian Carnaval Ball: A Decade of Light. In the distance of this 1959 photo is the old Oregon Journal building, which was later torn down. This Southeast Portland dance club hosts many international musicians and eclectic styles. This year will be celebrating the traditional BOI BUMB, a celebration from the heart of north and northeast Brazil Presenting:, The Portland Lindy Exchange (PDXLX) is Portlands annual dance exchange celebrating the vintage swing music and dances of the 20s 50s, including Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. virtual services offered. As striking as the building was, it was doomed by progress it was demolished when connecting ramps from Interstate 405 to Highway 26 were built. 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. [7] Upon taking ownership, Touhouliotis re-conceived the location as a nightclub that would offer live music. The bar lost its lease in 1993. [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. There's always something funny happening in Portland. If you've got a passion for poker or want to give the roulette wheel a spin, test your luck at these gaming centers and casinos near Portland. Portland, Oregon's award-winning weekly street newspaper. The photo below shows the bridge still under construction in 1973. 1999 Portland Gay History Walking Tour. The club hosts some of the citys most talented artists weekly with an occasional visit from an international jazz act. With the PDX Jazz Festival starting this month, we have declared February Portland Jazz Month. The city combines its unique Northwest flavor and the creative spirit of Portland to give you a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Perched on a great location in town, enjoy a truly local experience in the city drinking home-brewed beers, playing pool or pinball games, dancing to the music, or just enjoying the comedy dished out at this fantastic lounge. [7] By 1985, the club was selling around $7,000 of alcoholic beverages per month, and around $3,000 in food, with 20% of all food orders occurring through the take-out window. 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 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. But it wasnt known for its food The Oregonian described the Italian menu as having an identity crisis in a scathing 1986 review. 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. 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 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. Local Businesses The Portland Oregon we know today is much changed from Portland of the 1970s. It opened in 1975, and was located across Southwest Alder Street from the old Meier & Frank downtown loading dock. 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. Just because you're older than 21, doesn't mean you have to act like it. In the 1950s, Pago Pago and its adjoining Turf Club came under the scrutiny of police during a crackdown of secret gambling dens. Because we serve liquor in a relaxed atmosphere and wear abbreviated costumes, they sometimes assume were pushovers, an easy mark for the man out on the town. Located at the heart of downtown in the vibrant Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, Portlands Entertainment District is a go-to spot for late-night frivolity, whether its live DJs, tasty cocktails, or rowdy dance floors. In this photo, bartender bartender Leo LeBoeuf, wearing a black string tie and checkered vest, works a 1920s cash register. Live out your wildest fantasies and experience sexual freedom when you visit this exciting club in Portland. This Southwest Broadway restaurant and bar was the sister establishment to Hilaires, which was just around the corner. In 1993, a second location opened in Southwest Portland, and the chef was Ross Pullen, formerly of Belinda's. Plus there were a lot of bachelorette parties, James said with a laugh, pointing out that this wasnt a bad thing at all If there wasn't a gay guy to dance with, there was always a nice straight woman to dance with!. However, almost every night, this club offers you activities like karaoke and goldfish racing so there isnt a dull moment here. The club endured an era of no live music and then re-emerged in the 90s, when groups led by legendary bassist Leroy Vinegar and drummer Alan Jones filled the booths with young listeners.. In its earliest days, people lined up to get in because the first few customers each day would get free drinks. CC Slaughters CC Slaughters in Old Town has been a gay-bar standby since the early '80s, drawing in people from the entire Pacific Northwest region with its LGBTQ events. In this 1989 photo, Steve Brausen and Smitty enjoy a couple of cold ones. An arson fire closed the original restaurant in 2013, and it never reopened. Instead of Fellini, dolled-up rockers and living ghosts from Old Town's street scene jostled around a gyros counter oh-so-accurately named Eat or Die. 8. Fuel up for your evening adventures at Kasbah Moroccan Cafe an inviting restaurant serving authentic Moroccan fare, like kefta meatball tagine.For the full-blown dance club experience, CC Slaughters, Spark Lounge, and Stag PDX are always bustling on weekends and often feature energetic live DJs. Now, it's time that we enter the inner sanctum, the stage area. Since its establishment in 2001, Goodfoot has been a great place to enjoy the very best of food, music, drinks and art Portland has to offer. After a 3-year hiatus during the pandemic, its back to keep going strong, promoting Vintage Jazz Music and Dance.