Portland, Oregon is a unique charmer of an American city. Yes, I am biased, because it’s been my home for two decades. But honestly, there are so many things that make Portland unique, and the nightlife is one of them. Not only does Portland rival Seattle in the local music scene (think Everclear, the Decemberists, and Pink Martini, to name a few) but there is art, unique shopping, and the world-class foodie scene – something for everyone!
Best Nightlight in Portland
Here is where you should go after the sun goes down in Portland, Oregon.
PDX Night Market
The night market happens only a few times a year, so if you are able, do not miss it. Not only is there unique shopping provided to you by local vendors, but there is food and music, as well.
Powell’s City of Books
Feed your inner nerd. The world’s largest independent bookstore will entertain you late into the evening. There are multiple locations around town, but the main location on West Burnside is open until 11pm daily. They have a veritable cornucopia of new and used books in every genre imaginable. They even have a rare book section. Got some old books to unload? These guys may be able to help, and you might get some cash for your trouble.
Local Music in Portland
The Portland music scene is alive and kickin’ (to phrase a song from a popular British 80’s band – can anyone guess who?), not a night goes by that there isn’t someone playing somewhere – any night of the year. Here are a few of my favorite intimate venues for live music. For a complete calendar of live music in Portland, GO HERE.
Mississippi Studios An intimate venue tucked in the middle of Mississippi Ave and right next to the cozy Bar Bar lounge.
Doug Fir Lounge This stylish basement venue with a full bar hosts both local and national acts. A full bar and restaurant is upstairs.
Roseland Theater This is a larger venue just off of West Burnside that has seen some pretty legendary acts over the years.
Crystal Ballroom A McMenamins music venue that hosts both local and national acts. They also do New Year’s Eve up right. Oh yeah, and their floor bounces.
Holocene I love this the little place. They host dance parties as well as live music. With two dance floors and a full bar serving light eats.
Revolution Hall A venue located in an old converted school. house. This is the best assembly you will ever attend.
Art at First Thursday
Come to the Pearl and their world-renowned string of art galleries. Browse them for free on this night every month and get a taste of the devine.
Relive the 80’s at Ground Kontrol
Old school video games and pinball machines light up your senses. Watch your friend get the highest score yet on Donkey Kong while you sip a cocktail and nosh on bar food.
Unique Bars / Cocktail Lounges
See my post on great bars in the city. Huber’s is a blast from the past – as Portland’s oldest running restaurant, they serve delectable comfort food and an Old Fashioned that will set your taste buds alight.
Teardrop Lounge These guys have the best craft cocktails in town.
Hale Pele Enter this tropical paradise and have a tiki drink. After one or two drinks, you too can pretend you are in the South Pacific.
Funhouse Lounge This is a bar slash performance venue with a nifty circus theme. It hosts comedy, music, karaoke and more.
Portland Dive Bars
Does the uppity Pearl District have a dive bar? Why, yes it does! Come to the Low Brow Lounge and commiserate with the locals bemoaning their high-brow, artsy friends.
Reel M Inn. Judging by the name, you would think this place serves fish and chips with the watered down beer. But no. This dive bar has the best fried chicken ever – because they fry it up fresh and it takes 30 minutes to get to you after your order. But it is WORTH it.
Crow Bar. Trendy and gentrified North Mississippi Ave still has some roughness to it, and the Crow Bar doesn’t disappoint. Go in for a stiff drink and REALLY good bar food. Play pool and the jukebox – its like you have stepped back in time, just a few years.
Portland Wine Bars
Pairings This funky wine bar often has theme nights that raise the bar on what a relaxing evening with a red or wine should be.
Bar Vivant – With a name like that, how can you resist at least a peek at their stellar array of sparkling wines and champagne – among the best in the country. This is also a tapas bar known for its creative small plates.
Oregon Wines on Broadway Pouring only Northwest wines in a relaxed setting with outdoor seating, this is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Night Golf
Who doesn’t love put-put golf? Glowing Greens PDX is open until 9 pm most nights. If you are not a fan of mini golf, you will be after to go through a round of neon-painted put-put delightfulness.
Portland Comedy Clubs
Portland, Oregon, is a hotspot for comedy enthusiasts, offering a vibrant scene that caters to a variety of comedic tastes. Among the leading comedy clubs, Helium Comedy Club stands out for its mix of national headliners and local talent, providing an intimate setting that enhances the connection between the performer and the audience.
Another notable venue is The Funhouse Lounge, which is renowned for its innovative approach to comedy, blending improv, sketches, and stand-up in a uniquely creative environment. Visitors to these establishments can expect a night filled with laughter, entertainment, and the chance to see comedy in its most authentic and groundbreaking forms.
YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE to stay put in your Airbnb and complain there is nothing to do in Portland at night, even in the dead of winter. Night owls rejoice! Even if you are not into music or the bar scene, there IS truly something for everyone after the dinner hour in Portland.
