Blackstones

I’ve never been welcomed with such belligerence at a bar in all my life. I was with my family and partner, mostly all female identifying. I’m queer and was just looking for a nice night with my loved ones. The bartender mocked my sister repeatedly. Misogyny? Felt like it! Honestly if I’m questioning something like that at all - it’s not a place I would ever consider going near again. Women and younger queers beware :( we deserve better.Edit: We were not upset in the slightest we all had to show ID. We were upset with how the bartender made fun of us aggressively. I never leave reviews, I work in the industry so I know how impactful they can be, especially bad ones not based on truth. But this experience was truly so horrendous I don’t feel a lick of guilt warning people about this place. I want people to feel safe and have fun and this is simply not the setting.

This is not a safe place for women. From the second my group and I walked in we were profiled. We were visiting from out of town and I was the designated driver. From where we are from you don’t need to see someone’s ID if they weren’t drinking and I wasn’t. The bartender was checking our IDs and I simply told him “I’m the designated driver”. He was not happy with that. He immediately snapped back and before the business replies to my review (don’t waste your time by the way you know deep down you are in the wrong, but i genuinely feel bad for you as you clearly have it so hard you need to act out against others. it’s genuinely sad). it was NOT just a joke he went on and on, even went as far as to go down the bar and start talking bad about me to others. It was weird and he was aggressive and mean for no reason. You go to places like this to have fun and feel safe, but this bartender made us feel the opposite. Don’t waste your time here. Especially if JR is working. I pity you JR.

Frankly, I had an obscenely terrible experience here. I am from New York and came in with my sisters to have a fun night in an inclusive space as some of us identify as queer. From the second we walked in it felt as if we were being profiled. As he was checking our IDs, the bartender (I believe he is named JR), was berating my sister incessantly. Then, as she was pulling her ID out of her wallet, he went to the other end of the bar to loudly talk trash about her to someone who was sitting there. All before we ordered drinks, which I assume he wouldve spat in. We go to gay bars to feel welcomed as historically they are safe spaces, but our experience here was so misogynistic that I think if youre not an older gay man this is NOT A SAFE SPACE FOR ANYONE. We have family in Portland and will be spreading the word on how awful it was here. The swiftness in which they reply to bad reviews should be very telling for prospective visitors, as it makes it clear they are anticipating these for their awful behavior. I hope to find a better alternative soon.

It’s the only actual queer bar in Portland, so it’s the default for much of the community. Generally a good time. If there were any other options, the security (Ivan) and bar (JR) staff probably wouldn’t be allowed to act the way they do because they’d kill business. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I was very upset because the security at the door saw smoke and accuse me of vaping even though my vape was dead since i walked into black stones. I tried to explain to him and show him that my vape is dead and it wasn’t me. He grabbed the drink out of my hand and push me outside the door very aggressive. Without letting me explain to him that it wasn’t me. I used to live in Maine and I love coming to black stones every time i come to visit family and friends because this place felt like home it was my first 21st birthday drink. but this experience shocked me. I don’t even know if I will ever go back. He was very aggressive to the point he push me so hard that i hit my back hard on the door.

NO food served. Customers are very friendly and have good prices. Im visiting Portland and been here a few times this past weekend . I was talking to a local patron on Saturday night about the dance floor being overcrowded and no visible 2nd exit. There is a second exit, but it doesnt say fire exit and multiple book bags in a way, which is a safety issue by Maine district. I had my cell phone light and checked for myself. There is no capacity sign, which is always a safety concern. I was here Saturday talking to patron and wall to wall people . I signed my light looking for it, and the owner who was friendly on Saturday, freaked out and asked meto leave, but he wouldnt listen to my concerns of safety issues. Ill go back in a few weeks and im sure he will be happy to discuss in a polite manner without yelling. Im sure he and all of us put safety first

I’d say pretty good for the most part all though just like anywhere else there were a phew weird situation I go there to play pool it’s fun and not talk to the weirdos not that it makes a difference the last time I went I didn’t get change back I have a five dollar bill and the drink was 4 dollars the point is that doesn’t look good for a business remember you should know give the change back that’s technically stealing

The old ugly bartender there was extremely rude and aggressive with me for no reason. Snatched my drink and threw it out the told us to get out because we didn’t have a card to pay.

Very small. The happy hour bartender with thick glasses is not the friendliest fella. I’ll go back after 6pm

I got a Margarita for 8 $. Listened to loud dance music and I do not dance. There is a pool table. Loud drunk people. No food. No snacks. Nothing but alcahol and the possibility of getting laid if you are lucky.There are better places to go.Come here for what is available, but keep your expectations low.

Such a friendly atmosphere here from the employees to the patrons. I felt at home immediately! The drinks were great and very reasonably priced.

Ive been going here for years. I witnessed the bartender freak out on someone over parking. Literally screaming like an undisciplined 3-year-old. It was very unprofessional. Probably wont go back if this is the quality of the employees they hire.

Adequate bar, but very closed-minded community and social circles. Everyone will comment on how you are new to the bar and will feel like they need to voice their opinion. Don’t try playing pool on a busy night as they will judge you. Very unwelcoming LGBTQ bar

My experience here has been pleasant, I’ve read the reviews and have seen the receipts, however I decided that it’s best to experience it for yourself to actually get a feel for something and be able to build your own judgment. I love it. The bartender was on it and the crowed was great. I made friends without even trying. The environment overall was very welcoming.Not sure what others experienced during there visit into the bar, but I can assure that it’s definitely something you have to come in and develop you’re own judgment. Of course, like any other established people will always have an opinion if it doesn’t work in there favor.... the drinks are strong, the service is fast, and the judgment doesn’t Exist. So, with that being said... any review take with grain of salt and experience for yourself in Oder to give a valid opinion or thought.We all have different experiences ANYWHERE WE GO.

Partied all my life and traveled Alot. But never felt like I was drugged as many times as when I went here. Many years ago. But wouldnt ever go here again. Nothing like coming to on the bathroom floor and being hauled outside and then being threatened cause the bar didnt want trouble.

This is a legacy gay bar with a nicely old school decor and a friendly, relaxed vibe. The bartenders have always been great.

Friendly neighborhood gay bar with a pool table. In fact, the only gay bar currently in Portland. Affordable drinks, only downside is cash only. Don’t worry though, an ATM is on-site.

Remember to bring cash, but other than that, I had no problem with this friendly bar. To be honest, it reminded me of a bar in Dallas called the Hidden Door. We were in Portland for two night and went by both night because we enjoyed the atmosphere.

I was visiting and decided to stop for a drink. Drinks were good, everyone seemed very friendly.

This place is the best bar I been to in years!!I wanna move to Portland now, so I can be a regular hahaThanks everyone for being so friendly and fun😁Patrick

Great bar!!! Super friendly and fun people, also worth mentioning very handsome bartenders and good affordable drinks.

Trivia with Danielle Dior on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm!!!! Sooo fun! Blackstones is a vibe with great people. ❤️

One of my home bars! Staff is colorful and real. If you are looking for a great drink and a a lot of laughs this is your bar!

Not a friendly or safe environment for women. Dingey, outdated and dirty.

Great drinks and great service at a great price. Friendly atmosphere that makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk in.

Fun in the beginning.turned out i believe i was being set up for something real bad. Luckily i was able to get away from a bad situation. Ill never go there again

After wonderful experiences in Canada, we were surprised that this bar was not more welcoming to us old midwesterners. A pretty sad contrast.

Fun, inviting and accepting atmosphere. Very crowded on a weekend night but not too noisy to chat

Best place, I love meeting new partners there. Amazing staff and really friendly people open to all kinds of ideas

My first time here. Small but busy and friendly. Drinks are cheap here but large. What a deal!

Great times with friends !!! Bartender was so attentive and the drinks is great !!!what eles are looking for?

Nice neighborhood gay bar, with friendly staff, and good beer prices.

Friendly people, great drinks, very home town pub feel

Good drinks, but can be a very odd crowd.

Kicked me out for no reason !!!! Which obviously the owner or review person keeps rejected!!!

Excellent space, fun music, neighborhood feel, great friendly staff.

Prices are good but definitely an older crowd

Ok k

Great place to hang out and have fun.

Super welcoming and upbeat :)

Cute bar and strong drinks.

Nice, laid back neighborhood bar.

Ill join try outs

My community hangs out here

Excellent at every level

Love this tiny bar

Beat gay bar in town!

Where the men at