I love the atmosphere and the people here. Its such an institution and you can feel it throughout.Im still giving it 5 stars, although I will fully admit the food is basic and I wish they had more staff for speedier service.Even with those minor gripes this place is amazing and should be a must for anyone visiting Portland!
Attended Sunday Drag Brunch. Wow, what an incredible show! Review of the food unfortunately not so wow. Not that my expectations were high, but for the price, it would be pretty simple to do something better. Our server was awesome, but the service was slow and not their fault. It seemed there were a small number of servers trying to do a big job. Coffee was sad, but cocktails were delicious.
Took my friend for her bachelorette party. So fun! The girls do a great show. Its weird because I wanted to tip them but they never came out in the crowd and I felt awkward interrupting their show... Regardless, the costumes are beautiful, the acts hilarious, and the people are friendly. A must see!
Fantastic drag show with a lot of heart! The queens here really show up and show out - Poison Waters is such an amazing hostess with so much humor, and every performer was amazing! Have to give a special shoutout to a fellow Malaysian BinKyee Bellflower - she was incredible!!!
Went here for first time on Tuesday night for Catch A Star. It was bit chilly inside but I assume that’s for entertainer’s not overheat. The seats were hard and uncomfortable and could use update. A server Leo approached me after about 20minutes of my arrival. I order mozzarella sticks/hamburger basket the burger could be more well done but for $5 a piece it wasn’t bad at all the $5 cocktail was okay Poison Waters made my evening she was comedian and bad MF at same time it was Darcrelle 91st birthday I enjoyed myself so much will definitely return on my next visit
Thank you to everyone at Darcelle’s. The show was fantastic. My sister said it was the best birthday ever! What a way to turn 70. Special shout out to Dave-Tom. You were so welcoming to us. 💕💕💕💕💕💕
Great energy, went for C.A.R.S which was a great time, basically a bunch of mini shows all in one evening!
What an honor to be at the longest running drag performance in North America. These queens paved the way for many others, and Darcelle, even though they died, made a safe place for people to be their most fabulous selfs. RIP Darcelle and let’s continue that fight for acceptance for all and keep this place running for everyone to be have their moment in the sun.
This review is almost two years old, but since the passing of Darcelle, I can’t help but share the magic. My sister-in-law planned my bachelorette night here in July 2021, and it was the best experience. We were seated right in front, we’re able to tip the queens directly, and had such a fun time. I’m a huge lover of drag and an ally, and it was my first time actually seeing a Darcelle show. I wish I could relive it a thousand times. We knew Darcelle had stopped performing at that point, but wow, you could feel every ounce of her spirit within the show. The performers brought everything to life. The queens interacted with us afterwards and took photos, and better yet, we got to see some perform twice at CC’s! 💗 I can’t wait to go back soon! It’s a must-do experience in Portland!
A must do whilst you’re in Portland. Yes the area around the bar is a bit scary but it’s not as bad as people claim and you’re fine to walk down there! Darcelle and her ladies are amazing and they put on a great show! Cocktails are reasonably priced and delicious too :) Even if you’ve not got a special event to go for just go to enjoy the show!!!
A girl friend and I went to the early show we both had a great time the staff was friendly the performers where awsome. The chicken strips & onion rings where so good, drinks are good and reasonably priced. Not the same without Darcelle but still a great show. Thank you so much for a great time.
Went to the early show for a bachelorette party and had a wonderful time. The performance was fun and the drinks were good. The best part was to see all the ways that the folks working here are giving back to the community. I would recommend going anytime.
We are 2 travelers from Austria on our world around trip and today we had one of the funniest evenings in 9 months. Thanks for this show! Absolute recommendation! Entertainment 100% and the prices absolutely affordable! If we ever come back to Portland well see each other again, I promise!!
So much fun! Pluto is the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen! 😍 Had a great time!
We came here for New Years Eve. It was a super fun event and a great way to ring in the New Year. The cocktails were excellent, well priced and the show was amazing. There was a great variety of acts and different songs. The table service was fast and professional. The environment bled love and acceptance. Would love to go back for Sunday Brunch.
We always have a great time at Darcelle’s! Love the history and representation! They take cash or card for the cover charge.
We had THE BEST time! Darcelles exceeded our expectation of this amazing night. Every person was kind, appreciative, fun, genuine, and provided a night of fun for our group. Thank you Poison Water, Chris, Jesse, Mr. Mitchell, and the entire crew.
I havent been there since Darcelle passed. My understanding is that they are keeping it up to Darcelles standards. If you have never been, you should give it a try!
I have to agree with Eloise, this is a must do while in Portland. We had the pleasure of attending a long time ago, and its still as entertaining now! They allowed us to get a reservation, which is really helpful when a wheelchair is involved, and they seated us up front where all the action is. My wife was right in the thick of things, which made her evening, especially when giving out those dollar bills :). Darcelle was right next to my wife at times, talking, joking, and helping us all have a great time.What surprised me too was how good the food was there. I think we shouldve just eaten there instead of going out to eat beforehand!
I brought my son here from Seattle for his 21st birthday. Darcelle and her delightful crew were everything I wanted his experience to be! We drank out of sexy fishnet leg glasses and were entertained with glamour and class! The entertainers performed. This is not a half-baked get together, this is a show! The energy was glorious and even spilled into the ladies room where I was identified as my sons mother and was hugged by other patrons. An absolute must see!Darcelle is getting old; take the time to visit her before you miss out! Her titles and reputation are deserved. Dont miss this one!!!
Can never ever have a bad experience here!!! Came for my bachelorette party, sister birthday and for upcoming Mother’s Day celebration!!!! Love this show!!
What a FUN time! I have attended a few different drag performances in PDX, and I have to say, THIS is the show you want. Darcelle is just a gem! Her performers are polished, practiced, and exciting! The venue is exactly what you want. Seating for all, super fun decor, and table service! What this event had that other do not, is CLASS. You’re treated well here. I was treated as a valued customer. If there was anything that could have been better was the speed of table service, but as we all know, many of our establishments are understaffed right now. I certainly will not hold it against them, because they do everything else so very well. I just can’t gush enough over my experience. It was five star all the way.
What a great show! You get both a show and brunch for the price of one. The performers were all amazing, high energy, and fun. It was a great experience for group birthday, and my friends all enjoyed it as well. The downside is that Portland is not doing so hot in that part of town, so it was a bit nerve-wracking to park my car downtown out of fear of it getting broken into. Take an Uber if you can to avoid this.
Entertaining as always, some of the performers are very talented with outfits that are fun and beautiful. Really enjoyed the music choices they lip synced on the night we went.The MC had us in stitches. The food was decent and the drinks were good. Recommend for a night of entertainment.
Came here with some friends for an evening out, the staff was super friendly and accommodating. I was late and my friends had pre-paid for me, as I showed up they remembered me and sat me down with them right away. The server was quick to get my drink order. The actual performance was a ton on fun and they were all very interactive with the audience and had great humor. This was a great show for a ladies night out. The show itself and food/drinks were all reasonable priced and I felt I had gotten a good value. I would for sure attend again.
The food and drinks were great, and the show was amazing! I had lots of fun. The staff were all very kind and helpful, and the show felt very personal and well done. The venue is not exactly in the best part of town BUT the staff were on top of any loitering and made me feel safe despite this. The show made for a great final evening at the end of my vacation to Portland!
Absolutely fun! Had such a blast visiting this iconic venue and felt humbled to be in the presence of such iconic queens. Even got to see Darcelle in the flesh after being closed for so long because of COVID! The love and dedication of the entire crew brought a warmth and joy to every table, I felt so welcome and happy here. Drinks were great, service was exceptional, and the crowd was a riot. What an amazing night. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to let loose and have a fun-filled evening. (Also, get one of those sexy leg cocktails - totally with it!) 🙌👍💘
The performers were absolutely amazing! Unfortunately everything else was mediocre and in some cases downright terrible. It’s very small and crowded, there was barely any room for people to pass by to go to the bathroom (I was in the front row). The drinks were not very good at all but my group and I choked them down. Our server was possibly the worst server I’ve ever had. Her name was Tila and she was very rude. Multiple people in my group ordered food and never got it in the 3 hours we were present in the building. When asking for another drink she was very dismissive and had an attitude. I will not come back here and will recommend that others steer clear.
Went for my bachelorette party at the late showing (10:30) on a Saturday. We had a reservation and showed up at 10 to get in line. We got inside and seated and waited for the show to start but the show didn’t actually start until 11:15! It was definitely worth the wait though because the performers were all great and poison waters was hilarious! Our waitress was super friendly, the service was fast and the drinks were STRONG! Some of the male strippers were underwhelming in both sex appeal and dance moves unfortunately. Overall great experience and I’m glad I went!
Darcelle IV the best ever. Took me years to get my husband to take me (on vacation) even though he has been third countless times when he lived in Portland. The price is extremely reasonable. Darcelle is still bringing down the house in his 80s. A true performer. A hell of a businessman. I will bring the book to get autographed next time. Those who say its cramped. Do you know how much space cost in Downtown Portland? It is cozy. 2023 update. Darcelle is in Nirvana and will have to wait to get the book signed. Goodbye Darcelle aka Walter Cole.
What an incredible show! Darcelle has done an amazing job creating this legacy in Portland. All of the ladies are talented performers and we were so lucky to get a show with Darcelle herself performing! We will absolutely be returning!
I went there with my daughters, their besties and their besties moms. I was not sure what I signed up for but was willing to explore. I am so glad that I did. It was fun and the songs were kinda my era so even just sitting there waiting for the show was very pleasant. Darcelle and the gangs were amazing. It is in my books as one of the best memories. Fun and non pretentious. It shows me that when you put your hear in to doing everything even the simplest setting can bring the most joyful moments. One thing that I was not aware that i will take back with me after the show is the admiration of Darcelle and her staffs of their hard Work and their dignity of loving themselves and what they do. Thank you so much for one of the best night in my memories book. Love you all❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Went for my bachelorette party and it was ok. Darcelle was extremely rude to me on stage, though she probably thought she was being funny. The waitress was rude and kept forgetting we had drinks. The stage fell apart in the beginning of the show. They cancelled the strip show that night, which was a huge bummer. The queens were absolutely fabulous!! I just wish they would update some of the songs they dance too! It was an okay experience.
Came to a show on the first Saturday of re-opening in 2021! Had an absolute blast! Bartenders, servers, all staff were GREAT! The show was full of laughs, killer outfits, and a bunch of good times!The stocking leg glass for the mixed drinks were a MUST!!!
We enjoyed our time here, this was the best live DragQueen show we have seen.It was organized and rehearsed, there werent a bunch of drugged out drunk want a be Queens around.These ladies were classy, older mature seemed wiser.I enjoy life and people who embrace who they are, these ladies take pride in their performances and in who they are off stage.We were blessed to end up at a bar where the ladies ended up at after the show and the ladies were welcoming and kind, friend and again not drugged out over acting the ladies were just ladies out having a good time.I will return to this show to share with friends and family.Funny, entertaining and welcoming.Food isnt great, but the drinks are.
I gave a 4 star review, but youre welcome!
Went for the first time last week for a bachelorette party. The show was fun and entertainers were funny. The only negatives is that the seating is so tight that you cant move. There are little tables between every 2 chairs and they make it hard to sit comfortably. Also the door staff was very stand offish. The guy taking payment was annoyed when the first person in our party didnt pay for everyone. Then huffed when a couple people used a credit card.
This place deserves all the stars in the sky. Every performer is kind, AMAZING, and talented. Darcell, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for the queer community. You are a beautiful star. I was Completely enamored by the entire night. Every single performer was literally so amazing but honorable mention for mr Michell. Literally amazing. Chefs kiss. I laughed, I cried. This is a really special experience I think Literally every person on the planet should expert at least once. Thank you 💜
Fun show but Darcelle didnt perform. Would have liked a heads up that the star wouldnt be performing. Brunch and drinks were good but came to see Darcelle and was disappointed.
Amazing show, amazing people! 10/10
Went to Darcelles last weekend for my 40th birthday! My friends and I had a blast it was such a great time went to the 10:30 show Friday night stayed for the after show with the men so much fun. The staff at this place was unbelievably amazing. Thanks for making my 40th birthday weekend amazing.we ended up back Saturday night as well🙂
We went to Sunday Brunch for my stepdaughter’s birthday, and it was fantastic. Great fun and laughter, the drinks were strong, and the staff were great. Thanks so much for the experience!
I would like to say that after 30 yrs of knowing Darcells and the girls it will be a honor to come over again from Pendleton Oregon . As many times as I have seen partyed with and as well watched these girls they always seem to take one step higher in there talent and show business. It always great to see my friend bring down the house ...!!!!?
Ive been going since I turned 21 & its always awesome. Last night a group of us went for my oldest Daughters 21st birthday! We had a blast! Reservation helped. Good drink selection & 30th anniversary glasses are cute! Sliders are tasty. Ladies were stunning! Old & new songs were sung. Darcell is the hostess with the mostest!
Cassie Nova was the highlight of the show. Just went for my fourth time this year, and I always leave feeling excited about life. I love that I’ve seen different numbers, and some classics remain! So exciting to hear that Summer Seasons has been making some of the costumes, they are beautiful!
What a great time!!!We missed Darcelle but the show was still fabulous. Girls are superb entertainers, I laughed hard and applauded harder.Be prepared to drink, cheer, laugh and have a gay time.💋💋💋💋💋
We went for a bachelorette party and had a great time. Have not laughed that much in a long time. The performers were great and our server Leo was so incredibly tolerant and nice! The after hours show was...well...not for someone old like me lol.
Attended show and it was wonderful can hardly wait to go back again it was totally enjoyable.Loved it God bless you all.
Darcelle really is amazing! To put on a show like this for over 50 years. We went as a couple and it made for a fun evening. Different from our usual outings. The hair and makeup is very professional. It was a fun and relaxed evening and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun evening out in Portland. On a side note, they make great Pina coladas😍
The show was great but we loved the Uncles at the front door who were so welcoming and gave us the best tips on what to do with our weekend in PDX. Highly recommend if you’re in the area, such a great night and they do brunch too!
3 generations of my family have been able to enjoy the show! Darcelle XV has a big heart and a fabulous sense of humor. Anyone who is able to go, should! So much fun!!!
My daughters 21st birthday. Show was great, however we bought the Darcells collection fish net stocking leg drink container , and as we were walking out… the man at the front door RIPPED the glass from her hand . He was very rude and called her an ANTI VAXER!!! She lost her mask during the show. It is very dark in the theater. Very disappointed as I PAID for the glass. We will not recommend them as they are very JUDGY!!
OMG! I have not had so much fun, or laughed so hard in a l o n g time. What a hoot. The women in the show are so beautiful and believable in some of the numbers you forget theyre not. (women). Every one of the cast members were uniquely talented and each was essential the creation of a fabulously entertaining show. Darcelle XV is absolutely one of a kind!
Five Stars Because this is an historic place, with the longest/Oldest Drag Show. It was Fun to watch, once you go in you get transported back in time on how drag used to be decades ago before Rupaul. Im glad that we were able to see the show.
Such a fun time! I highly recommend going here for a special occasion, Darcelle is hilarious, its hard to believe shes been doing her act for so long. Gotta love Poison Waters too, shes my favorite!
Excellent historical drag venue. Congrats on breaking the new Guinness, world record for longest consecutive drag show!
Our entire party of 10 had a time of their lives! We had 3 generations with us who all are still bragging about the fun time they had at Darcelles. Thank you, thank you thank you!!! I only apologize that it took so long to experience Darcelles.
Great show, generous cocktails. 4 stars due to tight seating. Would be nice if they updated audience comfort which helps encourage higher tipping.
Typical west coast drag bar. Entertainment was mediocre at best, a funny joke here and there, the queens leave much to be desired as far as looks/appearance are concerned. The space is small and cramped and not very clean. Our server was very friendly as were the queens. Drinks were reasonably priced, however, BEWARE the two drink minimum! We were told by our server that we HAD to buy two drinks each. This was on top of the $15 cover charge and $5 photo that we purchased. All in all it was an ok time and killed an hour or two in the evening.
Absolutely had the best mothers Day at Darcelle XV. They definitely make you feel at home. And the Queens were so friendly and sweet.
One of the funnest shows we have been to and one of the sweeties walked us to our vehicle as well! Great experience and they took it up a notch looking out for our safety. 💜 Must see...DARCELLE is the cutest.
I went for a bachelorette party last year and I was blown away by how amazing the experience was! 10/10 will for sure be going again!
Okay didnt know Darcelle was in the Guinness book for oldest drag queen, was also expecting a few more younger drag artists, but had the best time. Great place for a party!
That was the most fun Ive had in a long time. Highly recommend! It was amazing that Darcelle greets everyone as they come in. Plus, that was the best burger I think Ive ever had!
Best time ever! Still smiling hours later.Thank you for making my daughter in laws 21st a night to remember 💗 we will see yall again soon!!
This is a staple in the gay & bachelorette party community! The queens here are hilarious, entertaining and very convincing... if you know what I mean. ;-) Theres nothing drag about this place. Show up early to get a good spots in line as the showroom is a little small and fills up fast. Plus, the queens make an appearance and will let you take pics with them fpr Facebook, Twitter, black mail, etc. Make sure you tell them what youre celebrating, theyll make your celebration even more memorable!
Loved it! Yasss hunny the Lady gaga act was my favorite!! Drinks are spendy but that is ok for the experience. $20 entry, reservations encouraged.
This is a Portland must see! Good food and absolutely incredible show. I had a time I will never forget.
Love Darcelle XV Showplace. Heading there tonight for New Years and to see the lovely Poison Waters and all of the fabulous show girls and the oldest working drag queen herself Darcelle.
Great place to go if you like being groped by old men. I have been inappropriately touched three times here. It is a real problem.
This place is a place to go if your visiting or a native Portland resident. Fun, inviting staff and fun atmosphere. Expensive drinks but worth the expense, they are quick to serve. Fun times after evening show.
Essential Portland experience. Even if drag isn’t your scene, Darcelle’s is a blast and a guaranteed good time. Plus, it’s home of the oldest performing drag queen!
Oh Darcelle you truly are a gem. You havent enjoyed Portland until youve gone to his show lol. Work it girl! Oh and careful of the Black Opal, that drink will seal your fate if you have too many lol
Such a fun night! Darcelle is absolutely amazing! Went here for a bachelorette party and it was the best one Ive been to. Would highly recommend 👌
Darcelle was funny and incredible. All the other Acts were hilarious and beautiful. The drinks are dirty. 10/10 would go again
We went to the brunch show on Sunday the food was okay the show was good and it was always a good time to take a first-time person there she had a blast
High cover charge, which is alright, but the place could use some updating with all that money they are making off the cover! plus you have to imagine cover, drinks, and tipping the dancers.. Not a cheap night. But I guarantee if you let loose, youll have an amazing time.
Staff was extremely rude at the end of the show. We were super supportive throughout the show. We were told at the end that we were rude for whistling?! How about be glad we supported you?! Unreal!
Dont miss it. Low brow, high class they rock. You wont find a more entertaining show any where. Take your grumpy mother-in-law itll loosen her titters.And the costumes are devine
You will never be a true Portlander if youve never been to Darcelles.The show is fun, Darcelle is a hoot, and the show and drinks are a good value.
I celebrated my 21st birthday with my family and friends here. Amazing and beautiful queens. I had a blast and will be back for sure
Had advance tickets for a 6 pm show and showed up right at 6. We were turned away and told “you have to show up on time for the tickets to work.” That’s weird, because we were on time and btw, that’s not how real tickets work. This place is a joke!
Had a great time with family for my daughters Bachelorette party and my fathers 79th birthday.
Had a fabulous time. Great staff, drinks, and drag. Will definitely be back!!
Beautiful and talented entertainers! Poison Waters will make you feel at home - The Librarian🙂
Always a good time. Outstanding performers, delicious drinks, wonderful hospitality. A Portland classic.
By far the greatest place I have ever been in my 30 years!!! I am definitely going back with a few new friends soon!!!! I cant believe how awesome it was!!!!
This is one of the funnest places in town the longest showing drag queen show in the world she is a wonderful 91 years old.
So much fun! Went for a bachelorette party and am already planning another trip to Portland to go to another show!!!!!
Absolutely wonderful. Great staff, great atmosphere, and great performances! God bless you, Darcelle.
Dont let their reservation policy fool you. There is no holding reservation. If you have a reservation you must be there by 730 in line. By 745 they will have given your table up...
SO MUCH FUN! I have been going to Darcelles for the last OMG, 45 years! Never gets old.
Went for a batchelorette party. I have had this much fun in ages. Simply fabulous! Cant wait to go back.
These guys really know how to put on a show.. It was so worth the 20.00 cover charge. I cant wait to go again
It was raunchy, campy, corny, hilarious and I loved every minute. I cant think of anything that could be described as being more Portland Wierd than this!
My friend brought me there with my sis, had a woderful time, second generation has visitors! Loved. Ya all!
I went here every Friday night just to laugh after a stressful day at work. Its a perfect place to hang out with friends who wants to be relaxed.
Amazing show. Funny, interactive and lots of fun!
Amazing
Iconic spot in portland. Always a good show!
Great show! It was nice to get out of the house for an evening.
Went Friday night for my 60 birthday Best birthday in a long time.Had a great time Thanks Ladies
Rip darcelle. I went there 20 yrs ago, and had such a blast. It was like I was there yesterday.
Its a very friendly place,where the transwomen sing lovely&are all so very cute.
Darcelle is the Guinness World Record holder as the worlds oldest drag queen performer.
RIP Queen. ❤️ Always loved your shows.
Amazing atmosphere and entertainers! 10/10 would swing on Leo until dawn.
Had a great time. Bring a big group of friends for the show
You will only leave Darcelle with a smile on your face!A true gem of a place.
You are my hero!! I was a homeless kid in the 90s... youve saved so many!! You are an angel among humans...
I am usually not a drag show fan, but this is on a whole new level. WELL WORTH IT.
My girlfriends and I had the best time here for a 30th birthday party!
Great show last night. Truly talented people.
Great Fish & Fries & plenty of Security
Best night, great show and strong drinks
One of my most fun experiences.. :)
So much fun. Great place to bring your family :D
Looking good. I NEED MAKE-UP TIPS FROM THEM. STAY STRONG.
The most entertaining show Ive seen in years.
Portlands best. A must for visitors and livers alike.
Came here with a bachelorette party and we had a blast!
Had a wonderful time. Ill definitely be back.
This place is a classic and not to missed if you are in Portland!
Great show, average food.
Wonderful time with wonderful people.
Lots of fun. Great people.
Tuesday nights are the best!
Its fine
Don’t miss Poison Waters!!
That no lady thats Darcelle xv & company
Love you Darcelle & company!!
So much fun!
Alwaysa fun time!
She is amazing!
The history was nice.
It was great!!!!
Amazing place!