The Embers Avenue

Embers is the granddaddy/lady of the gay bar scene in Portland. It may or may not be politically correct, but when I was in high school, the City was where the kids went and Embers was for the 21+ crowd. Everyone knew the gay bars had the best music, and so thats where we went, gay/straight, didnt matter if you liked to dance.I recently went to Embers for afters with some friends, and its a good spot to hit up. Really its two different venues in one: a back area bar/dance floor/nightclub, and a front area bar/cabaret stage.Both have good things going for them. Drinks are reasonably priced and well poured. Rarely had to fight for a space at the bar to order or wait for a drink, even if busy.The back dance space is solid, and the music good. As for the front bar, Ive only been there when theyve had a drag show and its a hell of a lot of fun. Hard not to have a good time at a drag show.Because its closest of the Old Town entertainment area to the Park Blocks, and easier place to find close by parking than most.Definitely on the list if youre doing an Old Town pub crawl.

Went here for my birthday and had a wonderful time. The drag show was great! All the bartenders were friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was so welcoming and not intimidating at all. Will definitely be coming back.

We went on a Friday night looking for a dance scene. The music was good and they have requests. There wasnt a whole lot going on though. If youre looking for a mixed scene, then I could see this place having potential, but if youre looking for a gay scene, I recommend going elsewhere. Also, the bar area was dead and we had to wait an exceptionally long time to get served.

I cant help but to keep coming back to this place. perfect dance floor in the heart of downtown. the music they play is top 40s so its easily danceable and this crowd really really likes to dance! the other half is karaoke and they have a fishtank bar, so cool!

All around Party Place. If you like to dance, head to the back area let loose, no one will judge you. I personally enjoy the drag shows as they are always entertaining. There are a couple of pool tables and some Video Poker for you gamblers. The drinks are ok and the bar tenders are frisky. :) Always a good time for all.

I have had many fun dancing nights here. Drinks arent bad. Staff is friendly. Drag shows are fun. Definitely a historic venue in Portland.

The drag shows in the place are fun! I love how big the place is! The latin night is super fun! The music is great! The wait staff was super fun! I like everything about this place. I wish it had more people in it.

$5.00 cover for their Drag Show and so-so dance nights. (Latino night is fun) If youre going for the drag show, youre better off saving your money for other drag shows around town! The drinks are ok, but the fish tank bar is really sad to look at. (Its like the alternative ending to Finding Nemo... the not so happily ever after one.) I normally order from the inside bar because of that!

We have come to many of the drag queen shows here over the years and have always been treated right, love the bartender he is great!! Dancing on the other side is always a blast!! Good times!!

Ive been here a few times and have liked it every time. Coming from someone who isnt a fan of drag shows this place actually has some fun ones. They also have contests once in a while and those are fun too.

Super cool bar and amazing staff. Drag shows are awesome and really fun, love coming here. I would definitely recommend coming here!

Great bar...not tacky...it has color, different ages, types, rooms, dancing, not dancing, fish tank bar....this is not a fancy bar...this is a real bar...love it....better than any others Ive seen in Portland

Super expensive, fun gay bar. Pregame is the name of the game here. An icon in the area for drag shows but there are better gay bars within a few blocks

Nice gay bar in downtown portland. Appears to be more for an older crowd from the times i have stopped in. Also they do a lot of drag shows which are always fun!

I know, I know, this place has slipped out of the 70s-80s and still has not been renovated but between the medicore-trashy drag queen show, decent drinks, GREAT STAFF and spectacular holiday decorations (kids go in here during Christmas no gay bar does it the same). there is a place is my heart for this place

Stopped in on our way back to the car. Nice service, but the atmosphere was a little on the tacky end. The crowd was awesome though!

Went on an off night. Pretty slow, and the staff clearly wasnt feelin it. I liked the dancing area in the back with the cages though haha

Longest running nightclub in downtown Portland. Great mixed crowd. Dancing, androgyny, and cheap drinks. :)

Nice staff. Fun crowd. Playful dance floor set up. Good music. :-)

Ive done a few promotions at Embers and the staff is super friendly. Great show on Friday nights too

Really fun drag shows, nice dance floor, and a really comfortable environment

Love Embers! Went for my brothers birthday and we had a blast. Their shows are awesome!

Great service and fun to dance!!! love the shows

This place is a lot of fun, but dont go if you dont know what its about.

My gf Christinas 21st bday club initiation!

Its not an all ages club just so you know I was looking on Google and it led me here

Dirty, grimy, a bunch of women threw me in a limo and made me spend the night with them and didnt recognize me the next morning.

Cool atmosphere... karaoke is awesome

Too loud but great bartendars and music

25 + years I still love this spot !!

Lincoln is the best damn bartender in town

I go there for the drag shows & Truman.

Fn awesome you be a fool not to be here.

Great place to be gay.

I liked

Cool karaoke!

Fun for *everyone*!