Hotspots for Portland Lesbians

By Kathy Belge
For Oregon.com

Portland is said to be a mecca for lesbians. It's the most gay-friendly city in the state and one of the most lesbian-friendly in the US. So, where do the lesbians hang out and where can you find them?

In Portland the lesbians are apt to be anywhere and everywhere. We live in the suburbs, on farms and in the city. But you're likely to find the highest concentrations around SE Hawthorne Boulevard or near NE Alberta Street.

Here's a few places where you're likely to find the lesbian and bisexual women hanging out in Portland.

Bars

The Egyptian Club, 3701 SE Division St. (503-236-8689), is Portland's biggest lesbian club. Open seven nights a week, The E-Room offers a large dance floor, pool tables, two bars and karaoke. This where you'll find the girls groovin' on Friday and Saturday nights.

Hobos, 120 NW Third (503-224-3285), is a slightly upscale piano bar/restaurant. It's a great place to meet friends for intimate conversation and drinks.

Dingos, 4612 SE Hawthorne (503-233-3996). This lesbian-owned taco bar is THE place to be on Thursday nights, especially in the summer when the crowd spills out into the sidewalk tables.

Crush, 1412 SE Morrison (503-235-8150). This cute little gay-owned wine bar is welcoming any day of the week, but the ladies like to visit for Friday happy hour.

Doug Fir, 830 E. Burnside (503-231-WOOD). The hippest new club in town for all orientations is Doug Fir. And the first and third Sundays it's Snatch: Dyke Knight where all the cool chicks hang out.

Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison (503-239-7639). Holocene is a great scene for boys and girls of all genders. Check out Tart on the second Sunday of the month for a swank soiree where the queer girls play.

Vitis Enoteca, 535 NW 16th (503- 241-0355). Make sure to order some of the amazing tapas at lesbian-owned Italian restaurant Vitis Enoteca with Women's After Hours Party the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Porky's, 835 N. Lombard (503-283-9734). You're sure to find a distinctly different crowd at Booty, the only queer pirate party in town, Thursdays at Porky's.

Coffee Shops

The great Northwest is known for its coffee and lesbians have quite a few coffee shops to pick from.

At lesbian-owned Touchstone Coffee House, 7631 NE Glisan St. (503-262-7613), fill up on organic coffee and join in craft night, tarot readings, astrology, knitting and good live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Oh, and bring your laptop for free wireless Internet.

Lesbian-owned Blend, 2327 E. Burnside (503-234-8610), is the perfect place to bring the date you don't want to be seen with yet. The basement-like atmosphere offers plenty of privacy.

If you like your women and your coffee strong, come to lesbian-owned Haven Coffeehouse (503-236-6890), serving up Portland's own Stumptown coffee and live music on the weekends.

Bring your dog along to pet-friendly lesbian-owned Jackman Joe, 1111 NW 16th (503-222-0121), a comfy spot on the edge of trendy Pearl District where namesake Jack the dog will greet you. Family-owned Bridgetown coffee rules the house. Open weekdays until 5 p.m.

Bookstores

Besides lesbians and coffee, Portland is known for its diversity of bookstores. If you want to meet women check out these two places.

In Other Words, 3734 SE Hawthorne Blvd (503-232-6003). In lesbian-centric Hawthorne district, In Other Words is a hub. Stop by the not-for-profit feminist bookstore for lesbian magazines, the latest romance novel or Sleater-Kinney CD. If you're new to town and want to meet women, this is a great place to volunteer.

It's My Pleasure, 3106 SE 64th (503-280-8080), is Portland's lesbian-owned sex toy shop and book seller. Pop in the bright pink building to rent videos, buy magazines or take a workshop on kissing or same-sex flirting.

Media

Listen to KBOO for progressive and diverse community radio. Tune into 90.7 FM on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for Queer, Queer World with Jack Danger or the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. for Out Loud, a locally produced queer news and public affairs show.

Just Out - The in publication for the out population, Just Out will keep you informed of news and events of importance to the queer community. Just Out is published on the first and third Fridays of the month and can be picked up for free at any of the above coffee shops and bookstores or on select street corners in downtown Portland.

Lesbian Community Project - Coming out later in life or wanting to learn Spanish with a group of other dykes? Then LCP is for you!

Want to join the fight for gay and lesbian marriage equality? Basic Rights Oregon is the state's largest gay and lesbian organization, fighting for the rights of our gay, lesbian, bi and trans citizens.

Love Makes a Family - Working for social change and supporting queer-headed families, Love Makes a Family has programs for both parents and kids.

Is making music more your thing? The Portland Lesbian Choir has been making beautiful music since 1986. Are you a horn blower? The Rose City Gay Freedom Band marches in gay pride each year and Rose City Swing Band hosts the dancingest parties in town.

If you're under 21 or want to volunteer to mentor LGBT youth, then check out SMYRC, a place the younger set can hang out, play pool, get career advice or put on a drag show.

For deaf queers, or those who want to learn sign language, Deaf & Hearing Outreach, whose mission it to connect deaf and hearing queers, is one of the most unique non-profits in Portland.

The Live and Let Live Club is Portland's only 12 step recovery club serving the GLBTQ community. They provide space for 12 step meetings and have AA and SAA meetings everyday of the week. Located at 1210 SE 7th Street. Call 503-238-6091 for meeting times.

Kathy Belge is a free-lance writer living in Portland.