I've always loved Badlands--great vibes, fun video bars, and usually a solid variety of music. The $20 covers on some nights are a bit surprising, but I get it--welcome to today's economy. That said, no amount of cover charge seems to fix a recurring issue at many fun gay bars: the takeover by straight women. Both times I tried to get a drink, groups of women blatantly cut the line. Maybe the first time was an honest oversight--they might not have noticed me in my wheelchair (even though they were short and definitely should have). But twice? That feels like more than an accident. Most folks were awesome, though. Many moved aside or made space once they saw me, and the staff has been nothing but kind and attentive. Unfortunately, a few disrespectful patrons really soured the night--and as a disabled person, it makes me question how often I want to put myself in these spaces that should feel safe but too often don't. read more

First of all, I am straight and and ally to all! I don't discriminate against race nor sexuality. My friend and I went in to see the vibe, hangout and enjoy some drinks. We made friends left and right and had so much fun. My friend I was with was screaming and clapping in full cheer, I look over and the MC and DJ are giving us TERRIBLE looks. At one point they said, "if you want to be loud, go in the next room." The MC came up to my new gay friend and I and introduced themselves. And I said, "sorry about my friend, when she's excited she likes to scream." And the MC responded, "well when it's in my ear it's rude and inappropriate." Mind you the MC was like 4 ft away from my friend and I. I responded, "this is our first time in a gay bar and I don't feel welcomed anymore." Then she responded, "oh well I don't want you not to have a good time." Then walked away, and started talking shit to her DJ and friends surrounding. Then they ALL were giving me horrible dirty looks. As we were about to leave the bar the MC got on the mic and pointed to us and said, "hands up if you're a straight in this bar" and we did, and she went OFF on the mic, mind you this is now a packed bar, and starts saying how we're not respecting this bar and the people that come here. And went on to explain how much they have gone through because they are gay and growing up was hard. Then continued with, "Stick to your own straight bars!" I was so confused. We started to leave, and our new gay friend we made looks at me and goes up to the MC and asked why she was being rude. She responded, "your friends are transphobic!" And they security started to walk behind him and he grabbed me and said let's go, these people are rude. I was so UPSET I started crying, I am not PHOBIC to anyone anything! If I was I wouldn't have walked in that bar and had a great time and let alone made friends. First experience in a gay bar- I'll never go into one again. God forbid we're having fun and I stick up for my friend. I hope the MC understands how wrong she was last night. Because I'm still trying to get over this. Ruined a great night. Next time I'll make sure to avoid Badlands, god forbid I am a straight person hanging out with my gay friends.. read more

So, while Badlands is listed as an LGTBQ+ bar, the majority of the crowd (at least on weekends) is straight with bachelorette parties. Yeah. No. And even on those nights that the bar isn't very straight, the G's of the LGBTQ+ aren't in sight. Gay men go elsewhere. DJs are good. Drinks are too expensive. Food is very mid. I was excited when it first opened and it is a cool space. And the dance floor is great. But the crowd just isn't. read more

I have attended this karaoke night many times. I am not expecting friendship, favoritism, or promotion from the hosts. I only expect fair and professional service, especially when I tip. My experiences vary noticeably depending on who operates the karaoke system. My concern is specifically about the DJ operating it on August 11/12, 2026. Those nights also helped me recognize a recurring pattern from include many previous nights involving the same DJ. My songs have repeatedly been postponed, even after I tipped. On August 12th, I tipped twice but still felt pushed back and poorly accommodated. And on the previous night which is August 11th , I tipped the DJ and I also asked the DJ to wait until I was set up before starting my self-uploaded track. He started it before I was ready anyway, forcing me to request a restart. There have also been questionable changes to my queue position. At this event, someone singing for the first time that night may be moved somewhat higher in the rotation. After performing or missing a turn, however, that person generally must wait through another full rotation, which can be very long. On a couple of nights with this DJ, I checked the queue and did not appear close to performing, so I briefly stepped away to use the restroom. After being gone only a short time, I returned and was told that I had already been called and skipped. Because I had not appeared near the top before leaving, it seemed that I had suddenly been moved forward while absent. Missing that unexpected turn then meant waiting through another long rotation. Experiencing this more than once made the queue handling feel unfair and unpredictable. On another night approximately one or two months earlier, I tipped twice, yet my song was delayed multiple times. Another singer positioned near me in the queue was allowed to perform before me and was then allowed to sing the same song again before I received my turn. The repeated postponements and apparent queue changes created an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere, and I felt that the room's attitude toward me became hostile. I cannot speak to the DJ's private intention, but the way the rotation was handled made me feel singled out and deliberately discouraged from performing. The performer name I submit is saved in the system and easily found through autocomplete. It was previously used without difficulty, but this DJ recently began replacing it with a casual nickname I did not submit, particularly when I selected self-uploaded music. The treatment of another performer's self-uploaded music was noticeably more encouraging. On the night of August 12th, That performer repeatedly announced that the song was his, and when the audience was quiet, the DJ initiated applause and encouragement. I do not object to that support. However, the contrast was difficult to ignore when my much more limited mention of a self-uploaded track was met with coldness and reduced attentiveness. I also previously showed this DJ how custom tracks could be uploaded after he asked me about the process with sincere friendliness and My track was already available in the system and required no unusual work from him. I have supported other performers, tipped the hosts, and tried to remain appreciative and cooperative. I first raised my concerns privately rather than confront anyone during the event through a private comment under my Veomo. After comparing multiple nights, these recurring service problems appear connected specifically to the person DJIng on August12/11 2026 I am not asking anyone to be my friend, praise my singing , or unfairly move me ahead of other singers. I am asking for consistent professional service: maintain a fair and predictable rotation, use the performer name I submit, wait for my readiness signal, and handle my track with the same reasonable attention given to others. Tipping should express appreciation for good service--not become something I repeatedly pay in the hope of receiving basic consideration. I hope the hosting team takes this seriously and corrects the pattern. read more

The individual that was working on a Thursday, possibly Wednesday was beyond rude. I make a simple request. It's always been either a rum and coke , Top Shelf or Gin Squeeze. When I had my back turned to chat, the person noticed that the bloke was using bottom! I was specifically asking for Top Shelf! I know that while ButterCup was still on board, he would always prepare it properly! Brit is another individual who mixes the drinks phenomenal! Was it a lack of judgement, or just wanted to try to scif me? Anyways, I haven't been back, nor do I think will! This is Portland, not Vegas or other locations owned by "?" read more

If this place wants to succeed, they need to get better door people. They're RACIST af. Went here with a group on Saturday, and they wouldn't let our asian friend in because "their eyes were too closed." FWIW, they were our designated driver, so they were sober. Then when those of us who had already gone in asked for our cover charge back, they gave us a hard time about it. So while 2 of my friends were arguing with the door people about getting our money back and accusing them of being racist, they pushed our black friend, but not our white friend. Even though they were both arguing. Really?! I know we have a racist president, but that doesn't make this ok. My friends will never be coming back here. read more

Security guard kicked us off the property (which we didnt know it was their property) and said we couldn't re-enter because we were smoking down the block. As people were smoking meth and crack next to us. The apartments next to the building came out to "defend their residences". They were allowed to re-enter and we were not. read more

$25 cover and yall are playing uptown funk like what are we doing. On another note I love the bathrooms

Chicken sandwich had a nice little smoke flavor were too late and service is very quick to it. Amazing music always feels like you're playing just to me, but I'm sure it feels really good to everyone and very energetic love the whole vibe field the disco ball just an amazing field. You feel very magical Much love. read more

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Love this place. Love that there are unisex bathrooms that are well maintained and all of the staff are so kind and great at their jobs. I am only cutting a star because I've had inconsistent pricing for drinks. For example, I ordered 5 doubles during happy hour at the front bar and was charged $98, then ordered the same drinks during happy hour at the bar next to the dance floors during happy hour and I was charged $48. read more

The place was poppin, with people, but lowkey the music was awful. Expect not to shake your a$$

We have wanted to come here since they opened but have not found the time. We finally made it out and were impressed! Loved the lay out of the new place. The rails for the drinks were amazing so we don't have any spills! The bar had enough bartenders so we didn't have a long line for drinks. Drag show was killer and the music after was amazing. Bathrooms are super clean and there are plenty so no long waits thank goodness!!! I have to say good job by security! One guy was being weird to the female dancer and they promptly kicked him out. I was happy to see them stand their ground. read more

I'm glad this queer space was reclaimed when the Embers closed but, despite a nice renovation, the bar sells overpriced drinks and has the same old tired music and "event" nights. read more

The vibe is everything! Me (trans female) and my husband (straight male) literally go here to have fun. We're used to straight scenes but Badlands made us gay. Just kidding lol. They serve good food and drinks! OOOOH! And they can pour! We literally just moved here from LA and everyone- even customers are so welcoming! read more

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This place was hoppin' on Pride. That was the first time I visited. Me and Oscar tried to go on their grand opening but there was a line around the block and we don't do lines like that. But on Pride, we got right in. I did feel a bit of reverse homophobia at the door. The door man didn't seem to want to let me in. He said I appeared visibly drunk. I knew he was full of shit because the only thing I'd been drinking all day was ginger ale. He did relent and let me in. I continued to drink ginger ale but didn't interact with any of the bar staff myself so I don't know how I would have been treated. I did dance with my friends the dance floor is pretty good sized and the music was fantastic. There's a cozy room off to the side of the dance floor with tables and seating where we also hung out. This space is a redesign of the old Embers and they did a really beautiful job with the space. The door guy needs to work on his attitude towards women. 2024 - Review #18 read more

It was great to see a diversity of ages, genders, and races here--not always the case with a gay club. I appreciated that there were different vibes--you could get down on the dance floor or play pool/hang out/hear each other in the bar area. Most notably, though, was watching the staff care for someone who was drunk. They didn't just kick the person out. They stood beside the person outside, gave them a water bottle, and stayed with them while the person sobered up. I've never seen a bar do that before and I think it speaks volumes about the level of care. read more

Should we start with the cons? Here we go - food is very basic! Just some frozen deep fried options to make sure you follow the law. Let's hope this California based team leans about our bars having great food and adjust. Maybe cooperate with a nearby food truck. That said this new lgbtq+ and allies bar has is doors open on this very day June 14th 2024. We have been invited to the soft opening and it was fun. The badlands have a bar in San Francisco's famous Castro and another one in Sacramento . The vibes are really good the bar is gorgeous and spacey. Such a lot of all gender restrooms make sure there should be no problem to get rid of t What the full bar serves to you. A great team of bar tender in all skin colors, ages and gender are helpful when it comes to helping you find the right drink. - when you are into alcoholic. These days I do not understand why there are not way more mocktails or alcohol free drinks available (hint). Money is on the street - just saying. And we hate when there is no ice tea and only fountain drinks. Beverage manager do something about that! That said the badlands is worth a visit come alone or with friends you will connect to others soon - or dance, play pool or just have some chat! The bar is open all week and I wish - besides the bin alcohol drinks - they would consider serving some espresso cause I could easily find me sitting there at 4 pm in the big windows towards broadway! read more

We went here on Friday for the first time and paid a $5 cover charge, we got cocktails along with lemon drop shots and there was a drag show that had just started that we were so happy to get to see!! Dancing afterwards was amazing and the music and vibes were 10/10 read more

Loved the people, the food, and the vibe! It was an amazing experience! Definitely recommend if you're in Portland!

I have been waiting and wishing and hoping for Badlands to open this location since Ember's closed - and - it was worth the wait. Badlands did it right - excellent vibe, really good bartenders, reasonable drinks, great drag show and music sound system. I am never disappointed here and several friends always like to enjoy a night here as well. We all need a good dance floor in our lives - and Badlands delivers. So glad it finally opened! read more

Came from out of town for my friend who was in a drag show! Such a cute space + the dirty martini i had was maybe the best bartini I have ever had in my life read more

Badlands Portland - Dirty Martini with extra on the side ;3 - Gay Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

$20 cover to listen to harry styles. The hotdog stands in front of the club have better music. They also check ID and take a picture of you with a webcam upon entry? read more

If you are traveling do not come here. I have never felt so uncomfortable at a bar! This bar is weird and the vibe is just off. The diversity is to a minimum. The lady selling hot dogs in front had better music read more

I love this place the music was sooooo good! The stuff was amazing the crowd was amazing. Everyone was so nice 10/10

Great vibes great people , honestly the music is great drinks are strong. The only negative thing is Friday and Saturdays there is a drag queen with big plastic fake boobs she is so damn rude to everyone with a " I hate you and my job look" and just creates a sour atmosphere to begin the night. Other than the mean/sour drag queen upfront this place is pretty cool. Ps. The hotdogs upfront are overpriced but delicious lol read more

Badlands Portland - Front door - Gay Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Great place to meet and hang out with friends. Love the Musical Mondays. Nice food and hot bartenders. I like the casual atmosphere.

Had an absolute blast here and the bartender Yonni was a GEM. Love this bar and its staff.

I have epilepsy, and the lights were neither strong nor fast enough for me to raise the seizure threshold. I was able to enjoy a safe, seizure free evening. Woohoo! read more

Everything was actually wonderful only reason for the one star is the rude door person they have. No smile no hi how are you. It was a man with giant earring on and glasses. Just gave attitude asking for our id's. And when we stepped outside for a moment to smoke when we came back in they again gave us negative energy. And just kept looking at there phone and ignored us. I would definitely recommend getting someone else to work the door. read more

This is a cool bar. Clean and the bartenders seem decent. The food is just okay. But it's fried bar food. Not expecting much there. The problem I had tonight is the music was so loud you could barely order. Both sides of the bar. So loud it was uncomfortable. Usually like to have conversations with my friends when we go out. Makes it impossible. So we left. read more

so fun! music was great and everyone looked like they were having a great time Always love a place that can embrace everyone and just have a good time read more

Badlands Portland - haha this is great ! - Gay Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Really nice bartenders in the back dance area. They did a gorgeous job renovating the old Embers bar, and the new digs are sleek and modern without being cold or off-putting. read more

Been going here since it opened. A group of us often gathers on Sundays, used to be at 1pm, but they no longer open at noon on Sundays, they open at 2pm. Just so You know as their hours haven't been updated yet. It all new and it's very nice. Especially in the warmer weather when they slide those big windows open that are on 2 sides. The nicest bathrooms I've seen for some time, very clean, and can accommodate plenty of People, so no lines. Prices are very reasonable and a Big Girl drink (double is only a $2 up charge. The food is just basic deep fryer fare, chicken tenders, cheese sticks, fries, tots, etc. But it'll take care of Your munchies. They have a big dance floor in the back and another 2 station bar. Rails with boxes to set Your drink in all over, so no spilled drinks. Pool tables in the front, a long bar and booth seating as well. All the staff are kind and professional. I always get great service. I highly recommend them! read more

Be prepared to be given the 4th degree upon entry. I was groped while getting a metal detector wand on me something that hovers. I was told to empty my pockets and undo my pants knowing that my pants clearly had multiple zippers and were skin tight meaning there's no way I could smuggle anything in. I then entered where I was met with the ultimatum to either take a photo for their records or let them snap a photo of my id. I did the later and if my information gets compromised I am blaming them directly. This was for a Thursday night mind you. For a free cover and less than 30 people in the venue. I feel I was targeted because I am transgender and of color. As their patrons were mostly all white and gay cis males. I cannot recommend this bar as security didn't give me safety. It would have been something if in the face of crisis I could have trusted them but they all were afraid to even check me in as I disrupted their conversation. read more

always a good time! never look forward to dealing with the big titty drag queen at the door that looks like she hates her life each time, but once i'm past her sour face everything is great! read more

we wanted to finally check out badlands, and did so before the pride parade 7-21-24.....i used to go to the embers back near the virginia cafe in 1977, and when it moved to nw broadway i followed....we spent many hrs seeing the shows up front and dancing in the back for decades...when it closed, portland lost a piece of history.....thx for badlands, you reinvigorated the space and paid homage to the embers lounge......the windows up front are gorgeous and funtional.....we then went to the parade, and returned for a corona and a bloody mary.... .....the place was packed, and the music was pulsating......the space is fabulous, and the staff is very friendly and quick....we sat in the embers lounge talking to folks, and taking it all in..............thx for saving the building and being a great addition to portland.... read more