I traveled the world with a bar band, and I have performed in venues, big and small. So when I say…read morethat this is one of my favorite venues of all time, I'm comparing it to a lot of places! The showdown is a beautiful piece of Portland history. What was obviously once a country western venue, has turned eclectic, and Portland quality weird. It's old, it's worn, it's beautiful. The sound is excellent, distinct sounds from each instrument even above 90 dB so super props to the sound guy! I thought the menu was great and an exceptional value for a music venue with salty nibbles, and locally made red hot sausages, Also really delicious. Everybody there was super nice, the bartender was quick, efficient and knowledgeable. The seating is not the most comfortable in the world, but I sat there for four hours and barely moved because it was just that much fun. Can't wait to go back and see the next band I can't stop listening to.

It is important to understand what The Showdown is before you attend. While it is a live music…read morevenue, it is mostly open ballroom, with seating around the periphery. Dancing seems to be the priority here. Some would say that The Showdown is a proper honky tonk, but it seems to be a bit more upscale than that description would imply. On my visit, one of the televisions was showing "Star Trek: The Next Generation", which was a fun surprise. Food is available at very reasonable prices. The menu is very small, and the food is nothing spectacular, but it is better than expected. Despite what Google Maps says, parking around here is TERRIBLE. It is all street parking, and not much in close proximity. Staff is FANTASTIC!!! Very friendly, very helpful, very professional. Service is prompt, and there is a fair number of non-alcoholic options. Tuesday nights feature a drop-in two-step dance class if you're interested. The instructors were top-notch, friendly, and great at what they did. There were probably 20 people in the class when I went, and the periphery seating gave me a great vantage point of the instructors and students (I couldn't wrap my head around it, but all participants seemed to be having a great time). The PA system sounded great, and the volume levels were very appropriate for the size of the room (it is nice not to have been deafened by needlessly loud music). The band was the true highlight of the night. They were awesome.

Lingering. That seems to be the best word that comes to mind. Corkscrew is the sort of place that…read moreyou spend time with friends and relax, and just let time drift by. It's an interesting space. It reminds you of an old bookstore or an English pub. The wine selections are quite nice. They feature pours that seem to rotate between the Pacific Northwest and French and Italian destinations. The service is incredibly friendly, and they have a nice selection of small plate foods to share. It's just a great little neighborhood place, and it's kind of a little gem, off the beaten track in its Bybee location.

Cute cozy neighborhood wine bar! Came here after work and had a glass with a small charcuterie…read moreboard. It was actually pretty shareable for 1-3 people needing a snack. Service was so lovely. We went back and ordered a mini wine flight which is maximizing the fun. Plus it was a nice day outside so we sat out there on the patio. Lots of cars drive by but who cares you have your wine! I would definitely go back.

An amazing place to watch a concert. It's a small venue, so there's a Good view from almost every…read moreseat and the sound is great. I will note that the seats are hard and narrow so it is not the most comfortable place for every type of body. The staff are excellent, bartenders are fast, and there are plenty of bathrooms. Try the margarita on tap - it's delicious! Whoever does the booking chooses great bands. I've seen the Indigo Girls and Team Dresch thus far.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! The vibes, the drinks, the old school feeling, the concerts, the roof!!!!!…read more(extra hard on the roof). Such a perfect place to choose the vibe you want. In the summer the roof is great, in the winter going inside for a show is ideal. The workers are so kind and I can't wait for my next visit.

if you've got a moustache, you should be here…read more i do adore the parlour, but i won't drop the "o" in moustache. why take the "o" from moustache and keep the "u" in parlour??? i seriously don't get it. but what i do get is excited for the borderline bizarre variety of shows that occur here. this is a very creativity-oriented venue, combining shows and performances with things like locally made goods and eccentric books and zines. add stumptown coffee, organic teas, and local brews on tap (while the draft selection is rather piddly, they're still a young business, so i'm hoping this will change). throw in some gin & tonic flavored mOustache wax, and you've got yourself a party. i mean, i'm still working on my 'stache, but even if you haven't got one, the parlour is worth checking out. prices are average to slightly above, and open hours are a little hard to determine, so i'd recommend checking their website calendar for show information. it's a rather small space, but it's very cozy and they make it work. it's dimly lit and sometimes pretty loud, but it's not a bad place to hide away for a bit and read a book. i've only been in a few times since the parlour opened, so i hope to update this review with a few more specifics (and perhaps another star??). until then, show the parlour some love and stop in.

From the owner: The Parlour specializes in all-ages, live music and performances, rare and exotic books, and…read moreethnobotanicals. We carry local and hand-crafted goods; knit caps and arm-warmers, jams and teas, and even mustache wax. We strive to promote and enhance the local and sustainable, and help ensure the success of Portland microeconomies. Our venue features the work of local artists, authors, and zinesters. Local microbrews on tap (or bottle), organic teas, and Stumptown coffee are always in stock. Musical performances range from soothing strings, to the furthest reaches of experimental electronic; from psych rock and jam, to solo acoustic and bluegrass. Every weekend highlights a taste of the diverse and wonderful.

Headliners is a lot of fun! It's a huge venue where no seat is necessarily a bad one. You can sit…read moreup in the bar and still have a great view of the stage without it being as loud. The female servers are so nice and attentive. I haven't tried a lot food there but my son loved his nachos. The picture is what he ordered completely missing some of the best ingredients they offer but he's 11.

This place is really cool, a lot bigger than it looks, great, large bar and plenty of seating. The…read morelocation was the only turn off for me, and it kinda reminded me of a strip mall situation. Big dance floor and music was great. I would come here again, but keep in mind that it seemed like most seats are paid and tables in the front, I believe have a minimum purchase requirement, but not a big deal if in a large group. Worked for me, but not saying it will for you, but I got there quite late once the main band was already playing and they let me right in, no charge. Guess it pays to be nice and look confused, lol.

Came out for live music that did not disappoint! I really enjoy a good divey aesthetic and…read moreLaurelthirst had plenty of it. The older gentleman at the door was welcoming and kind, and very apologetic that the door fee was cash only (tip - bring cash or you'll have to walk a couple blocks to the plaid pantry for atm access). The food we ordered was good (burgers and fries), the bartender seemed a little annoyed or bothered in general, maybe he was having an off night, so he wasn't the friendliest person but he poured cold beer and put our orders in correctly so there's that. Come for the live music and divey aesthetic, and you'll leave feeling quite satisfied! Oh, and parking was a little meh considering the area.

The venue is a little long and skinny and the seating is not designed for the stage. The vibe is…read morevery casual and 30 something. Very friendly and enthusiastic crowd. GREAT music. Good beer selection. Never been disappointed.

Terrific place for live music! Emancipator was awesome…read moreThey have an open floor right up to the stage Also have a large lounge room right next to the stage Clean and classy place Lighting was amazing Service was great Will definitely make this one of my regular music spots

Kooky old school dance/rave/DJ place, downstairs (don't fall down). We loved the vibe and the…read moremusic. The dance floor gets crowded, but that's why you're there so have fun! The crowd is mixed young and old, meat-market and just there to dance. We had a good time! And I love the self service water stations - to the right of the bar

Historic venue that has been VERY nicely reworked to current needs/purposes. The bones still tell a…read morestory- and that aspect was sincerely appreciated. The space is easily navigable. The sound is far better than expected. Edited the review per venue request ;)

Great new venue in Portland. Sound system and lights are amazing. Security is great, lots of space…read moreto dance & multiple bars. Definitely check them out!

I'm always excited to try a spot out. A friend was in from out of town and set us all up to meet at…read morehappy hour here. I am just grateful they decided that the interior was too loud so they were all outside. To get into the bar and order anything means you have to walk up a very steep staircase. I figured I would just wait to beg someone to order something but no one ever came out. My friend said he felt terrible too since another friend could not come at all since he is in a wheelchair. I get that a lot of these older buildings are not ADA friendly. I just kept thinking the name is sort of ironic.

I came here to see a comedy show on a Monday night in their basement. It is $10 cover cash or…read morevenmo. There is plenty of seating downstairs but you might not be able to see the comedians on stage. Slightly annoying but double. The cocktails were hit or miss. I got a not so spicy paloma and a mule. Next time I want to stop by and check out the upstairs so I can play some pool. Note there is street parking which is nice.

I don't think they serve any food here, just drinks. The…read moredrinks were good, strong. But the place you order at is weirdly sandwiched between the (raised) seating area and dance floor. When the line gets long it feels like you're blocking the front entrance. We stayed at our table (maybe ten feet from the front counter) and the waitress gave my sister a hard time for grabbing us a round of drinks. Wouldn't sell her three drinks with us right there (mind you we all three went up and showed ID with the first round, and showed ID to get in). I had to come down, and be standing next to her to say, "yes, the second drink is for me." Which was super weird. There is sometimes a cover, no cover when we went this evening which was a fun surprise. It was my first time coming but my sister (in the photo) had been here quite a few times before. The music is great, they mix it up quite a bit, but it never stops. It does get warm in there, and when we first arrived we were assaulted with the smell of body odor... I hate to say it but after a few minutes you stop noticing it. They have a super cool vending machine that has all different types of fun items for purchase. I would definitely come back if I was out in the area!

Made a visit out of recommendation and found myself really excited to visit a Portland goth bar…read more The person who handled the ID check was welcoming and even participated in some playful banter, the good vibes were high. That immediately was swiped when we encountered probably the most sour bartender I've ever encountered. I never got their name but they had blonde burnt to a crisp hay style blonde hair. It was like it was an inconvenience that we ordered a drink and they had to do their job. Left after one drink because they ruined the vibe and destroyed what could have been a solid experience. Huge bummer because it seemed like such a fun place.