Love this place! I've been to Badlands so many times, and it's always a great experience. The…read moreservers are awesome, friendly, attentive, and make you feel welcome every time. The food is consistently delicious, and the drinks are amazing too. I've tried different things on different visits and have always been happy with what I ordered. One of my favorite parts about Badlands is the entertainment. I absolutely love the shows they put on. They're fun, energetic, and make the whole experience feel like more than just going out for food and drinks. The atmosphere is always lively and there's something about this place that keeps me wanting to come back. Between the great food, amazing drinks, friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and awesome shows, Badlands has definitely become one of my favorite places to go. I've been here plenty of times already and will absolutely be back again!

So, while Badlands is listed as an LGTBQ+ bar, the majority of the crowd (at least on weekends) is…read morestraight 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.

The best thing to come from SNL in years is, without a doubt, Stefon, the uber-hip club kid and…read moreCity Correspondent on SNL's Weekend Update. His recommendations for things like "family-friendly holiday activities" or Mother's Day brunch inevitably begin with "NY's hottest club is..." and he then goes on to describe completely absurd parties that sound like "visions a dying gay man would have if he was under too many blankets", including all-night secret raves featuring performance art like "human luggage" (midgets on roller skates you wheel through airports). Compare some Stefon skits with the usual descriptions of Blow Pony, and I'll bet my boa you might not be able to distinguish them. After all, BP's got bears, chubs, hawks, cocks, pigs, trannys, queens, shirt lifters, pillow biters, crap stabbers, furries, femmes, and knob shiners. Stefon would feel right at home, especially if it was Teddy Graham Night (you know... men with short arms and big bellies). Blow Pony, a monthly event, was started in 2007 as a place where "all our brothers and sisters felt welcome and loved." They list their primary concerns and involvement as being in queer rights, trans rights, women's rights, and "a search in the dumpster for more trash." There's a big sign at the entrance making it known that if you are racist, homophobic, sexist, or just generally do not like hard-partyin' weirdos, this is not the party for you. The venue itself (Rotture/Branx) is a filthy, hot, sweaty mess, and it does get packed to the gills. You will meet new friends. You will get drinks spilled on you. You will be dripping sweat from head to toe. You will dance with strangers. You will see people of every imaginable body type wearing anything from... well, nothing, to clown suits, to pony costumes, to dominatrix outfits. You will also see people in jeans and tshirts; it's definitely not about the wacky get-ups but those are a bonus. There are generally 4-5 different DJs for each event, both upstairs (Rotture) and downstairs (Branx), frequently out-of-town guests and some local celebs. There's a no-frills bar on each level, pouring beer and simple mixed drinks in plastic cups. The bathroom lines get insane. Just past the pinball machines on the upper level, there's a rickety old deck that I cannot believe has not been shut down yet. It gets so goddamned hot in the party, everyone pours onto the deck, and you can feel the damn thing swaying, like it's going to give out any second. It overlooks the Tazo tea factory, which gives off a most wonderful aroma, thank God. I've seen some wicked crazy shit at these parties. I don't really have a more eloquent way to put that. Once, a woman on stage in a hot teal corset threw a chain around my neck. I found out later it was a famous singer that I didn't recognize. At the last BP I attended, I got motorboated, on stage, by a woman in red underpants, and danced with a man dressed as a skunk. This was moments before we convinced an especially attractive but normally shy friend of ours to ascend the go-go dancer platform. Clothing was removed, and that's probably as much as I should say. Five stars for the enthusiasm and for Keeping Portland Weird, though I could break that down to less for some of the trickier aspects of these events, like the super-long lines, icky bathrooms and occasionally less-than-stellar DJs. BUT, I still go with a fiver for the general wacky experience. There is a good time to be had here, people. When the DJs are good, they are very good. One of my favorite Stefon bits - "New York's hottest club is Twice... where you will be greeted at the door by a Rabbi that looks like Joaquin Phoenix... and human fire hydrants. You know, it's that thing when high-waisted midgets have, like, the red pants and the big ass." Or, even better - "New York's hottest club is Creep... lights, psychos, furbies, and screaming babies in Mozart wigs." I wouldn't put any of those things past Blow Pony, no sir. If Bill Hader, the gifted actor who plays this Stefon gentleman ever comes to town, I will make it my personal mission to get him to attend, solely for more (and non-fiction!) material for the skit. It's a helluva good time and one of about 178764 reasons I love Portland, where this kind of debaucherous behavior is not only normal, but welcomed and encouraged. We are blessed, dear reader. Blessed by the Pony. Psst: If you haven't seen a Stefon skit, here's an example http://www.mediaite.com/online/bill-haders-stefan-struggles-to-keep-a-straight-face-on-weekend-update/

I love this place. Let me validate, I am straight. this is a great place to go and dance when…read morefeeling asexual. My tip if you are a man get drinks on the bottom floor. Ladies top floor. Stick with that and you get strong pours. Music is a letdown. Wish they went with a rivethead/industrial/punk mix. My friends make fun of over half of the music played.

Fun spot to quench your thirst while walking around Portland, OR! Great service! A cheerful…read morebartender whipped up a delicious beverage for me! Agreeable price to boot! WOULD 100% RETURN! --No food review as I did not order an item.--

Only giving it a three for the security guard up Front and…read morebartender Adam everyone else is a chop. Most of the dancers are str8 and can barely move and they be lying.

Good drinks like really good! If you know you know…read more CC Slaughters is a longstanding lgbtq+ bar meets lounge nightclub in Old Town Portland. It's definitely a place to enjoy and end up if you enjoy the night seen. I've been lucky enough to visit both the location in Puerto Vallarta and this one circa 2018. We enjoyed the lounge and drinks before making our way from their Rainbow Room way into the NightClub which is a mix of everything. Still the best Lemon Drop I've had to date! It didn't really get busy until late here - like midnight, which is wild for weekend. All the security and staff were personable and they had a cool drag show we caught most of. Some fun themed nights/days, including Piano Karaoke, TRANS-UHH-LICIOUS, Comedy Nights, etc. It does seem like most of their on-goings happen before 10pm, w/ live DJs for the late late crowd. Completely different their cousin location in Mexico. There's a food menu of mostly bar style eats (like taquitos, tenders, jalapeno poppers, corn dogs and my go to Meatless Nuggets w/ tots or fries). Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, pool tables and great mood lighting. It's a pretty walkable area overall, but definitely recommend those 24 hr parking garages if driving in or passing through. Rideshare is also fairly easy in the area also. The MAX light rail and local transit service usually end by midnight most days, even on weekends. Cheers to coming back soon #FlashbackFriday

I'm saddened to hear they're closing soon, but I took my first trip here and it was spectacular!…read moreThe whole place is decorated in a set theme (this time it was a black light jungle) and the ambiance is incredible. The bars are well stocked and their drinks were really good, though the line can get a bit long at times. The bartenders and waitstaff were always polite and I never felt rushed or uncomfortable. The show and the visit in general was something I'll never forget. What a truly magical place.

Good atmosphere amazing drinks and dancers laid back cool people b…read more Show me your o faces

I was in Portland for a conference and made a point to check out STAG PDX to soak in some local gay…read moreculture. I'm really glad I did. From the moment I walked in, the vibe was welcoming and fun. I was greeted by Alex, a tall, stunning bartender who was in his first week on the job and still learning the ropes. You never would've known it, though. He was charming, warm, and somehow remembered both my name and my drink every time I came back to the bar. That kind of care goes a long way, especially when you're traveling solo. The dancers were honestly impressive . Every performer clearly put thought and intention into their routines. One of the performers, Lynx, really stood out to me. I assumed they were non-binary and Latinx, and later learned their name. Their presence and performance were powerful and memorable. I'm from Chicago and go to my local go-go bar pretty regularly, but I have yet to see the kind of diversity in talent that I experienced at STAG. Bodies, genders, expressions, cultures--it was all there, and it was celebrated. I'm really glad I stopped in. Spaces like this matter. If our community had more places that truly showcased the beauty of our diversity the way STAG does, I genuinely believe it could change the world--at least a little. P.S. Atticus is so friendly and worth getting a lap dance from.

I've always had a great time at the Eagle Portland. The staff are friendly, it's in a fun/funky…read morespace, and the make great cocktails for a reasonable price! I can't wait to go back!

Disappointing beyond belief!…read more We're a maintained middle aged couple; not high maintenance and have joyfully experienced many Eagle type bars around the country. After repeated visits this summer, we're not be returning and here's why. DJ's are totally out of touch; music sucks! Small oddly configured dance floor area with very few people ever dancing. No gogo's/dancers/strippers. Lack of staff; two bartenders on prime nights with lines 20 deep? Not the frisky environment that you'd associate with an Eagle. Clientele generally not friendly nor looking to meet new people. Inside is hot and stuffy. A lot of overly effeminate guys, actual females & unidentifiable genders. We want to support it but every time we leave disappointed; no more.

Had our favorite cider (sun of a peach) and was a great atmosphere. Going to add this into our…read moreweekly date night rotation!

From the owner: BDSM Brewing Company makes no nonsense beer. You won't ever find a chicken wing or a donut in our…read morebeer recipe, just good clean ingredients. We love to cater to the LGBTQIA++ Community, ask us about hosting your events here.

Good food and a great safe space for queer and straight people alike. The drag shows are fun, they…read morehave dancing and the owners support all of the shows that come through their stage.

Music karaoke dancing and good food! The staff is great and I feel so comfortable here.read more

AMAZING !!!!! The vibes here are so welcoming and fun, all lit up and colorful and shiny. There are…read moreso many good music videos on the TVs, and so many nice clips of late night hosted events full of happy guests. The folks that both work here and eat and drink here are so inviting and kind, and you can tell there's a huge sense of community here. The food... genuinely some of the best pizza i've ever had! My friend and I shared the Pesto Pizza, as well as the chicken and waffles and they were both amazing. We only stopped by on a road trip, but Xanadu might have my heart, and I already can't wait to be able to come back again ! :)

In a quiet town on the coast of Oregon, an unassuming bar hides away a secret: it's the best gay…read morebar on the Western coast. Beyond the rolling fog of the Pacific and tucked within the historic charm of Astoria, lies a sanctuary of pure and unadulterated (maybe a little bit of adulterated) perfection. It is called Xanadu, and it is quite possibly the most beautiful display of queer community I have seen in years. I have traveled across the nation and spent time in countless queer spaces from coast to coast, yet Xanadu stands in a league of its own. Imagine a world where the staff and the patrons exist in a state of authentic joy. There is no drama in sight. There are no pretenses. It is a place where people gather for the simple pleasure of a shared laugh and genuine connection. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, but it is the people who truly make it shine. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels like they belong to something meaningful. And then, there is the pizza. It is genuinely quick, thicc and fantastic! It provides the perfect fuel for an evening of celebration. In a world that often feels fractured, Xanadu offers a beautiful symphony of community and warmth. It has earned a permanent place in my heart and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone seeking a slice of heaven on the coast. If you find yourself in Astoria, do not pass this door by. You might just find the secret to happiness hidden right inside. Special shoutout to Josh and Brandon!!!