10 Best Portland Nightlife

Portland never really goes to sleep; it just flips the switch to night mode. When the sun goes down, the city really lights up; there's live music spilling out of venues, cozy little bars that are just coming to life, buzzing clubs that are in full swing, and food trucks that serve up late-night eats that somehow taste even better at the crack of dawn. Whether you're after a chill evening in with the gang or a non-stop night of dancing and noise, Portland's got you covered without any fuss. In this guide to the 10 top Portland nightlife spots, you'll get to see where to go to grab a drink, where to dance the night away, and where to go to still be out and about way past bedtime.

Old Town Chinatown is one of the oldest areas in Portland, and it really comes alive at night. It's just north of Downtown Portland, near the Willamette River. At night, visitors can stroll down streets lined with bars, music venues, and late-night restaurants. There are a whole bunch of nightlife spots clustered on NW and SW streets in this area. Because of the MAX Light Rail stops nearby, getting around at night is pretty easy. And because many historic buildings in the area have been turned into clubs and lounges, you can bet they're going to be open late. As you walk around, you'll see neon signs and street lights lighting up the night.

CC Slaughters is a nightlife staple in Downtown Portland, and it's been that way for a long time. This club has a dance floor, a DJ booth, and a bar area, and at night, you can expect to see regular DJ sets and themed dance nights. It's located near all the other nightlife venues in downtown, so it's an easy stop on a night out. Inside, you'll find all the usual club lighting and music-friendly spaces. They're usually open during the evening and late-night hours, because that's what clubbers like, right? And because of its location, you can easily combine a night out here with a visit to a nearby bar.

So BIZU is a nightlife spot in Downtown Portland, and it's a venue that's definitely geared towards adults only. Inside, you'll find a bar and some comfortable seating, all designed with nighttime use in mind. Visitors tend to come here in the evening, for a drink and some music, and then they might stick around for a bit to socialize. The good news is that BIZU is within walking distance of lots of other nightlife venues, so you can easily hop from one to another. They mainly operate at night, which is what you'd expect from a bar that's designed to be a nighttime destination. In fact, you probably won't see many people here during the day.

Stag PDX is an adult entertainment club in Downtown Portland, and it's a place that's definitely only for grown-ups. They're open at night, with indoor performance stages and some seating areas, and they do have some rules about who can come in. Stag PDX is located near a bunch of other nightlife venues in the centre of the city, so it's another good option if you're looking for something a bit different. It's a club that's been around for a long time, so it's well-established in Portland's nightlife scene, and it's a place that visitors often go to as part of a night out.

Dixie Tavern is a bar and nightclub in Downtown Portland, and it's a place that's basically open from the evening right through to the wee hours. Inside, you'll find a dance floor and a bar area, complete with DJs and themed nightlife events. Because it's located near all the other bars and clubs in the area, you know you're in for a lively night out if you come here. The interior is all designed for club-style entertainment, and because it's downtown, you're not far from a MAX Light Rail stop, so getting there is easy.

Holocene is a happening music venue tacked on to the side of SE Morrison Street in Portland. The place really comes alive at night with live music and DJ events. Most of the action takes place in the evenings, with the venue featuring a proper stage, a decent dance floor, and a comfortable bar area. Holocene's focus is on the sort of electronic, indie, and pop music that gets people moving late at night. To get in, you'll usually need to grab a ticket, and don't expect the lighting and sound to be any good if you're trying to catch a daytime show. This place is all about nightlife, and the crowd of music-lovers that shows up every night is a testament to that.

The Coffin Club is the gothic-themed nightclub in Portland that used to be Lovecraft Bar. Like many of the other nightspots in the city, it's a place that really only comes to life when the sun goes down. The interior is as dark and foreboding as you'd expect, and the music is just as intense, with industrial, goth, and alternative genres getting the most airplay. The dance floor is small but lively, and the bar's always doing a brisk business. Entry is restricted to people 21 and older; no minors allowed. As befits its name, the Coffin Club hosts a bunch of themed nights and has its fair share of DJ sets. The lighting and atmosphere are both designed to keep things going late into the night.

Cassidy's is a restaurant in Downtown Portland that just happens to double as a bar and dining spot in the evenings. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat and a drink late in the day. The interior's got a bunch of bar seating and some tables for people who want to sit down, and Cassidy's is perfectly situated near all the theaters and nightlife spots in the area. If you're looking for a place to get some food or drinks late at night, Cassidy's is a great choice; it's a lot more laid-back than some of the other nightspots in town. The fact that it stays open later than most daytime restaurants is a definite plus.

The Alibi is a tiki bar in North Portland that's been around for decades, and for good reason. The place is a blast from the past, with its tiki-style décor and regular karaoke nights. If you're a fan of loud music and cheap drinks, this is the place for you. The interior's got all sorts of tropical decorations, and there's even a stage where the karaoke performers can get up and show off their skills. The Alibi's open most nights until the wee hours, making it a top destination for anyone looking to let loose and have some fun. The bar itself serves up all sorts of cocktails with a tropical twist, and the karaoke doesn't stop until the crowd does.

Baby Ketten Klub is a Portland nightlife venue that's all about the electronic music scene. The place is small but always packed, thanks to its regular DJ events and focus on techno and underground electronic genres. If you're a fan of club music, this is the place to be, especially if you're looking for something that'll keep you dancing all night long. Events usually start late in the evening and go into the late-night hours, with the lighting and sound systems set up to create an immersive club experience. Entry is restricted to 21+, and the crowd is usually pretty into the electronic music scene. It is one of the best things to do in Portland at night!

In a nutshell, Portland has clubs, bars, music venues, and late-night spots for every kind of night out. Best nightlife in Portland makes it easy to enjoy the city after dark.

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