The Whiskey Bar has concentrated on bringing a more urban, underground vibe to Portland's night scene, while still retaining the swift, attentive service and modern amenities of today's clubbing experience. Top tier electronic acts, soul bands, hip hop DJ's, and rock shows bring an eclectic mix of music lovers to The Whiskey Bar. The owner has worked hard to craft an 'underground' vibe, the club is anything but what one would expect from an 'underground' venue. State of the art sound, visual, and lighting systems create a top-notch clubbing experience without the nature of Las Vegas or South Beach. The Whiskey Bar's got a little bit of everything you're looking for and a whole lot more.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Whiskey Bar is a good place to go dancing in downtown Portland.
Meagan's expert tip: To see which DJ is spinning check their website.
Church is a funky community-oriented experience with a Roman Catholic theme. They've created an interactive experience born of communion, making Church much more than your average local watering hole. Here you will find a cheeky confession booth that happens to be a photo booth. Despite the small space, people are always up and dancing and there is usually a DJ. Occasionally, they have a karaoke night. Depending on what is happening on a particular night, the cover can start at $5 and go up from there. One little oddity here is a breathalyzer. They have one the customers can use to reduce drunk driving.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Church is an awesome little bar in Portland, where people like to go dancing.
Meagan's expert tip: Check out the confessional! It's a photo booth.
At night this taqueria turns into a salsa and bachata club on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday each week. At least once a week they offer lessons. On the nights they do not have salsa they offer another type of dancing like mambo, cumbia, or merengue along with a lesson. They have a dance schedule on their website with times and dance types. The cover charge to get in fluctuates between $7 - $10. They have a full menu focused on Mexican food made with fresh ingredients including tacos, burritos and an excellent cocktail menu with killer margaritas. They also have 12 beers on tap.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Aztec Willies is one of the top places in Portland to go salsa dancing.
Meagan's expert tip: Don't forget, they only offer salsa dancing three nights a week. The rest of the week, it's a taqueria only.
Trio Club is a +21 nightclub, restaurant, and bar with a swanky Las Vegas vibe. Plus, it has a Karaoke Lounge. They have food available to go alongside a beer or cocktail. They do not offer well drinks, but with original cocktails like the Dragonfly made with SKYY ginger-infused vodka, Firefly sweet tea vodka, and fresh lemon juice you will easily find something else to drink for the night. They have two separate dance rooms one playing current hits and the other playing Latin music. Trio Club has a monthly karaoke contest for money and happy hour during the week from 3-7. To find out what events Trio Club has coming up, visit their website.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Trio Club is the closest thing to a Vegas night club you can find in Portland, Oregon.
Meagan's expert tip: On Wednesdays Trio Club offers free couple and line dance lessons at 7:30 P. M..
Dirty is one of Portland's hottest dance club in Chinatown! The dance floor is equipped with 17 dance poles, so if you want to get crazy this is the place. There are actually two large rooms for dancing, so you are never too crowded. Each room has there own kind of music and there is a different DJ spinning each room. They host nightly events every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday like booty-shaking contests. Get there at opening if you want to enjoy the happy hour. Dirty has tables that you can reserve in advance, including VIP areas with their own dance poles.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Dirty Nightlife is a non stop dance party in downtown Portland.
Meagan's expert tip: The bouncers are strict, do not upset them or you will be leaving quickly.
The Barrel Room prides itself on its original cocktail creations and delicious sharable food, like fried pickles. Inside you will either find a DJ, dueling pianos or a live band. Outside on the patio, you will find yourself in a relaxed outdoor dance club much like a backyard frat party. During the winter months they put up a huge tent and the dance party continues. They play mostly top 40 hits. They do take advance reservations for tables on their Facebook page. Their Facebook page is also a great place to stay updated on the theme nights like karaoke and 80's night.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Barrel Room is a unique place to go dancing with its indoor and outdoor dance areas.
Meagan's expert tip: If you are planning on dancing out on the patio rethink the high heels the floor is uneven.
Portland bar-goers looking to dance into the wee hours often end up here: Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom. Located on the second floor directly below the Crystal, Lola's Room is home to the famous Friday night 80s Video Dance Attack, where patrons dressed in 80's garb hit the floor and dance to favorites by classic 80s icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson. Other DJ'ed dance events are held here, too, but the 80s night is most popular. Lola's Room is also famous for it's floating floor. The trampoline-like effect makes it feel like your bouncing while you dance.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Lola's room has the only floating dance floor in Portland.
Meagan's expert tip: Go on 80's night and be sure to dress up.
Holocene is a 21+ bar, dance club, and venue all rolled into one. On almost all weekend nights they offer high energy dance parties, including themed dance parties, on their two dance floors. On Saturday's it is usually Booty Bassment, a hip hop party. They always serve some type of alcoholic slushie as the drink of the day, like green tea-vodka-mint-honey or vodka, strawberry, lemonade, and black pepper. There cover charge is usually minimal around $3 but can be as high as $12 some nights. As a venue they host a variety of music group. Check their website to see what upcoming bands are playing and what type of dance parties are happening.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: With two dance floors and great DJ's it's a great place to go dancing in Portland.
Meagan's expert tip: By pass long drink lines by heading to the cash only bar in the back.
Chances are high that you've driven right past Division Heights without knowing that inside awaits an awesome multilevel bar. Although it is an event space they have dance nights a few nights a week. Often times these are themed parties like Latin night, an all-white party, Halloween parties, 70's, and more. During a themed night, the cover charge can be hefty. VIP Tables and Bottle service On a nice night, you can enjoy the rooftop bar. Up here you will be able to enjoy sweeping views of the city. Once it gets dark a DJ starts playing and they open a bar with cocktails like Mexcian Mules, spicy margaritas, and Micheladas.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Division Heights always has a fun upcoming dance night in their vibrant space.
Meagan's expert tip: Check their Facebook page where they share upcoming events.