Portland may be one of the most lesbian friendly towns in North America. Kiss your sweetie in public and you’re likely to be told to, "get a room." For such a small city, there’s so much for every sort of lesbian to do here, you probably ought to book an extra day or two. And why not? It’s less expensive than either San Francisco or Seattle. Come between June and October to avoid the rain.
Where to drink:
The Egyptian Club: Portland’s best known lesbian bar, follow the ivy to enjoy karaoke, Monday Night Football and showings of “The L Word,” as well as drinks and DJs. Open your mind and meet all your sisters here.
Vino Vixens: A wine bar for women, you’ll find hip young things and comfortable couples. Grab a couch, watch a movie or play pool with your best girl.
Holocene: A hip joint for young lesbians and their friends to enjoy music by local artists and regular DJs. Dress up, get a stiff drink and stay out late.
Stumptown Coffee: Because sometimes you have to recover from the club, there’s Stumptown Coffee. You’ll never get a bean more than a day old.
Where to eat:
Zell’s: An American Café: Truly a standout in a town known for great breakfast dining. Check out the blackboard for Judith’s Specials.
Mother’s Bistro: Open early for breakfast on the avenue, this classy bistro is a celebration of womanly love and comfort food taken to the elegant extreme.
Le Happy: In addition to a full bar with delightful cocktails, choose from savory or sweet crepes. Exotic people, young and old, are found here all night long.
Old Wives’ Tales: Communal dining with natural flair, this cozy place serves hearty meals for the whole gang. Cute kid warning!
Saint Cupcake: You’ll find Portland’s first cupcakerie full of downtown office lesbians any day of the week as well as the finest little cakes in town.
Where to play:
Forest Park: The largest urban park in the United States, this is truly the urban woods. Hike, run, ride or just watch the birds.
Triangle Productions: Portland’s exclusively gay theatre company performs all over town. Known for over-the-top productions, they’ll make you laugh ’til you pee your pants.
Chinese Garden: The most diverse classical Chinese garden in the US, this one is also open all year. Visit the Tao of Tea room and relax.
Suki’s: Sing out loud to Portland’s largest selection of songs with strong drinks and the occasional theatre troop. Dick is your KJ — bring ALL your gay friends.
Where to stay:
Mark Spencer: This well-appointed downtown institution caters to men and women who pay attention to detail. Sometimes a bit noisy, it’s always full of the most interesting folks.
Hotel Lucia: Appointed with design in mind, this fully renovated hotel, just blocks from Pioneer Square, offers every amenity with cheeky candor.
Jupiter Hotel: Located on the Eastside, this hipster hotel has a nightclub downstairs and thick walls. The hip, modern design attracts a swingin’ clientele. Be sure to write your name on the door.
White Eagle: Why not take in the local indie-rock scene and spend a night in a genuine saloon? With very reasonable rates, just a block from the MAX line, this McMenamins hotel is perfect for a long night of music.
Where to shop:
Saturday Market: For over 25 years, crafty Portland has gathered at the Skidmore Fountain. Open every Saturday and Sunday, March to December.
Goddess Gallery: Feel the power that is woman at this store, dedicated to the feminine divine in her many and varied forms.
In Other Words: A forum for lesbian minds and bodies, specializing in radical feminist thought and women’s literature.
Gold Door: A seriously diverse collection of jewelry, art and gifts, just off Hawthorne, this store could entrap you for hours.
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