Badlands Portland

Badlands Portland
The building that houses Badlands Portland in July 2022, prior to the gay bar's opening
Map
Address110 Northwest Broadway
Portland, Oregon
United States
Coordinates45°31′26″N 122°40′38″W / 45.5239°N 122.6773°W / 45.5239; -122.6773
OwnerTJ Bruce
OpenedJune 12, 2024 (2024-06-12)

Badlands Portland, or simply Badlands, is a gay bar in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2024, the bar operates in the space that previously occupied Embers Avenue (1969–2017), in Old Town Chinatown.

Description

The gay bar Badlands Portland operates at the intersection of Broadway and Couch in the northwest Portland part of Old Town Chinatown.[1] The LGBT-owned business[2] hosts disc jockeys and has approximately 40 screens that play music videos. Badlands also hosts a variety of events such as dance parties, drag bingo and shows, karaoke, pool tournaments, trivia, and viewing parties for television shows.[3]

History

Badlands Portland occupies the space formerly held by Embers Avenue, a renowned LGBTQ+ nightclub that operated from 1969 until its closure in 2017.[4] In January 2018, owner TJ Bruce acquired the building, initiating extensive renovations to modernize the venue while preserving its historical essence.[5] Badlands opened on June 12, 2024, during Pride Month.[6] The bar is part of the chain Splash, which is based in California.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Downtown Portland's Newest LGBTQ+ Bar, Badlands, Will Finally Open Next Week". Willamette Week. 2024-06-07. Archived from the original on 2024-06-09. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  2. ^ Ferrannini, John (June 3, 2024). "SF Badlands LGBTQ nightclub to be run by new company". The Bay Area Reporter. Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Profenna, Chiara (2024-06-11). "Badlands opens in former Embers space, giving Portland a new LGBTQ+ venue". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2024-06-11. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  4. ^ "End of an Era: Embers closes doors permanently". KATU. March 31, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  5. ^ Raineri, Joe (June 12, 2024). "Gay bar returns to Northwest Portland with new name". KGW. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  6. ^ Cozart, Josh (June 12, 2024). "Badlands Portland, new LGBTQ+ space revives old Embers location". KOIN. Retrieved November 18, 2024.