Queer Bar Crawl: Where to Take Your Situationship, Soulmate, or Wild Card in Portland
We asked, you answered—and wow, did you deliver. Portland's queer scene is stacked with perfect spots to flirt, get weird, or fall accidentally in love. Whether you’re sipping mezcal or a mocktail, it doesn’t matter if you drink or not—we’ve got you covered on your next date night bevy. Here’s the rundown of your favorite bars and what kind of date they’re made for. From DTF dives to "meet the parents" energy, we’ve got your next move mapped.
1. Hey Love
Date vibe: Flirty. Tropical. No expectations, just vibes. You’re here to drink something that tastes like it has 7 herbs in it while locking eyes across a velvet booth. Could be a hookup. Could be your roommate by fall. Who knows? Who cares?
Drink pick: SUMMERS WITH GENEVIEVE
2. Aalto Lounge
Date vibe: “I made you a playlist” energy with a strong whiff of "we’re both sleeping over.” Intimate and moody. You arrived with a date, and left with their ex. No one’s mad about it. The music is good, and so are the intentions (kind of).
Drink pick: AALTO FRENCH 7
3. Blue Bird Tavern
Date vibe: Dingy, dart-throwin’, “let’s make out in the parking lot” energy. You’re not trying to impress anyone. This is beers, jukebox, and cowboy boots. Saddle up, cowgirl—we’re about to get weird.
Drink pick: WHATEVER'S ON TAP
4. White Owl Social Club
Date vibe: Do you like my new haircut? Because I posted it already. You’re here to dance. You’re also here to be seen dancing. This is where things get sweaty in the best way. Bonus points if your date brought a vape and a carabiner.
Drink pick: PINK LOTUS
5. Jackie's
Date vibe: We’re both masc, we’re both watching the game, and suddenly we’re both making out behind the bar. You came for the wings, stayed for the queer chaos. Tailgates > foreplay.
Drink Pick: STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MULE
6. Bellwether
Date vibe: “Want to come back to mine for waffles?” Low-key luxe. Sexy without trying. If your date orders a negroni, just go ahead and start planning the second one (the date, not the drink).
Drink Pick: NO. 74
7. Dear Sandy
Date vibe: Friends? Lovers? Who even knows—but I shaved for this. It’s giving “We’ve DM’d for months and this is finally happening.” Confusing, curated, and hot.
Drink Pick: FIRESTARTER
8. Fish Sauce
Date vibe: We’re slurping noodles and spilling tea. Chill spot with a spicy twist. If your date can handle the heat (literally and emotionally), they’re a keeper.
Drink Pick: VIETNAM MULE
9. Dirty Pretty
Date vibe: Glamour meets mess. You wore eyeliner for this. Cocktails are cute, intentions are vague. You might ghost them after, but you’ll always remember that martini.
Drink Pick: VIBE CHECK
10. Keys Lounge
Date vibe: Karaoke chaos and secret hookups. This is where things get loud. And maybe slightly regrettable. But memorable? Absolutely.
Drink Pick: SANGRIA ANGELICA
11. Someday
Date vibe: You’re gonna marry this one. No games, no chaos. Just good lighting, good food, and a future wife across the table. Bring flowers. Wear your nice shirt.
Drink Pick: NEGRONI SBAGLIATO
Let’s get out there, Portland. Date with intention—or don’t. Just make sure you’re hydrated and someone’s playing Robyn on repeat.
