- CRUNKENSPIN: It looks like the dirty-drawered people of Portland are finally getting a drunken laundromat. As reported last week at wweek.com, owner Morgan Gary has applied for a liquor license for Spin Laundry at 740 N Fremont St., near North Mississippi Avenue, advertised as an âeco-friendly laundromat, bar & cafeâ with washing machines that text you when your wash is almost done. The tap list looks sincerely minimalist: a pair of brews. But thatâs two more than usual. The buildout is under way, with an opening date set for this winter.
- TUBE FOUR: Looks like Tube (18 NW 3rd Ave.) will be getting yet another set of owners, its fourth since it opened 10 years ago as a shiny replica of the London Underground. The onetime punk-DJ dive will continue its transition into the Old Town Fun Zone as itâs taken over by new owners Eric Bowler and Karen Davanzo Bowler, who work for event-DJ procurers the Music Trust. The duct tape holding the place together is going away, however. Eric Bowlerâwho doubles as EDM spinner DJ Evil Oneâtold WW: âThe Tubeâs current demographic is 21, 22. Iâm 35, and a lot of my friends like to go out. Weâll make it nicer so a little older crowd feels comfortable.â
- PAL TO ALL: The Hollywood neighborhoodâs oldest bar, Palâs Shanty, has been closed since being damaged in a Nov. 15 fire. Now, chowder-loving regulars are working to collect funds for out-of-work staff. Though the owners plan to rebuild, it will probably take six months because of the extent of the damage. A large slate of benefit auctions runs through Dec. 2, and donations are being accepted through U.S. Bank or online at gofundme.com. Thereâs more information at facebook.com/pals.shanty.
- LAUGH TRACK: Portlandâs top five standup comics, as determined by a poll of the cityâs comedy community, played to a capacity crowd at the Alhambra Theatre on Nov. 24. A highlight of the show was No. 1 comic Amy Miller first buttering up and then heckling a family who named their child Stellen. âThatâs not even a real name,â she said. âThatâs just two names mushed together.â
WWeek 2015