Scandals’ Friendly Atmosphere Makes Its “Gay Cheers” Reputation Feel Accurate Instead of Eye Roll-Inducing

About as unpretentious as gay bars come, Scandals feels like it inspires anything but its namesake.

(Emily Joan Greene)

1125 SW Stark St., 503-227-5887, scandalspdx.com. Noon-2:30 am daily. Happy hour 4-8 pm daily: $3 wells, $1.50 PBR.

Established: 1979

About as unpretentious as gay bars come, Scandals feels like it inspires anything but its namesake. Friendly staff and even-friendlier regulars make its "gay Cheers" reputation feel accurate instead of eye roll-inducing. A lengthy bar, a small patio and stiff, flavored cocktails make it an easy choice for an end-of-night stop-off point or a pitcher-and-patio hang on warm summer afternoons. Just in time for the latter is a lineup of seasonal frozen libations that include the Ruby Lipstick ($5), a surprisingly complex concoction made from Not Your Father's Fruit Punch and 3 Olives Cucumber Lime Vodka. On a Sunday afternoon, it reads as a sleepy gay dive, but Scandals is well-known for its annual Pride block parties, Tuesday karaoke nights and weekend brunch as well as a party-starting live stage.

by Sylvia Rodemeyer

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.