This dark, moody club offers lush environs and a fascinating line-up of events. If you want to drink, that's easily taken care of, and there's even food for late-night noshing. Depending on the night you attend, you may find karaoke, live music performances (often rock or heavy metal), vaudeville and comedy shows, and an adult cabaret/burlesque that features strippers and fire dancers. The offerings may not be to everyone's tastes, but the place has developed quite a following nevertheless.
Comfortable and accommodating, this two-level club is gaining favor with a variety of Portland's residents. The lower-level venue has an allure all its own, thanks to relaxed seating, subtle colors and great music. Depending on the night you're around, you'll find live musicians, a rocking jukebox or DJs playing all sorts of danceable tunes. Jazz, soul, rock, reggae and hip-hop tempt patrons to get out of their booths and show the crowds their best moves. In between sets, you're free to shoot pool, play darts or just nurse a cold brew. A great gathering place, with both local microbrews and national/international beers on tap, plus a wide assortment of bottled beers, wines and lambics.
The Crystal Ballroom occupies the upper floor of an entertainment complex that also houses Lola's Room (a smaller live music and dancing venue) and Ringler's Pub (food, drinks, and pool). The structure premiered in 1914 and has hosted the likes of the Grateful Dead, B.B. King, Jefferson Airplane, and Buffalo Springfield. These days, you'll find a host of popular regional and national bands (Liz Phair, Dar Williams, Alien Crime Syndicate), along with dancing on the expansive 7500-square-foot dance floor (which is said to float, thanks to installation on rockers and ball bearings). Food is available, along with McMenamins hand-crafted ales and wines, plus cocktails.
Spare and hip, this celebrated restaurant features subtle coloring, a wealth of mirrors and some of the most stylish pan-Asian cuisine in town. A cool crowd frequents Saucebox and can't seem to get enough of the beautiful, palate-pleasing dishes, which pare Asian cuisine down to its essence. After patrons have sated themselves at dinner, the restaurant transforms into a lounge, complete with music and a great bar scene. Some nights, the DJ spins club tunes and guests move out on the dance floor; other nights, jazz bands play and club-goers sip sake or scotch while they groove to the rhythms. Vodka drinks are also popular, and a bar menu is available until closing time.
