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)
By WW Staff

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

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