The Best of Portland Nightlife

As you might expect, Portland has a thriving nightlife. You can hang out at any number of bars, enjoy live music nightly, and visit some of the best comedy clubs in the country.

Three of the most popular Portland nightlife districts or areas are Northeast Portland, the Pearl District, and Old Town Chinatown (where Portland's Entertainment District is located.)

1. Northeast Portland (and North Portland) has a variety of great after-hours attractions. In particular, Mississippi Avenue is well known for its quirky bars and fantastic live music venues.

2. The Pearl District is an artsy upscale area with nightlife locations that reflect the district's chic reputation.

3. Old Town Chinatown is Portland's oldest area and the city's original downtown. It has an exciting entertainment district and some of the best bars in the city.

All three areas are close to Piedmont Vacation Rental. Northeast Portland is about three miles away, Pearl District is a little over three miles, and Old Town Chinatown is five miles away. They're great for enjoying the Portland nightlife downtown.

You can also visit the following districts, which are within 12 blocks of our Portland vacation rental: Alberta Arts District, Williams District, Historic Mississippi District and Dekum Triangle.

Below, we've listed some of our favorite locations for enjoying everything Portland has to offer after-hours. 

Helium Comedy Club

The Helium Comedy Club is a renowned stand-up comedy club that has featured some of the best known performers in the country, including Dave Chappelle, Damon Wayans, and Joe Rogan. The club also regularly features up-and-coming local talent. Laugh your gut out at the nightclubs in Portland, Oregon that are similar to this one.

Note that the club has a two-item minimum per person in the showroom (two drinks, drink and appetizer, etc.). Also, you'll need to order from your table. A walk-up bar is not currently available.

Area: Central Eastside district
Distance: 4.1 miles south
Travel time: 13 minutes
Typical hours: Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Holocene

Holocene, in business since 2003, is one of Portland's best music venues and nightclubs. The building is a converted auto-parts warehouse, with over 5,000 square feet of space and soaring 25-foot ceilings. The building allows for over 300 guests, so you can experience the best nightlife in Portland with a variety of personalities. Music can vary from techno to folk. Holocene also has great dance parties and multimedia parties. You can also order a variety of food and drinks, including tacos, grilled vegetable salads, wine, and beer.

Area: East Portland
Distance: 3.9 miles south
Travel time: 13 minutes
Typical hours: Daily from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Kickstand Comedy

Kickstand Comedy is a non-profit organization that showcases some of the best comedians Portland has to offer. The Portland club has weekend showcases, community events, and even offers comedy classes. They host weekly, monthly, and quarterly shows that make for a great Portland Friday night. Note that, if you want to try one of their comedy classes, call ahead. They do tend to sell out, at times.

Area: Near Pearl District
Distance: 3.6 miles south
Travel time: 12 minutes
Typical hours: Daily from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Mississippi Studios

Mississippi Studios, located a short distance from Piedmont Vacation Rental, is one of Portland's most popular music venues. Owned and operated by musicians, Mississippi Studios hosts internationally known acts, as well as local musicians. Snap your fingers to the live music in Portland there. (Before attending an event, check to see if it is general admission or seated. General admission is first-come first-serve for all standing and seated locations.)

When you visit Mississippi Studios, you can grab a meal at their Bar Bar patio. They have excellent burgers, fries, and other selections. Check out this place if you're looking for fun things to do in Portland nightlife.

Area: Near Northeast Portland
Distance: 1.7 miles southeast
Travel time: 6 minutes
Typical hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM

Multnomah Whiskey Library

Multnomah Whiskey Library is probably the most famous whiskey bar in Portland. This upscale lounge features hundreds of drink selections. You're surrounded by brick walls, expensive furniture, formally dressed servers, and a roaring fireplace. While Multnomah Whiskey Library has excellent food and a wide selection of drinks, most folks come for the whiskey. Have an eventful time at this Portland, Oregon nightlife venue. Note that reservations are required.

Area: Near Old Town Chinatown
Distance: 4.8 miles south
Travel time: 10 minutes
Typical hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 3:00 PM to 11:15

T.C. O'Leary's

T.C. O'Leary's is a classic Irish pub, just down the street from Piedmont Vacation Rental. You can enjoy Irish cuisine and drinks in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, which is why it's a big part of the nightlife in Portland. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the bar features live entertainment from various musicians. (Everything from traditional Irish music to country-and-western to Brazilian.) Prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent.

Area: Near Northeast Portland
Distance: 1.9 miles east
Travel time: 6 minutes
Typical hours: Daily from 4:00 PM to 10:PM. Brunch on Sunday.

The Fields Bar & Grill

The Fields Bar & Grill is a well-known sports bar in Portland's iconic Pearl District. The bar has 13 HD TVs featuring a variety of sports. They regularly have 12 craft beers on tap, a full service bar, and a wide selection of lunch and dinner items. You can also enjoy interactive sports entertainment at The Fields Bar & Grill.

Area: The Pearl District
Distance: 3.5 miles southeast
Travel time: 11 minutes
Typical hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM