After more than 20 years in operation, Crush Bar, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar on Portland’s east side and one of the city’s oldest, will close at the end of the year, the establishment announced on social media.
The pub said, “We are incredibly grateful to have served our community for 23 years and would like to thank our wonderful staff and loyal patrons for everything.” Before we leave, we would love to visit you.
Crush was a novel type of LGBT bar when it first debuted in 2001 at 1412 S.E. Morrison St. It featured a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, a primarily vegan menu, and a reasonably priced wine list. It wasn’t C.C. Slaughters.
Crush has already stated that a closure is looming. In late 2023, the bar announced on social media that it would be closing at the end of the year. Eater PDX claims that a staff member’s investment prevented that closure for the time being.
After two years of operation, Sissy pub, another LGBTQ+ pub on the same block, closed at the end of October. On the west bank of the Willamette River, LGBT clubs and bars have also seen transformation. After a six-year break, the venerable LGBTQ+ dance club Embers Avenue was replaced earlier this year by Badlands Portland. Additionally, well-known drag club Darcelle XV’s Showplace declared Monday that it would continue to operate under new management.
After its final day of operation on Tuesday, December 31 at 1400 S.E. Morrison St., Crush Bar will close.
Russell, Michael; [email protected]
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