By David Fones | Contributing Writer
Af ter over 46 years of running as a downtown inst it ut ion, my tea m and I decided to move Portland’s long-time gay bar, Scandals, to the neighborhood. We are now located right on Alberta in the distinctive mustard-colored building which formerly housed a convent and school for St. Andrew’s Catholic Church across the street. It is also the home of the Good Life Wellness Center and Brazilian restaurant Carioca Bowls. We reopened late last year as Scandals EAST (827 NE Alberta St.)
We want Scandals EAST to be a place for family and friends, and the new setting includes spaces for families and young adults as well as a bar (for patrons 21 and older) with signature cocktails, local wines, a rotating selection of draught beer and cider and bottled beer. There is also a petfriendly outdoor patio.
Scandals EAST will be open daily from 4 pm to midnight and serves a healthy affordable dinner menu with fresh and vegan options from 5 to 8 pm. The restaurant is open to minors and the menu features food from New Mexico including dishes like carne adovada (pork slow-cooked in red chile sauce), chicken, black beans, pinto beans, and rice. The concept is simple: build a platter and choose a variety of toppings, such as red or green chile, cilantro aioli, cheese, or pico de gallo. Drinks and desserts are also available.
Many of the traditions that we established at Scandals will continue at Scandals EAST: karaoke, Drag Race, live music, Last Thursday events, art installations, and of course the annual Gay Pride Block Party. We will also continue to raise money for causes that we care about, such as helping organizations like Peacock Productions, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Cascade AIDS Project.
Speaking personally, I have a strong family connection to the new neighborhood. My mother and her sisters used to walk to what is now the Alberta Rose Theater for Saturday movie matinees. In 1982, I graduated from Grant High school and both of my parents were also proud Generals. I bought the Nunnery in 2019, right before Covid hit. Lyle, my partner of 34 years, and I have lived in the neighborhood for 25 years.
The new restaurant/bar is committed to maintaining an expanding safe environment for the queer/LBGTQIA+ community. When I couldn’t stay open downtown, I wanted to create a place in my own neighborhood that would be safe for all members of our rainbow community; a place where no one is outcast; a place for families and friends.
I hope you find us here in NE Portland. Come check out our amazing space!