Longtime downtown Portland gay bar is now Scandals East

After over 46 years as a downtown institution, Portland’s long-time gay bar, Scandals, has moved to NE Alberta and opened as Scandals East. Scandals East is located at 827 NE Alberta in the distinctive mustard-colored building which has been 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, Acai for the Soul.

The new restaurant/bar is committed to maintaining and expanding a safe space for the queer/LBGTQIA+ community. Scandals East will operate daily from 4 - midnight and serve a healthy, affordable dinner menu with fresh and vegan options from 5 - 8. The owners 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 with signature cocktails, local wines, a rotating selection of draught beer and cider, and bottled beer. Scandals East will share the space with Carioca Bowls, which will operate from 9 - 3. There is also a wonderful pet-friendly outdoor patio.

The restaurant is open to all, regardless of age, and the menu is simple, healthy, affordable, fast, and tasty. New Mexican food is featured on the menu. Enjoy carne adovada (pork slow-cooked in red chile sauce), pollo, 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 dessert are also available.

“I love Scandals. When I couldn’t stay open downtown, I wanted to create a new space in my neighborhood that would be a safe space for all members of our rainbow community. A space where no one is outcast. A space for families and friends. I have a personal connection with the new space. I bought the Nunnery in 2019, right before Covid hit. Lyle, my partner for 34 years, and I have lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. Way back in 1982, I graduated from Grant High School. Both of my parents were also proud Generals. My mother and her sisters used to walk to what is now the Alberta Rose Theater for Saturday movie matinees. I hope you find us here in NE Portland. Come see what an amazing space we have!” said owner, David Fones.

We are committed to continuing the traditions established at Scandals: Karaoke, Drag Race, Live Music, Last Thursday events, Art Installations, and of course the annual Pride Block Party.

We are also committed to providing a safe place for the queer/LBGTQIA+ community. We will continue our partnership with Peacock Productions, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, CAP, and others; Scandals has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity over the last 20 years.

We are fundraising to support the relocation and expansion of Scandals East, ensuring it remains a safe and inclusive space for the queer/LBGTQIA+ community.