The great Ron Swanson once said, “Never half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing.” Clearly, Swanson was referring to date night with this gem of a quote. Believe me when I…
It’s the vegan weekend, baby
It’s late. You’re drunk. You’re vegan. Here’s some of the best vegan-friendly bar stops you should know about! Less harm, less guilt. More yum, more fun. $ —Each item is…
Bar fatigue
Suffering from bar fatigue? Need a different type of entertainment? Tired of sitting on a bar stool with little to occupy yourself? Here are some alternative options to make the most of…
Bacon in the dark of night: stories from the Hotcake House
It’s early Wednesday morning. Like really, really, early—1:30 a.m. early and I’m walking toward the iconic sign on the right side of Powell Boulevard going east. If you’ve been in…
Screaming at books: Alison MacLeod’s ‘All the Beloved Ghosts’
Alison MacLeod’s All the Beloved Ghosts is a collection of short stories that blur the lines we traditionally expect from fiction, biography, and memoir. It is a journey spanning continents,…
Vérité, Betty Who and the State of Pop Music 2017
Concert Etiquette Before we talk about Vérité or Betty Who, let’s take a refresher on concert etiquette. Dear Washington Squares and Lloyd Center frumpkins: When you get one of the…
I’m board! Suggestions for a night in playing board games
Going out can be a hassle. From dealing with cover charges, overpriced drinks, blaring music that you have to yell over just to have a conversation, and people in general,…
Portland improv nights
Are you heading out for a night on the town, but you’re not sure how to get your kicks? Why not check out Portland’s growing improv comedy scene? There are…
Bridgetown Comedy Festival: a summer camp of comedians
The Portland-born Bridgetown Comedy Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary May 4–7. The event will kick off with a performance by Patton Oswalt on May 2 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The…
Now showing: ‘Colossal’
To riff on the movie’s title (as every other reviewer certainly will), Colossal was colossally and pleasantly unexpected. Of course, seeing any film without having watched the trailers or read the…
How to not drink in drinking spaces
There’s no shortage of drinking spaces in Portland. From restaurants, bars and clubs to concerts, events and parties, Portland seems like a drinking city. But for those who’d rather experience…