Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns
BOHEMIAN
Roman Wydra owned it from 1969-1973. [Roman also owned The Riptide and other bars in Portland, Oregon.
Per papers called Chronology of Portland’s Gay Bars – author unknown, “an old restaurant/lounge, sold to Roman Wydra in December 1968 – January 1971 – was gay.”
The restaurant was once one of the most popular dining establishments in the city. During its heyday in the 1920s, it was one of Dr. Marie Equi’s favorite hangouts, although at that time, of course, it was not a gay/lesbian establishment. Operated by Roman Wydra from December 1969 to December
1970. Roman’s Bohemian Restaurant or The Bohemian, 910 S.W. Washington. Operated by Roman Wydra from December 1969 to December 1970.
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910 S.W. Washington
[in the Pittock Block between SW 9th/10th]
Years: 1920s – 1973
also known as Roman’s Bohemian
citations & references:
Per the Vector Magazine from San Francisco in November 1969 [page 22] “The Bohemian Restaurant and Lounge, located at 910 SW Washington Street is said to be the biggest Portland dance bar. It seems to swing from opening to closing. This bar is a must for all out-of-towners.” There is no reason found why this establishment closed.
[At the same time, he was opening Roman’s he was opening this one] Roman’s Bohemian Restaurant or The Bohemian, 910 S.W. Washington. Operated by Roman Wydra from December 1969 to December 1970.
It appears this only lasted one year – closed in 1970. The building torn down in 2019 and is part of the 2021/2022 Ritz Carlton building.
Should be noted that in GAY PLACES 1971 International Guild Guide – The Bohemian was still active – stated it was popular – telephone number: 224-6914 with the connotations of G,D,S Gay, Dance, Show – has drag or other appropriate entertainment
Listed in Guild Guide 1973 USA & International
Per book A Curious and Peculiar People by David Grant Kohl page 176, “The Bohemian was a long-established gathering place. Roman Wyra owned it for its last few years, until it was torn down in 1973 to become a parking lot. It had many rooms and a basement connected to tunnels beneath the city.”