Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

JR’S CELL

The Cell was located downstairs, and JR’s was located upstairs and known for its leather crowd, however, various plays were produced there see Theater - Live JR’s CELL

Opened around 1980 Per David Grant Kohl’s book A Curious and Peculiar People page 173 states that it took over to cater to the leather community which was Folsom Cell in Old Town. On page 214 it is cited, “Beneath the bar was an infamous space, alternately called The Folsom Cell, The Cell, JR’s Cell, associated with ‘Raunchy Robert Dunn’.” Per page 241 ‘Raunchy Robert Dunn’ who also would own Cascade Voice in 1984.  

MORE HISTORY COMING SOON

Per website: Original JR's Cell Portland Oregon Leather Bar Poster by Dan Lund 1983 24" x 36" | #1922201662 (worthpoint.com)Original JR's Cell Leather Bar Poster from Portland Oregon, by Dan Lund, local Artist, 1983. Please see my other Dan Lund items. From - The Cell/JR’s West, 300 N.W. Tenth. A popular leather bar after the demise of The Other Inn. The Cell was located downstairs, and JR’s was located upstairs, attracting a drag crowd. A production of Doric Wilson’s West Street Gang played here in the mid-1980s. The Other Inn, 242 S.W. Alder, first leather bar, 1964-1982. Portland’s first documented leather bar was The Other Inn, owned by Jim Frantz, and later sold to Mama Bernice. Bernice, the barmaid who previously had endeared herself to the gay community at Dinty Moore’s and at her namesake Mama Bernice’s, used to refer to the leather boys who hung out here as her “little bluebirds.” No matter whom you talk to, those who can remember Bernice remember her with fondness, and they especially remark on the way she would take in kids off the street and put them to work in the bar. Her daughter continued the family’s bartending tradition at Gail’s Dirty Duck, Glisan and Second.

300 NW 10th
Years: 1977 - 1979 (?)
[basement of JR’s West]

citations & references:

  • Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983.