Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

LION’S PRIDE

[The] Lion’s Pride  or Lion’s Pride Tavern

Years: 1980 - 1981

Per “Oregon Leather History Timeline” December 1, 1980, The Lion’s Pride bar opens at 731 NW 21st. Opened by Richard “Rick” Geroge and Michael “Mike” Tons, both of whom wear leather vests in promo photos, and use Rex art of Leatherman in ads.  Sallee Huber notes this was a ‘former straight bar with neighborhood types, not really leather, that never di go over well page 9, 10

Mentioned in Northwest Examiner article June 2006 page 6, NW in the ‘70s: epicenter of Portland gay culture, Northwest was home to many gay gathering spots, including gay bars such as Lulu’s (now Muu Muu’s), next were popular spots at 17th and Lovejoy, Purple Clown and Lion’s Pride, now 21st Avenue Bar & Grill was another gathering spot.

Lesbians had their own hangout at Primary Domain, on Northwest 16th where Slabtown is today Jimmy Mak’s was popular with gays for a time,  was Ray’s Ordinary Bar, now Tiger Bar, on Northwest Broadway. Bikers liked J & J Tavern, formerly on West Burnside, and reportedly rode their bikes right up to the bar.

Ad in NW Fountain/May 1981/Page 13 also, per same newspaper on page 12, “Remodeling of Portland’s so-far newest gay tavern is still going on, with a new, longer meatrack plus more. Wednesday nights are cheap beer from 8 p.m. until closing (2:30 a.m.) Dinner specials every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. – homemade good! Sundays 25-cent beer and free pool from 2 until 6. Never close on weekends, from |  morning. Breakfast for $1.50 – and free! From 3 a.m. until 8 a.m.! Get dirty at the Uniform Party on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16. From 8 until midnight, contests, special events, etc., for |  and keggers throughout the day and night, Wear a uniform to be noticed! And don’t I won’t earn one when you walk in the door won’t earn one when you walk in the door! I purple Hearts in order: Reno Rodeo plans are underway for the weekend of July 30-Aug. 3. Round-trip rodeo package all for one low price. Call or stop by for: cost and limited seating/bedding!

Briefly mentioned in David Grant Kohl’s book Curious and Peculiar People, page 199, “withered after short careers.”

Below Left: Ad in FLASH newspaper March 1980; Below Middle Ad in Flash Magazine, January 1981; Below Right ad in NW Fountain, May 1981.

721 NW 21st  503-223-9082

Photo from NW Fountain May 1981 photo and map

citations & references:

  • City of Portland Directory, page 2281, 1940 – AL’S Inn 721 NW 21st

  • City of Portland Directory, page 230, 1964 – AL’S Inn 721 NW 21st

  • Possibly 1980/81 Listed on Darcelle’s “PATRONS – Round Trip to Lake Tahoe – Courtesy of ‘HELLO RENO” Miss Terri, Darcelle XV and Directors Furniture]

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1982 notations (M) (R – restaurant)

  • Per “Oregon Leather History Timeline” July 3, 1981, The Lion’s Pride bar closes suddenly. Rumors suggest alleged financial improprieties. Page 11