Story:

Local Lounge is a bar along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in northeast Portland's King neighborhood.[1] The Portland Mercury has described the space as a "neighborhood bar with a calendar full of drag revues, variety shows, karaoke nights, and dance parties" and an "unpretentious atmosphere". The venue showcases LGBT artwork and hosts brunch, as well as pop-up restaurants.[2]

In 2016, Willamette Week's AP Kryza wrote, "Were it not for the rainbow flag on the exterior, there would be no way of knowing the awesome that lurks inside Local Lounge. Hell, there's little to distinguish it from the liquor store and the Subway with which it shares a building directly across from Purringtons Cat Lounge. But inside, well, there's no mistaking that you're in a bar that veers less toward 'gay friendly' and more toward 'straight-friendly gay bar.'"[3] Kryza also said, "... on less raucous days, Local Lounge lives up to its name. It's a surprisingly unassuming hang, a wood-laden den that could easily double as a suburban coffee shop or wine bar. It's a North Carolinian legislator's nightmare…a place that's so friendly and laid back that even the nongender-assigned bathrooms are inviting."[3] In 2019, Byron Beck and Conner Reed of Eater Portland said the bar "prides itself on its all-inclusive atmosphere and offers live music, art shows, a tiny outdoor seating area, [and] drag performances".[4]

Local Lounge has pool, televisions, and video poker. Some drinks on the menu are named after celebrities; the Neil Patrick Harris has cucumber vodka, lime, soda, and Chambord, and the Manhattan is named after Rachel Maddow.[3] Food options include chicken flautas and mozzarella sticks as appetizers, as well as macaroni and cheese. 'The LGBT' is a BLT with guacamole.[4]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Lounge • Per https://queerintheworld.com/gay-portland-oregon-travel-guide/

Local Lounge – A vibrant community bar located in the heart of NE Portland dedicated to serving all of their neighbors no matter their race, sexual orientation, or gender. Local Lounge is the place to go for great food, stiff drinks and excellent company in social surroundings. They also host monthly public events, feature local live music and have a plethora of queer-friendly viewing parties throughout the year.

2021- November the bar closed due to monies not paid to performers.

Per website https://pdx.eater.com/22240842/portland-restaurant-bar-cafe-closings December 2021 Local Lounge This iconic Portland gay bar, known for its drag shows and live music, has closed, according to a post on the bar’s Instagram account. It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic and mounting conflicts between the owner of the bar and its staff are the impetus for the bar’s shuttering. “The colorful queer people that made Local Lounge what it was for the past 11 months through the ups and downs of Covid-19/closures were taken advantage of by the current (soon to be previous) owner of Local Lounge,” the announcement reads. “These individuals received a variety of false promises regarding their income. The owner has since moved out of state without paying what he owes to the workers.” The team at the Local has yet to respond to request for comment.