Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

SOMEBODY’S PLACE

Before it was Roman’s it was named Fiddler’s 3 opening in 1966 until 1969. Roman Wydra purchased it and changed the name to Roman’s Tavern – name change around 1971 from Roman’s to Roman’s Tavern. The name was changed to Focal Point – between August 1972 and September 1972 per Oregonian article and ad in The Fountain.

Somebody’s Place [Roman sold the Focal Point to Glen Dugger around 1979 who would later change the name to Scandal’s]

Ad placed in Oregon Gay Rights Report newspaper, December 1979 page 9 – Somebody’s is waiting for you – located at 728 SW Ninth See Below Left. An ad in the NW Fountain, October 1980.

Per article in the NW Fountain, March 1980 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOMEBODY’S PLACE!  Somebody’s Place Tavern will celebrate its first birthday the weekend of Feb. 29-March 2. Cheap beer, balloons, party favors on Saturday night. [See ad Below Left from NW Fountain 1st Anniversary March 1980]

The tavern’s Sunday afternoon movie festival is going strong… [part of the article]]

Per the ad Below Right in Flash Magazine Jan 1981, “First Valentine’s Party”. An interview with Jeanie Breal “Jeanie Jelly Bean”, the ad said kegger and she said, “Yes, I paid for them, I wanted to support the boys and have some fun.”

1981: Per ad in NW Fountain, Page 7, June 1981, “Somebody’s Place introduces a new dimension to Portland’s gay tavern scene – starting June 8th  at 319 SW 11th [not shown]

1981: Page 12 Northwest Fountain, May 1981, “Somebody’s moving. On Tuesday, May Portland will see its biggest and wildest Tuesday Night Cheap Beer ever at the tavern’s new location at 319 SW 11th (across from Helen’s Costumes and the Fish Grotto.) Goodbye night at the old place SW 9th and Yamhill will be on Saturday night, May 2nd.”

Ad Below Left is from the Cascade Voice newspaper October 1982.

Somebody’s Place has completed its new dance floor and improved sound system plus introduces a new DJ.  Paul Cunningham, recent returnee to Portland from Denver is now in charge of the DJ booth…Doug, the proprietor of SBP is “really proud of our new floor and DJ.

Ad in December 30, 1982 issue page 7 this ad is placed, “Thanks for our most successful year ever”

Article in the Cascade Voice newspaper February 11, 1983.

Above Left, Ad in Capitol Forum newspaper (Salem, Or) April 1981'; Above middle, Ad in Capitol Forum newspaper (Salem, Or) May 1981; Above Right, Ad in Cascade Voice newspaper September 9, 1983.

Somebody’s Place under Glen Duggar’s ownership had a name change to Scandals. As stated on Scandal’s website: Scandals exists as one of Portland’s most established gay bars since 1979. [seems interesting that it states that, when having gone through many levels of transition over the last few decades, Scandals currently exists in the original “Pink Triangle” section of downtown Portland on SW Stark St. & SW 12th.

Somebody’s Place was no longer as stated in an Oregonian October 4, 1985 article.

728 SW 9th

Years as Somebody’s Place: 728 SW 9th  1979 – 1980

 moved to 319 SW 11th phone 227-5887    1981-1985 *

*a lot of confusing history between Somebody’s Place and Scandals - See Scandals as well.

citations & references:

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1981 notations YC – Young Crowd, PT – Pool Table – 729 SW 9th Ave

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1982 PT – pool tables – 319 SW 11th Ave

  • 1983: Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983 address: 319 SW 11th phone 227-5887 with connotations T – beer and wine

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1983- PT = pool tables 729 SW 9th Ave – OOPS!

  • Cited and with small ad in Out and About 1983 booklet with small ad and note: Beer & Wine/Disco

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1984- PT = pool tables 319 SW 11th Ave

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1985- PT = pool tables 319 SW 11th Ave

  • 1985 Roxy’s Leopard Lounge moved into space owned by Lenny Borer per mention in the Oregonian October 4, 1985

  • listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986- PT = pool tables 319 SW 11th Ave

  • Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1987-89 but listed Scandals