Doc Marie’s
Permanently Closed
Nightly themed events, shrimp tacos, grilled cheese
Nightly themed events, shrimp tacos, grilled cheese
"“A lesbian bar for everyone,” Doc Marie’s inhabits an enormous multi-level space on Southeast Grand, with nightly themed events like Queer Country Night, Queeraoke, Queer Prom, and ’80s and ’90s dance parties. To keep the energy up, visitors can enjoy cocktails and snacks such as shrimp tacos, sweet potato fries, and melty caprese grilled cheese sandwiches. There are all kinds of events throughout Pride." - Thom Hilton
"“A lesbian bar for everyone,” Doc Marie’s inhabits an enormous multi-level space on Southeast Grand, with nightly themed events like Queer Country Night, Queeraoke, Queer Prom, and ’80s and ’90s dance parties. To keep the energy up, visitors can enjoy cocktails and snacks such as shrimp tacos, sweet potato fries, and melty caprese grilled cheese sandwiches." - Thom Hilton, Eater Staff
"At lesbian bar Doc Marie’s, located just off East Burnside near restaurants like Le Pigeon and Canard, kitchen manager Owl—who trained in scratch techniques at places such as Olympia Provisions, Goodfoot, and the late Bijou Cafe—says they’re still chasing an “it” dish but has won praise for a caprese grilled cheese with pesto and a housemade veggie burger (not a Beyond or Impossible). The bar’s bi‑level layout offers a window‑lined, cafe‑like upstairs patio centered on a giant neon “GOING DOWN?” staircase and a red‑lit downstairs dance floor and DJ space; Owl values the kitchen as a quiet wheelhouse within that club energy and enjoys stepping out occasionally to watch the magic unfold so everyone feels welcome." - Thom Hilton
"Southeast Grand’s lesbian bar hosts queeraoke each Thursday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., hosted by KJ Sam Cole. To find karaoke, follow the neon “going down?” sign to the basement level, which has its own bar for drink refills. Doc Marie’s consistently hosts other queer theme nights, as well, including dance classes, country nights, and trivia." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"A hotly anticipated, self-identified lesbian bar “for everyone” opened its doors to Portland’s queer community earlier this summer but closed the very next day amid turmoil. Employees say that two managers quit and an anonymous workers’ collective formed, alleging mismanagement by owners Olga Bichko and Nikki Ferry—who had no prior experience running a business or in the food industry—including a building leak that affected patrons, employees being underpaid or not compensated, and “unprofessional and unsafe behavior” that ownership failed to address. The collective demanded via Instagram that Bichko turn over ownership; Doc Marie’s issued a (since deleted) statement promising steps as part of an action plan to be a safe, inclusive space. Coverage amplified by the conservative Libs of TikTok led to threats and online harassment toward the owners and former employees. Nearly a month-and-a-half later the bar announced it will reopen on August 13, with Bichko telling the Oregonian, “We survived it. We’re still here. We’re reopening, and just want to move in a positive direction.” The workers’ collective Instagram is now private and it’s unclear whether the collective remains active." - Janey Wong
