Sissy Bar, a popular LGBTQ video bar in the Buckman neighborhood, closed on Saturday, October 26, Willamette Week reported. The bar opened in June 2022 and has been open for just over two years.
Sissy Bar announced its closure in an Instagram post on Sunday, Oct. 13, noting that this year’s Halloween party would be its last. “Unfortunately, due to the devastating economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors,” the post reads. The post went on to thank staff and patrons, saying the bar was “privileged to serve and be a part of this wonderful community.” The comment section of the post quickly filled with heartbroken emojis and customers bidding farewell.
Sissy Bar was a neighborhood favorite for its lively parties and inclusive community, but also for the Colombian cuisine created by owner and operator Derek Palmer. Prior to joining Sissy, Palmer worked at now-closed iconic Portland restaurants including Raven & Rose, Rookery Bar, Brasserie Montmartre, and Carlyle. Gay bars aren’t often known for their food, but Palmer took pride in preparing the food and attracting patrons who especially came to eat with the community. “We don’t do things the easy way, but working with fresh produce is not difficult,” Palmer told Eater in July 2024. “I fully believe that any gay bar can serve good food.”
The sissy bar’s closure is a blow to Portland’s queer community, which has lost many bars in recent years. In 2022, Crush Bar will close after more than 20 years in business, and in July, drag club Darcel XV Showplace revealed it was in danger of closing due to low customer traffic. In the past few years, Rebel Rebel, Queen’s Head and Roxy have closed.
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