Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge

Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge Portland: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Portland, Oregon’s vibrant Northwest District, the Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge was a defining presence in the city’s nightlife for nearly seven decades. From its founding in 1947 to its closure in 2014, the Gypsy was revered for its eclectic mix of dining, live entertainment, and an inclusive, retro-chic atmosphere that captivated both locals and visitors. More than just a restaurant or bar, it was a beloved community hub—famous for spirited karaoke nights, quirky goldfish racing, and oversized fishbowl cocktails. Though the original building has been replaced by a modern mixed-use development, the Gypsy’s influence endures as a touchstone of Portland’s cultural and social history. This guide explores the venue’s story, cultural significance, and offers practical tips for those seeking to experience Portland’s historic nightlife legacy.

For more about Portland’s nightlife history and the Gypsy’s redevelopment, see Wikipedia, Willamette Week, and OregonLive.

Introduction
History of the Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge
Signature Events and Entertainment
Cultural Impact and Urban Policy
The “Gypsy” Name: Cultural Context and Appropriation
Visiting Information: Current Status and Alternatives
- Nearby Nightlife and Historical Attractions
- Travel Tips
Menu Highlights
Community Memory and Legacy
Representation in Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

History of the Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge

Origins and Early Years (1947–1963)

The Gypsy Restaurant first opened its doors in 1947, quickly becoming a fixture on Northwest 21st Avenue. Initially housed in the space now occupied by Muu-Muu’s, it moved across the street in 1963, expanding to meet the growing demands of Portland’s burgeoning postwar nightlife. The venue thrived by offering a mix of casual dining, cocktails, and live entertainment, reflecting the city’s evolving social scene.

The Cocktail Nation Era (1990s–2000s)

In the early 1990s, Concept Entertainment acquired the Gypsy, rebranding it as a hub for Portland’s “Cocktail Nation” movement. Retro-chic décor, plush velvet seating, and events like karaoke and themed parties drew a diverse, energetic crowd. Signature cocktails—particularly those served in oversized fishbowls—became icons of Portland’s bar culture. The Gypsy was also known for its eclectic DJ sets and the infamous goldfish racing tournaments, which epitomized the venue’s playful, inclusive spirit (Wikipedia).

Closure and Redevelopment (2014–Present)

After over 60 years of operation, the Gypsy abruptly closed its doors in February 2014. The building was demolished, and a four-story apartment and retail complex now occupies the site. While the physical space is gone, the Gypsy’s legacy lives on in Portland’s collective memory, local stories, and the vibrant nightlife of NW 21st Avenue (OregonLive).

Signature Events and Entertainment

The Gypsy’s eclectic events were legendary:

Karaoke Nights: A hallmark of the venue, drawing enthusiastic crowds from Thursday through Saturday (Portland Monthly).
Goldfish Racing: Quirky and controversial, this event became a Portland nightlife legend, highlighting the Gypsy’s playful spirit.
Trivia and Theme Nights: Regularly hosted, encouraging creativity and community participation.
Diverse DJ Sets: Spanning genres from house music to old-school hip hop.

These events set the Gypsy apart as a creative and inclusive entertainment destination.

Cultural Impact and Urban Policy

The Gypsy significantly influenced Portland’s nightlife culture, but also navigated challenges common to popular urban venues—noise complaints, crowd management, and tensions with city regulators. Its popularity led to debates about nightlife regulation, curfews, and patio restrictions, reflecting broader challenges in balancing nightlife vibrancy with neighborhood quality of life (Willamette Week). The redevelopment of the site is emblematic of ongoing gentrification trends in the Northwest District.

The “Gypsy” Name: Cultural Context and Appropriation

The use of the name “Gypsy” reflects a broader American trend of adopting Romani imagery to evoke exoticism and bohemian lifestyles. In Portland, such motifs are common in entertainment branding, often without direct connection to Romani culture. Scholars and local advocates have critiqued this as cultural appropriation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting Romani heritage (Oregon Historical Quarterly).

Visiting Information: Current Status and Alternatives

Is the Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge Open?

No. The Gypsy closed permanently in February 2014. The original building has been demolished and replaced with a modern apartment and retail development.

Nearby Nightlife and Historical Attractions

Although the Gypsy is gone, NW 21st Avenue remains a lively destination for dining and entertainment. Notable nearby venues include:

Barracuda Lounge: Known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Mississippi Studios: Historic music venue with regular concerts.
Crystal Ballroom: Iconic for its historic dance floor and live shows.
Doug Fir Lounge: A celebrated spot for local and touring acts.
Portland Art Museum: Offers cultural and historical exhibitions.

Travel Tips

Transportation: The area is easily accessible via TriMet buses, MAX Light Rail, ride-sharing, and bike rentals.
Neighborhood Vibe: The Alphabet District (NW 21st and 23rd Avenues) is walkable and filled with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
Guided Tours: Several companies offer nightlife and history tours—check local tourism sites for options.

Though the original venue is gone, the Gypsy’s menu is remembered for its eclectic and approachable fare, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

Appetizers and Small Plates

Vegetarian Ultimate Nachos: Tri-color tortilla chips, cheeses, black beans, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro sour cream ($8.95).
Artichoke Spinach Dip: Creamy blend with three cheeses and herbs, served with chips ($8.95).
Garlic Sesame Edamame: Steamed soybeans with a garlic-sesame glaze ($4.95).
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Hand-breaded with rosemary, served with garlic tomato sauce ($7.95).
Pot Stickers: Fried pork and vegetable gyozas with Thai chili and ginger soy sauces ($8.95).
Crispy Calamari: Fried and served with chili lime sauce ($9.95) (OpenMenu).

Signature Entrées and Mains

Spicy Chicken Quesadilla: With black beans, jalapeños, cheeses, salsa, and sour cream ($8.95).
Batter Fried Chicken Tenderloins: Served with peppercorn ranch and BBQ sauces ($8.50).
Vegetarian Mac & Cheese: Four-cheese sauce with penne, served with Parmesan crostini ($8.95).

Salads and Lighter Fare

Grilled Chicken Caesar: Romaine, croutons, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and grilled chicken ($8.95).
Vegetarian Pear & Gorgonzola Salad: Pears, hazelnuts, Gorgonzola, croutons, raspberry balsamic vinaigrette ($6.95).
Italian Chopped Salad: Classic mix with meats, cheeses, and crisp vegetables ($8.95).

Pizzas and Shared Plates

Vegetarian Pizza: Roasted peppers, onions, olives, sundried tomatoes, feta, and three cheeses, finished with basil ($8.95).

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Options

Numerous dishes are vegetarian, and many can be modified for vegan diets on request.

Pricing and Value

Appetizers and small plates: $4.95–$9.95
Main courses and salads: $6.95–$8.95

Community Memory and Legacy

The Gypsy’s closure was met with nostalgia and widespread reminiscence among Portlanders. Its legacy as a welcoming, creative, and sometimes eccentric gathering place continues to inspire both longtime residents and newcomers (Willamette Week).

Representation in Media

The Gypsy’s influence extended into digital realms, being featured in “Virtual Portland” on Second Life—a testament to its cultural impact (Wikipedia).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge still open?
A: No, it closed permanently in 2014.

Q: Can I visit the original location?
A: The building has been replaced by a mixed-use development, but the area remains lively.

Q: Where can I experience Portland’s nightlife history?
A: Explore NW 21st Avenue, Crystal Ballroom, Doug Fir Lounge, Barracuda Lounge, and Mississippi Studios.

Q: Are there tours for Portland’s nightlife history?
A: Yes, several companies offer guided nightlife and historic walking tours.

Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan options at similar venues?
A: Most Portland venues are accommodating to dietary needs—check menus or ask staff.

Conclusion and Further Resources

The Gypsy Restaurant and Velvet Lounge remains an enduring symbol of Portland’s eclectic nightlife and urban history. While the venue itself is gone, its spirit lives on through community memory and the vibrant scene of NW 21st Avenue and beyond. For those eager to explore Portland’s nightlife heritage, nearby venues, guided tours, and local event listings offer plenty of opportunities.

Stay informed and discover more about Portland’s cultural hotspots by following local guides or using the Audiala app for up-to-date event listings and recommendations.