If you’ve spent any time at all in Portland's Old Town or the Zona Romántica in Puerto Vallarta, you've seen the sign. CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge isn't just a bar. Honestly, it’s a whole mood that has survived four decades of drama, a literal pandemic, and a near-death experience in 2025.
People think they know CC's. They think it's just the place with the drag queens and the strong martinis. But the story is way more complicated than just a dance floor.
The Near-Death Experience of 2025
Last summer, everyone thought it was over.
On June 1, 2025, the owner of the Portland location, Bruce Rice, dropped a bombshell on social media. He was retiring. After 44 years, CC Slaughters was supposed to close its doors for good on August 3. The community went into a full-blown mourning period. People were sharing photos of their first drag shows and nights they barely remembered from the 90s.
Then, everything changed.
Literally days before the locks were supposed to be changed, a group of prospective new owners stepped in. They submitted a bid that saved the club. By August 1, 2025, the "Final Goodbye" signs were torn down. It stayed open.
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It’s kinda wild when you think about it. Most bars that announce a closure that big actually close. But the "Save CC's" energy was too strong. Today, in 2026, the Portland spot is still kicking, proving that Old Town still has a pulse, even if the neighborhood around it has changed a lot.
Two Cities, One Vibe (Sorta)
One of the weirdest things about CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge is that it exists in two completely different worlds. You have the Portland original on NW Davis St, and then you have the sister location in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
John Houston, who founded the PV location in 2011, basically fell in love with the city and decided to export the Portland brand. It worked.
In Puerto Vallarta, the club is a massive presence in the Romantic Zone.
- The Front Room: This is the Martini Lounge. It's open-air, looks right out onto the street, and is perfect for people-watching.
- The Back Room: This is a dark, LED-heavy cave of house music and circuit beats.
- The Crowd: It’s a mix. You’ll see local guys, tourists from Vancouver, and straight bachelorette parties who wandered in for the drag show.
Portland’s layout is a bit different but follows the same logic. You have the Rainbow Room for lounging and the main dance floor where the "Superstar Divas" do their thing. The vibe in Portland is a bit more "neighborhood staple," whereas the Mexico location feels like a high-energy vacation destination.
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Why People Keep Coming Back
Let's talk about the martinis. They are famously strong. Like, "don't plan on driving for three days" strong.
But it’s the drag culture that really anchors the place. Performers like Bolivia Carmichaels have been part of the fabric of CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge for over 20 years. That kind of longevity is rare in nightlife. In an era where "gay bars" are disappearing because people use apps or go to inclusive straight bars, CC's survives because it offers a specific type of community theater that you can’t get on Grindr.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think CC's is only for gay men.
That's just not true anymore.
While it started in 1981 as a sanctuary for gay men during the HIV crisis, it has evolved. You'll see trans women, non-binary folks, and plenty of allies. Some regulars actually complain that it’s too mixed now, but that’s the price of survival in 2026.
Another misconception? That it's expensive.
In Puerto Vallarta, they famously don't charge a cover most nights. In Portland, they keep the drink prices lower than the fancy cocktail bars in the Pearl District. It’s accessible.
What to Know Before You Go
If you're planning a night out, keep these things in mind.
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- The Portland neighborhood: Old Town can be rough. It's no secret. Parking is a nightmare, and the streets can feel intense late at night. Stick with a group.
- The PV Happy Hour: In Mexico, they usually run 2-for-1 specials from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It's the best way to start the night before the club side opens up.
- The Music: Expect pop and reggaeton in the front, and heavy techno/house in the back. If you hate thumping bass, stay in the lounge.
- Sundays are peak: In Portland, Sunday night drag shows are legendary. Don't show up at 11:00 PM and expect a seat.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you want to experience CC Slaughters Nightclub and Lounge, don't just show up for the 1:00 AM dance floor. Start in the lounge areas. Talk to the bartenders—many of them have been there for years and have the best stories about the city's history.
Check their social media before you head out. Since the ownership transition in Portland, event schedules have been shifting. You might find a random Tuesday karaoke night or a high-production drag revue that wasn't there a month ago. Supporting these legacy spaces is the only way they stay open, especially now that the "death of the gay bar" is a constant headline.
Go for the history, stay for the martinis, and definitely tip the queens.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Lineup: Visit the CC Slaughters Facebook or Instagram pages for the current "Superstar Divas" schedule in Portland.
- Arrive Early in PV: If you’re in Puerto Vallarta, grab a sidewalk table at the "Bites" snack bar next door before the club gets packed.
- Safety First: In Portland, use a rideshare to get dropped off directly at the entrance of 219 NW Davis St to avoid wandering the Old Town blocks alone at night.