Great space...I agree it takes way too long to get a drink, I found what looked like a vacant spot at the end of the bar, but I noticed I was getting the stink-eye from other customers and I asked the bartender whats up with that and he politely explained I couldnt order my drink there but he would let me order one drink...I politely thanked him and told him I would go to the "proper" part of the bar to order my drinks...all in all a very very nice crowd of great looking people. My partner and I danced while everybody sat in the "pit"...we were the only ones on the dance floor but we didn't care. Nice place to put on some nice threads and enjoy...alas we stayed for only one drink and headed over to Lola's Room for 80's dance night. We will be back for the Feb 2 Gaycation dance party. It's definitely worth giving it another chance.

Ok, 1st, i love this joint...great music, chill crowd (dykes on Double Down can have MAJOR 'tude, and what's w/ all the trannies actin' like they own the place???). BUT...do no order only one drink at a time...order at least two...i kid you not, I have had to wait 30min to order drinks before...always a huge line w/ drunk lesbians and trannies looking at you cross-eyed...Pop Tart is their best night, early start, friendly ATTRACTIVE lesbians (something Portland needs more of...hint hint E Room) and great music!

I love this place. If the service at the bar gets a little slow, complain too the management about it! The food is great, btw, tho it can also take a while, too. But what I like best about Holocene is that it's the real deal. It's not the produce of some marketing dept. It's like a labor of love. The staff and the guys who own this place have created the kind of club that they'd like to hang out themselves. Look around at the people who come here -- really nice folks. Assholes are not tolerated here. And there's great music, many acts that don't show up at other Portland venues. This place takes risks to bring new music to Our Fair City. Appreciate it. (Even if the line at the bar can get a little long.)

Holocene is not without it's quirks, but i short it = well stocked bar (but could use some more single malt scotches) tended by Bridget, one of the best damn bartenders in portland. Order a manhattan from her and you will not be disappointed...

ok, i love this place...unlike other bars in this tired ass town, it's large, spacious, and non-smoking (smoking room in back)...eclectic, good music, casual...BUT...it's FATAL FLAW...getting a drink here takes FOREVER! seriously, you will wait at least 20 min on a somewhat crowded night...HIRE MORE BARTENDERS! and the blonde bitch at the door is, well, a BITCH! and don't get me started on the sucka wack ass MC who thinks she can rap on the Tart/double down nights...and finally, it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO hot in here...air conditioning???? HELLO?!

I really like this place, except for the fact that people in Portland don't dance. I've heard they have great dance parties, but I won't believe that until I see it; every time I've been there, there are like 2 people on the dance floor and everyone else looks at them and lives vicariously through their ability to not care if people are looking at them. Otherwise, the high ceilings create a very "open" feel, which is great if small, smoky bars aren't really your thing. They also have a water stand with lots of cups, so you don't have to bother the bartender. Lots of neat events.

Holocene makes me happy. It's a nice place to be, queer dance parties and drag shows are lots of fun. Mixed drinks are tasty, and most have been uniform and well made. Service can be a little slow, but it's a small price to pay for a well-mixed Long island and great atmosphere.

This place hosts that hottest dance parties in town. Smoking is confined to a meat locker type curtained room, so the venue is essentially smoke free. Very cool for hang out and people watching. Get there early if you want to drink, cuz the lines get long, but the drinks are good...a little pricey, but hey you're there for the ambiance.