Report Lounge
The Report Lounge, on E. 11th and Burnside is worth writing about, namely because it dances to its own beat. A cool venue with a main floor, and a loft above the bar and overlooking the stage, this joint was designed with clean, elegant lines and a modern dark color palate, with dim lighting, making it immediately welcoming. But what is the vibe of Report Lounge? Well, not all posh, like the architecture and interior design might suggest.
A friend and I were trying to pin point the vibe of Report, and finally came up with Skaters on Scotch. It’s owned/run by a group of young-ish skater dudes, who’s personalities are laid back, friendly, and open. They want to know your name, they play you lots of punk rock and hip hop as they hook up your drink, and enjoy when you dance to their live music (which needs to happen more, PDX). They sling their fair share of PBRs, but also mix artful cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients. The rooms in Report are ambient, and slightly romantic in that urban California night club way, but no body’s going to be a snob. Oh, and the building is LEED certified; reason enough to visit. The way I see it, the bottom of the venue is the Report — the place to see and being seen, and the loft is the lounge — full of couches to cozy up on and “chillax”.
It’s a refreshing mixture of worlds; one that makes you scratch your head, and smile. Skaters on Scotch: They’re true to their street roots, but they like fine things, and they aren’t apologizing. Who fits in to this vibe? Pretty much anyone, so long as you aren’t attached to an experience. The crowd that happens here is different every time, and that, deejay or not, is entertaining.
The one thing that could get better? The exposure and acceptance of the space. It seems the crowd is a hit or miss at Report. With Tuesdays housing $2 pints and live music, they should be busier. Especially considering the neighborhood it lies within, with primarily young folks and many other attractions close by. It’s a great place to meet friends, and see live music, often times for free, and even catch the occasional appearance of one of PDX’s cultishly followed food carts outside.
Perhaps its the lax vibe that prevents it from getting to the next level? A little promotion, and an accurately updated website (which looks cool, by the way) would do wonders. It’s the right location to pack the floor, it’s just too bad, especially for the musicians, that doesn’t always happen. So, let’s fix that!
Check it out PDX: Report Lounge, aka Skaters on Scotch, Tues. – Sat., 4pm till 2am. For the updated events calendar, see the Portland Mercury here.
