The gay club that opens its arms and dance floor to everyone, Embers is a inviting place because it's not trying too hard to prove something along social or political lines. Everyone's just there to have a good time regardless of sexual preference. The nightly drag shows are a hoot and the DJs spin a solid mix of Top 40, retro and house style wax. If Hollywood was looking for a fun gay club to share with mainstream audiences it would certainly be able to cast this Portland old town locale in that role. Full bar, several stages for dancing, lots of seating and killer atmosphere, the bar has character by the truckload. -- Joe Kurmaskie