In addition to checking out some of the bars in and around the Burnside area, here are some of the local clubs that you'll want to spend some energy on (clubs that allow under-21s are noted):

Embers
A love of music and dancing may be the only common thread among Embers' diverse clientele and displays a colorful cross-section of Portland's gay/lesbian/bi/drag/straight youth culture from the mild-mannered to the wildly alternative. On the weekends dancers crowd around the bar and dance floor to groove to DJ mix, techno and rock. Pool tables are located in the back room. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make this dance club a place where you can really be yourself.

• Location: 110 NW Broadway, Portland, OR; cross street at NW Couch
• Phone: +1 (503) 222 3082
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/84594121/
• Hours: 11:30am to 2:30am daily
• Cover: $2 to $5
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8463311/

Viscount Ballroom
If you are looking for a change from the normal club scene, the Viscount Ballroom offers two floors of fun ethnic dancing, from salsa and Argentine tango to east and west coast swing. Complimentary lessons are provided an hour before the party begins. Singles are welcome and need not worry about bringing a partner, because there are plenty of eager dancers to go around. They also provide a bar with drinks ranging from $3 to $4, and pool is free with admission.

• Hours: Lessons begin at 7:30pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday, dancing is from 8:30pm to midnight. On Saturday, lessons begin at 8:30pm and dancing is from 9:30pm to 2:30am
• Location: 722 E Burnside, Portland, OR; cross street at East 7th
• Phone: +1 (503) 233 7855
• Cover: $6 Monday, Tuesday and Saturday; $10 on Friday
• Schedule: Monday, Argentine tango; Tuesday, DJ'd east coast and west coast swing; Friday, Live swing; Saturday, Salsa with DJ José
• URL: www.viscountballroom.com

Banana Joe's
Banana Joe's has gotten mixed reviews from Portlanders. Some have called the club a shameless meat market; others have found it to be a hip place to meet singles. The club is popular with twenty-somethings lookin' for a little action. Tuesdays are salsa nights, and all other nights they play DJ'd mix, techno, rock and wave.

• Hours: Tuesday from 8pm to 2am; Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm to 2am
• Location: 9 NW 2nd Ave., Portland, OR; cross street at Burnside
• Phone: +1 (503) 222 3082
• Cover: $5; no cover before 9pm
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/11627576/

Rockafellas
Taking over the space recently held by Polly Esthers, a Rockafellas gets you your fill of Hip Hop and R&B Music.

• Location: 424 SW 4TH Ave, Portland, OR 97204
• Phone: +1 (503) 227 7625
• Cover: $10
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/35176421/

Up Front/FX (UNDER 21!)
Who said you have to be 21 to enjoy the night life? Up Front is Portland's best and hottest dance club for the under 21 crowd. The dance floor may be tiny, but the DJ packs them in on the weekends with the latest hip hop, house and rock.

• Hours: Friday through Saturday 11:30am to 2:30am; Sunday through Thursday 11:30am to 10pm
• Location: 833 SW Front Avenue, Portland, OR
• Phone: +1 (503) 220 0833
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8456451/

Quest (UNDER 21!)
For those over 16, the Quest is the place to be on the weekends. This dance club rocks with a spacious dance floor, great music, pool tables and video games. Ladies pay no cover on Thursday's ladies night.

• Hours: Wednesday and Friday through Sunday 9:30pm to 3am; Thursday 9pm to 3am
• Location: 126 SW 2nd Ave., Portland, OR
• Phone: +1 (503) 497 9113
• Cover: No cover after 11pm
• URL: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8456543/

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.