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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2002)
march 15,2QÜ2 rTîTîTTTWnTïnews C rossing the R iver Northbank Tavern is a Vancouver hot spot by Sh an n a G erm ain PHOTO BY KURSTON Sheppard says, and in turn, the tavern makes inding the Northbank Tavern is a lit it a point to support the gay community. It tle like finding the perfect partner: If offers space, time and resources to a number of you don’t already know what you’re organizations, including Saturday in the Park, looking for, you might have a hard Vancouver’s annual Gay Pride celebration at time finding it. The bar is tucked away on the middle of Esther Short Park. Other community-oriented activities include karaoke nights, pool leagues, Sixth Street in downtown Vancouver, Wash., bear events and dances to raise money for sex without so much as a sign to lead the way. But ual minority youth. step inside, and it’s easy to see why this old-time Once a month, Northbank holds its most tavern has become a hot spot for the city’s gay community. The small bar in the front room invites guests to sit and gab. Be hind the bar, the wall is lined with calendars, pic tures and infor mation about upcoming events, while posters and a large bubbling fish tank provide eye candy. A jukebox sings s o f t l y in the comer, while dart games beckon for a little competition. Originally a card room, A large bubbling fish tank provides eye candy behind the bar Northbank still popular event: a drag show on the stage in its bears some of that history in its dark interior back room. The other big draw is the monthly and cozy atmosphere. Pool tables and a dance community dinner, a full-scale meal that teases floor fill the large, high-ceilinged back room. A the taste buds. comer stage also has been set up for karaoke One regular customer started going to and drag events. Northbank with his partner after moving to And in the middle of everything is gay bar Vancouver from Portland a few years ago. tender Grant Sheppard. He has been the shin Now, he says, the couple stop in a few times ing star of Northbank since he agreed to pour each week for what he jokingly calls drinks when the regular bartender went on a “beer-30.” two-week vacation. “W hen we lived in Portland we hardly ever “T h at was two years ago, and I’m still went to Northbank, because it was too far of a here,” he says with a laugh. Now, Sheppard is drive,” he says. “We started going to the North- practically running the place, along with bank about 10 months ago, because we got owner and founder George Eggleston. tired of driving to PDX every time we wanted Eggleston, who is straight, has owned North- a beer.” bank since its inception in 1979. He changed He is quick to add it’s not just the nearness of the tavern’s theme from a card room to a gay bar the tavern that makes it their favorite beer in 1986, at the suggestion of a regular customer. haunt. “We appreciate the hometown feeling “This guy came in and said, ‘Why don’t you turn it into a gay bar? ” Eggleston says. “And I we get from the Northbank,” he says. “Plus, the said, ‘OK, do it,’ ” bartenders are big sweethearts.” If it hadn’t been for that suggestion, Eggle Northbank, which is open six days a week, ston says he would have gotten out of the busi serves wine, beer, sandwiches and munchies. Although the establishment has a liquor license, ness a long time ago. “I was crazy for not retir ing when I had the chance,” he says jokingly. it can’t serve booze until it adds a kitchen that Still, he continues to be a large part of the will allow it to cook full meals. That’s next on bar’s day-to-day business, taking care of the the list of major overhauls, Sheppard says. In the meantime, he’ll continue serving up tills and the office work. good ales and good times for Vancouver’s gay As the only gay bar in Vancouver, North- bank serves up more than just pints. It also pro community. in vides a sense of community and belonging for N orthbank T avern , located at 106 W. Sixth those who are unwilling or unable to hit the Portland scene. S t., is open 4 p.m . to midnight Tuesdays and W ednesdays, noon to midnight Thursdays, noon Friday nights can find the place packed to 2 a.m . Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to with more than 100 people. But slow after 10 p .m . Sundays. For more information call noons also find the regulars hanging out, throwing darts or just chitchatting with the 360-695-3862. bartenders. “W e’re more of a friendly, neighborhood S hanna G ermain is a free'lance writer and edi tor who likes to run the pool table while downing a bar,” Sheppard says. “We don’t have a special ty. We don’t have that many gimmicks.” pint o f something dark. You can reach her at shanna_germam@hotmail. com . T he gay community supports the tavern, Proud to be your Good Neighbor Agent for 3 years. Shawn Vorrath 6713 NE 63rd St Suite 102 Vancouver, WA 360-735-1452 STAT I FARM J@ L INSURANCI Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois statefarm.corrv
