Blackstone's   

6 Pine St
Portland, ME 04102
207-775-2885

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Portlands oldest neighborhood gay bar was born in the 80s, and its an institution with a loyal following. The whole place is just a cozy 1,000 square feet. Inside, theres a mirrored wall, rough-hewn timbers and a black-topped, oak- trimmed bar. Theyve even managed to squeeze in a pool table.This is definitely the kind of place where you get primed to go out. There are 11 bartenders on staff, who each control the music while theyre pouring drinks. The sound can range from country to club mix, disco to hard alternative. Its never so loud that you cant have a decent conversation, though the weekend draws a more party-minded crowd; especially on the first and third Saturdays of the month, when bound and gagged folks show up for Leather Fetish Night. Ages range from 21 to 80 -- mostly men -- and a smattering of local heteros who stop in after work. On Fridays, check out the complimentary 4 oclock buffet provided by Davids, a local restaurant. Its more than wings and wieners, boasts amiable owner Ralph. Previous free samplings have included lasagna, stuffed pork chops, crudit platters and salads. Blackstones has an active community presence, sponsoring events outside the bar, like fall and winter roller-skating nights. Its located in the mid-town area, at the beginning of the West End. --Necee Regis