Nightclub Confidential

(Top 10 Nightclub Venues in Portland)

Oregonian March 16th 2007 (excerpt)

BETTIE FORD LOUNGE

1135 S.W. Washington St.; 503-445-8331; www.bettiefordlounge.com With its gauze-curtained banquettes in the front of the house and its pumping dance floor in back, the Bettie Ford celebrates L.A.'s glamorous club culture and has a bit of fun with it. Gorgeous young professionals and well-groomed collegians turn Portland weekends into Hollywood nights. Visiting celebs such as the Black Eyed Peas, Ice Cube, the Cleveland Cavalier's LeBron James and Lance Armstrong have made visits to the "good" Bettie Ford.

Sounds: On Saturday, DJ Evil 1 fills the room with recognizable hooks from the likes of Justin Timberlake and Sean Paul, while working in classics including Soul 2 Soul and Mariah.

Sips: The 12 Step, a rehabilitating blend of Red Bull, cranberry juice and vodka.

Props: "This is the No. 1 club in Portland," claims Heather Foley. "The staff is sexy, the people are classy not trashy -- breadwinners, not golddiggers."

Details: Expect a line at the velvet rope; dress code; cover on weekends.