Gather Darkness
The Lovecraft: A weird watering hole
Posted by: John Chandler on Feb 28, 2011 at 11:00AM
5 Comments
Welcome… to the dark side!
View Slideshow »H.P. Lovecraft framed as Che Guevara.
View Slideshow »Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtan
View Slideshow »Arcane symbols abound!
View Slideshow »An impressive collection of Lovecraftiana.
View Slideshow »Even the tequila is sinister!
View Slideshow »Bar hardware adds to the vintage vibe.
A while back I went on a rant rampage about bars lacking in atmosphere. To summarize, the problem with a new joint is its very newness, or lack of a “vibe.” There’s no history, much less the feeling that the owner even cared about such immaterial matters. It’s a room with booze in it. Isn’t that enough?
No. Like I always say, if I want to drink in an unremarkable room, I’ve got my house. Or I could just pick up a bottle of something cheap and party with my friends under a bridge. I’ve got my precious dives, my little pockets of Old Portland, but they’re getting harder and harder to find in the face of growing homogenization. In other words, expect lots more industrial spaces with loading-dock doors and exposed ducts. Gawd, I’m bored. Enter The Lovecraft.
It’s on SE Grand Avenue next to a consignment furniture store and the only indication of its existence is a little chalkboard sandwich sign embellished with a pentagram. The interior—draped in reds and blacks—looks like it’s made entirely of reclaimed timber and repurposed objects (the bar itself is decorated with brass locks and trunk hardware). The walls are chockablock with old magazine covers featuring early 20th century weird-fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft, photographs, and assorted horror movie memorabilia. There is a live scorpion in a tank on the bar. It sleeps most of the time. There is a mural of tentacles emerging from the clouds. “Ah,” you say to yourself. It’s a Goth bar." Yes and no.
Bartender Dani tells me there is indeed a Goth night at The Lovecraft. “But isn’t every night Goth night?” I ask. Apparently not. There is also metal night, psychobilly night, and karaoke night. One of my early misconceptions about Goth culture is that it’s members are all sheet-pale Cure fans who occasionally assemble in order to have someone to mope with. Wrong! The community itself is quite inviting and open to anyone that digs horror films and literature, neo-paganism (tribal tats and piercings) vintage clothing, and shoe-gaze music—or to those who simply find beauty in things that most of us folks in the mundane world consider dark and disturbing. In fact, they revel in it. Of course, the place would be a stone drag if everyone here took themselves painfully seriously, but the people I encountered were affable and accommodating.
By day, The Lovecraft is a low-key tea shop (never fear, you can still get drinks) and minors are allowed until 5 p.m. (I’m told the tea selection is respectable.) At this point, there is no Happy Hour (Dreaded Hour?) and the food is limited to tamales and Japanese hand rolls. But a session at The Lovecraft is like a visit to Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe. There’s an abundance of visual stimuli, and the presence of outre pieces that fall somewhere between art and collectible kitsch ensure there’s always an engaging nook for your eyes to land upon. After spending far too much time in nondescript bars, The Lovecraft is like Disneyland. Go on! Drop in! Or are you a chicken? Bwaaak, buk-buk, bwaaak!
Wonder if the Great Old Ones head on up for Sunday Karaoke night? Spooooky. . . .
because black is how I feel on the inside
Excellent! Thanks for the review John!
While I was there too early in the evening to know what kind of scene develops (or doesn’t…) I do have these observations: My drink was reasonably priced, but weak. Service was really friendly. Tempeh wrap and sides (pickled ginger, soy, wasabi etc.) were below par. I’m also not sure how they get away with such a limited menu with a full-booze license.
I liked the décor, though it would be great if it wasn’t limited to flat things on walls (for the most part.) Creepy chandeliers, sconces, etc. would be good additions.
I’d only go back later in the evening, hoping to find a more lively scene. I know better quiet places (if that’s what I was in the mood for) to hang out with my friends during HH.