Rotture

The closer I got to this place, the more I felt like I was going to be hit over the head and left in a Motel 6 with my kidneys removed. That said, you really shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover because Rotture is really awesome when you finally make it inside.
Why did I even venture to this crack-​den-​esque part of town anyway? I was invited to attend an event catering more to gay males, so I obviously felt out of place and I just knew I’d be tarred and feathered for impeding on their figurative parade. But most of the people in there were fun and I even got down with a couple of strangers. If you want to get to the second floor, get there early, but if not the line is still worth the wait. It can get really packed and sweaty though, so make sure to layer on the deodorant extra thick! The bartender was quick and efficient, and the door man obviously had some sort of complex, but he wasn’t too much of a jerk-​wad. I can’t say the same for one of the certified hall monitors, aka «security». He was clearly upset over his lot in life and decided to exert what little sense of power he felt he had over the patrons. If a black, dank cloud could be personified it would be him.
Though I deducted stars for that dude’s stank attitude, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid going here. Just make sure to watch out for the tall, black hoodie wearing guard dog with the no-​shave-​November-​is-​all-​year-​round beard and you’ll be good!

Lines have been worked out, more staff and now making it one of the fastest bars in the city! Good sound system and the staff is friendly and approachable, one of the best venues in town for shows. Basic but level. Love it.

I saw CoCo Peru here a few nights ago and she was fabulous. Absolutely a darling show but a few things stuck out to me that super annoyed me. The speakers in the back of the building (upstairs) pick up A LOT of sound from downstairs, there is little to no seating for disabled or elderly people, the pre-​music is ridiculously loud. You seriously have to shout and scream to be heard. The female bartender on the right hand side with blond hair has a SERIOUS attitude problem. Its been a while since I’ve had straight up nasty service but she fits the bill. The place smells like old cheese, and urine but its saving grace is that the show was good. If you can bring up the morale of the workers, clean a few tables, bring in more chairs for those of us who are older or disabled this place might be an awesome venue. –SVJ

Great shows at this east-​to-​miss warehouse space.

I haven’t been to that many shows in Portland… yet. But my friend’s band was on «tour» up here in the great NW this past weekend so I had to see them. They were originally scheduled to play at Alhambra Theatre. Long story short, they got jacked and last minute the venue was changed over to Rotture.
This place reminded me of some of the clubs I used to go to in the industrial/​creeper parts of S.F. It was seriously in the weirdest location ever, and really dark– inside and out. Kinda creepy for us two girls after the show walking to our car. I don’t think i’d do that again.
Okay– so you’d at least think the drinks would be moderately priced being in this funky place right? Well yeah, no. Overpriced. The stairs walking up are steep and sketchy too, especially if you’re drunk. The employees though, they weren’t nice or friendly to anyone and that was just the icing on the cake for me. The only reason I’d come back is to see a cool band or someone I knew. Other than that, there are much better places to spend my money and listen to good music.

OK, this place is always gross. Really crowded, LONGEST BAR LINES EVER, smells like sweat, that sort of thing.
But — I’m always pretty tipsy/​drunk when I’m here, and man is this place enjoyable when you’re a few drinks in. The duals floors give you a really cool experience, letting you switch club gears as you see fit, and the balcony is refreshing in all seasons (especially in the summer when the indoor temperatures rival that of the Sun).
Drinks are pretty standard, nothing fancy. The lines for drinks at the upstairs bar are always insane, so I would suggest going downstairs. Same goes for the bathroom.
Performances here are a mixed bag. It all depends on what you like.
Moral of the story — if you’re drunk, you’ll have fun. If not, good luck…

I thought Rotture was a great venue to get out and shake a tail feather. I went to the final «Shut up and Dance,» with DJ Gregarious — I was really sad that it was his final night. What a great DJ, all of my friends and I had a blast — we literally closed the club.
There’s an outside space for your pals that smoke — I thought that was super cool. I’m not a smoker, but you can go out, with your drink, and have a smoke if you do. That’s pretty awesome for a club to have.
The bartender was OK — it was a little nuts to me that there was only one bartender for a decent crowd of people, but she was busting a move to get drinks out. The door guy was a little douchey — but aren’t they always? It’s like some power thing or something? Ugh.
The area is a tiny bit suspect, but the venue and the DJ made up for it. Highly recommend a visit, I’ll definitely go back when I’m in town.

Love the staff here! Was the only girl at a Bear Party so naturally both bathrooms were packed. I walked into the middle of a photoshoot in bathroom and decided to wait in hallway until they were finished. A staff member who was inside came out and led me to a stall and said he wanted to make sure I was taken care of. Super sweet! Bartenders are always friendly as well as door staff every time I have come here which goes a long way for me.

Came here for a birthday party.
The area is a little sketch because it is in the industrial area. The front entrance was hard to find because of the delivery trucks parking on the street. There is little parking if you show up past 7pm, so be prepared to walk. Make sure you walk with someone too.
The cover was $ 5 for my friends and $ 7 for me because I showed up 30 minutes later. The dance floor is roomy, but cannot accommodate more than 60 people. Stage is small but comfortable for DJs. The music was Bollywood inspired and honestly was awesome. The sound system here was decent and nostalgic to the raves that were once held here. There is an upstairs back patio that have a lot of potential during warmer weather. The patio itself is covered and could have had more seating.
The female bartender who took care of us provided exceptional service. She was kind, friendly and patience. I had her keep running my card every time I went to order, I should have had her keep a running tab for me. But she poured good drinks, so I had to keep coming back. My friend stood in a different line for drinks and complained that the male bartender did not acknowledge her and ended up serving 4 people behind her. I eventually ordered for her because the female bartender was AWESOME!

Is Holocene’s Soul Night all full and not letting you in? Well let me tell you about the $ 3 Soul Night Rotture likes to put on… and there is little to NO waiting in line and has some of the best soul tunes you may have never heard from the 50’s and 60’s!
I’ve been here for Soul Night twice and I will continue to do so. The dance floor is full of people but never packed so you’re grinding or jumping on your neighbor. There is plenty of room to show off your moves and there is a big patio in case you need to step out for a second for a ciggie or a breath. The patio is located in the back so you don’t have to go through the door man to show your bracelet or wrist stamp to.
The staff are friendly and they have a heavy hand with their pours. Those dedicated to the soul sounds are always super fun to talk to or dance with. Everyone has a great time and it’s neat to see what everyone wears! Kitten heels, and a short floral/​lace dress is fashionable. Men, suspenders is sure to catch you a lady to move with.

Well my first experience at Rotture and I was the first one in and one of the last to leave. Go me.
It was «Shut Up and Dance» night. Wasn’t sure what to expect but was with a large group of lady friends so how can you go wrong?
To sum it up… it was fun. Not terribly crowded as you see in some dance clubs and everyone was just having a good time. The DJ plays 80s goth type music so there were definitely some people dressed the part.
It could withstand a bit of a touch up on the tables/​chairs but other than that it’s your typical divey club.
Parking — sketch. Yes, this is on SE 3^rd in that weird industrial area. Don’t recommend on walking alone if you have to park far.
$ 5 entry fee. Not bad.
$ 4 wells, cheap beers… also not bad. Paid $ 7 for a vodka red bull… that came with the entire red bull and a healthy dose of vodka. Win!
All in all definitely a fun time if you’re with a group of people and just out to dance!

Great venue. Tucked away in the SE Industrial area, with 2 floors of action, some greasy fried food, and cheap drinks. What more do you need? Oh, it has a killer smoking patio with a great view of the city. Saw Busdriver’s show last night. Epic

Gluten Free Options: Very limited — no cider or wines, but you can get creative with the liquors.
Bathrooms: Multiple occupancy.
I’ve been to Rotture a few times over the years. I like the secret-​society feeling of going to a club in the middle of the industrial district, mounting an endless trail of narrow stairs, and then showing my ID to a bouncer who is slightly amused at my mildly out-​of-​breath self. I’ve seen shows here before, and while I think it’s all right for that, where it really shines is as a dance venue. The stage is raised just high enough to give the DJ a nice view of the crowd without making them inaccessible as God, and the dance floor, while small-​ish, still has enough space for a good crowd of people to shake their collective butts. There’s a deck at the far end of Rotture, which has a nice view of the area and serves as a space to get a breath of fresh (nicotine-​laden from those getting their smoke break on) air.
ANDAZ: Five Freakin’ Stars!
Monthly Dance Night
Music: Bhangra mixed by DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid
Cover: $ 3 from 9−10pm; $ 7 after 10pm
I am in love. I went to this dance night for the first time over the weekend, and it’s set the new bar for what I expect for a dance event. I’d heard DJ Anjali before, and always enjoyed her mixing — and this was no exception. She and The Incredible Kid kept the dance floor packed all night long with great beats and endlessly danceable music. I spent the night like thus: dance until a hot sweaty mess, rehydrate, breathe, repeat. If dancing is my religion, then my soles have just found their spiritual home and a monthly date with Andaz.

Went to see a friend’s band and as always it sounded great. Plenty of space to hang at the bar, or watch the band up close. After the bands the DJ starts.
Every thing from Goth Kids to Social rejects, to Hot chicks in all pink garters, accessorized with a big fluffy tu tu and pink rubber boots.
Yes I loved this place.
This would be a much better place to dance if they would paint the wall that they show video on a light gray, instead of that stark white. It’s to bright and kills the energy on the dance floor.
IMO…

I came here for the Portland Mercury 10^th birthday bash, so I’m not sure how representative this review will be of the club on a usual night.
I don’t go clubbing much, but when I do, it’s been in San Francisco, Tijuana, and Korea, where I think things are much different (and much better). The drinks at Rotture were definitely not on the cheap side, and drinks were spilled all over the place, making the dance floor sticky and kinda gross. Most importantly, the music was really mehhh. The bar we went to afterwards was playing better music than this place. I still had a good time with the company of friends, but I think I’m done clubbing in Portland now.

Against all odd, I love Rotture.
Unbeknownst to me, the show I came to see was all ages. I knew something was up when I noticed an abundance of kids chugging beers outside. Some things never change right?
My heart sank into my all-​too-​sober stomach when I realized the bar was closed as a precaution for the youngins. So there I was, trapped in a sea of belligerent, eccentrically clad, hormone filled, too cool under-​agers. Luckily there was salvation in the form of Branx, a lovely bar located downstairs. Oh, how I love options…
Rotture has a sexy, hip feel without being over the top. If Gossip Girl or Entourage was set in Portland, they would come here to catch the new hot band and sip cocktails. I was impressed with how open it was. Lots of space for dancing.sitting. standing around. all that. The sound was on point, no funny business.
Soul Night is pretty fabulous, the jams and hot and so are the patrons. Put your dancing shoes on and remember to look sharp otherwise it’ll cost you 10 $. It says that Mod/​60s attire is required but as long as you look Fancy and like you just didn’t roll up off the street it’s only 3 $. I have a feeling Rotture and I are going to be good pals.

I can’t speak a speck of French, but I dig French words. Ratatouille. Andouille. Rotture. So I like the name. It’s a bit misleading though. From my experiences, there’s not a dab of French or Creole or Canadian (eh) in the joint. But at the core of the Rotture monster, its veins beat heavily of the blood of hipsters.
When I walked out onto the patio for a cigarette, I was ashamed of my mediocre main stream blue jeans. I cowered my head amongst a sea of plaid shirts, skinny pants, and vintage clothing. If I wasn’t a bit pissed that I’d had to pay $ 10 to a dismissive doorman only to find that the show starts at 10 (not the 8 that was posted earlier on the web page) and if my cheap soul wasn’t swallowing the notion that the least expensive liquor beverage I could find was $ 4… Well if those weren’t the circumstances, I might’ve also felt bad about having a humdrum vodka cran in my hand as opposed to the PBR proudly dispplayed in the grip of all of the regulars.
The bar is long, spanning most of the length of the venue, and the bartenders do their job. I wouldn’t be encouraged to visit Rotture if I wasn’t there to see a band or three play. That’s the sort of place it was.
But it does a damned good job at being a local music venue. I give that aspect of it four stars. The stage is the perfect size for a medley of bands, and only slightly raised, so the audience can feel an intimate connection up close and personal with the musicians. And who doesn’t love getting gleeked on by adored guitarists? The sound quality was good, the lights low enough to enjoy the intoxication of the melodies.
After the band packed up its goods, we got to shake hands and shoot the sh*t with them while contemplating which merch to buy. I like that. I like places where musicians are encouraged to mingle with their fans, to get down to their level and be human. Where you don’t have to win a backstage pass on the radio just for a chance to get within ten feet of a band.
A couple things I wasn’t crazy about were: the shotty, uncared for tables and auditorium-​style chairs, and the bathrooms. Eeek, that bathroom was creepy. I couldn’t figure out which one was the women’s room until I ruled out the men’s urinals. One of the stalls was completely missing its door (where do doors go to? Is there a magical land full of overused, retired doors?) and a couple others didn’t lock. I had to question the purpose of washing my hands in there, seeing as how all sorts of interesting things could be growing along the counters and in the funky paper towel dispenser.
Shrug. In about ten words: Not much of a bar. but a pretty awesome music venue.

Raah-​tur?
Row-​te-​uhr?
Well, however the hell you pronounce it, Rotture is legit.
I came here for the first time to catch A-​Trak on a Friday night and was immediately impressed with the openness of the space, enabling the patrons who want to get down with adequate room to just dance dance dance.
The drinks are reasonably priced, there’s loads of seating options to kick your feet up, the acoustics are tight, and the lighting is soft and low. I also like that it’s 21+ over, ensuring a more established crowd.
Yeah, I would totally come back.

«21 and over! Cash only! If you’re under 21 or don’t have your ID, go home! There’s an ATM at the porn store»
Well, okay. The staff isn’t super duper friendly, but they were efficient enough.
It’s not very big, I couldn’t imagine seeing a well attended show here. The venue is mostly L shaped, with a bar covering most of the length of the room, with tables opposite. I imagine if there’s more than 100 people actually wanting to be next to the stage, it would be bad.
The sound was good, although the speaker in the back cut out for a while early in the show. I was up front when the one loud song was played («Hot Topic is not Punk Rock» by MC Lars) and I don’t recall it being super distorty.
in a partially related note, there’s a nerdcore guy out of Tri-​Cities called Beefy. He’s awesome. And Frontalot did indeed front the most.

Oh gawd… how many times can they «reinvent» the B-​complex without doing anything substantial to the busted-​ass broken-​down interior? 10 to 20 I’m gonna guess. I have some not so awesome memories from my years in this place (yeah, it’s been around and the same for a long ass time), and they keep resurfacing every time I find myself back in this warehouse-​cum-​oh-​so-​cool hipster trainwreck.
Filthy, falling apart, I’m sure not up to code, and in a sketchy part of town, the Hippodrome seems to be doing the re-​hashed 90’s über-​cool neon thing on a weekly basis. I am guessing this from the plethora of posters on the bathroom walls that are clogged with improperly used umlauts and high-​contrast pink/​yellow/​green images of people in super tight high-​water pants looking too cool for muthafuckin school! I don’t actually come here on a regular basis… so I can’t confirm the oozing hipness of this place on first-​hand knowledge.
I ended up back here recently for a Wieden+Kennedy event, and I am frankly surprised that they wanted to utilize this venue. I thought they were cooler than that. Oh well. I need to go home and wash off the soles of my shoes now. I wouldn’t want to track Rotture all over my hardwoods.
The bar staff is friendly tho… and they poured me a stiffy for $ 4… so that’s cool.