i don't think that there would ever be any bar in portland where it would be "safe" maybe a gay bar is that is where most girls go when they don't want to be hit on. but then again you always get the bi guys there too,

Well, there's always The Egyptian. It's a dyke bar and is thus primarily inhabited by women. I don't know if I would consider it "safe" for a cute young thang like yourself though. You may get eaten alive. I would say a dive bar isn't really the answer. Probably a more hipster urban joint like Shanghai Tunnel or XV would be safe to go alone. The guys in those places are usually either too self absorbed, angst ridden or entangled in intellectual hang-ups (or in some cases, just plain too nice) to make some gross or inappropriate play on a gal.

Club 21 on NE Sandy and 21st. Many local women and several female bartenders. My wife and her girlfriends go there all the time (even her mom and grandma when they visit).

As a bi guy, I second the Egyptian. You're probably safer at the Egyptian than I am ;) But it's true that it's a pretty rough dyke crowd, so watch your back. Fun karaoke Weds - Sun and great dance floor Friday and Saturday nights.

I also second XV for the aforementioned reasons - people there are pretty laid back and kind. The second-best happy hour burger in Portland in my humble opinion. A great ahi tuna steak usually also graces the menu.

The best happy hour burger in Portland I believe is at Wild Abandon - a really nice little bistro-style restaurant on 24th and Belmont. You might enjoy it there - gay owned and operated, lots of women hanging out in groups.

I like the Bar of the Gods at 48th and Hawthorne. The staff there really keeps and eye on the patrons and never lets things get out of hand. Usually a few women in pairs sitting at the bar.

You would probably also like the Sapphire Hotel at 50th and Hawthorne - woman-owned and very nice atmosphere... scads of ladies hang out there most nights. Wednesday is some kind of matchmaking thing - but I think that's kinda hetero-centric, you didn't mention your preference(s).

"safe"?? why are you so scared to go out by yourself?? What exactly do you think is going to happen?? I go out by myself all the time and I've NEVER had a problem.

Why's the momma going to want to hang out in some schwag butch dive bar? Hawthorne dive bars are safe besides, and most SE folks are pretty on point. Cheers.