Bubbas is a religious experience. It's a place where people of all races, genders, sexualities, socioeconomic backgrounds can come together. The tunes are immaculate, the dancing is constant. If you are looking for a classy bar experience please stick to the many fantastic cocktail bars Portland has to offer. If you are looking to restore your faith in humanity while sipping a beer or a mixed drink in a plastic cup, go to Bubba's. I hope to still be dancing here when I'm in my 90s. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Nothing represents the Bubba's experience better than a blurry photo on the light up dance floor - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

Bubba's Sulky Lounge is a funkadelic, groovy, and little strange of a place to go out. When in Portland, right? Although I normally wouldn't go out somewhere like Bubba's, I had to put on my party pants and go since my friend wanted her bachelorette party to go out here. Drinks on flowing, Christmas lights, funky decor, and a technicolor dance floor with a bunch of girls wearing wigs, what more could you ask for? The takeaway I learned from this experience was not to judge a book by its cover. We had a great time dancing the night away and celebrating our bride to be. read more

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An experience like no other. A huge nightclub with the weirdest decorations ever. They have multiple dance floors and typically do a 80s theme night. So much dancing! They do have a cover typically $5 and the bar is cash only so be prepared. The drinks are strong and a little pricey. Overall a great time if you want to dance! read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

If you know, you know! Bubba's is such a fun time if you're looking for an evening to let loose. All ages, and attire are welcome, so you never feel out of place. read more

Bubba's is a town staple with it's pros and cons. Pros: 1) The Vibe: People are just friendly and everyone there just wants to let their freak flag fly. 2) Music - Good music and dance floor vibe. 3) Ample seating 4) 3 dance floors 5) The staff. they are always super chill and accommodating. Cons: 1) The bathrooms! They are TINY, wet, and the sink is literally falling off. 2) DJ sucks. The transitions between songs is TERRIBLE. He just snaps from salsa/samba vibes to like rave EDM vibes with no warning. Can't ride the beat like that. read more

We were on a guys trip and found this on the last night, best bar of the trip Multiple dance floors, plenty of room even though it gets busy CASH ONLY for entry fee and drinks, but cheap drinks Great music - VERY varied clientele. There were groups of 21 year olds in there, groups of people in their 60s - people of all ethnicities. As an older group, we felt out of place at some spots but fit right in here. Would never go back to portland with the guys and not go here the first night read more

What is the deal with the back bar, now?! I Try to avoid it, at all costs. The older bartender, that's there now, is unpleasant and gets on customers that don't tip. Service is NOT as good as it used to be read more

Things are not what they seem and don't judge a book by its cover is the closest I can describe this bar. I believe this bar purposely decorated the inside to prevent people from being able to describe it to others. read more

I'm updating my review because they are open! I had the best time ever at Bubba's Sulky Lounge. I had to look up the definition of Sulky. Sulky is defined morose, bad-tempered, and resentful; refusing to be cooperative or cheerful. I disagree with the word "Sulky" for Bubba's. The door staff was happy to be reopened. There are three 1980s light up dance floors. The bar is filled with the ultimate mix of young and old. It's probably a fire hazard. It's probably a health code hazard. The beer is cheap. It was a good time. If I were younger, I'd be here once a week. The 80 something year old owner was walking around in a white suit! I'm keeping my old review because it made me laugh. They were closed on June 5! I'm giving it five stars purely for the joy of watching Ubers pull up and drop off passengers at a close down bar. I was told that this is quite a great restaurant and can't wait to come when it opens but again as of June 5 the place is closed read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - One of the mannequins - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

Amazing. It's like the Cheez Shak on steroids whoever built this place apparently its an elder fellow needs to come to Dawson some time. Cheers BUBBA! read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - a woman sitting at a bar with an elephant statue in the background - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

Bubba's is weird (but inn the best possible way). It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it if you want some fun dancing, throwbacks, and crowd. We came for a bachelorette party, not too sure what to expect but had it recommended many times so gave it a shot. Walk in to the most eclectic decorations and tables, three dance floors, a few bars, and music videos playing on the screens. Friday nights are 80s night so we got to hear a bunch of fun 80s music and dance like no one was watching (which they weren't- there was no judgement!). If you're looking for a super fancy posh place, not the vibe. If you're looking to have a fun, weird celebration, highly encouraged. A few things to note: cash only! They have an ATM, but plan ahead. Typically about a $5 cover and approx. $10 for a mixed drink. Also, they close at 1 am, so if you're ubering maybe leave a few minutes before to beat the rush? read more

It's 1981. You want to go somewhere nostalgia rules and credit cards don't exist. Collectibles from the Oregon Trail mingle with Barbie lunchboxes in the rafters overhead. As you belly up to the bar, a dust haze erupts from every surface you contact, and you yell PBR! to a barback in a leather halter who may be 16 or 60. Passing the dance floor where covens dressed in sequin and plaid miniskirts huddle and sway to the beat and each other, you whack your face on a pendant chandelier hung at eye level, check for blood, and return to your booth, where the table has collapsed and your friends are being hit on by homeless bikers with face tattoos, only to realize you either left your drinks at the bar, dropped them while being skull bashed or never ordered them in the first place, a feeling of dementia and toxic amnesia that will never wash off. Ever. read more

I don't know what's not to love about this place other than they only take cash. Funky environment with all sorts of knick knacks on the walls and ceiling. Good sized dance floor. When I was there they had a live DJ and a guy the looked just like the Dude dancing like no one was watching and was killing it! Area of Portland it's in isn't the best but you aren't far from the rest of the hot spots either. read more

Worst experience ever!!! This was our first time going out in Portland. I found this place online and it looked interesting and different. It was Friday night, super packed. There was a huge line to get a drink. Security tells me to get in line now because they don't serve shots after midnight. So we wait in line, get to the bar, try to order shots and the bartender tells us no. (It was before midnight mind you) So my husband and I tell her that we were told no shots after midnight and it's before midnight. She then tells me that I have been drinking all night and she doesn't like my attitude. We had just got there and I was completely sober, I hadn't had a single drink that night. She eventually gave us a drink (made wrong) but not without being EXTREMELY RUDE. She was an older woman with short hair. I am appalled at the way we were treated. We made sure to leave her a big tip, she must have needed it! I am a bartender myself and would never treat a customer this way! Horrible read more

I recently visited Bubbas after moving to Maine a couple of weeks ago. Wanted to check out the local scene. It was hopping, so I figured this must be the place to be. But when my husband and I walked up to the bar to order drinks, I couldnt believe how rude the bar tender was. The bartender was an old woman who was clearly annoyed that I ordered something they didn't have. Their supply was very limited. The liquor was tucked away in some tiny little cabinet. It looked more like an after hours bar. So I ordered what they had and it was obviously watered down. We paid the bill and I left 20% tip in spite of how we were treated and the quality of the liquor. She never said thank you. She didn't even look at us. We will never come back to this "establishment". I hope I find something better in Portland to make up for this night I will never get back. read more

Where to start... cash only. cheap beer options. jello shots. dance floors. multiple in fact; 3. Freaks of all kinda. Young ones, old ones, brown ones, white ones, big ones, thin ones, loud ones, bold ones. The weekly 80's night as 1 of 2 weekend nights is kind of compromising and limits its potential. Seen a woman digitally pleasured on the dance floor, seem swingers bumbin uglies, seen a cross dresser and a polo chad swappin spit. If you want weird, visit here. Its never a dull moment and always a fun time. Oh but make sure you pick out your exit door- place is a wicked fire hazard. read more

Great ambiance, great dancing and upbeat vibe! I was part of a large group that came to Bubbas and we definitely enjoyed ourselves. We came during 80s night and the music was great and in our wheelhouse when I'm in Portland next I'll definitely go back again. read more

I think my friend visiting from North Carolina said it best. "What IS this place????" Bubba's is what The Silence of the Lambs would look like if directed by Tim Burton. With their new (at least to me) displays of mannequins, this is the creepiest, weirdest night club you may ever come across. Anywhere. Yet I feel the need to update my review to 5 stars. Something about this hall of horrors just works. Friday night is the night to go, and DJ Jon makes the experience. If he ever leaves, drop Bubba's a couple stars. The DJ plays 30-60 second snippets of classic songs (it's different, not annoying to me) with the corresponding videos on the tvs around the light up dance floor. Who even knew that all of these 80s songs had videos? It's a crazy eclectic mix of music, which represents the crowd well. It's the best people watching in Portland. As you can tell from the reviews, you'll either love or hate this place. The service is pretty bad. The mixed drinks are overpriced. The $3 PBRs are the best deal and fit the mood. Do not come here sober. Bring cash, because that's all they accept. Dress foolish in 80s attire if you want, as there's a $5 cover if you don't. If you want to approximate an acid trip without actually taking drugs, here you go. Enjoy! read more

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This is a place that you go out with your closest friends because it's going to be a great night! No need to dress up but if you dress up with 80's fashion you go in for free (ladies). I haven't had a bad experience at Bubba's ever! It's dark and it does stink but that's the bar's personality. This is not a black and white suit type of place. Basically just get there and enjoy yourself. Bring cash, the line for the drinks can get long, so be ready! read more

Bubba's is a haven of oddities and curios, which welcomes weirdos, soccer moms, and even hip old men to coalesce in a single place to dance unencumbered for hours. Cheap drinks flow like ambrosia while each dance floor transports you to a different era, bending time-space to your will so you experience nothing but joy. Have a séance in the corner with the dolls. Peruse the memorabilia peppered across the walls. This wild, bacchanalian sensory overload propels you to a different planet where ebullience is the only vibe and smiles are currency. I will always defend Bubba and his silky smooth ways. read more

Please don't listen to the anomalous negative reviews. I hope they don't come back, as they'd ruin the fun for everyone else anyway. Bubba's is the most fun place ever! Weird antiques everywhere. A ton of dance floors with amazing music! Fridays are 80's nights and have such a joyous vibe. People from all walks of life are smiling and dancing and having the time of their lives. It's huge, cheap and delightfully weird, and honestly who really cares if the bartenders aren't kissing your a**? You got your drink, right? What else do you need? It's not a craft cocktail place, and it doesn't pretend to be. There are plenty of places that do that in Portland. There is only one Bubba's. read more

Stick around for more than 20 minutes, and a biker named Vinny will buy everyone at the bar a drink. At least that's what happened to me when I was there on a Thursday afternoon. Bubba's is one-of-a-kind. Full of colorful locals. Full of colorful everything else, too. It's got the vibe of an antique store--as there's all sorts of quirky retro junk everywhere you look. Plus the place is pretty massive with multiple bars and even a light-up disco dance floor. I'd go back for another round from Vinny. Hell, I'd even put on my saddle shoes and come back for a night of tearing up the dance floor. read more

Bubba's manages to combine two things I love very much: antiques and dancing. Here at Bubba's you can drink a tall boy, take a shot of whiskey and dance to 80's hits alongside relics from the past. The walls are lined with eerie little antiques including (but not limited to) dolls, mannequins, wheels, clocks, knick knacks, etc. If you turned an old Maine quintessential antique store into a throw back dance party with a light up dance floor, you'd get Bubba's. The bathrooms even manage to have all the wood paneling a girl could dream of. There are THREE tiers to dance on. They have two bars. For 80's night it's a $5 cover and free if you dress up like you're from the 80's (I mean scrunchie, highlighter top, go all out kind of 80's.. trust me I tried to use other arguments and got nowhere with the door man). It's a MUST if you are from out of town and want to have a good time sweating it out to the oldies. Make sure to bring CASH because they are a cash only establishment (would you have guessed anything else?). It's like.. totally, bitchin'! Have a blast. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

Came to Portland for the weekend was looming for a fun place for drink and dance. Could not be happier with this place, super fun energy with light up dance floor. read more

My girlfriend and I were dancing together on New Year's Eve, having a good time and minding our own business, when Emily approaches us and says that she is asking us to leave. We asked why this was happening and she said it was because we were too "sloppy" to be there anymore. When we asked for what we had done to come across as "sloppy" she spoke to a colleague and then realized that it was a mistake, and it was someone else was supposed to be kicked out. We then politely asked for a drink on the house to compensate for the embarrassment, and instead of kindly saying "sorry, we can't offer you a free drink but we apologize for our terrible and extremely embarassing mistake" Noah then decided to then kick out for real. Yes, this is actually true! Then Emily followed his incredibly rude orders like a sheep, and turned rude and immature immediately, even trying to physically prevent me from getting my coat on the way out. Then muscle-man Adam enters the scene, and proceeds to physically push us out the door, raise his fist and make threats to us. Never before have I seen anything like this childish, rude and extremely unprofessional behavior from anyone. We will be following up with the owners about the unacceptable behavior from Noah, Emily and Adam on New Year's Eve. read more

LOVE , LOVE, LOVE this place. We live in Ct. Get to Maine 2 or 3 times a year. I've had so many friends tell me to stop by to Bubbas especially because I collect lunch boxes. We went during the day. Met an awesome bartender Cassia. Had some drinks and snacks. Cassia was nice to bs with. We definitely will stop back for a night of dancing and drinking. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Hubby, Gnorme and thier new friend. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

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We had a fantastic night. The decor is something out of a hoarders show but in a retro way. I mean something things are definitely old and fabulous brings you back to your childhood. Music was late 90s early 2000s on this night I heard on Friday's its 80s night Thumbs up! 3 level dance floors 2bars 2 sets of bathrooms heads up CASH BAR ONLY (which made it 4 stars) ALSO 5$ cover on weekends it seems Very eclectic energy so if your not an open minded person stay away !!! You won't appreciate this hidden gem OTHERWISE go enjoy This Damn GEM!!! read more

I LOVE IT! Bubba's is one of my all time favorite places. I've celebrated a lot of really great moments here & even had my 30th here! Staff is great & attentive to watching "creepahs" Fridays are the best with 80's Night-where if you go dressed head to toe you get in free (why wouldn't you?) I do miss when DJ Jon would let my favorite songs play for more than a few minutes. That's my only problem--don't stop them so soon please. I also like the age range & don't feel like it's meant for any certain group or age. If you haven't been --go now read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Yes! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

I've been here a couple times. 80s night is usually really fun. I've been to a 90s night which I thought was pretty awesome. This last time going through it was a Saturday, there was a cover. But, they should have paid me to go in there. There was nothing special going on and basically bought a drink and then left. It is cash only too btw, but they do have an ATM inside. The light up dance floor is neat as well as their decor, I guess if you haven't seen it then it's worth checking out. I wasn't too impressed my last stop in. read more

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This place was 100% worth the short walk, $5 cover, and cash only bar. Great dancing on a Saturday night and so much to talk in and see! Def add this place to your list if you want to let your freak flag fly! read more

Fucken toirlet over flowt got poopoo on my shoes have to keep them outside don't have slippers my feet will get coold!!!!!! Wow in-con-veenent!!!! read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

First off, the uber driver drove us through a VERY sketchy area to get to this bar and could not stress enough for us to NOT go wandering outside the bar. So we started the night super skeptical. We were recommended this place by a local. We were told that it was fun and Saturday's we 90's night. We when walked in we heard Katy Perry though... we asked the bouncer about this and apparently Saturday's are 90's and "now" night. Then we walk-in in even further, and I was certain that we were in the wrong place. The decor is extremely weird and country-antique like. Seriously there was a light up disco dance floor that was surround by metal lunch boxes. And there were dolls, mannequins, teddy bears, etc all over the place. We got there around 10 and there was a $5 cover. All the bars were cash only which we did not know. That was really annoying but at least they had an atm inside. It was fun because of the 90s music, and a large amount of people were on the dance floor dancing. But if I'm ever in the area again I wouldn't come back as there are many other bars in the area worth checking out. read more

This place was SO fun! Came with a group of girls during a weekend trip in Portland. We had a blast. Fun music and loved there was different areas. A good range of ages from young to old. I will definitely be back if I come to Portland for another night out. Only complaint is that it is cash only. We didn't end up getting more than one drink because of this read more

First: What is a sulky lounge? This question has plagued me since dancing the night away at Bubba's last night. [UPDATE: Thanks Todd D. for letting me know a sulky is a a cart pulled behind a harness horse!] Second: Can I give a place 7 stars on Yelp? My friends were staying with us in Bridgton for New Years and after quitting skiing early, we headed to Portland to get dinner at Eventide. I have long been curious about Bubba's and somehow convinced my Boston friends and an exhausted DD Jeff M. to "drop in and look around". After we found out there was a cover, we decided that $5 is not a deal breaker. As we're driving there, my Bates-alum friend asks the car, "Is it safe in South Portland?" Emboldened by a fantastically buttery lobster roll and an Aviation, I don't know or, particularly, care. What a wonderfully weird, cavernous oddity. The rooms just keep going. The decor is a rabbithole of bizarre and there are lots of scary Santas overseeing the dance floor. The people watching was stellar. The crowd ranged from a foursome straight out of the cast of Girls to some older ladies, some couples, and a few of the professional drinking types that likely showed up in 1961 and never left. The vibe is very welcoming. We sat down for all of 2 minutes, and proceeded to rock out to 80s music on the candy-colored, lighted dance floor until much later than we should've stayed out. I can't speak to the cocktails but I am sure they get the job done. I can't wait to drag my friends from New York here; we might join the Bubba's regular crew who just doesn't ever leave. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - 2015 is terribly fun so far - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Such a weird spot. Light up dance floor was great and fun. Interesting decor (Halloween shown here). Cash only is kind of annoying and their service leaves a lot to be desired. Also had a drunk person spill a beer on me and no staff question if he was ok to keep drinking. Their choice in music is bad to the point of undancdable. Get a younger dj and people will stick around way longer to dance. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

Seriously? If you don't love this place, you are missing the point... or you need more to drink! It's a dive! A hoarders paradise! An 80's lunchbox graveyard/museum (both maybe?)! Where mannequins go to die(?) Whatever... none of that matters! It's a diverse crowd of young and the not so young squeezing onto a light up dance floor and drunk dancing until the lights come on. (At that point you should leave... trust me, lol) Overall, good times, average priced drinks, moderate service, $5 cover, cash only, and a night you will always remember or drink so much you'll forget anyway. read more

If you're looking for somewhere to go out at night, and thinking to yourself, "Self, where can I go out that is both the most bizarre place I've been to and also the most amazing?", well, then you can just go to Bubba's in Portland, ME. If you're into dancing, you'll definitely want to check this spot out, mainly because they have a lit-up dance floor, made for dancing. And, you don't have to be a good dancer either (although I did witness some pretty decent breakdancing), you just need to have fun. There's also a back bar and separate room, for more dancing. And, if you're not really into dancing, there are cushion swivel bar seats and booths near the main bar area. Oh, and, it's hard not to notice, upon entrance and throughout the entire bar, all of the insanely random and weird $h!t all over the place. We're talking puppets, metal lunch boxes hanging from the ceiling, old antique items, frames, lamps, pretty much everything. Basically, it's amazing. read more

Bubba's Sulky Lounge - Dance floor - Dance Clubs Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Long story short it smells like a pee covered summer camp. Any and all of the staff ignore you and are rude. Walked out without even getting my drink. Wasted time and cover fee. One of the biggest jokes in Portland Glad I didn't waste any more time on my birthday. read more

Quintessential Portland. Been going to Bubba's for almost 20 years (!). It's weird, fun and awesome. Everyone is just there to have a genuinely great time and no one is looking to impress anyone. Am surprised to read some of the negative reviews. Have never had a bad experience there. read more

Bubba's has weird decorations but it's a unique place, it's way different than any club/bar I've ever been to. It's a good thing, they play older fun music. The crowd here ranges from younger to older. Very mixed up group which makes it cool. The floor is lit up with different colors and there is a couple of dance floors. Bubba's drink prices were low and they made them tasty. Cool spot to hang with friends or parents?¿ Anyone could find some music they like there. read more