Bodacious Classics
By Rae Gordon
If you are planning to build the ultimate basement playroom that you
always dreamed of when you were a kid, don't bother. It's all ready
been done to the max. And it's right here in Portland.
Bodacious Classics, otherwise known as BC's, is close-in on S.E. 24th
and Powell; it could mirror the finest in underground fun. Down a few
steps into the basement playroom atmosphere, BC's welcomes you with
a comfortable ambience and lots of things, besides people, to see. A
far cry from the dark hovel of the Italian restaurant it was long, long
ago, it has become a fun and refreshing destination for a night out.
From the gas station pumps that greet you at the door and the collectible
signage, to the friendly service, BC's is a refreshing change of pace.
The interior inside is wide open with a large checkered dance floor
and a dance ball. Funky metallic '60s style red seats and booths that
came from a defunct diner are some great seating choices, finished off
with quaint little tables.
But by no means is this place stuck in one era, as evidenced by the
poster of Seinfield's Kramer posed just outside the restrooms with that
infamous hair that looks as if it were a result of a light socket incident.
Just over the bar, you can take a gander at the '57 Chevy grill above
your head that was actually a racer at one time. Along another wall,
you'll find the '76 tail section of a Corvette bumper sticking out.
Almost every collectible here has a personal history. Some were gifts
from customers and some were items the owner was able to bargain on
himself, such as the gas pumps greeting you at the door. The old trolley
light from earlier in the last century came from S.E. 26th and Powell.
And don't forget the great jukebox and assorted sports items.
As for games, four tournament-ready dartboards in a row stand at attention
ready for you, along with everyone's favorite, foosball.
BC's is not only a little candy for big boys' eyes, but up on the current
trends in the world, including none other than the Survivor series.
Every Thursday at 9 p.m., patrons can do their own Survivor battle of
the wits.
Another trend is great music piped out by a good DJ. The DJ this night
is none other than the owner Ralph McKee himself. With a quick wit and
an even quicker smile, McKee loves music as much as he loves his customers.
A local boy, he started as the DJ here years ago and after a little
traveling, is going strong ever since and is incredibly good at what
he does.
McKee specializes in mixing the oldies but goodies music, taking you
back to a simpler time.
But the rest of the eras are proudly available here up to present.
There is even a turntable to play tunes that are almost impossible to
find on CD with plenty of records and 45s to back it up. Depending on
the crowd, McKee spins the tunes you most want to hear. On the weekends,
BC's awards prizes such as T-shirts and the like.
As for food under street level, Bodacious munchies include all the
favorites that you have come to expect from a good appetizer menu, but
also added to the mix is mini shrimp and clam strips to plump up the
options. Lunch gets a good crowd served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through
Friday and heralds homemade style soup and sandwiches. The menu also
includes the comfortable great American tried-and-true selections such
as burgers and the like. Salads include a grilled Cajun or Caribbean
chicken, depending on your mood. Dinner runs the full delectable gamut
from steaks, pasta and seafood, all within an affordable range.
Into the nightlife, mixed drinks have names like "Dirty Girl Scout"
and "Horni Rita." You're bound to remember a night or two
of your pasts with those titles. The girl in elementary school who wouldn't
give you the time of day, and now Rita - who will! Nice and crowded
on the weekends with a blend of regulars and newbies, it still prides
itself on having an aggression-free environment. Bodacious Classics
is not only great spot because it is comfortable, it's a breath of fresh
air hence the name pumphouse; it's a "gas!"
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