October 2015 | view this story as a .pdf

Stalking the ghost of the 1980s is easier than you think.

By Jeanee Dudley

Ozzy Osbourne is out of his mind, standing at the edge of the Eastland Hotel’s rooftop deck, flinging pool furniture onto High Street. This special performance by the Prince of Darkness is a beloved piece of Portland history. It’s the perfect 1980s rocker scene: having had his fill of snorting ants and biting off the heads of bats, Ozzy has entered the crucial peak of his hotel-trashing period. Breaking lamps and burning mattresses are passé, and Portland, Maine, that sleepy city by the sea, is the first to know.

Ozzy hasn’t played a show in Maine since 1988–he canceled an appearance in 2008 due to illness. But there are other ways to capture that time of wonder–ways that won’t result in the permanent closure of a swanky rooftop pool. The Forest City offers a good 1980s throwback any night of the week.

For those heavily involved in the rock- and-roll lifestyle, Geno’s Rock Club at 625 Congress Street is the place to be. It’s dark, hot, and loud, and there are shows all week long. The former adult theater takes advantage of its layout, making for an, um, intimate space. There’s a big bar, a pool table, and a lower level for taking in a show. The venue hosts a range of local talent as well as musicians from away, from indie rockers to death metal acts.

For that 1980s punk-rock experience (Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, and Misfits), Portland favorite Big Meat Hammer delivers. Heavy on the grunge, this local legend is guaranteed to please the 1980s punk within. Combined with a crowded room, cheap beer, and strategically placed safety pins, a Big Meat Hammer show at Geno’s is the perfect way to stick it to the establishment.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, 1980s Night at Bubba’s Sulky Lounge at 92 Portland Street fulfills the party dream of every valley girl and yuppie-at-heart. At the door, dressed-up dancers get in for free. That means neon spandex, side ponytails, leg warmers, and off-the-shoulder tees for all–and Miami Vice suits for the discerning gentlemen in the crowd.

Inside, revelers fall upon a cavernous club filled with unique trinkets. Walk past the mannequins, wagon wheels, and stuffed horses to find either of two bars. Grab a libation and head to the flashing dance floor. With the infamous DJ Jon spinning 1980s pop, yacht rock (think Doobie Brothers in admiral suits), and smooth, synth-infused R&B, it’s a good place to get your Olivia Newton-John on.

    Of course, the 1980s weren’t all loud music and tight pants. This beloved decade brought about the popularization of the modern video game. Portland’s year-old Arcadia National Bar at 24 Preble Street helps true 1980s geeks reminisce over the 8-bit glow of classic arcade games. Domestic and craft beers are available on tap and by the can. The bar mixes up specialty drinks inspired by all things nerdy and hosts a range of game-centric events.

On the floor, gamers can load up on quarters and smash the buttons of some rare machines. “We have arcade games that date from the early 1980s through the 1990s,” says Vinny, bartender and pinball aficionado. “This is definitely a great 1980s throwback spot–I think Marty McFly would be very happy here.”

Vinny and I both favor BurgerTime, similar in format to Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man but with the critical endgame of building hamburgers by stepping on components, causing them to drop onto the buns below–while either avoiding or “peppering” the walking hot dogs and fried eggs that try to knock you off course. While there is no prize counter, the friendly atmosphere and beer specials are incentive enough to burn through your designated laundry quarters.