Black-Owned Portland
Where are the Black-owned businesses located in Portland, Oregon?
Are there Black people in Portland?
These are questions that typically surface when Portland, Oregon is a topic of discussion.
I recently shared exciting news about my upcoming press trip to Portland, Oregon, with my online community. However, I was disappointed to receive rather disheartening comments such as "It's an overwhelmingly white city" or "There are no Black people there." These remarks prompted me to explore the city's cultural fabric and learn more about Portland's Black community.
Upon my arrival in Rose City, it didn't take me long to realize that these initial comments didn't capture the full essence of Portland's diverse population. While it's true that Portland has been stereotyped as predominantly white, this narrative fails to acknowledge the rich and enduring history of Black residents who have called this city home for generations.
Keep reading to learn more about the businesses and cultural attractions I visited in Portland.
Travel Portland and Black Travel Alliance hosted this trip, but the commentary in this post is my own.
*denotes Black-owned
Itinerary
Day 1
Detroit-style pizza and beer at Assembly Brewing*
6112 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR, US, 97206
Detroit native George Johnson is the founder, head brewer, and pizza chef of Assembly Brewing, bringing iconic square-shaped pizza to the west coast.
Dom’s Pick: Oregon Origin for my hoppy beer lovers
Nightcap at Fortune
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205
If you're searching for an exceptional classic cocktail program coupled with great music from some of the best local DJs, look no further than Fortune. And if you're feeling a bit hungry, you can order from their menu, which features small bites and a popular burger.
Dom’s Pick: Roku Gin Collins is the perfect cocktail for my gin-loving friends
Day 2
Breakfast at Sunrice
585 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205
One of Portland's most popular pop-up duos, Chef TJ Cruz and Ken Tran, served breakfast bowls that showcased their Filipino heritage. We were served spiced chicken with an over-easy egg on a bed of garlic rice.
Coffee at Deadstock Coffee*
408 N.W. Couch St., Portland, OR, 97209
With the slogan “Coffee Should Be Dope,” this coffee shop in Chinatown is a local favorite. The owner, Ian Williams, displays his love for the sneaker culture (which is HUGE in Portland as it is Nike Town).
Dom’s Pick: Lebronald Palmer - Their top seller combines Colombian cold brew, southern-style sweetened assam black tea, and their house lemonade. This product is also available for purchase and nationwide shipping via their website.
Tea at Barnes and Morgan Tea Shop*
131 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR, US, 97209
Owner/Nike designer and North Carolina native Amir Morgan created a space for an elevated tea experience amongst the community, while the back half of his location serves as a fashion house for his custom pieces. Take time to venture to the back of the store to see the two couches designed after Sheryl Swoopes and Uptempo Nike sneakers.
Dom’s Tip: Order the croissant waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
Black Artist of Oregon Exhibit at Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205
Received a private tour by the exhibit curator and local artist/photographer Intisar Abioto for the museum’s new exhibit, which opened on September 9 and runs through March 17, 2024. The breathtaking exhibit honored individuals such as Grafton Tyler Brown, who is documented as the first professional Black artist working and living in the Pacific Northwest.
Lunch at Lil’ America Pod
1015 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR, US, 97214
Food Pods are a unique part of Portland’s culinary scene, where multiple pods are stationed in one area. This food pod, in particular, features businesses owned by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ chefs.
Dom’s Pick: Makulit is a pod that offers Filipino-American fast food, and opted to order the Sticky Chicky, which is chicken bites tossed in a sweet finadene glaze served over rice, and order their lumpia. Another crowd favorite is a Black-owned business, The Drip’N Crab, known for its generously seasoned seafood.
Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library
1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR, US, 97205
Multnomah Whiskey Library is a membership-based social club, bar, and restaurant that would be an oasis for whiskey lovers as they have more than 1,000 bottles worldwide.
Dinner at Akadi*
3601 NE M L King Blvd, Portland, OR, US, 97212
If you are looking for West African food in Portland, Akadi, is where you should dine.
Dom’s Pick: Stewed beef with jollof rice, beef samosa, suya wings, and the mushroom suya salad.
Day 3
Historical Walking Tour with Oregon Black Pioneers*
Embarked on a two hour walk to learn about Portland’s historically Black neighborhoods in the North/Northeast area of the city. I encourage reviewing their site for upcoming events and tours.
Lunch at Miss Delta
3950 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
BBQ and Southern food that is set in a casual environment.
Dom’s Tip: The catfish po’boy and fried pickles were my favorite items from what I ordered.
Wine Tasting at Abbey Creek Winery: The Crick*
912 Southwest Morrison Street, Portland, OR, US, 97205
The Crick is a hip-hop-themed tasting room in downtown Portland that Bertony Faustin, owner, and winemaker, created to feel like home through the lively environment where you can groove to all your favorite jams while enjoying a good ol’ glass of vino.
Fun fact: In 2008, Bertony became listed as the FIRST Black winemaker in Oregon.
Dom’s Wine Picks: Sparkling Pinot Gris and 2019 Pinot Noir Rose #Ohufancyhuh
Dinner at Snackfest
100 SE Alder St, Portland, OR, US, 97214
This nighttime event truly showcases the diversity of the Portland food scene and includes food, drinks, music, and merchants.
Questions
Are there POCs in Portland?
Portland has a significant African-American and Black population, which includes generations of native Black Portlanders. While it is smaller than some other major cities, it has a well-established presence in the city. Additionally, Portland has a large Asian community with Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and Pacific Islander heritage.
According to the 2021 U.S. Census, the racial composition of Portland, Oregon, is as follows:
White: 77.4%
Black or African American: 5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8%
Asian: 8.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6%
Two or More Races: 5.3%
Hispanic or Latino: 9.7%
Do I need a car? What is transportation like?
Renting a car may not be necessary if you stay in a hotel downtown. Instead, you can rely on Uber and Lyft, which are reliable and affordable compared to other cities. However, renting a car would be recommended if you plan to engage in outdoor activities requiring you to travel farther out.
What were your favorite bites of this trip?
Breakfast - Grits & Gravy ( Black-owned)
Lunch - Any of the food pods in Portland
Dinner - Akadi (Black-owned)
Drinks - Fortune
Where did you stay while visiting Portland?
The Moxy in Downtown Portland is a short distance from many attractions and the airport.
585 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205
Are there any additional resources you would recommend while visiting Portland?
I am GLAD you asked, and I would recommend Travel Portland , We Are Black Portland, and Black Oregon Pioneers. I highly recommend following Neva Larue (@nevafindfood) on Instagram. She's a Black food blogger who focuses on memorable dining experiences and promoting diversity.
Would you return to Portland to visit?
I ABSOLUTELY WOULD! Portland is great if you consider yourself a foodie or lover of the outdoors! There are plenty of points of interest, such as museums and gardens.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to comment below!