THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO

Our first House in the Pacific North West opens later this year, and we have the lowdown on where to eat, drink, shop and immerse yourself in culture when you visit Oregon’s premier city

By Amiri Rose

Photography by e Morrisons ost people say that New York is a city with a park in the middle of it. Well, Portland is a park with a city in the middle of it. is diverse city is a place of movement and transition, where you can almost always expect the unexpected. Over the past few years, Portland has become home to a multifaceted community of artists, designers, filmmakers and creative innovators – a community set to grow further with the opening of Soho House Portland later this year.

Located in the historical Troy Laundry Building in Central Eastside, the latest outcrop from the members’ club will cement the city's status as a global creative hub.

“Portland is full of ambitious creatives. Over the past decade, I’ve watched the city’s upward growth and love how the House will be a resource for gathering like-minded folks to share relationship-centered experiences,” says Janessa Narciso, Membership Manager – Cities Without Houses, Portland and Sea le. “As humans, we are starved for connection and the House provides a unique place for growth and a beautiful atmosphere to unplug and ground yourself. see the Portland House inspiring profound, meaningful relationships for the community at large.”

While amplifying the city’s creative scene, Soho House will be among a long list of unique elements that make Portland one of the most exciting cities in America right now. e natural beauty of the Oregon Coast, with its limitless stretch of the Columbia River Gorge, is a start. Not to mention the unforge able summers, where the sun only sneaks away for a small power nap between 10pm and 5am, plus the delectable bu et of some of the best restaurants and food carts in the world. ere are the dreamy wineries, and a sports fandom for the Trail Blazers, Timbers and orns that’s arguably unmatched. at’s not forge ing the 12 bridges you can traverse, plus a strong cycling culture. So if a recharging dose of nature and ever-evolving creative inspiration is what you’re a er, then look no further.

Traditions And Local Customs

NO UMBRELLAS

If you visit Portland in the autumn or winter months and don’t want to look like a tourist, then don’t use an umbrella. It might seem counterintuitive in such a rainy city but trust us, you will get a look of disgust if you use one.

NAKED BIKE RIDING

Yes, the annual Portland World Naked Bike Ride is exactly what you’re thinking. Its purpose is to promote cycling and champion more sustainable methods of transport.

ADULT SOAPBOX DERBY

Over 7,000 spectators come to see this Portland mainstay every August at Mt. Tabor Park. is annual downhill race started in 1997, and now hosts 42 race teams. Founders Paul Zenk and Eric Foren will forever be Portland legends.

Hot Member Tips

“Canard makes the best fried wings in the city and Lechon does the best ceviche, as well as being famed for having great dirty gin martinis. If you find yourself in Beaverton, Tom’s Pancake House, built in the 1960s, makes amazing pancakes all day. Tom has an incredible original Robert Crumb piece in there, too.”

JULIAN GAINES, MEMBER, SOHO HOUSE PORTLAND

“I’m Mexican, so finding great street tacos is a priority for me. e most authentic ones in Portland are from the back of a Mexican grocery store in St Johns: Tienda Santa Cruz. In fact, St Johns is low key a foodie paradise in itself. I also love the regular gallery opening nights at Industry in Downtown Portland.”

ANDREA PEREZ GARCIA, MEMBER, SOHO HOUSE PORTLAND

Portland In Stats

• Portland has the oldest public rose garden in America – it’s called the City of Roses for a reason.

• ere are more than 350 miles of bike lanes, making it the most bike-friendly city in the the US.

• e city is composed of one of the largest urban landscapes in the country, with 70+ winding miles of trails.

• Portland has the second largest copper statue in America: the Portlandia Statue sits at 35 – the tallest is New York’s Statue of Liberty.

• Mills End Park is the smallest park in the world and it’s right here in Portland.

PORTLAND CITY IS MADE UP OF SIX BOROUGHS.

YOU’LL FIND SOHO HOUSE IN THE SOUTH REGION

The Essential Coffee Hit

DEADSTOCK COFFEE

408 N. COUCH ST

Explore membership at Soho House Portland is is among the best, if not the best co ee shop in Portland (pictured below). Oregon is a region of sneakers – thanks in part to Nike’s headquarters being based in Beaverton – and since 2016, founder Ian Williams has made it his goal to make co ee snobs and sneaker heads true homies. He’s done a good job.

MUST-SHOP LOCAL FASHION BRANDS

MONOCHROMATIC

4026 NW WILLIAMS AVE

A women-owned business that creates colourful garments with sustainability in mind.

WILDFANG

404 SW 10TH AVE

Founder Emma Mcilroy is on a mission to transform gender norms and she continues to successfully sink her teeth into this work through fashion.

MACHUS

1101 SW ALDER ST

Machus is a multi-brand store that also houses its own independent label.

N’KOSSI BOUTIQUE

PIONEER PLACE MALL

Portland isn’t really known for dressing up, but this is the place to go for bespoke threads.

PORTLAND GEAR

627 SW 19TH AVE

For tourist gear that doesn’t feel tourist-y, check out this store, which elevates the work of creatives in the community.

Top Bars In The City

MULTNOMAH WHISKEY LIBRARY

1124 SW ALDER ST is members-only establishment focuses on, you guessed it, whiskey. ink of a library but instead of books, imagine a floorto-ceiling wall stacked with myriad bo les of the amber stu row in top-notch service and you’ve got a very special spot.

REEL M INN

2430 SE DIVISION ST

What’s Portland without a dive bar? is is one of the top neighbourhood spots, with just one window you can’t see out of, great service, a pool table and one fire stove to cook for all customers. If you order food, be prepared for a wait – se le in with a solid drink and you’ll quickly lose track of time.

ANGEL FACE

14 NE 28TH AVE

Not quite a library and not exactly a dive bar, Angel Face could be your first or last stop of the night, depending on what kind of night it is. Expect funky wallpaper and drinks to satisfy all tastebuds.

Le Vintage store Kissing Booth (1111 SW Alder St), founded by a group of friends in 2021, o ers a carefully curated selection of preloved pieces with a contemporary eye. Below: e waterfall at Portland Japanese Garden

The Places To Sample Local Food

VOODOO DOUGHNUTS

22ND SW 3RD AVE

Seen anyone carrying a pink box lately? If so, they’ve most likely made it to Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Florida, California or Texas and picked up some Voodoo Doughnuts. Birthed in Portland by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, Voodoo Doughnuts is a must-visit. Try a bacon maple bar or a chocolate old fashioned, you won’t regret it.

HAN OAK

511 NE 24TH AVE

The Outdoorsy Spots To Escape To

MULTNOMAH FALLS

I-84 EAST, EXIT 31

If you visit Portland and don’t witness the spectacle that is Multnomah Falls, then you haven’t really been to Portland. It’s a 30-minute drive from the centre, and whether you hike to the top of the falls or cross the bridge alongside it, the view is well worth the journey.

PENINSULA PARK

700 N. ROSA PARKS WAY is is the perfect place for a gathering – make sure to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the extensive flower garden.

PITTOCK MANSION

3229 NW PITTOCK DR

Pi ock Mansion provides a view of Portland like nowhere else. You can see all four sides of the city and beyond – once you’ve finished exploring the mansion itself, of course. It’s also connected to a host of hike-worthy trails.

The Best Books About Portland

THE PORTLAND BLACK PANTHERS BY LUCAS N.N. BURKE

Portland has a troubled past.

If you want to understand the di erences between the haves and have-nots, read about the key role the Portland Black Panthers played in the growth of the city.

Below: Founder and chef Kiauna Nelson outside her award-winning soul food spot Kee's #Loaded Kitchen (5020 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd)

MT TABOR PARK

SE 60TH AVE

If you need to get your steps in, want to witness your first adult soapbox race or you’re itching for a view, this is the park for you.

PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN

611 SW KINGSTON AVE

Portland has a lot of spaces for personal reflection. With spots for tea and trees of all sizes, including bamboo, walking through the Japanese Garden feels like a hug.

FOREST PARK

4099 NW THURMAN

It’s easy to roam here all day. No two parts are the same, so there’s a new experience at every turn.

CATHEDRAL CITY PARK

8706 N BRADFORD ST

Under St Johns Bridge is a park with fields for days, that’s right on the water and just a 15-minute drive from the city.

WOODEN SHOE TULIP FESTIVAL

33814 S. MERIDIAN ROAD e tulip display takes place over a fixed period each year and is a true sign of spring in one of the rainiest cities in North America – it should be seen by all. tortas spots in Portland. In 2017, Güero featured on Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants list and has continued to flourish. e hamburger rivals any of its peers’, as does the pozole dish, or one of its hearty bowl with multiple meats of your choosing.

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN

1708 E BURNSIDE ST

Peter Cho and Sun Young Park have created a magical world of their own with Han Oak. e pair focus on the art of the hot pot, composed of dry-aged meats and local vegetables seeped in their special “bone broth supreme”. And, with their indooroutdoor space, you can enjoy the delicious food under the stars.

GÜERO

200 NE 28TH AVE

Megan Sanchez and Alec Morrison are co-owners of what’s considered one of the best

Everyone has their own specific approach to making wings, but Fire on the Mountain is known for its multiple flavours, with the ho est named “El Jefe”. Try them all at your own risk, and maybe keep a glass of milk at hand for the heat.

KATE’S ICE CREAM

3713 N MISSISSIPPI AVE

Portland loves ice cream, come rain or shine, and nothing can compete with Kate’s. e founder began creating her plant-based, gluten-free options as her sister was unable to have dairy products. e result: ice cream for everyone. e melt-in-yourmouth flavours are all secret recipes – ask for a sample of the Marionberry flavour.

THE PORTLAND BOOK OF DATES BY ASHOD SIMONIAN AND EDEN DAWN ere aren’t enough words to list the number of things one can do and explore in Portland, so in addition to this guide, all the spots mentioned in this book are worth a visit.

PORTLAND LIKE A LOCAL BY ALEX FRAN, JENNI MOORE AND PETE COTTELL ere’s visiting Portland and there’s living in Portland, and if you want to actively help “Keep Portland Weird” during your stay, this is the book that’ll help you do that, and then some.

THE CULTURAL SPOTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

OREGON CONTEMPORARY

8371 N INTERSTATE AVE

For art that doesn’t sit in the mainstream, look to this collection of immersive installations and contemporary works.

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

1219 SW PARK AVE is is one of the cultural cornerstones of Portland, with works by Kehinde Wiley and Frida Kahlo.

FISK GALLERY

3613 NE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD e though ul gallery hosts events and boasts galleries that speak to Portland’s community of creatives.

SPARTAN SHOP

1210 SE GRAND AVE e Spartan Shop is a gallery filled with art, design and furniture. It’s truly inspirational.

POWELL’S BOOKSTORE

1005 W BURNSIDE e world’s largest independent bookstore may feel overwhelming at first, so block out an a ernoon to get lost in a sea of stories.

The Films And Shows To Watch Before You Go

PORTLANDIA

Created by comedians Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, Portlandia is sketch comedy spoof on all the ins and outs of Portland and how it functions.

FAIRFAX ough this is a show centred on an avenue in LA, the main character is from Portland and he rocks Gorpcore e ortlessly.

HERE & NOW is show shines a light on how a family navigates what it means to be multiracial in a predominantly white city like Portland.

SHRILL

Based in Portland, this is about a young woman who wants to change her life and not her body. She soon learns that the city is a good place for change.