The Soho House Portland neighbourhood guide

Known as the City of Roses, Portland is home to a diverse food culture, thriving music scene and engaged creative community. And Central Eastside, where Soho House Portland is based, is a particularly exciting area, embodying the city’s DIY spirit and artistic attitude.

Of course, there’s lots to keep you busy when you visit the House, but there’s plenty to see, do and eat in the surrounding neighbourhood, too. Here, some of our members share their recommendations.

Where to eat

Em Daugherty, food content creator

Nong’s Khao Man Gai
‘This Portland staple has been around since 2009, specialising in one superstar dish: Khao Man Gai – a kind of Thai chicken and rice. The food is comforting, nourishing and bursting with flavour. My personal favourite item on the menu is the chicken, rice and peanut sauce, or the Super Soup when I’m feeling under the weather. The Thai Iced Tea is also amazing.’

kann
‘One of the hardest reservations to get in Portland, but well worth the wait. Chef Gregory Gourdet shines with Haitian flavours inspired by the African and Caribbean diaspora, paired with the abundance of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re not able to get a reservation, check out their bar, Sousòl, underneath the restaurant. It has a similar menu of small bites and great cocktails.’

Hat Yai
‘The Hat Yai fried chicken, curry and roti set found here is a must-order. Imagine a tray of the best Thai fried chicken you’ve ever had coupled with a curry that’s just as good, sticky rice and roti bread to sop everything up. It’s where I take all my visitors from out of town.’

Where to shop

Sarah Radcliffe, stylist and founder of The Yo Store

Banshee
‘Banshee is a real treasure chest, and my personal go-to for new and pre-loved pieces. Gina, who co-owns the store does a great job of sourcing high-end vintage items – think Missoni, Issey Miyake and Prada all at incredible prices.’

Una
‘Something of a hidden gem in Portland, but one of the best stores in town. The selection is carefully curated with unique brands like Ashish, and the space is particularly calming. All of the staff are really friendly, too. Be sure to check out its next-level jewellery section – it’s all on my wish list.’

Where to party

DeAngelo Raines, DJ and creative director

Rum Club 
‘Exquisite cocktails and a coconut rum cake that is to die for. This is a perfect spot for a nightcap with a friend or someone special after date night. The playlist is always soulful with R&B and hip-hop classics.’

Rontoms 
‘Catch a free Sunday Sessions show in this beautiful bar, which has been around for years. Through the winter, they bring the music indoors next to the fireplace. And in the warmer months, they build a stage outside on their architecturally pleasing patio. And if you like ping pong, some of the best players wind up here to battle over a drink.’

Sandy Hut
‘If you like graffiti-covered bathroom walls, stiff and cheap drinks and surprisingly delicious food, this dive bar is the place to be. It hosts some brilliant dance party nights, like Country Night on Sundays and STRUTT on Tuesdays, and occasionally you’ll even catch hip-hop legend SlimKid3 DJing.’

Where to explore

John Goodwin, director of community philanthropy at Portland Art Museum

Russo Lee Gallery
‘This gallery, which has operated for more than 35 years in the same space, features some of the Pacific Northwest’s best modern and contemporary artists, led by owner Martha Lee. It recently showcased a wonderful exhibition, Landscape Journey, from one of my favourite artists, Michael Dailey.’

PDX Contemporary Art
‘Gallery owner and director Jane Beebe focuses on forward-thinking contemporary art from Oregon favourites, such as Jeffry Mitchell and James Lavadour.’

Tomorrow Theater
‘This multi-functional experiential theatre opened in 2023 with an interactive evening with David Byrne. It was also one of the only theatres to showcase a double bill of Taylor Swift’s and Beyoncé’s documentaries. It’s has had many lives, too – from its beginnings as a vaudeville theatre in the 1920s to its recent history as an X-rated movie house. There’s a lot of interesting history there.’

Explore Soho House Portland and apply for membership