A guide to Black-owned Portland

How to support standout Black businesses in and around Oregon’s biggest city.

By Malika Hadley Freydberg

Black history in the Pacific Northwest may not be as well-known as that of other corners of the country, but in fact it spans centuries. Black settlers in Oregon can be traced back to 1788, with 1860 marking the earliest documented arrival of African-Americans in what would become its largest city, Portland. Some of the earliest non-Indigenous people to call the state home, many 20th century Black Oregonians were incentivized to head west thanks to the growth of the shipping and railroad industries in the region that provided ample job opportunities during World War II.

Since their arrival in the area, Black Portlanders have been contributing to every facet of life in their city. From art to politics, medicine and sports, the impression African Americans have made on the city is woven into the cuisine, the architecture, the community centers, the parks and more. Ahead, a roundup of thriving businesses worth a visit in Portland, run by entrepreneurs, creatives, and other Black community members that continue to carry on the intrepid spirit of the earliest Black Oregonians.

Atlas Pizza of Portland

This 10-year-old pizzeria is known for its spicy toppings, ample vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and friendly staff. While you wait for your pie, you can sip one of the local beers on tap, hop on a pinball machine, or if you happen to be in town on the third week of a given month, take part in a craft night hosted onsite. Atlas has three locations across town: one on Southeast Division Street in funky Richmond, one on Southeast Foster Street in foodie-friendly Foster-Powell (both open from 4pm onwards), and a third on North Killingsworth in artsy, student-heavy Humboldt (this location is open for lunch as well). The popular pizza chain also gives back to the community by donating 20 percent of profits on select evenings to a local school as part of their P.I.E. (Portland Invests in Education) Program. 

Abbey Creek Vineyard

Owned and operated by Bertony Faustin, Abbey Creek is Oregonn’s first Black vineyard. Faustin launched the winery (named after the creek that runs by the property) in 2007, and 10 years later he released a documentary, Red, White, and Black, that delves into the systemic barriers faced by black vintners in the Oregon wine industry. Since launching, Faustin has expanded the venture into two locations: the original vineyard in North Plains, about 30 minutes northwest of Portland proper, and The Crick, a tasting room and event space in downtown Portland. At The Crick, visitors will hear hip hop (one of Faustin’s other passions) playing as they sip on varietals including syrah, chardonnay, and pinot noir, and there are also often food and wine pairings, community brunches, and other events happening onsite.

People of Color Outdoors 

In order to really experience Portland, you have to get out and about to enjoy its incredible natural beauty. Local organization People of Color Outdoors is committed to helping locals and visitors to do just that: the nonprofit organizes nature-themed events such as hikes, bird-watching trips, and poetry walks that are designed to create safe spaces for people of color to enjoy the local environment. Upcoming excursions include a leisurely walk at the wildlife-rich Whitaker Ponds reserve, and an outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Membership is required to take part in the events, and donations are also welcome if you’re looking for other ways to support the organization.

Black Pearl Acupuncture

This airy wellness clinic in downtown’s industrial-chic Pearl District is the passion project of Acupuncturist Sita Symonette. With a background in neuroscience and biological psychology, Symonette has been a longtime advocate for health equity in the Portland community. Along with sessions focused on acupuncture and herbal medicine, Black Pearl also offers cupping therapy and fertility treatments.

Queen of Sheba

Established in 1996, this cozy family-run restaurant has earned a loyal and enthusiastic following thanks to its homestyle Ethiopian cuisine. Menu standouts are the yebeg tibs (spicy lamb in a bright berbere sauce), the avocado salad, and the honey wine. Expect generous portions, but plan to make a reservation to avoid a wait since the small space can fill up quickly. Just around the corner from the Wonder Ballroom, it makes a convenient spot for a pre- or post-concert meal. 

Oregon Black Pioneers

To learn more about the history of African Americans in Oregon, make the drive just under an hour south of Portland to Salem, where you’ll find the Oregon Black Pioneers. Now in its 30th year, this historical society collects and preserves archival information and relics related to the state’s early Black settlers. OBP offers panel discussions on topics from Oregon’s Black cowboys to Blaxploitation films, online exhibitions, and maps that spotlight significant Black historical sites both in Portland and across greater Oregon.

Third Eye Books, Accessories and Gifts

Inside this lovingly curated shop run by married couple Michelle Lewis and Charles Hannah, you’ll find a diverse set of titles related to the Black experience, from Afrocentric comics and social justice literature to children’s books, as well as gifts and collectibles from Black makers. Lewis and Hannah also organize events at the shop, including signings, readings, and giveaways. Located in a craftsman cottage in the Richmond neighborhood, it’s just around the corner from the many restaurants and boutiques lining Southeast Division Street.