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Amy Lam
Amy Lam is a writer and editor based in Portland. Read More
Portland Black-Owned Restaurants and Drinks
Eat and sip across town with bold flavors from the American South to the Caribbean.
Amy Lam
Amy Lam is a writer and editor based in Portland. Read More
Portland is home to a growing community of Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops and bars repping flavors from the American South to the tropical Caribbean. While gentrification and redlining have pushed out Portland’s Black population over the years — especially in historically Black neighborhoods like Albina — these spots are carrying on a legacy of culture and creativity. Whether you’re craving comfort food, a shot of espresso or a handcrafted cocktail, these Black-owned businesses serve more than just good vibes; they’re part of Portland’s evolving story.
American
Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
Go hungry when you head to Kee’s Loaded Kitchen. This popular food cart in the Northeast MLK Street Food pod offers Southern fare with big, bold flavors. Take a look at their clipboard menu — you can’t go wrong with any of the #LOADED plates stacked high with mains like crispy fried chicken, flaky catfish or tender ribs, all with sides included like their creamy and rich “mac & Kees.”
Dirty Lettuce
Hail seitan for this vegan eatery. In the Northeast Cully neighborhood, Dirty Lettuce’s plant-based menu plates up classic Southern dishes like popcorn chicken or BBQ ribs made with their house seitan, alongside comfort food favorites like collard greens and Cajun mac with vegan cheese. Local tip: don’t miss out on their crispy, tangy fried pickles and house ranch, an addictive choice that will have you licking the ranch cup clean.
Caribbean
Kann
Prepare to be star-struck at one of Portland’s James-Beard award-winning restaurants, Kann, run by Haitian chef Gregory Gordet. A visit to Kann is a big treat for anyone seeking a casual fine dining vibe in the Inner Southeast. Standout dishes include the Creole smoked duck and the griyo twice-cooked pork — braised first and then fried with a crispy char. For a pre- or post-dinner drink, head downstairs to Kann’s sister bar, Sousòl, for creative cocktails. While walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations open on the first of the month for the following month, so be sure to book ahead for a spot.
Yaad Style Jamaican Cuisine
In Northeast Portland’s King neighborhood, Yaad Style Jamaican Cuisine is the spot for jerk chicken, fried plantains and Jamaican kola. Their popular beef patty is a savory pastry filled with perfectly spiced ground beef, making it a great snack or side. Check their Instagram to bust a move after a hearty meal at their regular pop-up dancehall parties.
More Black-Owned Options
Explore more excellent Black-owned Portland spots for a bite or beverage.
African
Akadi
Since 2017, Akadi has been dishing up the vibrant flavors of West African cuisine in Southeast Portland. Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, chef Fatou Ouattara’s menu features rich stews, whole grilled fish and jollof rice served alongside choices like lamb or beef skewers. The vegan options are plentiful for plant-based diners, including versions of their stews and jollof rice dishes. The bustling dining room is often packed with hungry diners, so make a reservation to save yourself some time from waiting in the lobby.
Bete-Lukas
A neighborhood favorite in Richmond, Bete-Lukas is a cozy restaurant offering classic Ethiopian cuisine. In addition to plenty of popular meaty dishes like thick beef stew or chicken and onion stew, their menu includes substantial veggie options served with subtly tangy injera. My go-to order? The veggie combo: five different vegetable stews atop the injera, a perfect vessel for soaking up every spice and seasoning.
Mentioned Elsewhere Online
City Cast Portland
Bars
Olive or Twist Martini Bar
A pun on Charles Dickens’ novel, Olive Or Twist is a play on the query of the traditional martini garnish: olive or lemon twist? An apt name for a fun bar with a creative martini menu. Located in the Pearl District, this intimate bar is perfect for a date night or meeting up with friends over drinks. Quench your thirst with a dry and dirty martini or a creative “twist” on classics, like the Rose City martini with a dash of rose water, or a hazelnut chocolate martini for chocolate lovers.
Kaya
In Northeast’s lively Alberta Street, drop into Kaya for a good time, great vibes and a groovy drinks menu. Their seasonal featured cocktails are always a tasty blend that tickles the taste buds. I love their Espress-Yo Self offerings — cocktails mixed with cold brew for a coffee-loving town. Kaya also has a great mocktail selection made with zero-proof spirits from Oregon’s Dhōs distillery.
Coffee
Woodstock Cafe
Deaf-owned and operated, Woodstock Cafe is a non-profit community hub and inclusive space for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. Their sweet and savory pastries, made in-house or by local Portland bakeries, are an underrated fave and pair perfectly with your beverage of choice. All Deaf and hearing baristas are fluent in ASL, and the shop is equipped with speech-to-text tech so hearing patrons can communicate with Deaf staff. Check their website for updates on events like ASL game night or coffee social.
Deadstock Coffee
A must-visit when you’re in Old Town, Deadstock Coffee is known for its love of coffee and sneakers. You’ll find the café by the small mural painted right in front that lets you know “Coffee Should Be Dope.” Heads up: they don’t have a set menu, but, at your request, they can make any coffee drink you desire and top it off with some IG-worthy Nike sneaker stencil art.
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