Jackrabbit, at the Hotel Duniway, is a Portland Charity Cocktail participant.
Photo credit; David Alvarado
Portland Charity Cocktail
Drink and do good through this program, which supports local nonprofits.
1 min read
Launched in 2018, the Portland Charity Cocktail program supports local nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness in Portland. For each featured cocktail sold at a participating bar (see list below), $1 is donated. Travel Portland regularly collects donations from program participants and presents them to the designated nonprofit organization.
How it Started
The charity cocktail concept was originally created by Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s then-general manager, Ryan Kunzer. Kunzer rolled out a similar program at the hotel in fall 2017. After immediate interest from guests and the program’s early success, he brought the concept to Travel Portland for expansion.
“Portland is an incredible city. At the Kimpton, we found that both residents and visitors are looking for opportunities to help strengthen this community,” says Kunzer. “Through the Charity Cocktail Program, our staff are able to talk with guests about one of the many ways we are giving back to those in need while inviting them to contribute with a very low barrier for entry.”
Portland is an incredible city. We found that both residents and visitors are looking for opportunities to help strengthen this community,
Ryan Kunzer, original creator of the Charity Cocktail
Inspired by Kunzer’s success, Travel Portland invited Portland hotels, bars and restaurants to join the effort.
See the cocktails and learn more by following the hashtag #PDXCharityCocktail on Instagram.
Who Benefits
From Jan. 1–June 30, 2020, donations will go to Transition Projects Mobile Engagement Unity. Transition Projects delivers life-saving and life-changing assistance to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. The Mobile Engagement Unit is a pilot initiative that connects people experiencing homelessness to essential health, shelter and housing services.
To date, the Charity Cocktail program has raised more than $50,000 for local nonprofits including Transition Projects, New Avenues for Youth and p:ear.
Where to Find a Portland Charity Cocktail
Make a difference just by ordering a specialty cocktail at these local sipping spots.
This hotel draws on Spanish roots and European style, and offers guests free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a convenient downtown location and easy light rail access. Onsite dining options include AC Kitchen, AC Lounge and the Slab coffee shop.
Aloft is a fresh, modern hotel near the airport. Downtown Portland is easily accessible via light rail, and the Cascade Station shopping center is just out the front door. Enjoy the bar, 24-hour pantry, lounge, spa amenities and free Wi-Fi.
Bar Rione is a neighborhood cocktail and wine bar offering Italian small plates next door to its family owned trattoria, Piazza Italia in the Pearl district.
Tucked away in Northwest Portland, Bethany's Table is a family-owned bistro serving up European-inspired cuisine made using ingredients grown at nearby farms.
BLVD Kitchen & Bar serves up American bistro fare alongside traditional bar and grill options. The menu includes fresh salads, hand-carved sandwiches and flatbreads, all made using fresh, local ingredients.
Located at Bethany Village in Northwest Portland, Brooklyn Trattoria offers Italian dishes highlighting ingredients and flavors from the Pacific Northwest.
Dame is Portland's only restaurant and wine bar focused on natural wines. Paired with the carefully curated wines are seasonal, veggie-focused dishes with European flare.
The Hairy Lobster combines classic cuisine with modern cooking influences. The menu focuses on seafood and garden offerings, and the full bar features artisanal craft cocktails.
Jackrabbit specializes in local ingredients, and adheres to a use-every-piece philosophy when it comes to meat. In addition to a classic high-brow cocktail menu, they serve wine and draft beer and operate a full espresso bar.
Jam on Hawthorne is a neighborhood café known for breakfast and brunch, served in huge portions. They make their own jam (surprise) and serve inventive cocktails — even for breakfast.
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill offers a stylish, upbeat atmosphere boasting one of the best views on the Columbia River. Located inside the bustling Red Lion on the River with easy access from I-5 we offer selections for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Offering South American fine dining, Lechon combines dishes from Argentina, Chile and Patagonia. Enjoy charred flank steak, slow-roasted pork and escabeche, and stop by for live music on the weekends.
Mother’s Bistro & Bar serves comfort food classics made from scratch. Enjoy biscuits, pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and a different decadent macaroni and cheese daily.
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a hub for national meetings and hosts frequent public events, from home and auto shows to the annual Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale.
Come experience premier dining on one of five luxurious yachts. Portland Spirit Cruises & Events operates year-round on the Willamette River in beautiful downtown Portland, with a second location (and a land-based restaurant) in Cascade Locks.
This restaurant and bar specializes in whiskey — they offer more than 150 whiskeys, from Oregon and around the world. Pair an elevated cocktail with a selection from their menu of authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Opened in 2018 and occupying the first eight floors of the new 19-story Broadway Tower, this hotel offers 180 studios, a game lounge and an app for keyless room entry and service.
Located on the airport grounds, this is the closest hotel to the airport terminal — it’s accessible by a 24-hour, complimentary airport shuttle service. They offer 24-hour room service, a 24-hour fitness center, a pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
Southland Whiskey Kitchen specializes in house-smoked and wood-fired meats along with hearty Southern fare. Sample their hundreds of whiskeys, hand-crafted cocktails or local wine and beer selections.
This stylish restaurant polishes the rugged offerings of the Pacific Northwest into bright, precisely crafted plates. The bar specializes in whiskey, and also offers local beers and an extensive wine list.
Tamale Boy is an approachable, affordable dining option. They offer a seasonally changing menu designed to highlight cuisine from various regions throughout Mexico.
Tamale Boy is an approachable, affordable dining option. They offer a seasonally changing menu designed to highlight cuisine from various regions throughout Mexico.
