This guide was originally published in September 2023 and last updated in February 2026 to reflect new Black-owned businesses and changes across Portland.

If you're a Black traveler visiting Portland, Oregon, you’ve probably heard the same thing I did: “It’s overwhelmingly white.” “There are no Black people there.”

So before my trip, I decided to dig deeper.

Portland has a complex racial history, but it also has a resilient and growing Black community, along with incredible Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and creative spaces worth supporting.

This is your guide to navigating Portland as a Black traveler — and where to spend your dollars intentionally.

Travel Portland and Black Travel Alliance hosted this trip, but the commentary in this post is my own.

*denotes Black-owned

Itinerary

Day 1

Nightcap at Fortune
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205

If you're searching for an exceptional classic cocktail program coupled with great music from some of the best local DJs, look no further than Fortune. And if you're feeling a bit hungry, you can order from their menu, which features small bites and a popular burger.

Dom’s Pick: Roku Gin Collins is the perfect cocktail for my gin-loving friends

Day 2

Breakfast at Sunrice
4090 N Williams Avenue, Portland, OR, US, 97277

One of Portland's most popular pop-up duos, Chef TJ Cruz and Ken Tran, has turned brick-and-mortar, serving breakfast bowls that showcase their Filipino heritage. We were served spiced chicken with an over-easy egg on a bed of garlic rice.

Spiced chicken over a bed of garlic rice and sunny side up egg from Sunrice in Portland, OR

Coffee at Deadstock Coffee*
408 N.W. Couch St., Portland, OR, 97209

With the slogan “Coffee Should Be Dope,” this coffee shop in Chinatown is a local favorite. The owner, Ian Williams, displays his love for the sneaker culture (which is HUGE in Portland as it is Nike Town).

Dom’s Pick: Lebronald Palmer - Their top seller combines Colombian cold brew, southern-style sweetened assam black tea, and their house lemonade. This product is also available for purchase and nationwide shipping via their website.

Tea at Barnes and Morgan Tea Shop*
131 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR, US, 97209

Owner/Nike designer and North Carolina native Amir Morgan created a space for an elevated tea experience amongst the community, while the back half of his location serves as a fashion house for his custom pieces. Take time to venture to the back of the store to see the two couches designed after Sheryl Swoopes and Uptempo Nike sneakers.

Dom’s Tip: Order the croissant waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205

Portland Art Museum is a must-stop on your trip and does a great job of featuring work from diverse backgrounds. Until November 20th, 2026, they have a Black Art and Experience exhibit featuring rotating exhibitions by regional, national, and global artists.

Lunch at Lil’ America Pod
1015 Southeast Stark Street, Portland, OR, US, 97214

Food Pods are a unique part of Portland’s culinary scene, where multiple pods are stationed in one area. This food pod, in particular, features businesses owned by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ chefs.

Dom’s Pick: Makulit is a pod that offers Filipino-American fast food, and opted to order the Sticky Chicky, which is chicken bites tossed in a sweet finadene glaze served over rice, and order their lumpia. Another crowd favorite is a Black-owned business, The Drip’N Crab, known for its generously seasoned seafood.

Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library
1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR, US, 97205

Multnomah Whiskey Library is a membership-based social club, bar, and restaurant that would be an oasis for whiskey lovers as they have more than 1,000 bottles worldwide.

Dinner at Akadi*
3601 NE M L King Blvd, Portland, OR, US, 97212

If you are looking for West African food in Portland, Akadi, is where you should dine.

Dom’s Pick: Stewed beef with jollof rice, beef samosa, suya wings, and the mushroom suya salad.

Day 3

Historical Walking Tour with Oregon Black Pioneers*

Embarked on a two hour walk to learn about Portland’s historically Black neighborhoods in the North/Northeast area of the city. I encourage reviewing their site for upcoming events and tours.

Lunch at Miss Delta
3950 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

BBQ and Southern food that is set in a casual environment.

Dom’s Tip: The catfish po’boy and fried pickles were my favorite items from what I ordered.

Wine Tasting at Abbey Creek Winery: The Crick*
912 Southwest Morrison Street, Portland, OR, US, 97205

The Crick is a hip-hop-themed tasting room in downtown Portland that Bertony Faustin, owner and winemaker, created to feel like home through the lively environment where you can groove to all your favorite jams while enjoying a good ol’ glass of vino.

Fun fact: In 2008, Bertony became listed as the FIRST Black winemaker in Oregon.

Dom’s Wine Picks: Sparkling Pinot Gris and 2019 Pinot Noir Rose #Ohufancyhuh

Dinner at Snackfest
100 SE Alder St, Portland, OR, US, 97214

This nighttime event truly showcases the diversity of the Portland food scene, featuring food, drinks, music, and merchants.

Questions

Are there POCs in Portland?

Portland has a significant African-American and Black population, which includes generations of native Black Portlanders. While it is smaller than some other major cities, it has a well-established presence in the city. Additionally, Portland has a large Asian community with Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and Pacific Islander heritage.

According to the 2021 U.S. Census, the racial composition of Portland, Oregon, is as follows:

White: 77.4%
Black or African American: 5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8%
Asian: 8.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6%
Two or More Races: 5.3%
Hispanic or Latino: 9.7%

Do I need a car? What is transportation like?

Renting a car may not be necessary if you stay in a hotel downtown. Instead, you can rely on Uber and Lyft, which are reliable and affordable compared to other cities. However, renting a car is recommended if you plan to engage in outdoor activities that require travel farther.

What were your favorite bites of this trip?

Breakfast - Grits & Gravy ( Black-owned)
Lunch - Any of the food pods in Portland
Dinner - Akadi (Black-owned)
Drinks - Fortune

Where did you stay while visiting Portland?

The Moxy in Downtown Portland is a short distance from many attractions and the airport.
585 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, US, 97205

Are there any additional resources you would recommend while visiting Portland?

I am GLAD you asked, and I would recommend Travel Portland , We Are Black Portland, and Black Oregon Pioneers. I highly recommend following Neva Larue (@nevafindfood) on Instagram. She's a Black food blogger who focuses on memorable dining experiences and promoting diversity.

Would you return to Portland to visit?

I ABSOLUTELY WOULD! Portland is great if you consider yourself a foodie or lover of the outdoors! There are plenty of points of interest, such as museums and gardens.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to comment below!