Support Small: A Few of Our Favorite Portland Shops
There is an abundance of amazing restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in our home city of Portland. And this holiday season, more than ever, we’re reminded of the importance of supporting the small businesses in our very own neighborhoods. To that end, a number of us at Schoolhouse have taken the #portlandpledge to shop local for all of our holiday presents this year.
In celebration of small business Saturday, we pooled our collective knowledge to come up with a list of a few of our favorite places to eat, drink, and shop around town. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or to treat yourself, we hope you’ll find something new that inspires below.
Located in the living room of the Park family's home, Han Oak is a Korean restaurant that marries the modern with the traditional in both menu and decor. From slow-roasted Pork belly Bo ssam to fried chicken dusted in "essence of ramen" dry spice, they offer an elevated yet playful rotation of Korean fare.
Try: Han Oak fried chicken
Jaime Soltero Jr. started Tamale Boy with the aim of creating an approachable and educational dining experience that highlights cuisine from various regions throughout Mexico. With a tasty menu that changes with the seasons, it's easy to see why this shop has such wide-reaching appeal.
Try: Tamales oaxaqueños or norteños
Fun, inventive, and approachable, Radar's menu is filled with mouth-watering modern American dishes made with local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Located on Mississippi Ave., they also offer weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and a great selection of local beer and wine for cozy date nights in.
Try: Roast chicken with smoked cheddar polenta
More favorites: Kachka, Skyline Restaurant, Short Round
Drawing from Korean-coffee culture, Soro Soro is a bakery and cafe that creates animal-themed desserts and lattes. Delightful and delicious, their single-serving portions make the perfect takeaway treat and are sure to brighten anyone's day.
Try: Earl grey tiramisu or chocolate bear cake
Boba Milk specializes in milk teas and made-from-scratch tart Vietnamese yogurt, Da Ua. A one-stop-shop for both a sweet and savory treat, they also house MaMa Loi, a popup that serves classic Vietnamese comfort food-to-go.
Try: Strawberry matcha milk tea with boba, vegan curry from MaMa Loi
Two veteran Portland bartenders dreamed of "someday" opening up their own neighborhood bar. Lately, they've converted their space into a specialty shop filled with everything from Portuguese sardines to small-batch vermouth.
Try: Someday bicicletta or BBQ oysters (check their website for availability)
More Favorites: Deadstock Coffee, Botanist, Division Wines
Home
Part apothecary part fragrance lab, Maak Lab creates soaps, candles, and other goodies for the home. Self-dubbed "an exploration and experimentation of the habits," their thoughtfully developed fragrances make daily rituals feel special.
Treat yourself: Hand sanitizer set or Knot Springs shampoo & conditioner
Founded by Michelle Lewis and Charles Hannah, Third Eye Books is an independent shop that aims to educate, motivate, and inspire. They are currently operating online and offer a curated collection of books for all ages.
What we're reading: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Dedicated to providing sustainable and ethical products, EcoVibe is a lifestyle and plant shop started by Leonard (Len) and Andrea (Dre) Allen. From dreamy pileas to ornamental aloes, walking into their light-filled shop instantly inspires.
Current plant on our wishlist: Rhaphidophora
More Favorites: Pillar Home Goods, Pistils Nursery, My People's Market
Clothing
Built on the Japanese value of Mottainai, the belief that one should waste nothing, Kiriko is dedicated to the preservation of traditional textiles and craftsmanship. From clothing to homewares browse their shop to find meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts.
Our Pick: Tenugui cloth (an eco-friendly way to wrap gifts)
Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Bridge & Burn creates clothing with the everyday in mind. Whether you're spending your morning outdoors or at home, their versatile pieces will keep you looking fresh all year long.
Perfect stocking stuffers: Rototo socks, cable beanie
Shop Boswell is the perfect place to find that special piece that you'll love to wear over and over again. With a focus on sustainable, hard to find, craft-based brands, they carry quality pieces from independent designers at a variety of price points.
To give & receive: Shop Arq items (because we could all use more cozy this year)
More Favorites: Frances May, Monochromatic, Worn Path
Kids
After becoming a first-time mom, owner Sarah Radcliffe relaunched her vintage shop to include kid's clothing, books, and toys. Located in Northwest Portland, the Yo Store carries a unique assortment of children's brands, women's wear, and home goods.
On our wishlist: Little quilted jacket
Green Bean Books is a community-based shop in the Alberta Arts neighborhood that carries new and used books for all reading levels. Whether you're shopping for family or friends, you're sure to find classics and new favorites that are perfect for storytime.
What we're reading: What We'll Build by Oliver Jeffers
It's often been said that "Play is the work of a child." From wooden cookware sets to handmade stuffed animals, Made You Look, carries well-designed toys for all ages and stages. They've also put together cleverly categorized gift guides ("For your grandchildren with picky parents") to make holiday shopping a breeze.
What we're giving: Knock knock box toy subscription
More Favorites: Mako the Children's Shop, Black Wagon, SpielWerk Toys
