Weather the Winter With Portland’s Small Businesses

Happy New Year! It’s 2023, and the fast pace of the holiday season has slowed to a crawl. Many of us are rediscovering our old routines and starting optimistic new ones. Meanwhile, small retailers, restaurants and bars all over Portland are dealing with what has always been one of the slowest months of the year—compounded by the fact that we’re all still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. 

For some, this winter is a make-or-break season for their business. The good news is, we can all do our part to help support them and keep them going—and this doesn’t mean you have to spend a bunch of money! Buying a gift card to use later, drop a glowing review for your favorites, share (and tag) your pics on social, tell your friends, or leave a generous tip for your favorite servers. And when you’re wondering what’s for dinner, think local.

For us at Portland Cider, our community is everything. So, in the spirit of celebrating the vibrant small business community in our city, here are just a handful of ways we can weather the winter together:

Enjoy the Show!

Our performing arts community is largely made up of nonprofits that operate on a shoestring budget, but they provide top-notch entertainment to us all. And Portland theater really has something for everyone. Our larger theater venues like Portland Center Stage and Portland’5 always have something fun going on, but be sure to check out the upcoming listings for smaller-but-mighty Milagro Theater, Portland Playhouse, Bridge City Improv and Northwest Children’s Theater to find a show that sounds right for you. 

Celebrate Art!

Our city is full of incredible visual artists. And fortunately, there are loads of galleries where you can check out their work. The variety is endless, from the inspiring rotating exhibits at Oregon Contemporary in North Portland to the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum on NW Thurman. Also worth a look: Gallery Go Go in Pioneer Place, and Blue Sky Gallery and Elizabeth Leach Gallery in the Pearl District. Bonus points if you purchase a piece of local art! 

If you’re an artist looking for a wall to hang something on, register for Alberta Art Gallery’s 6x6 Community Art Show before February 15th.

Read a Book!

Portland is known for its mega-sized indie bookstore, Powell’s, but there are lots of smaller shops that are well worth a browse. If you live here, you’re probably not too far from at least one of them! Visit Annie Bloom’s in Multnomah Village, Broadway Books on NE Broadway, Third Eye Books on SE 33rd for something new to feed your mind. And don’t forget comics! Books With Pictures on SE Division, Bridge City Comics on N Mississippi Ave, or Floating World Comics on NW Couch will hook you up with a new series or graphic novel you didn’t know you needed. 

Eat Great Food!

Where do we even start? Portland’s food scene is legendary, and whatever your mood, there’s something to make you smile. Magna Cusina is THE place for Filipino food in Portland. And we’ll support your decision to eat Blue Star Donuts at every meal. The Sudra proves that even omnivores can love vegan food. East Glisan Pizza Lounge has a great atmosphere, outstanding pizza, and their zillion-layer, Sunday-only lasagna is worth a cross-town trip. Eem’s incredible Thai flavors are made even better by the inviting space and friendly service. And Menya Hokusei serves up steaming bowls of ramen that are almost too pretty to eat. And if your group can’t agree on a cuisine? Hit up one of the abundant food cart pods and find something for everyone. 

Raise a Glass!

While we’re obviously partial to Portland Cider House and the Portland Cider Westside Pub (our Clackamas location is closed for some great renovations!), we all have our favorite watering holes around town, too. Scholar on NE Broadway has fantastic cocktails (with amazing NA options!), and Grand Fir Brewing has earned its immediate popularity since its opening in mid-November. The Sports Bra on Broadway has garnered national attention for being the first sports bar that shows only women’s sports, and Pacific Standard on NE MLK Boulevard has a delightful assortment of cocktails both familiar and new served in a cozy space alongside a menu of Northwest snacks.

Wherever you decide to visit, shop, gaze, eat or drink, know that when you spend locally, your dollars get circulated right here at home. Thank you!