Rose City Book Pub
Location: 1329 Northeast Fremont Street, Portland, OR, 97212 (between NE 13th & 14th)
We couldn’t very well go long at Prose City without writing about the Rose City Book Pub. There is no affiliation, although after a recent visit, we wouldn’t mind if there was. Immediately upon entering, We felt like I had stepped through a portal into the Portland I loved when I first moved here from Seattle many (many) years ago. It is nested between a café and bar on this charming block on Fremont.
We were there for the inaugural event of the Correspondence Club. The event founder, a multitalented local artist, had reserved a large table with a church pew style wooden bench running along each side. They had brought a smorgasbord of their own artistic paper creations, from cards, to postcards, to paper, as well as pens and other art supplies. We sat around the table and wrote to friends and family as we got to know one another over pub snacks and beverages. They didn’t have any non-animal milks when we went, so they invited us to get coffee from Café Destino next door.
It was obvious why so many groups meet here and why their events calendar has few openings. They welcome requests, via a form on their website, “to reserve space for book clubs or other meetings. There is no reservation fee, but there is a food and drink minimum of $10 per person per hour.” We’re not sure quite how they monitor or enforce this, and we’re guessing they probably can’t and don’t. That said, we did our level best and are very glad to support this gem of a spot with your dollars.
All Gender Restrooms: Yes. Two all gender restrooms.
Seating, Number: Tables of various sizes, including booths tucked into little hideaway corners, between bookshelves, etc. The large table we sat at could easily accommodate 8 to 10 people.
Seating, Comfort: Old-school comfy wooden chairs and benches.
Vegan and Gluten-Free snacks: We had a delicious piece of vegan pie, but vegan and gluten-free options are fairly sparse. We would probably want them to have more on offer if we were going to hold an event here close to a meal time.
Plant milks: None when we visited, but they let us bring beverages in from the café next door.
Wifi: We didn’t use the wifi — but you don’t need wifi to read a book or magazine. 😉
Power Outlets: Not sure. Will check on our next visit!
Vibe: Old school Portland, with dark wood, cozy corners and nooks, and books and art throughout the space.
Noise Level: Just right.
Coffee / Beverages: Coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Website: https://www.rosecitybookpub.com/
