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Portland

ReBuilding Center

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Why it matters: a nonprofit running since 1997, the ReBuilding Center keeps tons of usable building materials out of landfills and sells them cheap so home repair stays affordable for everyone. The 30,000-square-foot warehouse doubles as a museum of Portland architectural history – vintage doorknobs, stained glass, clawfoot tubs, doors by the hundreds. Even if you’re not buying, wandering the salvage aisles is a beloved local pastime, and the cob-and-reclaimed-wood entrance is a Mississippi Ave landmark in itself. Closed Mondays.

Bison Coffeehouse

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Why it matters: opened in 2014 by Loretta Guzman, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, this is Portland’s only Native-owned coffeehouse – the beans come from Native and local roasters, and the shop is a steady supporter of Indigenous causes like MMIW awareness. It’s the living room of the Cully neighborhood, well off the tourist track and better for it. Order a latte with one of the pastries baked on site, and take in the Native art on the walls. Weekdays it opens at 6am, earlier than almost any cafe in town.

Deadstock Coffee

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Why it matters: founded in 2015 by former Nike shoe developer Ian Williams, this Black-owned sneaker-culture coffee shop set out to make specialty coffee feel welcoming to people who never saw themselves in it. After a decade in its Old Town storefront it moved around the block in early 2026 into the lobby of The Hoxton hotel, sneaker displays intact. Order the LeBronald Palmer – lemonade, sweet tea and espresso – and browse the kicks on the shelves while you wait. It opens at 7am daily, one of the earlier pours in Old Town.

Club Privata

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This place is NOT for everyone. But it is something to behold. Privata calls itself a “swingers club”. But mostly this is simply a place to be body positive (they welcome all…

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