Zero Proof Portland: Dry January 2025

No Regerts zero proof cocktail from The Pocket Pub.
No Regerts zero proof cocktail from The Pocket Pub.

Welcome to Dry January 2025. It’s no secret that I’m a big non-alcoholic cocktail fan—AKA mocktails, dry cocktails, zero-proof, no proof. I gave up alcohol in 2018 during breast cancer treatment and I never looked back. So the growth of a robust zero-proof cocktail scene in Portland makes me pretty happy—as well as better access to NA beer. And know many readers here are also fans of this development.

Here’s our 2025 roundup of places that serve non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and more in Portland, suitable for Dry January (or really any time). Our criteria is that a bar or restaurant has at least four developed mocktails. And if not, they offer other interesting NA options aside from mocktails and beer—they could be juices, teas, etc. We’ve also done the math and found that on the average, a non-alcoholic mixed drink runs about $8 each.

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Small Bites: Sports Bra, Take Two, Fresh Love, and More

For Small Bites: the interior of the Sports Bra, a sports bar that shows only women's sports.
The Sports Bra, a sports bar that shows only women’s sports, will expand via franchising. Photo credit: The Sports Bra

Well, I’ve been under the weather lately—but am feeling better)—so it’s time for a Small Bites food news update. Here are some of the tidbits that have crossed my internet desk that I thought you might find interesting. Enjoy, and have a good weekend!

Boxer Ramen is closing. They announced it over on their Instagram: “It is with a very heavy heart we announce that after 11 years of serving you our unique brand of Ramen, we sadly will be closing all of our doors for good this upcoming Monday the 29th.” They cite many challenges, including the pandemic and inflation, behind their decision to close. I’m sorry to see them go. 1668 NW 23rd Avenue, 3003 NE Alberta Street, 7847 SW Capitol Highway, Portland; 3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton

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Dry January 2024: This Month and Year-Round in Portland

strawberry-fields-dry-cocktail-grand-army-tavern.portland-oregon

Happy New Year! It’s now 2024 and while we are still in the middle of the Christmas season on the ecclesiastical calendar, the solar calendar proclaims a brand new year. January is legendary as a time of new resolutions, goal setting, and making changes—and for some, setting aside the consumption of alcohol is one of them.

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Four Things I Learned This Week (March 17)

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Nico’s Cantina just keeps getting better and better. I stopped into the Cantina last night for dinner and tried two new-to-me tacos: fish and suadero. The fish was covered in a crispy breadding with a nice slaw and hot sauce on top; the suadero was extremely tasty tender beef. On our way out, the chef handed us a sample of a bean, rice, and cheese burrito with a kind of frico layer on the outside of one of the sides of the burrito. Very simple, very tasty. I hope it will make it onto the permanent menu. 4318 NE Cully Blvd, Portland

My-O-My has new hours. Now that we are in DST with more afternoon/evening light, My-O-My is open at 3pm these days. And did you know that Monster Smash makes his own pickles for the burgers? No wonder they are so good. Eater did a nice writeup this week on Sumner’s favorite bar, too. 8627 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

BuzzCutt announces their launch party date. Over on Instagram, the BuzzCutt folks let us know when the app launch party is: Saturday, June 17 here in Portland. “Mark your calendar for an evening with us, your crew, your fave N/A brands, live DJ, amazing local food, giveaways, and MORE SURPRISES to be announced soon.” Specific location TBD.

The Middle Eastern Festival, one of Portland’s best, will be back this summer. I love this festival—great food, there’s dancing and music, and despite how many people attend, there is a relaxed feel to the event. Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 27. 2101 NE 162nd Avenue, Portland