When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Opal 28
Why Opal 28 is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Opal 28 is a standout boutique event space nestled in the Kerns neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities. Established in a building dating back to 1908, this venue provides an intimate yet versatile setting ideal for social gatherings, weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with friends. The venue encompasses 2,600 square feet including a Main Room, The Reserve, a full-service bar, and a private patio, allowing hosts to customize their event layout and flow. Its locally owned status adds to the charm, ensuring personalized service with flexible catering options and an on-site kitchen to accommodate various culinary needs. Whether meeting up for a casual dinner, hosting a lively cocktail party, or celebrating special milestones, Opal 28’s warm and inviting atmosphere offers a perfect backdrop for making meaningful memories. Its central location in Portland makes it easily accessible while maintaining a cozy ambiance that guests appreciate.
Here's what people think of Opal 28
As of recent, Opal 28 holds a 4.5-star rating based on 128 reviews.
Reviews for Opal 28 highlight its warm, inviting atmosphere and versatile space that suits a wide range of events from weddings to corporate trainings. Users frequently mention the beauty of the vintage elements combined with modern amenities, praising the flexibility of the venue's layout including the private patio and full bar. The personalized, attentive service delivered by the locally owned team is a recurring positive theme, with many appreciating the catering options and support for seamless event execution. Positive reviews also emphasize the venue's ability to create memorable experiences due to its stylish design and convenient Portland location. Nonetheless, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as parking challenges in the surrounding area and limited availability during peak event seasons. A few reviewers noted that the space might feel a bit cozy for larger groups, suggesting that careful planning is required for bigger events. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is highly favorable, with the venue’s unique character, quality service, and adaptability standing out as key strengths that make Opal 28 a sought-after choice for a diverse array of gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kim Taylor
While visiting our daughter living in Portland we were able to stay at this quaint place for the week we were there. It is now an events place only so we felt very fortunate. It is beautiful and in an amazing location right on the Main Street with coffee shops, restaurants, parks, all with a cool vibe. Great place for a smaller wedding with great food, music and ambiance.
Holly Schiefelbein
We had our wedding and reception at Opal 28 in March of 2022. Overall, the experience was perfect and the day turned out better than we'd imagined. We went with a small wedding, 37 people total. We used Opal 28 for the ceremony and reception, and The Pie Spot for dessert. We took pictures at Laurelhurst park before the ceremony. The entire Opal28 team was so amazing to work with. They were very responsive to all our questions, going above and beyond to help us celebrate safely and making accommodations for our covid protocols. The space itself is lovely, it's nice having multiple rooms and spaces for everyone to spread out in, each space having a different atmosphere. Having LJ as our day of coordinator and Kristi helping us coming up to the event was such a huge help. Besides the beautiful space, the staff is the best reason to come to opal. One of the best decisions we made was paying the few hundred extra to have LJ and the opal staff take care of setting up and taking down our decor. They made it look waaaayyy better than anything we could have done on our own. LJ made sure the day went smoothly, making sure everyone and everything was in its right place at the right time. The other huge bonus to Opal 28 is having the apartments above. We rented out all four apartments for our wedding weekend, and it made the whole weekend that much better. Not having to worry about travel to or from the venue, having a space just above the venue to get ready, and how spacious the apartments are, made the weekend go so much smoother. If we ever have a reason to throw another event like this in the area, we would book with Opal 28 again in a heartbeat. Thank you, LJ, Kristi, and the whole Opal 28 team for making our wedding day perfect.
Whitney Shoes
Had a really lovely time at the Lunar New Year tea. A nice selection of teas to choose from, and the food was all excellent, a good divide of savory and sweet options. I will be dreaming about the cucumber/pimiento cheese/chili crisp finger sandwiches for awhile! The service was great, and there was even a parting gift for us. I would most certainly come back to another tea in the future.
Mike Riley
Just finished having the Doja Tea at Opal 28. A delightful venture with exceptional food and a great selection of teas. From start to finish, the food and service was wonderful. The service included a delicious squash soup, a risotto cheese ball and tea sandwiches. (There was more on the tray, but these were just some of the items on the platters.) A great selection of sweets was also made available. We had one issue with food allergy, but the staff at Opal 28 had alternatives available as soon as we discussed it with the server. If the tea is offered and you have the chance, I highly recommend the Opal 28 Doja tea. You won't be disappointed.
Jake G
Tried the prix fixe menu and was disappointed. The dishes lacked visual appeal, and some that should have been warm arrived cold. The salad was basic, and the main course was poorly plated and forgettable. Not worth the price—wouldn’t return.
How to reach Opal 28
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Why Opal 28 may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Opal 28 with your friends? Opal 28 offers a truly distinctive and inviting atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot to gather with friends or family. Nestled in Portland, this venue combines a cozy yet elegant setting with an intimate and welcoming vibe, creating an ideal backdrop for memorable get-togethers. Whether you want a relaxed evening chatting over drinks or a lively celebration, Opal 28’s ambiance provides a warm and stylish environment that encourages connection and fun. The venue’s thoughtful design ensures that groups can enjoy a private yet open feel, fostering a comfortable space for socializing and creating lasting memories together. Additionally, the staff’s attentiveness ensures that your group will feel exceptionally taken care of, so you can focus solely on enjoying each other’s company. If you’re seeking a place where everyone can unwind, laugh, and experience something special together—Opal 28 checks all the boxes.
What activities does Opal 28 offer for group meetups? Opal 28 provides a variety of activities and amenities tailored to group dynamics, making it an excellent choice for meetups. The venue is well-known for hosting events ranging from intimate dinners to celebratory parties, including weddings and corporate gatherings. One highlight is the full-service bar, which offers expertly prepared drinks to keep the mood lively and festive. Guests can enjoy specialty cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders who are known for their friendly and professional service. Moreover, Opal 28 has an inviting patio space that transports guests to an entirely different ambiance — perfect for mingling in an open-air setting. For those who love a cozy indoor environment, the event space is beautifully designed with versatile seating arrangements conducive to group conversations and community-building. The presence of a full kitchen and catering services means groups can indulge in delicious food and appetizers without interruption, further enhancing the communal experience.
Why is Opal 28 perfect for a group meetup? There are several compelling reasons why Opal 28 stands out as a premier venue for hosting groups. Firstly, the venue’s intimate and private layout allows for both lively group interaction and moments of quieter conversation, accommodating varying social moods within one event. Unlike larger, more impersonal spaces, Opal 28 makes every guest feel noticed and valued, which is essential for meaningful gatherings. Additionally, the flexibility of the space facilitates a range of group sizes and event types, from casual reunions to more structured celebrations like weddings or corporate events. The on-site coordination team works diligently to customize the experience to your group's needs, handling logistics seamlessly so you can relax. Another attractive feature is the availability of apartments above the venue, enabling close friends or family members to stay onsite, which eases travel concerns and extends the social time before and after events. These combined factors make Opal 28 a truly hassle-free and enriching venue choice for group meetups.
What amenities does Opal 28 provide to enhance your group experience? Opal 28 is equipped with thoughtful amenities that contribute to a smooth, enjoyable group experience. The venue includes a well-stocked bar that offers various drink options, ensuring every guest can find something they love. Catering services are available, providing a range of food choices from appetizers to full meals, with special attention paid to quality and presentation—perfect for keeping your group satisfied throughout the event. The venue also provides clean-up services, taking the burden off your shoulders and allowing you to focus on your gathering. For groups planning longer events or those with special needs, Opal 28 offers dressing rooms or bridal suites, essential for weddings or occasions requiring preparations onsite. The integration of technology, such as music piped through the venue's sound system, adds to the atmosphere and keeps the energy just right. These amenities collectively make hosting a group at Opal 28 a convenient and delightful affair.
How do the staff and service at Opal 28 contribute to a great meetup? One of the strongest aspects of Opal 28 is its highly praised staff who are known for their professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. Event coordinators like Kara and Margot are often singled out for making the planning process effortless and ensuring the event day runs smoothly. Their ability to manage details and work closely with vendors means that hosts can trust every aspect of their event is handled with care. Bartenders and catering staff go beyond just fulfilling basic needs — they add a personal touch, such as preparing special plates or offering personalized drink options that enhance guests’ enjoyment. The staff’s promptness and willingness to accommodate special requests fosters a welcoming and stress-free environment. Reviews highlight that this level of service makes guests feel truly cared for, a crucial element in making any meetup memorable and seamless.
What is the ambiance like at Opal 28 for social gatherings? The ambiance at Opal 28 strikes a fine balance between vintage charm and modern comfort, making it a unique setting that feels both upscale and homey. Situated in a neighborhood that contrasts its lively interior, the venue surprises guests with a transformed environment as soon as they step through the patio entrance. The overall decor and lighting set a warm, inviting mood that encourages social interaction while also allowing quieter moments to flourish. The spaces are designed for versatility, with different corners and seating areas that groups can use for chatting, dining, or dancing. For those who appreciate outdoor spaces, the venue’s patio provides a refreshing alternative to indoor settings. This distinct atmosphere makes Opal 28 a place where groups can truly relax and be themselves, while the venue elevates the occasion with its tasteful and charming aesthetic.
What types of events are best suited for Opal 28? Opal 28 shines as a venue for a variety of event types, especially those that benefit from an intimate yet stylish setting. Small to medium-sized weddings are some of the most common events held here, with many couples praising the space for its ability to create a warm, memorable experience. Cocktail receptions, corporate gatherings, birthday parties, and family reunions also find a natural home at Opal 28 due to its flexible layout and accommodating staff. The venue’s capacity to handle both casual and formal gatherings makes it versatile for diverse groups and occasions. Its well-equipped kitchen and catering services support events focused on food and drink, while the integrated sound system benefits celebrations with music and dancing. Overall, any group looking to host a memorable, well-organized event with a personal touch will find Opal 28 a standout choice.
How accessible and convenient is Opal 28 for guests? Located in Portland, Opal 28 benefits from a central, easy-to-reach location that appeals to locals and visitors alike. The venue’s address at 510 NE 28th Ave places it within a vibrant part of town, close to everyday amenities such as mini-marts and other shops, which add to the convenience for guests. Although the neighborhood has a mixed reputation, the venue’s unique layout and inviting patio make it feel like a little oasis away from the bustle outside. For groups including out-of-town guests, the availability of apartments above the event space provides exceptional convenience, offering onsite accommodations that smooth out travel logistics and extend the enjoyment of the visit. Parking and transit options around the venue are generally accessible, easing guest arrivals and departures. This combination of location, onsite lodging, and local amenities contributes greatly to Opal 28’s appeal as a meetup destination.
What do past guests say about their experience at Opal 28? Reviews from past guests consistently highlight positive experiences at Opal 28, particularly focusing on the space’s beauty, intimate charm, and top-tier service. Many mention the venue’s ability to transform an ordinary neighborhood into an extraordinary event experience. Brides and grooms frequently emphasize the stress-free planning facilitated by the staff and their responsiveness to special requests. Food quality and presentation receive high praise, especially for cocktail hour appetizers and plated dinners, enhancing the overall celebration. Some critiques have appeared, mainly regarding bar service inconsistencies in isolated cases, but the overall consensus remains highly favorable with a solid 4.5 rating out of 128 reviews. Guests often describe Opal 28 as a hidden gem in Portland, a venue that delivers both style and substance for group events and personal gatherings. This reputation makes it a trusted and beloved choice for anyone seeking a memorable place to host an intimate event with friends or family.