When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Sports Bra
Why The Sports Bra is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, stands out as the nation’s first women’s sports bar, dedicated to celebrating and empowering women athletes. Founded by Portland chef Jenny Nguyen, this vibrant bar and restaurant offers not only great food and delicious drinks but cultivates a welcoming atmosphere where fans of women's sports can gather. Its mission is to support and promote girls and women in sports while fostering community connections. The venue features a family-friendly, inclusively curated menu with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences. The Sports Bra’s game-changing vibe is both intimate and energetic, making it an ideal spot for friends to meet up, watch games together, and enjoy a shared passion for sports in a supportive space. Regular watch parties and events further strengthen its role as a hub for sports fans, and the establishment has organically become a gathering place for like-minded people, including community activism and support during pivotal moments. Located in a welcoming neighborhood, The Sports Bra is praised for its smash burgers, nachos, and unique small bar environment, perfectly blending great tastes with a meaningful social experience.
Here's what people think of The Sports Bra
As of recent, The Sports Bra holds a 4.5-star rating based on 575 reviews.
Reviews for The Sports Bra are overwhelmingly positive, contributing to an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 575 reviews. Users commonly highlight the inviting and inclusive atmosphere that makes the bar feel like a comfortable neighborhood spot, especially appealing to solo visitors or groups. Many reviews mention the excellent food, particularly the smash burgers, nachos, and sides such as Brussels sprouts, along with well-crafted drinks. The bar’s focus on women’s sports creates a unique and empowering environment that resonates deeply with patrons, who appreciate the chance to watch games and connect with other fans in a supportive space. Positive feedback often praises the staff’s friendliness and the bar’s family-friendly policies, such as allowing orders from the kids menu. Some negative points include the limited availability of certain sports channels, like the absence of ESPN+, which affects access to some women’s games. Additionally, the bar’s relatively small size can feel cramped during popular events. Despite these minor issues, The Sports Bra has carved out a niche as a cherished community venue with meaningful social impact. The reviews conclude that the bar not only meets but exceeds expectations for a sports bar dedicated to women’s athletics, making it a must-visit destination in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alison M C
A pilgrimage of sorts, and it didn't disappoint. Friendly, fast service. Women's sports stars and memorabilia on every wall. Good bar snacks (get the cauliflower). Nice beer selection. Friendly environment. And free tampons in the bathroom. What more could you want?
Laura Marian Polant
OMG best ribs ever! Heard their story on the Moth Radio Hour and just had to visit! Great Vibe. Great staff. Hope to visit again soon to watch more Women’s Sports
Kathleen Lee
Didn't eat, but the place was awesome. Just the right mix of here and now, (womxn's sports) and a good ol lesbian bar of old. Made my heart sing. Too bad they don't have music and dancing after the games are done. A little slice of heaven.
Melissa Mikkelson
This is a unique, fun spot! It has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. I enjoyed the burger and fries. Friendly bartender (:
Jason Hall
Great place to watch women's sports! We enjoyed watching the WNFC (woman's tackle football) playoffs, while soccer and basketball were also playing. Great food and drinks too!
How to reach The Sports Bra
None
Website: None
Why The Sports Bra may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Sports Bra with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at The Sports Bra in Portland is an invitation to experience a uniquely vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that champions women’s sports and offers an outstanding social vibe. This is not your typical sports bar—it is the country’s first devoted entirely to women’s sports, creating a community space where fans can celebrate female athletes and teams passionately. The Sports Bra provides an environment that is welcoming to everyone, including non-binary, queer, and trans individuals, ensuring that your group will feel comfortable and embraced regardless of identity. The combination of carefully curated sports programming, excellent food, and a fun, casual ambiance makes it a standout destination for any social occasion. With a strong rating of 4.5 based on over 575 reviews, guests consistently praise the atmosphere, community feel, and quality of the drinks and food, making it an excellent choice for a meetup where the focus is relaxation, enjoyment, and inclusivity.
The founders envisioned The Sports Bra as a feminist landmark and a hub for fans who often find women's sports underrepresented. Whether your group is passionate about women's basketball, soccer, or other female athletic competitions, this venue provides a dedicated space to watch games that matter. This shared enthusiasm creates a natural rallying point, perfect for engaging conversations and shared experiences. Moreover, the location’s cozy size promotes intimacy without sacrificing energy or excitement, making it ideal for groups who want to feel connected to each other and the action on the screens. With friendly staff and a supportive community vibe, meeting friends here isn’t just about watching a game—it’s about showing up for a movement and celebrating athleticism, diversity, and camaraderie.
What activities are available at The Sports Bra for group meetups?
The Sports Bra’s activities revolve primarily around its proud celebration of women’s sports, which sets the tone for a lively and purposeful gathering. Guests can enjoy live broadcasts of various women’s sports leagues, such as Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and other professional and collegiate women’s competitions. The bar dedicates all of its televisions exclusively to women’s sports, so your group can watch games that are often overlooked at traditional sports bars. This focus creates an engaging and inspiring atmosphere, where cheers and discussion about iconic female athletes and teams flow naturally.
Beyond watching the games, The Sports Bra offers a range of delicious food and drink options that cater to diverse tastes, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. The menu highlights items like smash burgers, vegan nachos, Brussels sprouts, and a popular tempeh Reuben sandwich. There are also kid-friendly options, so the spot works well even if you bring family members or younger guests. Their selection of kombucha on tap and a good variety of beers and cocktails ensure that there's something refreshing for everyone, perfect for toasting exciting game moments or just catching up.
The venue also encourages community-building through special events and themed nights tied to women’s sports schedules, which add an extra layer of fun and purpose to the meetup. You can expect a warm, casual environment accompanied by decor celebrating female athletes, from memorabilia to vibrant graphics and rainbows, fostering a celebratory spirit that makes every event feel distinctive. Whether you’re there for a big game or a casual hangout, The Sports Bra’s programming and amenities make it a dynamic spot for bonding, networking, and fan camaraderie.
Why is The Sports Bra perfect for hosting group meetups?
The Sports Bra stands out as an extraordinary venue for group meetups due to its unique blend of sports enthusiasm and inclusive cultural identity. Its atmosphere is specifically designed to welcome diverse groups, from passionate sports fans to casual observers, including those who typically feel sidelined in mainstream sports culture. This acceptance creates a relaxed, judgment-free zone where everyone can enjoy themselves and engage openly. The seating and layout encourage group interaction, allowing your party to share the excitement of the games while enjoying one another’s company. Moreover, the bar's intimate size fosters a sense of connection among patrons without ever feeling overcrowded or impersonal.
This spot is also perfect for groups who appreciate quality food and drinks alongside their entertainment. Unlike many traditional sports bars, The Sports Bra prioritizes better fare, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, ensuring all dietary preferences are accommodated. The diverse menu coupled with a thoughtful drinks list—from craft beers to cocktails named after female sports legends—means that your group can savor creative, flavorful choices while soaking in the energetic game-viewing environment.
Finally, the bar champions a community ethos that makes it a great place to diversify social circles or introduce friends to a new, empowering way to enjoy sports together. Whether you want to bond over the thrill of live sports, celebrate women athletes, or just unwind in an inviting space, The Sports Bra offers the perfect combination of atmosphere, activities, and hospitality that makes group meetings memorable. It’s a space where friendship and fandom meet in equal measure, making it ideal for any occasion where connection and shared passions are priorities.
How does The Sports Bra support a comfortable and welcoming vibe for every guest?
One of the defining features of The Sports Bra is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and respect, creating a warm and welcoming environment for every guest who walks through its doors. The founder, Jenny Nguyen, deliberately created the venue recognizing a gap in spaces that celebrate women’s sports while also being affirming and safe for non-binary, queer, and trans patrons. This thoughtful approach resonates strongly with patrons who often struggle to find environments where their identities are acknowledged and welcomed without reservation.
The ambiance is friendly, casual, and inviting, encouraging guests to relax as if they were in their own living room surrounded by friends. Staff members are known for their hospitality and creating a non-judgmental space. This inclusive atmosphere extends to how the bar hosts special events, watch parties, and casual game nights, ensuring that every individual feels seen and comfortable. The decor reflects this ethos through rainbow colors and memorabilia that honors female athletes and diversity, subtly reinforcing the message of acceptance.
Such a positive vibe influences the group dynamic, helping friends and family enjoy their time together in a space that feels affirming and supportive rather than noisy or overly commercialized. This atmosphere makes The Sports Bra not just a bar, but a community hub where connections flourish and everyone can share a passion for women’s sports in a respectful, welcoming setting.
What food and drink options enhance the experience of meeting at The Sports Bra?
Food and beverages at The Sports Bra greatly enhance the overall meetup experience by combining quality with inclusivity and thoughtful curation. The menu offers significant vegan and vegetarian options alongside classic pub fare, catering to a broad range of dietary preferences without compromising taste or creativity. Signature dishes like the smash burgers and vegan Reuben are crowd-pleasers, praised for their flavorful preparation and satisfying portions.
The vegan nachos are another standout item, often highlighted for their cashew cheese and perfectly balanced toppings that elevate typical bar food to something special. Even traditional sides like Brussels sprouts receive rave reviews for their quality and taste, showing the care put into all offerings. For families or mixed groups, the availability of a kids’ menu with items like chicken tenders adds convenience and ensures younger guests are well catered for.
Drink options complement the food well, emphasizing local craft beers and unique cocktails inspired by female sports legends, such as the “Patty Berg,” named after the famous LPGA pioneer. Kombucha on tap is a refreshing alternative for those seeking non-alcoholic choices, distinguishing the bar from many others in its category. This thoughtful beverage selection, paired with the food, keeps groups engaged and satisfied throughout any event, whether watching multiple games or simply hanging out.
Why is The Sports Bra a feminist landmark and community leader in women’s sports?
The Sports Bra is more than just a bar; it is considered a feminist landmark due to its pioneering focus exclusively on women’s sports and the supportive community it fosters. Founded by Jenny Nguyen, a former basketball player whose career was cut short, the establishment reflects a desire to elevate women athletes and provide visibility rarely seen in traditional sports venues. As the country’s first sports bar dedicated solely to women’s competitions, The Sports Bra challenges the historical marginalization of female sports in popular media and fan culture.
This bar advocates for equality through its programming, featuring leagues and teams such as the WNBA, NWSL, and others, highlighting athletes who are often overlooked elsewhere. By becoming a hub for fans and allies, it helps build a community of support that extends beyond the bar, promoting awareness and enthusiasm for women’s sports in Portland and beyond. Its reputation and success have even led to franchises in other cities, signaling a growing movement inspired by this original establishment.
In addition to its sports focus, The Sports Bra’s commitment to inclusion for queer and trans individuals adds an intersectional dimension to its feminist mission. It creates a safe space celebrating diversity in all its forms, making it a national model for how sports culture and progressive values can coexist and thrive. For groups passionate about advocacy, equality, and fair representation in sports, The Sports Bra provides an inspiring and welcoming venue where social gatherings have a meaningful impact.
How accessible and convenient is The Sports Bra for groups planning a meetup?
The Sports Bra is conveniently located in Portland with a neighborhood vibe that feels accessible and comfortable for both locals and visitors. Its size is intimate enough to offer a cozy setting but also well-arranged to accommodate groups without feeling cramped. Many reviews note that it feels like a safe and welcoming place even for individuals who might come solo, making it highly suitable for groups of any size who want flexibility and comfort.
The ability to order from a kids’ menu also extends its accessibility to families, while the diverse menu ensures dietary needs are met for vegans, vegetarians, and others, reducing logistical concerns for group meal planning. Additionally, the bar has attentive staff who help facilitate smooth service, enhancing the convenience of hosting a meeting where everyone can relax and enjoy their time rather than worrying about arrangements.
Though the bar is modestly sized, it continues to thrive and hopes to expand or open additional locations, reflecting high demand and guest satisfaction. Its central location in Portland is accessible via transit and nearby amenities, which further eases travel and planning for group outings. Overall, The Sports Bra’s thoughtful approach to location, menu, and service makes it a highly convenient choice for meetups where inclusivity, comfort, and quality are priorities.