Botanist House
{{Short description|Cocktail bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.}}
{{Infobox restaurant
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| name = Botanist House
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| logo = Botanist House logo.png
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| image = File:Portland, Oregon (August 16, 2022) - 069.jpg
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| image_caption = Entrance, 2022
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| established = {{Start date|2018|11}}
| closed = {{End date|2021}}
| current-owner = {{Flatlist|
- Matt Davidson
- Robbie Wilson
}}
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| city = Portland
| county = Multnomah
| state = Oregon
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| country = United States
| coordinates = {{coord|45.52962|-122.68513|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-OR|display=ti}}
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Botanist House, or simply Botanist, was a cocktail bar and restaurant in the Pearl District of Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon. The business opened in 2018 and closed in 2021.
Description
Botanist was located at the intersection of Lovejoy and 13th Avenue in northwest Portland's Pearl District, in a space previously occupied by Pink Rose and below an Office Depot store.{{Cite news|last=Cottell|first=Pete|date=November 27, 2018|title=Botanist Introduces the Joys of Gin to the Non-Secret-Agent Crowd|work=Willamette Week|url=https://www.wweek.com/bars/2018/11/27/botanist-introduces-the-joys-of-gin-to-the-non-secret-agent-crowd/|access-date=April 17, 2021|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419005349/https://www.wweek.com/bars/2018/11/27/botanist-introduces-the-joys-of-gin-to-the-non-secret-agent-crowd/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Jackson-Glidden|first=Brooke|date=2018-07-12|title=The Pearl Is About to Nab Its First Real Gin Bar|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2018/7/12/17565150/botanist-bar-pearl-district-gin-seafood-jazz|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804221633/https://pdx.eater.com/2018/7/12/17565150/botanist-bar-pearl-district-gin-seafood-jazz|url-status=live}} Matt Davidson and Robbie Wilson are co-owners.{{Cite news|last=Gormley|first=Shannon|date=November 17, 2020|title=Botanist House Owner Matt Davidson is Aware His Protest Against the Statewide Freeze Could End His Business. He's Going to Do it Anyway.|work=Willamette Week|url=https://www.wweek.com/bars/2020/11/17/botanist-house-owner-matt-davidson-is-aware-his-protest-against-the-statewide-freeze-could-end-his-business-hes-going-to-do-it-anyway/|access-date=April 17, 2021|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419005347/https://www.wweek.com/bars/2020/11/17/botanist-house-owner-matt-davidson-is-aware-his-protest-against-the-statewide-freeze-could-end-his-business-hes-going-to-do-it-anyway/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Suzette |title=Takeout Club: Botanist and Havana Cafe Are Safe Spaces for Drag Brunch and Poke Nachos |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2021/04/08/32667094/takeout-club-botanist-and-havana-cafe-are-safe-spaces-for-drag-brunch-and-poke-nachos |access-date=April 17, 2021 |work=Portland Mercury |date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419011423/https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2021/04/08/32667094/takeout-club-botanist-and-havana-cafe-are-safe-spaces-for-drag-brunch-and-poke-nachos |url-status=live }} Botanist's menu was mostly gin- and seafood-driven upon opening.{{Cite web|last=Jackson-Glidden|first=Brooke|date=2018-08-28|title=The 10 Most Anticipated Openings in Portland This Fall|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2018/8/28/17788976/portland-fall-restaurant-openings|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618004015/https://pdx.eater.com/2018/8/28/17788976/portland-fall-restaurant-openings|url-status=live}} Eater Portland{{'s}} Brooke Jackson-Glidden said of the interior: "The bar itself ... is all bright greens and pseudo-’20s vibes, with jazz on the playlist and an old-school backlit bar. A large vintage cocktail poster dominates the main bar space, next to a tiny, 25-ish seat dining room lined with vintage liquor bottles and posters of botanicals."{{Cite web|last=Jackson-Glidden|first=Brooke|date=2018-11-16|title=A New Gin-Heavy Bar in the Pearl Opens Today|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2018/11/16/18099022/botanist-opening|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804075400/https://pdx.eater.com/2018/11/16/18099022/botanist-opening|url-status=live}}
History
Botanist opened in November 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar started a meal assistance program; by April 2020, the business had distributed 6,200 meals. Derek Boaz was executive chef at the time.{{Cite web|last=Falkers|first=Brittany|date=2020-04-12|title=Pearl District restaurant serves more than 6,000 free or reduced cost meals during COVID-19 outbreak|url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/pearl-district-restaurant-serves-6200-free-or-reduced-cost-meals-throughout-portland-during-covid-19-outbreak/283-80f091ce-d186-4987-ae32-4efd41d17e97|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-19|website=KGW|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419011424/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/pearl-district-restaurant-serves-6200-free-or-reduced-cost-meals-throughout-portland-during-covid-19-outbreak/283-80f091ce-d186-4987-ae32-4efd41d17e97}} The bar also partnered with Meals on Wheels and the winery Stoller to assist hospitality and restaurant workers, as well as seniors.{{Cite web|last=Jackson-Glidden|first=Brooke|date=2020-04-13|title=Portland Hotspot Eem Will Return This Week With Thai Barbecue Takeout|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/4/13/21219342/eem-takeout-curbside-pickup-poshines-free-senior-meal-botanist-house|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804095519/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/4/13/21219342/eem-takeout-curbside-pickup-poshines-free-senior-meal-botanist-house|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/460425-374472-stoller-botanist-house-help-service-industry-workers-meals-on-wheels-people|title=Stoller, Botanist House help service industry workers, Meals on Wheels People|first=The Review, Tidings|last=Spokesman|website=Portland Tribune|access-date=2021-04-19|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419011525/https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/460425-374472-stoller-botanist-house-help-service-industry-workers-meals-on-wheels-people|url-status=live}}
File:Portland, Oregon (August 16, 2022) - 068.jpg
Botanist operated from a nearby rooftop patio previously occupied by On Deck Sports Bar.{{Cite web|last=Frane|first=Alex|date=2020-07-27|title=Pearl District Cocktail Bar Botanist Is Opening a Rooftop Marketplace for Restaurants|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/27/21339600/botanist-hava-cafe-opening-patio-pearl-marketplace|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113115029/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/27/21339600/botanist-hava-cafe-opening-patio-pearl-marketplace|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Frane|first=Alex|date=2015-04-23|title=20 Portland Bar Patios for Socially Distanced Imbibing|url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-portland-outdoor-dining-patios-restaurants|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311115305/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-portland-outdoor-dining-patios-restaurants|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Frane|first=Alex|date=2018-03-23|title=The Essential Portland Cocktail Bars That Are Still Serving Drinks|url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-essential-bars-best-bars|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2019-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111406/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-essential-bars-best-bars|url-status=live}} A Change.org petition organized by Botanist seeking to allow takeout cocktail service received more than 1,600 signatures.{{Cite web|last=Russell|first=Michael|date=2020-04-30|title=Looking for cocktails kits to-go? Vancouver restaurants have you covered|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/04/looking-for-cocktails-to-go-vancouver-restaurants-have-you-covered.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-19|website=The Oregonian|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419011820/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/04/looking-for-cocktails-to-go-vancouver-restaurants-have-you-covered.html}} In November 2020, Botanist confirmed plans to start takeout cocktail service in violation of state law; owners called the act a "Civil Disobedience Protest".{{Cite web|date=2020-11-16|title=Portland cocktail bar Botanist to start 'to-go' option in protest of state's liquor law|url=https://www.kptv.com/news/portland-cocktail-bar-botanist-to-start-to-go-option-in-protest-of-states-liquor-law/article_976f35b8-2891-11eb-bad6-cf4ddcee10ca.html|access-date=2021-04-19|website=KPTV.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113021026/https://www.kptv.com/news/portland-cocktail-bar-botanist-to-start-to-go-option-in-protest-of-states-liquor-law/article_976f35b8-2891-11eb-bad6-cf4ddcee10ca.html|url-status=dead}} The act of defiance was canceled after the Oregon Liquor Control Commission began considering rule changes.{{Cite web|last=Foden-Vencil|first=Kristian|date=2020-11-10|url=https://www.opb.org/article/2020/11/19/oregon-cocktail-to-go-special-session/|title=Portland's illegal cocktail-to-go protest is over before it started|website=opb|access-date=2021-04-19|archive-date=2020-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208085000/https://www.opb.org/article/2020/11/19/oregon-cocktail-to-go-special-session/|url-status=live}} The bar received some noise complaints after hosting live music.{{Cite web|url=https://katu.com/news/local/facing-noise-complaints-portland-restaurants-find-ways-to-adapt|title=Facing noise complaints, Portland restaurants find ways to adapt|first=Megan|last=Allison|date=March 6, 2021|website=KATU|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310232145/https://katu.com/news/local/facing-noise-complaints-portland-restaurants-find-ways-to-adapt|url-status=live}} Takeout cocktail service continued through at least March 2021.{{Cite web|last=Frane|first=Alex|date=2021-01-15|title=16 Portland Bars and Restaurants Now Offering Cocktails To-Go|url=https://pdx.eater.com/maps/takeout-cocktails-bars-restaurants-portland-manhattans-daiquiris-tiki-drinks|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419011424/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/takeout-cocktails-bars-restaurants-portland-manhattans-daiquiris-tiki-drinks|url-status=live}} In April, Botanist partnered with Rose City Drag for the bar to host Flawless Shade's drag series Climax.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-04|title=Drag Brunch returns to Pearl District|url=https://www.koin.com/news/portland/drag-brunch-returns-to-pearl-district/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=KOIN.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419012050/https://www.koin.com/news/portland/drag-brunch-returns-to-pearl-district/|url-status=live}}
Botanist closed in 2021, during the pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Frane|first=Alex|date=2021-12-08|title=Pearl Cocktail Bar Botanist Has Closed for Good|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2021/12/8/22824760/botanist-closing|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Eater Portland|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Prewitt|first=Andi|date=2021-12-14|title=Pearl District Cocktail Bar Botanist Has Permanently Closed Both Its Subterranean Bar and Sprawling Patio|url=https://www.wweek.com/bars/2021/12/14/pearl-district-cocktail-bar-botanist-has-permanently-closed-both-its-subterranean-bar-and-sprawling-patio/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Willamette Week|language=en}}
Reception
Botanist was nominated in the bar of the year category for Eater Portland{{'s}} 2018 Eater Awards.{{Cite web|last=Jackson-Glidden|first=Brooke|date=2018-11-29|title=Vote Now for Portland's Bar of the Year|url=https://pdx.eater.com/2018/11/29/18117975/eater-awards-portland-best-new-bar|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Eater Portland|language=en|archive-date=2020-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804084057/https://pdx.eater.com/2018/11/29/18117975/eater-awards-portland-best-new-bar|url-status=live}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Botanist House}}
- {{Official website|https://www.botanisthouse.com}}
{{Defunct restaurants in Portland, Oregon}}
{{Pearl District, Portland, Oregon}}
{{Portal bar|Drink|Food|Oregon}}
Category:2018 establishments in Oregon
Category:2021 disestablishments in Oregon
Category:Defunct drinking establishments in Oregon
Category:Defunct restaurants in Pearl District, Portland, Oregon
Category:Restaurants disestablished due to the COVID-19 pandemic