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.[1][2] Matt Davidson and Robbie Wilson are co-owners.[3][4] Botanist's menu was mostly gin- and seafood-driven upon opening.[5]Eater Portland'sBrooke 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."[6]
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.[7] The bar also partnered with Meals on Wheels and the winery Stoller to assist hospitality and restaurant workers, as well as seniors.[8][9]
Entrance sign, 2022
Botanist operated from a nearby rooftop patio previously occupied by On Deck Sports Bar.[10][11][12] A Change.org petition organized by Botanist seeking to allow takeout cocktail service received more than 1,600 signatures.[13] In November 2020, Botanist confirmed plans to start takeout cocktail service in violation of state law; owners called the act a "Civil Disobedience Protest".[14] The act of defiance was canceled after the Oregon Liquor Control Commission began considering rule changes.[15] The bar received some noise complaints after hosting live music.[16] Takeout cocktail service continued through at least March 2021.[17] In April, Botanist partnered with Rose City Drag for the bar to host Flawless Shade's drag series Climax.[18]
Botanist closed in 2021, during the pandemic.[19][20]
Reception
Botanist was nominated in the bar of the year category for Eater Portland's 2018 Eater Awards.[21]
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