This Black-owned bar was recommended by the sommelier at Abbey Creek Wines, and it was a fantastic recommendation.
Atmosphere:
This Portland bar is located in the Buckman neighborhood and feels very much like a speakeasy. Sousòl means basement in Haitian-Creole and is a perfect name. The initial entrance looks like the stairwell to an office building or warehouse, but once you get down the stairs, the environment completely transforms.
The outer walls are dark and lined with moody lights and plush seating. Wicker chairs round out the seating area and provide an elevated and tropical vibe. The bar also has plenty of high top plush seating as well.
The music is chill and loud enough for you to hear and enjoy, but not too loud that you have to shout to be heard.
Food and Beverages:
Sousòl is a cocktail bar. There is a full bar, so you can get whatever you want, but the cocktails on the menu are skillfully crafted, beautiful, and delicious. They look like the cocktails you might see in pictures. There is also the option to order zero-proof cocktails, and those are just as well made, just as pretty, and just as tasty. All of the cocktails are made with flavors inspired by the Caribbean.
You can also order food from a small menu. As the focus of the cocktail bar is the cocktail, the plates are on the smaller side. Despite the plate size, the flavor of the food is just as big as it is in the drinks.
Price:
Cocktails are priced between $15 and $18 each.
Service:
We did wait longer than I would have liked to be acknowledged and seated, but once we were in, the service was great. We sat at the bar, so the bartender was easily accessible and made good suggestions.
Overall:
I really enjoyed the speakeasy vibes and the Carribbean flavors of Sousòl. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in Portland.
Happy buying!
Comments