North Williams Social Club is set to open its doors in the Eliot area in what was previously a Black social club, located at 3037 N Williams Ave, confirmed by the owner Reza Salehiamin.
“We hope to open our doors sometime in September, but we are flexible,” Reza told What Now Portland, “NWSC is located in a historic building home to a Black social club. It is a beautiful building with terrific character that we hope will be a great neighborhood spot with classic and seasonal cocktails and a tapas menu.”
According to a recent Instagram post from NWSC, they will be “a neighborhood bar in a historic venue featuring outdoor seating, happy hour, game day specials, and seasonal fare. We serve classic and specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites. We are also family-owned and operated.”
Additionally, North Williams Social Club is described as “preserving the tradition of a historic Black social club in Portland.”
The photo in their post tells some of the history of the establishment. For example, to be a member, you had to be employed, established within the community, pay a membership fee, and have legitimate references. This was back in 1959, then in the 1970s, Louis Browning and Hattie Browning took over the club.
