Kombucha Speakeasy in St. Johns Now Serving Dinner (on the Floor)

Portland's only kombucha speakeasy is now Portland's first certified organic restaurant.

The team behind SOMA kombucha, as well as the "kombucha bar and mustard-ery" at the St. Johns farmers market, opened a tasting room last January in the basement of an insurance office in St. Johns, complete (or incomplete?) with an "earthed" floor requiring visitors to take off their shoes and enjoy the benefits of going barefoot.

Equipped with an "elixir bar," it's intended as a place where fermentation fans could sit and try one of the half-dozen flavors of kombuchas, juns, and kefirs on tap (think pomegranate-rose, and "coffee-bucha" mochas with cacao and sprouted flax-seed milk). There are also around 10 varieties in bottles, and about a dozen herbal elixirs and flavors guests could add to customize their drink. (Keep in mind, though, there's no hooch in the 'buch; the terms "bar" and "speakeasy" are used loosely.)

Now, SOMA has added dinner to the lineup, with a menu of mostly raw and vegan dishes that are gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free. A recent menu offered hummus made with chiles de arbol and served with an assortment of vegetables, seed crackers and pickles; and a sprouted quinoa bowl with mung bean dal, cooked vegetables and a "coffee-bucha" vinegar. For dessert: banana-coconut kefir ice cream with rose and dates.

Because the space is so small, seating is by reservation only. Seating is also on the floor or low couches, unless you need special accommodations. You can make your reservation here.

SOMA Kombucha Speakeasy: 7319 N John Ave.

Hours: Thursday-Friday 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday 1 to 9 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.