Updated: Portland Restaurants Celebrate International Women’s Day 2017

Some Portland restaurants, cafes, and bars are observing International Women’s Day today, with food and drink specials and lots of red attire. So far, it doesn’t appear many, if any, are closing their doors to observe the A Day Without A Woman strike. In general, Women’s Day does not seem to be resonating quite as strongly among the Portland community as A Day Without Immigrants, but there are rallies and discounts.

At the forefront is Mother’s Bistro, which is holding a gathering today from 9 to 10:30 a.m., featuring talks by Planned Parenthood executive director Mary Nolan, president of NAACP Jo Ann Hardesty, and representatives from Causa, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Basic Rights Oregon, Earthshare Oregon, and more.

Mother’s Bistro owner Lisa Schroeder says she chose not to close the entire restaurant after many of her staff were concerned about losing a day of work. Instead, she’s closing her main dining room “so we can host an event to inspire women to rise up and learn what they can do to affect change in this horrible political climate,” she tells Eater. Watch the talks live here:

Bazi Bierbrasserie, located at 1522 SE 32nd Ave., is also holding a Women’s Day event. Owner Hilda Stevens will serve free tastings of the European beer bar’s house brews tonight, from 5 to 8 p.m.

At its NE Alberta location, Back to Eden Bakery is matching all of the donations it receives and giving them to a local organization supporting trans women of color. In a Facebook post, it writes that 80 percent or more of its staff are women. “If you are so inclined and in an economic position to do so,” writes the restaurant, “women everywhere are encouraged to send the message that this world does not run without them.”

Both Por Que No locations are donating 10 percent of their sales today to the Adelante Mujeres nonprofit. Based in Washington County, it provides education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latina women and their families.

Another fundraising opportunity, Water Avenue Coffee Company is selling “limited-edition pink beanies, and will be donating a portion of the day's sales to the International Women's Coffee Alliance, an international peer network of women in coffee that advocates for women from seed to cup and provides access to resources and a forum for connection.”

And find $1 oysters at Maurice all day today. Plus, many Portland restaurateurs, including Maurice’s Kristen Murray, are donning red, reaffirming their restaurants welcome people of all kinds.