At the heart of Rose City Book Pub is community, connections, and love. As the name implies, there are books and drinks, but there is so much more to it than that. The Book Pub was intentionally designed to be a third place; a place outside of people’s homes or workplaces where they can gather to connect or decompress. If you visit, you’ll find new friends, tasty food, and daily events just to name a few.
Finding Community
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the owner Elise Schumock, a self-described Bookpublican, to learn more about her business. Over lemonade and bubbly water, we discussed what makes Rose City Book Pub so special to her and community members alike. She opened the Book Pub in 2018 with a dream of building a community within its walls. She wanted to have regular customers who formed connections with one another and used the Book Pub as their third place.
The cute and quirky establishment was built to be both a communal space for gathering and a solo space for reading or working. It’s designed to be an inclusive and welcoming environment that is intentionally queer and women friendly.
“I loved how people understood my vision right away, and the right people found me. I was able to make this for them, and it’s been really special.”
-Elise
Informal & Formal Events
Rose City Book Pub seems to be the spot for local musicians and authors. Elise shared that she doesn’t reach out to people to schedule events, but instead people approach her to get on the calendar. Thanks to some early press releases, she was getting inquiries before she opened. Even big names like the Association of Writers & Writing Programs wanted a spot on her calendar for book readings within 5 months of opening.
The Book Pub boasts between one and four free events per day ranging from trivia to open mic poetry. You can also find more niche events such as zine meetups and the Astrology Study Group for Late Night Owls.
My favorites so far have been live music and author talks. David, an employee and saxophonist, regularly plays with his band, Left on Tenth, at the Book Pub. I haven’t seen his band yet, but now it’s definitely on my list. The events often repeat themselves, so if you miss one you can always catch it the following week or month.
In addition to the official events, many informal events take place as well. Book clubs and board game aficionados alike flock to this space. Large groups are easily accommodated at large tables with benches. I’ve attended decent-sized book club Meetups where I got to meet a bunch of really cool people with similar interests. I also got some great book recommendations.
Visiting the Book Pub
If you want to check out an event, you’ll need to get there early to get a seat! If not, you’ll find yourself in a line going out the door, a testament to the quality of this wonderful space. No to worry though, the line moves at a decent pace. Once you get to the front of the line, the person taking your order will strike up a conversation with you as you decide what to eat or drink. Feeling welcomed starts from the moment you order your food.
The menu includes everything from appetizers to entrees. My food recommendations include flash-fried brussels sprouts and french fries with sweet and spicy curry. On my list of things to try is their poutine, which makes for a great excuse to go back.
The Interior
Upon entering, you’ll notice the entire space is surrounded by used books in tall bookcases. In the middle of the room, you’ll find some long tables to accommodate large groups. Around the perimeter, there are booths next to windows nestled between bookshelves. You just need to turn around to grab a book of your choice to browse through. Sprinkled throughout the space are smaller tables, bar seating, and cozy chairs.
Perhaps the best part of the space is the book nook in the back. There is a single table enveloped in books. It’s surrounded by little oddities such as a colorful abstract painting, some stuffed animals sitting on the shelves, and a dress mannequin with jeweled flowers and wired butterflies. Someone is almost always sitting there as it is a secluded spot for people to sit.
Concluding Thoughts
Rose City Book Pub is an inclusive space for folks from all walks of life, whether they come in a big group or show up alone. Either way, you’ll feel like a part of the community. Everything it has to offer makes it worth staying for several hours. Between the large gatherings and solo customers, it is safe to say that Elise has achieved her dream of creating a thriving community in her Book Pub. Whether you live in Portland or are just passing through, do yourself a favor and check out this wonderful gem.
Explore their website to learn more.
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