The Sports Bra
Sullivan's Gulch, Portland
Bar in Portland, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
The Sports Bra on NE Broadway is Portland's dedicated women's sports bar; a warm, LGBTQ-friendly room that works better for a casual date night than a typical sports bar, as long as you have a game to anchor the evening. Walk-ins are easy, prices are neighborhood-tier, the community feel sets it apart from generic broadcast bars in the city.
About The Sports Bra
The right bar for the right occasion
If you are headed to Northeast Portland for a casual evening that centers on women's sports and a genuinely welcoming room, The Sports Bra at 2512 NE Broadway is the call. This is the kind of bar that works well when you arrive with a purpose: a game on the screen, a drink in hand, company that actually wants to be there. For a low-key date night where the vibe matters more than the cocktail list, it delivers something most Portland bars do not: a focused, inclusive atmosphere where women's athletics are the main event, not an afterthought on a muted screen in the corner.
What to expect as a first-timer
The atmosphere here is energetic but not chaotic. The room is built around the idea that women's sports deserve the same primetime treatment as any other broadcast, which shapes everything from the screen placement to the crowd's engagement. Expect a genuinely enthusiastic room on game nights; the kind of energy where strangers are invested in the same match; without the aggressive noise levels that make conversation impossible. That balance makes it more workable for a two-person evening than a typical sports bar, where the sound design is often an afterthought. Come for a scheduled match if you want the full experience; the atmosphere on a quiet weeknight without a major game will be noticeably lower-key.
The crowd skews younger, predominantly LGBTQ-friendly, broadly progressive, Portland's Northeast neighborhood sets that tone. First-timers should know the bar has a strong community identity, so it draws regulars who are invested in the mission, not just dropping in for a generic drink. That creates a warmer room than most sports bars, which is part of what makes it work for a date.
Timing and practical details
For a date night specifically, aim for a match evening when there is something meaningful on the schedule, NWSL, international women's football, or NCAA tournaments are the draws that animate the room. A weekend evening with a game in progress is the sweet spot. Walk-in friendly by Portland standards, though a popular match night will fill the bar quickly, so arriving early is advisable. Reservations: Walk-ins are generally fine; no reservation system appears to be required, but arrive early on match nights. Dress: Casual, no dress code. Budget: Expect neighborhood bar pricing, consistent with Portland's Northeast Broadway strip, this is not a cocktail-program destination, so plan accordingly.
Date night verdict
For a first date, The Sports Bra works if you both have an interest in women's sports or appreciate a bar with a clear point of view. The atmosphere is warm enough for conversation early in the evening, the shared experience of watching a match gives the night a built-in structure that generic cocktail bars lack. If your priority is a serious drinks program or a quiet, intimate room, look elsewhere, Teardrop Lounge or Bible Club PDX will serve that purpose better. But if you want a bar with actual personality and a community behind it, The Sports Bra is a better choice than most of what Northeast Broadway offers for a casual evening out.
How It Compares
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Planning details
- Location
- 2512 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
- Website
- thesportsbraofficial.com
- Phone
- +1 503 327 8401
The take
The Take
The Vibe
The Sports Bra presents itself as a straightforward neighborhood sports bar with a clear civic mission: center women's athletics. The interior is organized around sightlines and screens rather than decorative flourishes, which keeps attention fixed on the action. It feels like a place for locals and regulars—walkable, unpretentious and animated when big games are on. During marquee events the room hums with communal excitement; at other times it settles into a relaxed, no-frills rhythm. The result is an approachable, fan-first environment that prioritizes viewing and shared enthusiasm over formality or spectacle.
Best For
This is a destination for anyone who wants to watch women's sports with an engaged crowd. It's ideal for match-day gatherings—NWSL games, WNBA matchups, NCAA tournament nights—and for groups who want a collective viewing experience rather than background TV. Neighborhood regulars and visiting fans alike use it for midweek fixtures and playoff nights, when the energy ramps up. If you want a place where the programming aligns with the event calendar and fellow patrons are there to watch, The Sports Bra answers that brief precisely.
Ordering Tips
Plan to secure a good sightline for key matchups: arrive early for high-profile games and playoffs when the room fills. Because the layout is explicitly designed for viewing, seats with direct screen access matter more than table size—ask staff for recommended spots if you’re booking for a group. Expect an animated atmosphere during big events; if you prefer quieter viewing, choose off-peak times. The bar’s neighborhood focus makes it well suited to regulars, so booking or arriving early can make the difference on crowded game nights.
Venue details
Ambiance
Cozy and energetic atmosphere with sports memorabilia on walls, focused on celebrating women's sports.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Format
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Sports Bar
- Late Night
- Closes by Midnight
Signature Pours
- Title IX
- GOAT
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- Teardrop Lounge; Notable alternative
- Bible Club PDX; Notable alternative
- Multnomah Whiskey Library; Notable alternative
- Rum Club; Notable alternative
- Takibi; Notable alternative
Bar context
Against Portland's broader bar options, The Sports Bra occupies a distinct position that makes direct comparison tricky but useful. If your evening is primarily about the drinks program, Teardrop Lounge is the stronger call; its cocktail list is one of the more technically accomplished in the city, the room is better suited to a quieter, conversation-driven date. Multnomah Whiskey Library is the move if spirits depth matters most, though its membership and booking model adds friction that The Sports Bra entirely avoids.
For atmosphere and community feel, Bible Club PDX offers a more theatrical, intimate experience with a strong cocktail identity; worth considering if you want a date-night bar with personality but without the sports focus. Rum Club is the better option if you want a serious, focused spirits bar with a more relaxed booking experience. Takibi skews toward a design-forward, Japanese-influenced experience that appeals to a different preference set entirely.
Where The Sports Bra wins is on accessibility and distinctiveness of concept. Walk-in friendly, neighborhood-priced, genuinely community-oriented; it is the easiest bar on this list to get into on a given evening, the only one built specifically around women's athletics. If that premise appeals to you, there is no meaningful competition in Portland for what it does. If it does not, the alternatives above will serve you better.
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Unlock the full The Sports Bra guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare The Sports Bra
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| The Sports Bra | Portland | No published awards |
| Teardrop Lounge | Portland | 2022 North America's 50 Best Bars · #48Pearl Recommended Bars |
| Bible Club PDX | Portland | Pearl Recommended Bars |
| Multnomah Whiskey Library | Portland | No published awards |
| Rum Club | Portland | Pearl Recommended Bars |
| Takibi | Portland | No published awards |
How The Sports Bra Portland compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the crowd like at The Sports Bra?
Expect a welcoming, predominantly women-forward crowd that takes women's sports seriously. The room at 2512 NE Broadway draws a mix of locals, sports fans, people who appreciate a bar with a clear identity. It is lively on match nights but not aggressively loud.
Does The Sports Bra have happy hour deals?
Specific happy hour pricing is not listed in the venue record. Portland bars in the NE Broadway corridor commonly run evening specials, so it is worth asking when you arrive or checking their social channels before your visit.
Do I need a reservation at The Sports Bra?
Walk-ins are the norm at The Sports Bra, but the bar fills quickly on NWSL match nights and during major women's sports events. If you are bringing a group or have a specific game in mind, arriving early is a better strategy than trying to reserve a table.
Is The Sports Bra good for groups?
Yes, provided the group has a genuine interest in women's sports or is comfortable in an energetic, sports-focused room. Groups watching a live match will get the most out of it. If your group wants quiet conversation, this is not the right fit.
What's the signature drink at The Sports Bra?
Specific drink menu details are not documented in the venue record. The bar is primarily known for its concept and atmosphere rather than a standout cocktail program, so drinks are part of the experience rather than the main draw.
