Bon Appétit features Division-Clinton neighborhood spot among best new bars to visit

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A Southeast Portland cocktail spot “where wrong choices don’t exist and it’s never that serious” is considered one of the best new bars to visit this year.

In late June, Bon Appétit featured recently-opened bars across the country that are must-visits for anyone who has yet to walk through their doors.

Portland’s The Houston Blacklight , located in the space that formerly held Night Light Lounge, was one of 11 highlighted businesses.

Co-owners Mariah Pisha-Duffly and Thomas Pisha-Duffly launched the bar in July 2023. And according to the New-York-based food magazine, its “maximalist” vibe can be compared to their other successful businesses Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway.

“The bar’s walls are painted with wonderfully odd murals of beasts in boxing matches and sexy luxuriating horses (you sort of have to see it),” Bon Appétit wrote. “The drinks are every bit as quirky and upbeat: Jell-O shots come in rotating flavors like guava-Midori or peach-amaretto, and coconut-pandan slushies taste like something straight out of a beach vacation.”

About two weeks after The Houston Blacklight opened in the Division-Clinton neighborhood, Mariah told KOIN 6 the space was inspired by the ‘70s poster company of the same name. That’s what led to its psychedelic decor, and playful cocktail names including “Take Me on a Trip and “Lava Lamp.”

The food menu previously included dishes like French onion ramen noodles and shrimp cocktail. More recently, the bar welcomed Mexican seafood pop-up Mariscos Con Onda into the space with new offerings like barbecue oysters and rockfish ceviche.

Mariscos Con Onda will pop up at The Houston Blacklight every Wednesday through Sunday this summer, but the business on 2100 SE Clinton St. is there to stay.

“It’s an incredible honor to have @bonappetitmag see, understand and celebrate what the team here has worked so hard (but not so seriously) creating,” Mariah wrote on Instagram.

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