Portland has a new luxury sports lounge that offers more than just enjoying a sports game. Honorable Mention sits below Portland’s historic downtown Benson Hotel on Broadway, where the London Grill once stood, with a powerful statement. The Black-owned lounge honors Black athletes who were excluded, overlooked, or banned in sports during the era the speakeasy takes inspiration from.
The lounge is a partnership between Urban Restaurant Group, a group of Black business leaders, and community figures, including NBA star and Portland legend Damian Lillard, entrepreneur JR Duperrier, Dr. William Johnson, David Lucas, and Mark Byrum. Together, they’ve created something Portland has never had: a high-end gathering space that centers Black excellence in sports history and hospitality.
“Portland is my home,” Lillard shares. “When I think about helping build this city back up to what made me and many others fall in love with it, I know that starts with presenting people with an experience we can all share: fellowship, fun, good food, and safety.”
Honoring Athletes Historically Left Out
In sports, an “honorable mention” is a distinction awarded to athletes who performed at a high level but didn’t make the official list. It’s a recognition that often stings because it represents the highest level of validation just outside the official winners’ circle. But historically in the sports world, Black athletes weren’t even given that recognition because they were barred entirely from major sports leagues and collegiate programs.
Honorable Mention PDX is giving Black athletes the recognition they deserve, ensuring their stories aren’t forgotten. The lounge pays tribute to the barrier-breakers and pioneers across race, gender, and culture whose legacies shaped sports history but rarely received their due recognition. That history lives in the walls of the space itself, through curated local artwork and a design philosophy that treats the celebration of Black athletic excellence as foundational rather than decorative.
Each month, a local artist will create artworks celebrating athletes who have made their mark in the sporting world. Tristan Kwame Irving created the first tribute piece that honors Brown University star Fritz Pollard. Pollard was a trailblazing football player and coach. A standout at Brown University, he became one of the first Black All-Americans before making history in the early NFL as both a player and the league’s first Black head coach, leading the Akron Pros to a championship in 1920.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Pollard’s legacy lies in his courage and resilience, which paved the way for generations of Black athletes and coaches in professional sports, even as opportunities remained limited for decades after his career.
“Honorable Mention shines a light on the city’s deep love for sport while honoring its historical roots. This space is for the community, and it’s a win for Portland,” JR Duperrier stated.
A Luxury Experience Built For Community
Honorable Mention aims to reflect the city’s evolution as a world-class sports city. It reimagines the traditional sports bar with Victorian-inspired elegance and an open, modern layout. Expect intimate gathering areas and premium sightlines, creating a space perfect for both high-energy game days and elegant evenings.
Chef Bobby Brown leads the kitchen with elevated, shareable plates and premium group offerings. The menu is designed for sharing and celebrating, showcasing a refined take on sports-lounge favorites paired with bold flavors. Sweet corn ribs, chili-braised beef nachos, crispy-skinned steelhead, Ranahan ranch beef tomahawk, and the 8-piece fried chicken with cheesy grits, bacon-braised greens, and pickled peppers are among the culinary highlights. The curated cocktail program and premium pours reinforce a commitment to luxury without sacrificing accessibility or community.
Lillard’s latest investment in Portland shows his love for the city and his belief in what it can become. Find Honorable Mention at 309 SW Broadway inside The Benson Hotel. Go hungry, curious, and ready to learn something about the game.
