The Box Social (Portland, Oregon)

The 1,000-square-foot bar The Box Social operates from a "boxy glass-and-steel contemporary" building in the north Portland part of the Boise neighborhood.^[4][5] The interior has a dark mahogany bar, a mural painted by artist Maria Joan Dixon,^[6] and a stuffed peacock.^[7] One guide book by Moon Publications says the atmosphere is "dark and romantic".^[8] Eater Portland has described The Box Social as a "sultry" cocktail bar,^[9] and "a sumptuous, intimate lounge" with snacks such as bread with pimento cheese spread, parmesan popcorn, and hummus plates.^[10] The food menu has also included a fig compote panini,^[11] goldfish crackers, and a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.^[12]

Among 22 drinks on the menu in 2015 were Brown Derbys and the Ramos Gin Fizz, as well as versions of daiquiris,^[13] margaritas, Manhattans, and Negronis.^[14] The Cooler has bourbon, Applejack, orange liqueur, lime, and apple drinking vinegar, and the Stone Cold Fox has Goslings Black Seal Rum, habanero-ginger honey, lime, and mango.^[6] The Feather and Nail has Fernet, ginger liqueur, and lime juice,^[15] and the Thoroughbred has Torani Amer, brandy, maraschino, lemon, and pomegranate shrub.^[16] The bar has also served beer, wine,^[9][10] and RuPaul-themed Aperol spritzes.^[17]

Spouses Eric and Shannon McQuilkin are co-owners. In July 2011, The Oregonian described plans for The Box Social to open by the end of the year.^[4][18] The bar opened in late December,^[19] in a space that previously housed an art installation by Cascade AIDS Project.^[20][21]

The Box Social launched a book club in 2013.^[22] In 2025, the bar was among five participating in a "Bazaar Crawl" on North Williams Avenue.^[23]