What's Happening in Beaverton, OR…

Urban River Spirits, the first zero-alcohol lounge in Washington County, is now open in downtown Hillsboro.

Residents of nearby Beaverton who are interested in a drinking experience without alcohol being the focus of the evening might want to make the journey to this new establishment.

Michelle and Jackie Garner are the owners of Urban River Spirits. Michelle notes that her focus is on the gathering part of the experience, which she believes is overlooked by many food and drink concepts.

Fruit used in Urban River’s mixers is locally sourced and bottled on site, with an emphasis on unusual combinations. Unique pairings include blueberry-basil, watermelon- jalapeño, and pineapple-habanero, in addition to more familiar combinations such as pear with cinnamon and raspberry lemon.

The lounge menu reimagines classic cocktails as 0% proof alternatives, crafted with house-made mixers. Highlights include a pear hot toddy, a caramel-banana bourbon whiskey, a lemon drop, and an orange-cranberry old fashioned.

The establishment features velvet seating in emerald green clustered around small tables. There is framed art on the walls, white bard fixtures, and a gramophone in the corner to create a speakeasy atmosphere that celebrates the Prohibition era.

Establishments like this may consider using flyer printing to inform residents and those in neighboring communities of their unique concepts.

Urban River Spirits is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.