We chatted with Amai, one of the two owners of the Lost & Found in North Portland. It’s an eclectic and friendly neighborhood bar Amai and her friend Leah opened about three years ago. Here’s why you need to check out this fun neighborhood hangout.
Amai and Leah have known each other for a long time. It was a great day when they realized they had both been dreaming of owning a bar for years. It took eighteen months to find the right place, but when they got a call about some space that was coming available, they knew it was the perfect spot. Nearly three years ago, in May of 2013, the Lost & Found in North Portland opened its doors.
The bar is in a great place in the Overlook neighborhood. The area is always changing and growing; it’s even noticeably changed in the three years since the bar opened. The area is full of really cool small businesses and interesting retail shops. It’s an ever-changing landscape.
Lost & Found is a product of its neighborhood in so many ways. The businesses in the area all support and promote each other. In fact, Amai mentions that her bar is even friendly with the bar across the street. There’s no real competition, which is remarkable for small businesses that are trying to appeal to the same customers.
The people who live around the bar have been supportive of Amai and Leah’s enterprise since day one. Amai says that they’re spoiled by their extraordinarily courteous and polite customers! She loves seeing people of all different ages just sitting down and having a beer together, like neighbors should.
Customers have told Amai that they feel like they’re in their own living room when they’re at the bar. Leah and Amai designed it themselves, and if they had to nail down a theme, it would be travel (which both have done extensively). Amai’s mom created much of the artwork in the bar, including the lights made out of drum cymbals and the lights on the wall, which are made out of suitcases. The bar’s unique décor reflects the things its owners love. The bar also has a great patio and outdoor space, which the bar’s customers really enjoy.
Although you can buy snack food at the bar, the Lost & Found really focuses on its drinks. All drinks are made with fresh ingredients. And all the drinks have creative names. Amai’s favorite is the “Chazz Michael Michaels,” which was created by one of Lost & Found’s bartenders. “The Sweet Dee” and “The Kenny Powers” are also popular choices, as are the drinks named after The Golden Girls.
Lost & Found has different DJs each Saturday night. Sometimes that means dancing, and sometimes the atmosphere is more chill. There’s a completely different vibe depending on the DJ of the night.
If you haven’t yet been to the Lost & Found in North Portland, give it a try! It’s a friendly, comfortable place for anyone of any age (over 21, that is). It’s full of great drinks and great music, as well as an extremely friendly staff. You’re pretty much guaranteed to have a fun time.
Thanks for giving us your story, Lost & Found. We’re glad you’re around here in North Portland and look forward to having you in our area for many years to come.