A Taste of Home in Portland’s Kenton Neighborhood
Oregon is no stranger to good food, but Po’ Shines Café De La Soul in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood stands in a league of its own. More than just a restaurant, this church-operated nonprofit feels like a community hub where good food and good will meet in perfect harmony.
From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with warmth that feels deeply personal—like Sunday dinner at a friend’s home. The aromas of seasoned catfish, smoked BBQ, and buttery cornbread fill the air, inviting everyone to sit, eat, and stay awhile.
Locals say that Po’ Shines isn’t simply a place to eat—it’s a reminder that food made with love nourishes more than just the body.
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Golden Fried Catfish That Defines Perfection
If there’s one dish that keeps people coming back, it’s the golden fried catfish. Each fillet is coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that crisps to a golden crunch, while the inside stays moist, tender, and flaky.
Whether you order it as a platter with traditional sides or in a catfish po’boy sandwich, every bite bursts with flavor. The po’boy even includes a surprise—tangy pickled greens that give each mouthful a refreshing, zesty kick.
One review summed it up best: “The catfish was moist, flaky, and had perfect breading both in texture and seasoning.”
At Po’ Shines, this dish doesn’t just set the standard—it defines it.
BBQ That Passes Every Authenticity Test
Barbecue lovers can be hard to please, but Po’ Shines’ slow-smoked BBQ earns high marks even from Southern transplants. Their ribs and brisket are smoked low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, with a flavor that speaks of patience and skill.
The house-made BBQ sauce doesn’t drown the meat; it complements the smoky richness with the right touch of sweetness and tang. Pair it with smoked baked beans, and you’ve got a meal that rivals the best BBQ joints in the South.
Even die-hard BBQ purists admit: Po’ Shines gets it right where others fall short.
Sweet Potato Pie That Lives Up to the Legend
Dessert at Po’ Shines isn’t optional—it’s essential. Their sweet potato pie has achieved near-legendary status among regulars. Made from a generational family recipe, it balances sweetness and spice to perfection.
The filling is smooth and velvety, the crust buttery and flaky. Some guests swear it’s the best they’ve ever had, whether enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled the next day.
This pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a slice of Southern nostalgia done right.
Collard Greens That Win Over Skeptics
Even those who claim not to like vegetables are converted by Po’ Shines’ collard greens. Slow-cooked with traditional Southern seasonings, the greens are tender without being mushy, and their flavorful pot liquor practically demands a piece of cornbread for dipping.
Families often joke that it’s the only place their kids willingly eat greens. The secret lies in time-honored techniques and just the right balance of seasoning—creating a side dish that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Chicken and Waffles: The Ultimate Classic
No soul food menu would be complete without chicken and waffles, and at Po’ Shines, this dish is treated with the reverence it deserves. The fried chicken is perfectly crisp outside and juicy inside, while the waffles are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet.
Add a drizzle of syrup, and the contrast of sweet and savory hits that unbeatable comfort zone. It’s a brunch favorite that has earned its own fan following—so much so that it’s even served as a late-night wedding snack for local couples.
Mac and Cheese That Feels Like a Hug
Po’ Shines’ mac and cheese embodies the idea of comfort food. Creamy, rich, and bursting with cheesy goodness, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.
The pasta is cooked to the perfect texture, and the cheese sauce manages to be indulgent without being heavy. A light crispy top layer adds contrast to the creamy center, making every forkful satisfying.
It’s the side dish you order “for the table” and end up finishing yourself.
Sweet Tea That Captures Southern Spirit
True to its Southern roots, Po’ Shines serves sweet tea that tastes like summer memories. It’s freshly brewed, perfectly sweetened, and refreshing without being syrupy.
Guests often mention how it transports them back to porch-side evenings and family picnics, a nostalgic reminder of simple pleasures. Whether you sip it alongside your catfish or enjoy it solo, this tea is pure comfort in a glass.
Hospitality That Comes Straight from the Heart
What truly sets Po’ Shines apart, though, is its Southern hospitality. The staff treat guests like extended family—sharing stories about recipes, checking in with genuine care, and ensuring every visit feels special.
As a nonprofit, Po’ Shines operates with a mission beyond serving food. It’s about building community, providing job training, and uplifting those who need a second chance. You can taste that purpose in every dish and feel it in every warm smile.
Regulars say they return not just for the food, but for the love and kindness that define the entire experience.
More Than a Restaurant — A Portland Treasure
In a city known for its food scene, Po’ Shines Café De La Soul holds a unique place in Portland’s heart. It’s where comfort, community, and culinary craftsmanship meet—where every plate tells a story and every customer leaves a little fuller in spirit.
For locals, it’s not just the best soul food in Oregon. It’s a home away from home, served one soulful meal at a time.
