Blackwell's in Portland Has Closed

Well, that’s the end of an era—Blackwell’s Grub Steak Grill is closed here in the Hollywood District. First, the owner Jan dies (RIP), and that led the family to decide to close Blackwell’s this past Sunday.

According to the Willamette Week, Charlie De Lorme, Jan’s son, says “The family had considered selling the place before now, and had heard rumors that others were interested. ‘Now that we’re actually closing,’ he says, ‘they’re coming out of the woodwork.'”

I was unaware it was a Chinese restaurant way back when, too. That means the Mandarin and nearby Chin’s Kitchen were operating at the same time 35 years ago. And not far away was the Chinese Pagoda restaurant. So much Chinese-American food in a small area.

I’m also curious to know who is interested in the space now—it’s a good location and no doubt will fetch a pretty penny.

I’ll miss hearing the live blues music there on Wednesday nights. Thanks for the memories, Blackwell’s.