Bar Cala Is Coming to NE Alberta Street This Summer

Glasses at Bar Cala in Portland, Oregon. — *Photo credit: Bar Cala*

Bar Cala, a “Latin inspired Bar and Kitchen,” will open on NE Alberta and 27th Avenue. Projected opening is summer 2022. This is the original location of the former Pacific Power & Light substation, a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also the former location of Station Pizza Pub, which closed in February 2020.

The Space

They describe their concept as creating “a vibrant and lively space that evokes the colors, tastes, and sounds of Latin America sourced by the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.” You’ll find an inside lounge (55 seats) and an outdoor patio in the back (45 seats, though closed in the winter). Additionally, they will feature “an array of exotic plants by Arium Botanicals, inventive craft cocktails, tapas-style dining, and of course, beats that span the Latin experience.”

Bar Cala is Latino-owned and operated.

The bar at Bar Cala in Portland, Oregon. — *Photo credit: Bar Cala*

Dancing! And Hours!

Across the street is the Teote Mezcaleria, a Latin American bar/restaurant, so it will be interesting to see how Bar Cala sets themselves apart from their neighbor. One of the things they are expecting to have is dancing along with music (recorded), which could be a lot of fun. This detail really stood out to me because for years living in NYC I was aware of the city’s “cabaret laws,” which prohibited dancing in establishments (restaurants, bars) without cabaret license. Thankfully they were repealed in 2017 (after I left). Anyway, here’s to dancing!

After they open, you’ll be able to visit them Wednesdays through Sundays. They’ll be open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 4pm on Sundays. Expect them to open around 3:30pm Wednesdays through Fridays, and 9am on Saturdays and Sundays (does that mean brunch?!?).

You can check out Bar Cala’s Instagram page for some of the work they’ve been doing on the space, which looks very nice so far. I wish them all good things as they finish up and prepare for opening this summer.

Bar Cala [opened June 29, 2022]
2703 NE Alberta Street, Portland
barcalapdx.com | Instagram

Updated October 19, 2024.