Old Pal Will Be Your New Summer Friend in SE Portland

I recently became aware of Old Pal, a new restaurant opening in “late June” in the Sunnyside neighborhood in SE Portland. They will offer “vegetables, little fishes, fine wines, craft brews & spirits” with a sense of purpose: “[We will] focus on doing our part to make the planet a better place to live.”

Old Pal is likely named after the cocktail of the same name. It’s similar to a Negroni, but made with rye whiskey, French vermouth (dry), and Campari. I would be surprised if it wasn’t on the cocktail menu.

Who Is Behind Old Pal?

Old Pal the restaurant is brought to us by Jeremy Larter of Field Day & Emily Bixler of BOET. Field Day is a catering company run by Larter here in Portland, and Bixler is an artist in Portland who works with mediums such as wood, fiber, and metal.

The restaurant space was the former home to Hobnob Grille and Sweetwater’s Jam House.

Old Pal Philosophy

They’ve put a lot of thought into the sourcing behind and concept for Old Pal. Here is how they describe these aspects in their Poached job listing:

“We take our role as stewards of the planet/ocean seriously and strive to offer healthy menus that limit the impact that restaurants and foodservice have on the environment. Our food is seasonal vegetable-driven with small amounts of carefully sourced dairy and sustainable seafood but no other meat or animal products.

“We are definitely not a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, but have many choices geared towards both lifestyles, as well as for people who understand that eating little fishes and mollusks could help heal the oceans. The bottom line is a good time but making mindful choices about what we serve and celebrate makes it all the better. Please join us on our journey. “

It looks like they’ll be open 7 days a week from 3pm to 11pm each day. Indoor and outdoor seating (“The outdoor area will only be operational during ‘better weather’ months”)—50 indoor and 18 outdoor.

Late June is pretty much upon us, so if things are lining up in their favor (I know permitting issues can cause delays in this town), we should see the open very soon. Best of luck to the Old Pal crew as they get ready to open this summer.

Old Pal Tavern
3350 SE Morrison Street, Portland
Old Pal website | Instagram

Updated March 26, 2025.