Nico's to Open a Cantina, Second Ice Cream Location

A little while back I speculated that Nico Vergara, founder of Nico’s Ice Cream was opening a cantina in the old Dick’s Primal Burger space (which was home to Beeswing prior to that). Well, it’s become clear that the cantina is coming; but what was news to me is that Nico is opening a second ice cream location!

Nico’s Ice Cream Location 2

Photo credit: Nico’s Ice Cream

Late last week he posted that the second location will be at 1615 NE Killingsworth Street. This is such a great food location—nearby restaurants are top-notch, including Hat Yai, Podnah’s, Mis Tacones, and Rabbits Cafe. Recently the wonderful Handsome Pizza/Seastar Bakery anchored the northwest corner of that eatery strip, too. This location for Nico’s is formerly home to Tea Bar, which closed this location back in 2020.

Nico wrote, “Why would we decide to open a second location in NE?A few reasons…This space will allow us to host mini makers markets throughout the year (and, just events in general). It will allow us to seat 15-20 people inside.” The little space on NE Fremont doesn’t really offer much in the way of seating, indoors or out.

Nico and his team are fiercely loyal to NE Portland, so that’s another reason why he decided to open the second shop in NE. But, he proclaimed, “Don’t worry, we aren’t done yet,” so I would expect to see more Nico’s locations around the Portland metro area in the future.

Nico’s Cantina

Photo credit: Nico’s Cantina

Since I speculated about the cantina in June, Nico has posted a bunch of helpful and exciting updates to social media, and I recommend heading there (Instagram, especially, because of the Stories). He’s also done some interviews with the more established media, including the following articles:

The Founder of Nico’s Ice Cream Is Opening a Cantina in the Cully Neighborhood [WWeek]
Preview of Nico’s Cantina in Northeast Portland, OR [PDX Today]
Nico’s Ice Cream founder to open Cully cantina [Oregonian—subscription required]

Essentially, Nico will offer a space inspired by the cantinas in Mexico, especially those in Guadalajara, where his family is from and where he lived for a year. Some of what you’ll find to eat:

Botanas (snacks): Peanuts (from La Oaxaqueña), chicharrón, and cucumber with lime.
Savory Food: Beans topped with queso, chips and salsa, and tacos—tortillas from Three Sisters Nixtamal, with fillings including tripe, lengua, chicken, shrimp, carnitas, asada, and nopales.
Desserts: Nico’s ice cream and something else just as tasty.

Miss Delta chef and owner Marcus Oliver has been helping visualize and shape the menu. On the drinks side, Adriana Alverez of República is creating and curating what you’ll imbibe at the cantina. What you’ll find to drink includes:

Spirits: Tequila + mezcal (some by Wahaka) are hte primary focus, as well as bourbon, and more.
Beer: Four drafts from Salem’s Xicha Brewing; look for a future collaboration beer that will be available for purchase in six-packs.
Cider: La Familia Cider will be featured, “a locally-made cider inspired by traditional Mexican Aguas Frescas.”

My hope is that there will be some zero-proof options for those who are not drinking, too.

The Cantina Space

The “little bar” at Nico’s Cantina. Photo credit: Nico’s Cantina

Nico and his crew have been working hard on the cantina space itself and the hope is that it will open soon (“last weekend of August” was what I heard). The colorful fence is a real head-turner, and inside they’ll have about 50 seats (including leather booths designed by leather booths will be made by Orox Leather Company (Mexican-American Leather Crafters since 1933), a bar, and they are doing up the patio with atmospheric string lights and 25-30 seats out there. If you remember the patio when it was Beeswing especially, you know it’s a great space to relax in.

This will be a great place to watch soccer, too, as they’ll have a number of TVs by the bar. Can I dream of some joyous celebration when the FIFA World Cup finals happen every four years? That would be rad.

I wish Nico and company only the best as they head toward their opening. It’s very exciting to see this location being used again, and for something as special as Nico’s Cantina. I can’t wait to stop by!

Nico’s Cantina [projected opening August 2022]
4318 NE Cully Blvd, Portland
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