Janken, a Japanese/Korean Fusion Restaurant, Will Open in the Pearl

The game of Janken, the namesake of the new restaurant.

A new self-identified “hot spot” will open in the old Bluehour space on NW 13th Avenue in the Pearl. Called, Janken, it offers “Japanese/Korean fusion cuisine.” Additionally, “Janken [has] a strong cocktail program influenced by Korean & Japanese flavours.” Rodrigo Ochoa is the executive chef (formerly of Groot Hospitality in Miami).

The space’s predecessor, Bluehour, was ““Portland’s premier slice of the luxe life,” according to Restaurant critic Bob Hicks (quoted in an Oregonian article). It closed in 2020, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The word, “janken,” is explained here via the WikiJET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) page:

“Janken (じゃん拳 janken^?) is the Japanese equivalent of Rock Paper Scissors, but taken to a whole new level in terms of usage and importance in daily life. If there is ever a clash of opinions between two people in Japan, more often than not this potentially embarrassing situation will be decided with janken.”

As for the restaurant Janken, look for high-end drinks, “amazing Asian Cuisine,” and a casual but professional level of service. Janken has a lot of confidence, and I admire that, and they state that their spot “is about to be Portland’s best Asian Cuisine restaurant.” Sushi is going to be part of that, and I’m pretty excited about the possibilities.

They look to have a total of 120 seats, 10 of which will be outdoors. Along with the dining room and bar, they plan to open a private speakeasy there called Shoot, “fun and entertaining, while delivering outstanding service.”

Janken plans to be open seven days a week with a variety of hours, anywhere from 8am to 2am, depending on the day. The latest they’ll have folks outside is going to be 11pm. You might also find a DJ on any night between Thursdays and Sundays.

UPDATE: Janken opened on November 19. Portland Monthly has more details on the restaurant and its offerings.

Janken [opening November 2022]
250 NW 13th Avenue, Portland
jankenrestaurant.com | Instagram | Facebook

Updated December 7, 2022