Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, September 2022

In the “better late than never” category, here are the most-read posts on Bridgetown Bites in September 2022. My editorial clients captured my attention over the past month or so, hence the tardy “top 5 posts” post (and the why behind the intermittent posting lately).

September’s top posts are an interesting mix of older and newer items, all about restaurants. Regarding Entre Compas from the República folks, the O has an update (the taproom/restaurant will open in St. Johns); and as far as the La Parilla space, it looks like something is moving in! I’ll see what I can find out.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

5. La Parilla Kitchen on NE 82nd Avenue Has Closed

Over on Nextdoor there have been some recent posts by people worried that La Parilla Kitchen, a local Mexican restaurant and neighborhood favorite, has closed. Well, I’m here to be the bearer of bad news: they have indeed officially closed this location.

4. Interesting Projects From República’s Team & Associates

República, a restaurant that offers enjoyment and world-expanding flavors in delicious regional Mexican cooking, has garnered high praise from both food media (PoMo’s Restaurant of the Year 2021, PDX Eater’s Best New Restaurant 2021, 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist as Best New Restaurant) and eaters in Portland. They show us that there is much to experience from a country that is often thought of in the U.S. as simply the home of margaritas, burritos, tacos—and, if you’re getting fancy, tres leches cake (these are all delicious, but are a fraction of what Mexico has to offer as far as food goes). I personally think it’s very important and meaningful to highlight the regional tastes of our neighbor to the south, and I’m glad República is doing just that.

3. O’Dear Bar & Grill Will Open in Parkrose in September

After years of preparation and work, O’Dear, a new bar/lounge & grill, will open in Parkrose. It’s right there on NE Sandy near the monthly Parkrose Marketplace. Look for the grand opening on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

2. Goodbye Giant Gyros, Hello Fortune BBQ Noodle House

While perusing the list of new businesses on the city’s website, I noticed a new restaurant, Fortune BBQ Noodle House. It had been registered with the OR SOS (Secretary of State), incorporated in June of this year. The address turns out to the be the same as Giant Gyros, which closed earlier this year. So, Montavilla is getting a new Chinese restaurant.

1. Sugar Hill Bar to Open This Summer in SE Portland

Sugar Hill, a new ’70s themed bar, will open this summer in SE Portland. The people behind Sugar Hill are the same ones behind Jackie’s (formerly Century) on SE Sandy Blvd and Two Wrongs on NW 13th Ave in the Pearl. Neither of these places have a reputation for “taking themselves too seriously,” and I expect Sugar Hill will carry on that tradition.