
As I mentioned last week, I was off the blog for an extended time, but I still thought it would be interesting to see what was popular in April. Understandably, numbers were down but still there were about 9,500 page views and 6,500 unique visitors. Could be worse!
Some updates: Denizens Cafe is getting the old OG Ben & Esther’s space ready, and you can invest in them. Alux is up and running. Sandy O’s has applied for a liquor license. Locals have been posting about their love for the food and drink at Three Fifty Cafe and I enjoyed trying their food the other day. And The Heist is getting close to opening.
Thanks, as always for reading.
5. Denizens Cafe to Open on NE Sandy Blvd

A few days ago, James Helms posted on social media the news that the Rocky Butte Espresso Bar, which closed in late 2022, has a new location … as well as a new concept and new name. Along with coffee there are plans for food, and a projected opening is unknown at this time. The new name is Denizens Cafe.
4. Alux Mexican Cafe & Cantina Opening on NE Sandy Blvd

I’ve recently become aware of a new Mexican cafe and cantina that is opening on NE Sandy Blvd in the old Gravy space. Named Alux Mexican Cafe & Cantina, it will offer Mexican food, drink, and enjoyment in the Bindery Building on the edge of the Kerns neighborhood.

I was over at Parkrose Hardware last week and saw this giant red sign announcing “Sandy-Os – Sandwiches, Subs and Burgers” had popped up next door, where Heritage Specialty Foods’ Parkrose location had been for so long. For a while the space had ceased being accessible to the public (Heritage was operating behind a locked gate), and my hope with Sandy-Os is that it can offer something for Portlanders to enjoy.
2. Three Fifty Cafe Opening in Former Prescott Cafe Space in Cully

The speculation is over—the old Prescott Cafe, which closed at the end of September 2022, is not being razed for housing but is being reborn into Three Fifty Cafe, a new bakery and shop (which looks like it started as a home-based bakery where you order then pick up baked goods at the baker’s home; it was a very popular kind of commerce during the pandemic). They will sell Vietnamese food and drink. More specifically, to quote their Facebook page, they are “offering a unique blend of traditional and modern Vietnamese flavors.”
1. The Heist Food Cart Pod to Open in Woodstock This Spring

A new food cart pod named The Heist is slated to open up in the Woodstock neighborhood this spring. It will be located at the former US Bank branch site and offer outdoor and indoor options.

Meg Cotner

Latest posts by Meg Cotner (see all)
- SUN RICE Reopens in Old XLB Space in North Portland - September 9, 2025
- What We Know About Hearth & Vine, Opening in NW Portland’s Pearl District - September 8, 2025
- Small Bites: Pamana, Deadshot, The Indoor Trio, and More - September 5, 2025