From when it was the Pirate’s Cove, back in 2019.
Over on Facebook, a neighbor posted, “Anyone know what’s happening with The Sandy Jug? For lease sign is gone and people have been coming and going.” That is certainly an intriguing observation, so I did some research and learned that indeed, new life is coming to this place from something called Roseway Rambler, Inc.
The Articles of Incorporation filed with ORSOS for Roseway Rambler, Inc. were filed on August 29, 2023 for the address at 7417 NE Sandy Blvd, the home of the Sandy Jug. Interestingly enough, the Application for Registration with ORSOS as Sandy Jug Tavern was on August 31, 2023. But even then, the Registrant/Owner is … Roseway Rambler, Inc. But knowing the people involved, it would not surprise me if they keep The Sandy Jug/Sandy Jug Tavern as the name (plus, it’s the most recent Entity Name by a couple of days).
Inside the building last May. Photo credit: charlie_prom on Instagram
Warren and Marcus
Two names associated with Sandy Jug Tavern/Roseway Rambler may be familiar to you: Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambeault. These guys have worked to save a bunch of old Portland bars, many of them considered dives—and the Sandy Jug could certainly be considered divey.
In a PDX Eater article from earlier this spring, “The Team Behind Sandy Hut and the Vern Is Taking Over Holman’s Bar and Grill,” Janey Wong writes, “Boothby and Archambeault are the team behind the restorations of other storied Portland bars such as the Vern and Sandy Hut, in addition to managing the Alibi, Double Barrel, and Gold Dust Meridian. ‘We’re so happy to continue on these old Portland places, so they can be here for years for everyone to visit and enjoy,’ Boothby told the Mercury.” I guess they can include the Sandy Jug into their repertoire.
The Jug’s Popularity and History
As for the Sandy Jug building, it has many fans from both inside Roseway and out, even around the world. It is included on the Roadside America website in an article with the headline “Jug-Shaped-Building.” Artist Shawn Granton on the SITO site way back in 2004 mentioned it, quoting from the “Alameda Ridge Bicycle Cruise” zine:
“The building is a remnant of the 20’s and 30’s, when colorful and playfully designed structures lined the highways of the U.S. It’s a reminder that Sandy Boulevard used to be the main stem of U.S 30, the primary connecting artery for Portland to eastern Oregon and other points east. Since the Banfield Expressway was completed in the 1950’s, the importance of Sandy has dwindled, but the Sandy Jug remains. It’s currently occupied by a strip club, which I doubt the builders of the Jug originally had in mind.”
The Sandy Jug Tavern from many years ago.
A comment on StumptownBlogger is also interesting: “Yes it had the Jug from day one when it opened on August 20, 1928. Here a a few detail from the Oregon Journal on August 5, 1928. ‘Completion of a unique service station for humans beings and automobiles on the block between 74th & 75th on the north side of Sandy Blvd. to be known as THE GUSHER—a filling station for motor cars in addition to having a refreshment stand for patrons. An oil derrick 80 feet high is being erected as the central piece of the station. The refreshment stand will be shaped like a huge jug.’”
As for why incorporating as “Roseway Rambler” … well, the first part, “Roseway,” is obvious because it’s located in Roseway. Perhaps the “rambler” part has to do with cars, as there was a Rambler automobile, and this building did serve operators of motor vehicles way back when. Other instances or Ramber/Ramblers in Portland include the LGBTQ Square Dance Club, the Rosetown Ramblers; and the Rambler bar up on N Mississippi. But, as I said earlier, they may choose to keep the Sandy Jug name.
I’ve not seen any applications for a liquor license either with the OLCC or City of Portland, so my guess is they are at the start of the process. No city permits have been filed as of the writing of this article. I have also found nothing public on social media about this project (yet).
I look forward to seeing what Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambeault and their team can bring to this historic jug-shaped building on NE Sandy Blvd.
Roseway Rambler/Sandy Jug Tavern [opening TBD]
7417 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Meg Cotner
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lol. we strippers are loling. 2nd bar ive worked at that turned into a strip club. didn’t work out so well. also it be cool if you kept it the sandy jug at least or pirates cove.. but this is just…weird..
They installed windows, it’s actually looking pretty good!
Kudos!
The new paint job is marvelous!
This bodes well for the future of this iconic Portland landmark. Best wishes.
I am located across from the jug. Its been an eye sore for years in the neighborhood, and we hope the name will be changed along with pleasant colors blended to attract people to the future restaurant. I was told it will have great food and the slats around the jug will be removed with windows inserted. They promised the strip club will not return. The reputation they had will be difficult to break, but a major change in the neighborhood is a welcome relief. Can we put bids in for a completely new name??
I have a lot of confidence in these guys and I think they will bring something great to the neighborhood. Portland has a plethora of strip joints, and the loss of one won’t matter (I guess if it was Mary’s, though, that’s different). I’m excited to see what they offer. I think they will likely keep “The Sandy Jug” name, as that seems to be their practice with other spots they’ve worked on. Side note: when it was a strip club I was disappointed the owners did not call it “The Sandy Jugs” (SATC reference, among others, there). Seems like a lost opportunity. In any case, that bird has flown and something better is on the horizon.
So am I! Hi neighbor!
We just saw they put in windows. It’s looking pretty good, I am looking forward to this change, hopefully they have good health food options.
Lol, “an eye sore”. Move to Battleground, Wa, lots of pretty strip malls for you to stare at.
My 95 year old mother said she remembered the jug as a root beer joint which matches the refreshment stand history. Probably sold by the jug?
Damn, I love root beer. How cool is the idea of a root beer joint! Thanks for sharing that detail.