Top Posts on Bridgetown Bites in 2023

We are comfortably into January 2024 and it’s time to take a look back at 2023’s most-read posts on Bridgetown Bites. They mostly involved openings and closings of restaurants and bars, but there was one article on an Asian market opening in SE Portland that made the list.

I’m happy to say that from an analytics POV, traffic almost doubled between 2022 and 2023 here on the blog. Regarding 2022 I said, “Over 55,000 visits were recorded, and almost 35,000 of those visits were new to the site.” In 2023 we had 106,000 unique visits, with 86,000 new to the site; these visitors generated almost 142,000 page views, too. Not too bad for this little independent blog.

I also read somewhere online that this blog skews toward NE Portland. That is a true statement. I also read in the same source that some readers would love to see more coverage of the west side of Portland. This is good feedback. will see what I can do about that, and diversifying geographically in general.

Thanks to all who have read, commented, sent tips (keep ’em coming!), and shared these articles/posts on social media and with friends. Here’s to another great year of delving into the Portland food world!

10. Yuginong Offers Gluten-Free Korean Fare in St. Johns

When I was at dinner the other night, my friends who live in St. Johns said “a Korean restaurant has finally opened in our neighborhood.” Of course, my interest was piqued so I asked more questions. The restaurant is Yuginong (or Yu Gi Nong), located in the space that was previously home to Sol Bowl and a Starbucks. They opened this past weekend.

Update: I hear only good things about Yuginong, with modifiers like “fresh,” “tasty,” and “very good.” I’m happy to know they are still going strong.

9. Goodbye, Frog & Snail

Last week I saw the news on Instagram: Frog & Snail, one of the best places for French-style crepes (including Breton-style buckwheat crepes) in Portland, closed abruptly. The reason behind that is that the owner, Chad Bernard, died on August 15 in what seems to be a sudden event. My heart goes out to his friends and family on his untimely passing.

Update: A Korean spot is slated to open in this location, Mokdong Gimbap.

8. The My-O-My Arrives on NE Sandy Blvd This Summer

Yesterday I published a speculative post about the old Rocky Butte Pub space on NE Sandy near 86th Ave. Fortunately, a reader tipped me off to what is actually going in there: the new place will be called the My-O-My ,”Your Favorite Bar East of 82nd.” The folks from the White Owl Social Club are behind it.

Update: Still a favorite bar and I’ve written a lot about it here. Love the NA cocktails and fireplace in winter, but miss Monster Smash. Lawless Barbecue seems to be doing well and offering up quality ‘cue. The people look happy when they eat it.

7. La Patroncita Is Coming to SE Belmont

A new Mexican restaurant/bar is going to open in a space on SE Belmont Street currently next to Bluto’s, named La Patroncita. It looks to be connected to the people behind the beloved Mexica restaurant, Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon.

Update: I attended their soft opening last year and found the food tasty and aesthetically pleasing. The space is also lovely, beautifully designed, and a great date spot. The pink tortillas with the words, “La Patroncita” were soft and warm and cradled the taco filling nicely. Staff was very friendly. They are still going strong.

6. What’s Up With Sandy-Os

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.

Update: What a change to this location! It always seemed kinda dead but Sandy-O’s infused life into it. They offer good quality food, it tastes good, and the menu items are very accessible—all in a relaxed space that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Friends of mine in the neighborhood love eating here. It’s a hit.

5. Fusion Curry Pizza Opening in Portland

On the edge of the northeast corner of the Hollywood District lived Hot Lips Pizza. It closed back in March 2023 and a number of people expressed sadness about that. But according to city documents, a new pizzeria is opening in there: Fusion Curry Pizza.

Update: They have been open since September 2023 and I’m sorry to say, I have not been by yet. I see online they have good reviews. I really want to check it out this year.

4. 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.”

Update: Neighbors rave about their banh mi especially, and this sweet Vietnamese cafe makes really good food. They have introduced new things to the menu here and there, like sesame balls, more vegan options, and fresh croissants. I wish more people would make it over there. It really is a gem.

3. 99 Ranch Market to Open in Mill Park’s Plaza 205

This may have been in the works for a while, but thanks to a tweet tip from Iain MacKenzie (@maccoinnich), I’ve learned that east Portland will be home to a 99 Ranch Market. It looks like it’s going to open in the old Office Max space (EDIT: not the Hometown Buffet space, as I originally suggested—big box store spaces, they all look so similar). The projected opening is Q2 of 2024, so springtime next year.

Update: Not much to report. Will continue to watch for news.

2. New Life at the Sandy Jug From Roseway Rambler

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.

Update: They hope to open “soon soon” and many in the area can’t wait to see what the place will look like after its glow-up from a strip club to an inclusive watering hole. They built what looks like a birdhouse, a wooden model of the Sandy Jug Tavern, “… something to add to the patio for spring. Get the birds and bees goin’.”

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.

Update: This place is very popular and seems to be doing very well. Recently they posted, “The Heist Cart Pod is heating up this winter with next level local eateries, a full bar & covered & heated patio seating.” They even had a mobile escape room there in December. If you haven’t been by, check it out.