Lone Wolf Watering Hole Is Coming to South Waterfront

I recently became aware, via some permits filed with the city of Portland, of Lone Wolf Watering Hole, a taproom and bottle shop opening up in South Waterfront‘s Willamette Tower Building. They are looking to open this summer.

Some Background on Lone Wolf Watering Hole

Jerry Differding is the person behind Lone Wolf Watering Hole and he has spent “decades of dreaming, years of researching, and months of negotiating” to bring this business to life, from the design to the core concept. It is clear that his is very passionate about this venture and hopes to build a sense of community. He adds, “It will be a place for all to gather (humans and well-behaved 4-legged furry friends), to share stories, to celebrate, to enjoy one another’s company, to unwind after a long day, and most importantly, raise a glass in honor of all the great things this world has to offer.”

Along with the chance to relax and imbibe craft beverages, you’ll find music, and likely some kind of snacks—plus as a bottle shop, you’ll be able to buy brews and take them with you. He cites Moorhead, MN’s Junkyard Brewing Company and Everett, Washington’s Toggle’s Bottleshop (now closed) as his inspiration for the taproom.

About Jerry

Prior to this, and for much of his life, he was a dedicated researcher in the field of trauma and critical care. He grew up in the Midwest, spent some time in Texas to establish his research career; returned to Fargo-Moorhead to assist Sanford Medical with an initiative to become a Level 1 Trauma Center; and helped grow a research program for Providence here in the PNW. Until May 2023, when he retired, he worked as Co-Director for the Trunkey Center for Civilian and Combat Casualty Care, and that makes me wonder if his interest in a location in South Portland is connected to his familiarity with this corner of the city.

A Good Location

It looks like a good location to open a place to relax and have a drink. Right now it looks like they are the only eating and drinking establishment on their block. And it’s right on the South Waterfront Greenway, “a 700-foot path that closes a gap in the greenway between Old Spaghetti Factory (S Lowell St) and a quarter-mile section completed in 2015 between S Lane and S Gibbs streets.” This means it could be a nice place to stop at while walking along the river. Adjacent to the building is a kind of brick plaza—could that mean food carts from time to time?

Just outside the Willamette Tower is a brick plaza, nice for food carts. — Photo credit: Willamette Tower

Construction continues and he believes they are still on target for a summer 2024 opening. I’ve reached out to Jerry for more information and will pass that on when I receive it. Best of luck to him and his team as they put it all together.

Lone Wolf Watering Hole [projected opening summer 2024]
3820 S River Pkwy, Portland
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