Posted on by Meg Cotner

The Wooden Chicken Pub Is Closing

Wooden Chicken Pub's sign and hozzarella sticks.
Farewell, Wooden Chicken Pub. I’ll miss your Hozzarella Sicks

Yesterday afternoon I learned that the Wooden Chicken Pub in Parkrose is closing. Sunday, June 30 will be their final day of service.

What Is the Wooden Chicken Pub?

The Wooden Chicken Pub is many things to many people: a sports bar—specifically a 49ers sports bar; a place with a heck of a lot of TVs; a place that serves gizzards; a place where the fish and chips are better than the fried chicken; a place where the daily specials are exceedingly affordable.

The Wooden Chicken Pub's weekly specials.
The Wooden Chicken Pub’s daily specials
Gizzards
Gizzards, and old fashioned kind of menu item. I personally do not care for them.

The Wooden Chicken Pub opened in 1981—though their menu says 1984. PoMo has an answer for this discrepancy:

“I really don’t know where the Wooden Chicken name came from,” [the bartender] said, placing a pint of domestic lager in front of me. “We took over the place in 1984, and it was the Wooden Chicken then.”

It is is essentially a sports bar, what with all those aforementioned TVs. It has devoted regulars, and judging from the responses on social media, they are super bummed to lose this place—for the community and camaraderie—and the fish and chips. A number of people commented about how they met their spouse at the “Chicken.”

Why Are They Closing?

As to why they are closing? I’ve reached out to them but have not received an answer; hopefully they will respond. There are rumors swirling in the comments of their Facebook post, but I am not sticking by any of them. As they say, YMMV.

On the other hand, over on Nextdoor someone reported that they ate there the other night, and the waitress said the staff was told, “It’s just time.”

Those Waffle Nachos, Among Other Things

I’ve eaten there a handful of times, and one of the tastiest things I had there was the Waffle Nacho plate: Waffle fries smothered in chili, cheese, and onions. It’s not healthy food but it hit the spot at the time.

Waffle Nacho fries.
Waffle Nachos

And it’s really true about the fish and chips—they are much better than the fried chicken, which can be a little dry. And spicy-ish mozzarella sticks? Yes, please.

The Wooden Chicken Pub: A Parkrose Staple

This place is a staple in the Parkrose neighborhood and it will certainly be missed. I’ll be curious to see if 1) a new tenant opens up there, or 2) if the property is purchased and turned into something else. Only time will tell.

Best of luck to the Wooden Chicken Pub staff as they make this transition and figure out what’s next. And if you are a fan, head on over during these next few days to get your final taste of the Wooden Chicken Pub’s food and vibe.

"The Wooden Chicken Pub is Closing" sign.

Wooden Chicken Pub (closing June 30, 2024)
12500 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
woodenchickenpub.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Meg Cotner

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Bridgetown Bites is edited and published by Meg Cotner in Portland, Oregon. She loves avocados, fresh produce, NA drinks, and cats.

17 Replies to “The Wooden Chicken Pub Is Closing”

  1. So sad to hear the news. Hope they find a way to resurface somewhere else. Great guys and staff! As an ex-beer industry guy, it kills me to see some of the recent closures of our iconic establishments in PDX. It sucks! We Gotta keep “Portland Beer’d!”

    1. Yes, it would be nice if they could reopen, but I’d understand if it was “just time” and they were ready to retire. But who knows. I agree with you – it’s hard to see beloved places close. I miss many that are gone but in particular miss Suzette Creperie, which made some incredible food. Also Frog 7 Snail made this fantastic version of French onion soup… in a sandwich! On the beer front, I wish Laurelwood Brewery would come back to that location on NE Sandy Blvd.

      2. A rumor I had heard was that one of the two owners refused to sell the business to a new owner so the other owner decided to close the business.

        1. I heard the taxes didn’t get paid on the lottery so all machines got pulled, I’m sure that didn’t help business at all.

    2. I live in Vancouver and would occasionally come over for Taco Tuesday. We came over last night and sadly found it closed. It took awhile to locate the reason. They should do what Smokie’s Pizza did when the owner retired. The employees took over, and re-named it Megabites. The menu is still the same,, (yay), and they didn’t miss a beat.

  2. I first ate at Wooden Chicken when I moved into Argay Terrace in 2015. The food is incredible.
    I’m so sorry to hear this. .

  3. I always thought they had just relocated from the NE corner of SE 39th & Holgate, where we sometimes ate lunch, when I worked at nearby All-Sports Supply back in the late 70’s through the early 80’s. This was LONG before “sports bars” were even a thing. Whether it was a relocation or merely a coincidence, I haven’t a clue, but I always said, ( when I discovered it decades later at its current location) hey, they used to be on 39th & Holgate. Whether relocation or coincidence, they could take a half dozen menu items and open a food cart somewhere. Good luck to the Wooden Chicken name, and all it’s employees.

  4. When we moved to Parkrose in the early seventies. There wasn’t much of anything there. We got a Kmart Round Table Pizza, Uncle Vinny’s and the Wooden Chicken. We were there two weeks ago for the fish and chips and had noticed that the clientele just wasn’t there. In the earlier years the two places to go was the candy store upon Halsey and the Wooden Chicken to hang out with friends. It’s really sad to see a great place to go. Thinking back on memorable times coworkers and family would meet their forget-togethers and birthday parties. Thanks for many great years of memories and great service. We will surely miss you guys and your fish and chips.

  5. Sad to hear this news. We’ve had several of our Reynolds High School class reunions held at the chicken through the years. Best of luck David and gang ❤️

  6. Just got back from the beach and while i was there i had halibut fish and chips. doesn’t even compare to the Wooden Chickens. The very best and really reasonable. I’m so sad to this happen. It’s not time for me to see this happen. so sorry

  7. Man this one hit hard – we really loved this place and tried to have one last meal Sunday but it was packed. 😭

  8. So sad to hear they are gone. I worked there in The 80’s and 90’s and had a great time and worked with amazing people. Some good memories

  9. My Husband, Douglas, and I can’t find the words to describe how depressing/sad/ETC this closure is for us!!! We have totally enjoyed our time(s) at the Wooden Chicken!!! We do understand about Retirement/Retiring (as we have been enjoying our time being Retired!). We DO want the owners, employees & the Families of the Wooden Chicken to enjoy their lives to the fullest!!! And, hopefully they feel happy that they made such a wonderful impact in the community!!! Most Sincerely, Douglas & Leslee C

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