Four Things I Learned This Week (September 6)

Santa Fe Taqueria will close. Longstanding westside taqueria will close its doors by the end of September after a 40-year run. They started out selling tacos out of a converted flower cart at 4th and Morrison. Then in 1986 they opened what they consider to be the first taqueria in Portland on August 4th of that year. Their current location is to be there last location, and September 30, 2024 is their final day.

From the owner, Danny Cardoso: “I am grateful to the hundreds and hundreds of employees who have worked for me these last 40 years and the millions of people who have come through the doors. Thank you Portland, please come and support Santa Fe Taqueria for this last month of operation and grab a taco with our award winning salsa and margaritas!” A farewell party is happening on Wednesday, September 25, 11am to close. 831 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland

What’s next for the Blackwell’s Grub Steak Grill building. This restaurant/dive bar in the Hollywood District closed in 2018 after the death of the owner, Jan DeLorme. Nothing has happened since then. When it was operating it was a place for blues musicians to come and jam together, among other musical things. It had a devoted following. And it looked kinda grimy from the outside, ngl.

The Willamette Week published an article on Blackwell’s and its building—and it looks like the family is going to sell it: “We have been exploring various options for a while and are about to put it on the market,” [trustee Dean] Alterman says. “This is a building with a near-100-year history that has potential for renovation or redevelopment.”

Looking at the building on Portland Maps, it appears the building is more than just the Blackwell’s restaurant, but also includes what was Magnolia on the corner of Sandy Blvd. For me, the shuttering of Magnolia was one of the saddest of COVID closings. My guess is that when it sells, a mixed-use development will be built there. 4071 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

More on Sortis. OPB published a story on Sortis Holdings (a private equity fund), about how they started out as a kind of “white knight” to various local businesses—including See See Motor Coffee Co., Water Avenue Coffee, Sizzle Pie, Bamboo Sushi, among others—by investing in them. Eventually, what was once a dream turned into a nightmare. Worth a read.

A new king of wings has been crowned. For many months, the wings at the Sandy Hot Wings Cafe were considered the best in Portland … at least to the PDX Wing Guys. But now they have a new champ to reign over all the spicy land: and that place is Jerry’s Tavern. In their words, “BEST WINGS IN PORTLAND BY A MILE!” Check it out—I know I will. 3010 NW Nicolai Street, Portland

Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Jacqueline Is Moving Just Up the Street
Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, August 2024
Two Brothers Balkan Restaurant Is For Sale
Jim & Patty’s Coffee Is at Risk of Closing

You can also hit up these festivals this weekend:
Holly Park Multicultural Fair, Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11am, Holly Park Farm, 10819 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland

Serbian Fest, Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, 2024, Saturday 11am to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm, St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church, 11447 Southeast 27th Avenue, Milwaukie

Multicultural Kids Festival, Sunday, September 8, 2024, 2pm, Ventura City Park, 11339 SE Stark Street, Portland