Back in April, I learned that there was activity in the old Sessionable location (they closed in July 2023) on SE Division. That activity was from a new bar/lounge called 1919. I reached out to Steve Haubrich, one of the owners of 1919, to learn more. After a series of email exchanges over the past several months, I am happy to share with you some of what Steve has told me about this new project.
First, he said that the neighborhood has been very welcoming, which is great to hear. “Our neighbors could not be more friendly and/or supportive,” he remarked.
The Concept and Food
So what kind of vibe and atmosphere will you find at 1919? A pretty relaxed and comfortable one. “The concept around 1919 was to create a neighborhood lounge,” Steve explains. “A cool space where neighbors and friends can get together, sit and relax in a comfortable setting while listening to great music, eating delicious food, and drinking tasty beverages.”
Speaking of food, 1919 will offer a rotating menu of “eclectic small and medium sized plates.” Steve’s current favorites are the salmon tartare, cherry and brie croustades, roasted herbed potatoes and chicken Wellington. Additional things you can expect to see on the menu are:
- Bruschetta
- Minestrone
- Empanadas
- Moroccan meatballs
- Curry chicken satay
- A cast of rotating salads
The winter menu is going to be completely different, so stay tuned for that.
They also have a full bar, offering cocktails, wine, and beer, with a long row of taps.
The Location
As I mentioned earlier, this space used to be home to Sessionable, a bar that specialized in low-ABV beer. Aside from the place already having been a bar—making for an easier conversion than it might have been with some other moves—Steve said about his choice of this spot: “Location, location, location.”
He explains: “This neighborhood is fantastic—the residents and shop owners are all amazingly friendly, there are tons of great stores, restaurants, and places to visit on this street. We scored a great corner spot with lots of windows.”
Bonus for Steve and his wife Susan (both owners of 1919): They live only a mile away! Hello, convenient walks to work.
Who Are Steve and Susan Haubrich?
I wanted to know a little bit about Steve and Susan and their background in the world of food/drink and hospitality. “Susan was a professional chef in some of San Francisco’s top restaurants,” explained Steve. “She also had a small business catering private functions and dinners, after which, she had a career in interior design.”
Steve’s previous career was primarily in sales and marketing, and had this to say: “My experience in the food/drink world is significantly more pedestrian and bar oriented—starting at KFC in North Carolina and ending at Lefty O’Douls in San Francisco.”
I mentioned above that Susan has had a career in interior design and so it makes sense that she designed the space. “And aside from some electrical and plumbing, we did most of the work ourselves,” said Steve.
What Makes 1919 Special?
I wanted to know what sets 1919 apart from the other places of its type in Portland. “I would have to say our food and our overall ambiance,” said Steve. “Our menu changes frequently, rotating in a variety of delicious foods for all audiences (e.g., carnivores, vegetarians, vegans). And then I think when you walk into the space, hopefully you immediately see that we have a very different look and feel going on.”
He adds, “We wanted to combine elements of maximalism, art-deco, music and some Portland funk to create a rich, inviting and comfortable setting in which to kick back and relax.”
Visit 1919
You can head to 1919 on Tuesdays to Fridays from 3pm to 10pm, and Saturday from 1pm to 10pm. They are closed Sundays and Mondays. And if you want to come with your kids, minors are allowed at some of their indoor seating areas, but not in the bar area. They also have outdoor seating where minors are allowed until 9pm.
I asked about dogs, too. “We love dogs and they can come in with you to place your order, but if hanging out, they need to do so at one of our outside tables. There are bowls of water outside for the diggities.”
Thanks to Steve for telling me a little about 1919. Looking forward to stopping in soon!
1919 [opened September 2024]
3588 SE Division Street, Portland
Instagram
Meg Cotner
Latest posts by Meg Cotner (see all)
- Sunday Sauce: Italian American Comfort Food Comes to Portland via New Jersey - October 21, 2025
- Milki Ethiopian Cafe Takes Over Old Yigebe Space in Portland - October 20, 2025
- Small Bites: Beijing Hot Pot, Canard, Pizza Machine, and More - October 17, 2025
What is your phone number? As the editor of positivelyentertainment.com (Positively Entertainment & Dining), I’m always on the lookout for new & interesting venues. Please contact me at 503-253-0513 or see info below. Bonnie Carter, ed.
Bonnie, I’ll pass on your comment to Steve at 1919.
The space is great. Plenty of cold beers on tap & the food is amazing. I’ll be back again for sure!
Susan creates amazing flavorful dishes. Had to to try them all and loved every one! I’m excited to taste the fall and winter items.
Californian investors coming here to create a bland, pretentious overpriced food/drink menu? Hard pass.