Update on Portland's Caffe and Barba Mingo

Earlier in January, a reader emailed me with questions about Caffe and Barba Mingo. They had become aware of the property potentially being developed and was concerned about its future. I did some research, contacted involved parties, and wanted to share what I’ve learned. Spoiler: Farewell is now goodbye.

A reader wrote, “I’m hoping you can get an update on the future status of my beloved Caffe Mingo and Barba Mingo on NW 21st. They suffered a damaging fire, as I am sure you know, and at the time made declarations of returning/rebuilding, but other than some demo work after the fire – I have not seen any activity or updates on their social media.”

They added, “So many good places to eat on the east side. It’s a shame to lose these neighborhood favorites on the west side.”

The Fire at Caffe and Barba Mingo

On Monday, August 5, 2024, just before 5:30am, a fire started at their building. The Oregonian reported that smoke was coming out of the roof and “had extended into a rooftop HVAC unit.” Apparently, natural gas was involved and when they understood that, it was turned off. “Once gas flow was shut off at an external valve, all fire was then extinguished.” It was out by 6am.

Later that week, KGW and other news outlets reported that Michael Cronan had plans to rebuild. A Gofundme campaign raised $72,660 to support the staff. The last post on the Caffe Mingo Instagram, dated August 26, 2024, expressed how difficult it was to return and see the place: “Thought it might bring some peace but all it did was hurt.”

The Potential Development

A permit was set up in early October 2024 as an Early Assistance/PreApplication Conference about the potential of a new mixed-used development on the site of the Kearney Building:

“A Pre-Application Conference to discuss a 4 to 5 story mixed use building with ground floor retail and approximately 99 dwelling units. Parking for approximately 68 vehicles will be provided in a basement garage accessed from NW Kearney St.”

I found the permit on a Metro report and reached out to the architect (the Applicant) involved to see what its status was. He responded, “The project is not moving forward.” And that’s the end of that chapter.

The Final Statement

I decided to reach out to the folks at Caffe and Barba Mingo, with this information at hand. I asked for an update, and got a response in a day:

“Michael has retired from the restaurant business. Caffe and Bar Mingo will not return. A well-deserved rest!”

So there you have it. Caffe and Barba Mingo are over. Serratto, to the north, seems to be doing well; the Russo Lee Gallery is still closed. However, they are re-opening on February 6, 2025. They will be celebrating their return during First Thursday, “a night of art, conversation, and community.”

Caffe Mingo opened in 1991, Barba Mingo in 2008, and both were forced to close in 2024. For 33 and 16 years, respectively, they were much beloved in the community. Michael Russell at The Oregonian said they were two of the “most painful restaurant and bar closures of 2024.”

And unfortunately, a 2025 return isn’t in the cards. However, Mingo in Beaverton, a spinoff of the original that opened in 2004, is still open.

Wishing Michael Cronan his “well-deserved rest.”

Caffe and Barba Mingo [closed August 5, 2024]
807 NW 21st Ave, Portland
Caffe Mingo and Barba website | Instagram | Facebook