Moon Pocha Will Open on NE 28th Avenue in Portland

A new Korean restaurant/bistro and bar called Moon Pocha is opening NE 28th Avenue’s “restaurant row” later this year. They will make their home in the old Bar Asha space (also formerly The Sudra). As you may remember, Bar Asha closed in late 2024. The new spot will offer Korean food and drink, six days a week.

Tommy Shin, Co-Owner of Moon Pocha

Moon Pocha is co-owned by Tommy Shin—Chef Sun Moon is the other partner, and for which the restaurant was named. It was their passion for Korean flavors that inspired this restaurant. Shin has been involved with a number of Japanese restaurants in Portland. They include Mikasa Sushi and Ramen in St Johns, Nama Ramen in Sellwood, Samurai Blue Sushi in Boise, and Akasaru Ramen in Concordia.

In 2017, Eater called his work a “mini empire of Japanese Restaurants.” The above-mentioned collection of restaurants reflects that.

This Time, Korean Food

So while Shin has opened many Japanese restaurants, this time it’s all about Korean food. Their Facebook page explains more about their vision:

“At Moon Pocha, we bring the lively spirit of Korean nightlife to Portland. Indulge in authentic Korean dishes, all crafted by Executive Chef Sun Moon. Pair your meal with our premium soju selection and creative cocktails, perfect for any occasion.” And also though they mention “nightlife,” they won’t be open too late—look for their hours to be from 4:30pm to 10pm.

An ad for a sous chef talks about the menu concept, which “showcases elevated Korean pub cuisine with a focus on bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative techniques.”

Moon Pocha storefront in Portland, Oregon. — The front window at Moon Pocha. Photo credit: Moon Pocha.

Update 3/4/25: I heard from Tommy Shin, who said this about the restaurant: “Moon Pocha is a Korean-style pub bringing authentic flavors and a lively atmosphere to Portland’s food scene. Our menu is designed for sharing, featuring a mix of classic and modern Korean bar bites. We’ll also be serving Dae-Po (대포), our signature highball, along with soju-based cocktails and other creative drinks.”

What Is “Pocha”?

Pocha is short for “pojangmacha,” a term used for food carts that sell street food. Think of dishes like gimbap, tteokbokki (my favorite), dak-kkochi, and mandu. Also, “anju,” which are foods to consume with alcohol, like soju. This is pretty much on point for Portland, home to a respected food cart scene.

As an aside, back in 2020 there was a project called Pocha (I do not believe it opened), a bar from the Han Oak team, that was going to open at The Ocean food complex. In fact, it was going to open in what used to be home to The Sudra when it was there. The Sudra moved to NE 28th Avenue … 28 NE 28th Avenue, to be exact. It closed and Bar Asha opened, which then closed, allowing for Moon Pocha to enter the chat. A poetic coincidence of actions.

Look for Moon Pocha to open in March 2025. All the best to Shin and Chef Moon as they prepare the space and finish up the menu to open this spring.

Moon Pocha [opened March 8, 2025]
28 NE 28th Avenue, Portland
Instagram | Facebook

Updated March 9, 2025.