Small Bites: Donuts of Portland, República, Baker’s Mark, and More

The donuts of Portland. Comedian Brandon Lyons is going to all the donut shops in Portland. He started with Coco Donuts. Spoiler: he is not into the mochi donut (at least the ones at Coco), but liked the raised glazed, which is the standard donut he’s using when possible. So far he’s been to Annie’s, Doe, Delicious, Pip’s, and more. Multiple locations

República will close. Founder and owner Angel Medina posted on his Substack about the decision to close one of the most important restaurants that opened in Portland this century. Their planned final day of service is Saturday, February 21, though they may extended its life a little if that seems prudent. Here is some of what he wrote:

“There is no clear horizon ahead—not under the current conditions, not with the realities we’re facing. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and it certainly wasn’t made suddenly. We are heartbroken. We are exhausted. And we are choosing truth over denial.”

He is critical of Portland city leadership (Mayor, Council) but not the city itself. Economics were a deciding factor in his decision, as well as the safety of República’s staff. We have seen what ICE has done in Minneapolis: “Minnesota is not an outlier. It’s a rehearsal.” There is concern that what is happening there will happen in Portland. In Washington County, “families impacted by ICE continue to live in fear.”

Toward the end of the Substack post he writes, “One last thing—before I forget. This is not a final goodbye.” República has also helped bring to life a number of restaurants and food businesses in this city: Lilia Comedor, Reforma Roasters, La Perlita, Comala, No Sabo, and more. Check them out and read his full article here.

I am sorry to see them close. My favorite meal of 2025 was at República. Sending all the best to the entire República team during this transition time. 100 NW 10th Avenue, Portland

And about that foie gras ban … It failed in committee on Tuesday—OPB has a good summary. From the article:

Councilor Mitch Green, who co-authored the ban, said he will use a different legislative tool to advance the policy forward. “This is an incremental approach to changing our food system,” said Green. “It doesn’t have the support of this committee this time. So I won’t try to change your mind any further.”

It’s interesting to note that not all foie gras is produced by force-feeding. This proposed ban seems to exempt foie that is created by other means.

Some love for Gow Pont’s Noodle Bar. Xiao Ye’s Jolyn and Louis recommended this Thai spot on Division (next door to the shuttered Richmond Bar) that serves boat noodles:

“We’ve been searching for our favorite Boat Noodles in Portland since leaving LA … and we think we’ve finally found it at Gow Pont’s. We like our boat noodles more sour than sweet and rich in flavor, and this place nails it! It’s a SUPER small mom & pop joint where the mom is the only one cooking and her young son is bringing you food as it’s ready. So please be patient & kind!” 3207 SE Division Street, Portland

Bridge City Pizza closes this weekend. This Woodstock neighborhood pizzeria has said goodbye on Facebook: “We would like to thank Portland and especially our favorite neighborhood Woodstock for a wonderful 14 years. We are proud to have served you. Unfortunately we will be making our last pizzas this weekend.” That would make Sunday, February 1 their last day of service. 5412 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland

Paqui Modern Mexican has closed. This is the Mexican restaurant that opened in the old Arrowood space on NE Sandy Blvd in Rose City Park less than a year ago. This past weekend was their final day of service. I’ll miss their ceviche. 5846 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Baker’s Mark is expanding. Today is their final day open on NW 10th before they start their expansion into the space next door, which used to be a Ben & Jerry’s. They look to re-open in their newly expanded space in spring 2026. Their SE Division location remains open. 307 NW 10th Avenue, Portland

Nostrana honors. Portland’s own Nostrana was inducted into Unione Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo, and it’s a big deal. This is Italy’s historic association of restaurants, “dedicated to preserving and celebrating regional cuisine.” Nostrana is one of only two U.S. restaurants that have been included in the Unione’s 60-year history (Terre Pasta & Natural Wine in Brooklyn is the other). From the press release:

“In honor of this award, Nostrana has designed a three-course meal at the restaurant ($85 per person). Guests select the experience at the table or make a note in their reservation booking. The three-course menu will change with the seasons; however, the Insalata Nostrana will always remain on. Each restaurant that is inducted creates a signature dish, which in this case is Insalata Nostrana, with an accompanying hand-painted ceramic plate that is gifted to guests who order it. The plate is meant to be a buon ricordo, meaning a good memory in Italian.”

This special meal starts Monday, February 2. 1401 SE Morrison Street #101, Portland

ISO gyros, get tacos. Someone in the Sellwood Facebook group asked about where they could get a gyro (they learned to love them in Germany). One of the responses was to recommend Istanbul Gyro & Tacos AKA Taco Bout Gyros. So not only can you get gyros and other Halal truck Mediterranean dishes, but also Mexican food like tacos there—plus, samosas on the side (here’s the menu). What a great mix of food cultures in one place. 8409 SE 45th Avenue, Portland

Abhiruchi Indian Cuisine will close. They are in Vancouver: “Due to the [restaurant] fire in May, we are officially closing down. Used restaurant equipment for sale. All in working condition. All OBO. *Fire was at a different part of the restraunt and not in the kitchen. Nothing that is being sold has been affected by the fire or it’s flames. Fire was contained in the dining area and was no where near the kitchen*” If you are looking for some restaurant equipment, the list is here. 233 NE Chkalov Drive, Vancouver

New ownership at Fat City Café. This mainstay in Multnomah Village has a new owner named Matt. He posted a hello on social media and thanked the previous owners, Helen and Mark Johnson, for their trust in handing over the reins to this beloved neighborhood institution. He also said, “The menu, the prices, and the cooks (the super talented Rudy, Roque, and Jesus) are all staying put!” He may add some things to the menu at a later date, but for now things remain the same. 7820 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland

Good Girl is coming to SE Portland. They will open in the space that most recently was Home, A Bar, which closed last July. Their Instagram description is, “a sometimes friendly neighborhood bar.” We have reached out to the person behind the project, Paige Cooper, for more information. 719 SE Morrison Street, Portland

OK Chicken and Khao Soi is open. This Northern Thai restaurant opened their doors last weekend, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. You can see their menu on Instagram—that Sai Oua sure sounds good. 3226 SE Division Street, Portland

Savories at Woodblock Chocolate. These sound intriguing: “A brined, roasted, chocolate covered Tanzanian cocoa bean.” Sounds like they go well with beer. Available now at the Manufactory. 1715 NE 17th Avenue, Portland

The second location of Javi’s Breakfast Cafe opens next Tuesday. They’ve been very successful on NE Sandy Blvd, seemingly able to find what the “secret sauce” is for this location. So, they are opening a second location in Vancouver, and their opening day is Tuesday, February 3. They’ll be open there 7am to 2:30pm. 7900 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver

Gumba will close, temporarily. Last year, they chose not to renew their lease at the current spot and were looking for a new location. And they found one—still in the neighborhood: “We are closing, kind of, temporarily, like not forever, and hopefully not very long. Look it’s been a great run, we’ve had a whole lotta fun here, but it’s time for us to find a new home. We actually already have.” Their final extended weekend of service at the current location is Thursday, February 12 to Monday, February 16. 1733 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Steakzilla has opened in Hillsboro. They had a soft opening on Monday, January 19. So what do they offer? Cheesesteaks, primarily. Keeping the monster theme in mind, they’ve got the Buffalo Beast and the Monster Mash sandwich options. Plus, they’ll do a chopped cheese. No Whiz, though. 851 NE 25th Avenue, Hillsboro

Two Zone Chicken has closed. Staff safety, consternation with the city’s health department, and the landlord doubling their rent all contributed to the closure. They had big plans for 2026, “including rebranding (we’ve always been independent, as everything is in-house), but sometimes you gotta know when to fold.” 111 N Failing Street, Portland

Cuinos, tamales, and el niño. Cuinos, in residency at Cadejo, offers delicious Mexican fare, and this weekend it’s about the Tamal Ahogado. “We’re closing out tamale season with this beauty. For everyone who found the “niño” in the Rosca de Reyes, consider this your friendly reminder: tradition says the tamales are on you this Monday!” Enjoy these tamales today through Sunday, February 1. 804 NW Couch Street, Portland

Presso Coffee closes this weekend. Their last day of service is tomorrow, January 31. They’ve been in Kenton for the past 8 years. Izzy and Alex posted their goodbyes, including this:

“The never ending hope and effort we’ve put into trying to keep the PDX shop open these last few years has take a toll. We’re not perfect, we put in every last drop of faith and gave it our all. Evaluating and taking in the consideration of the team, our growing family, the changing neighborhood, and the wild economy … we know it’s time to close this chapter.” 2020 N McClellan Street, Portland

Specialty menu release at Slow Haste. I’m always impressed by the creativity these guys put into their special drink menus. It drops tomorrow, Saturday January 31—along with a GF pastry pop-up by Frenchtastic Patisseries.

The new drinks include Yuzu and Earl Grey (bergamot, vanilla, yuzu), Sweet Corn & Brown Butter (self-explanatory), Rice Pudding (toasted rice syrup, vanilla, nutty, cinnamon), and Cascara and Grapefruit Espresso Soda (dried coffee cherry, honey, red fruit, floral, citrus, slight bitterness). See photos here. 2341 NE Glisan Street, Portland

Wonder Ballroom bar updates. They have a new bar tenant under the venue that opens two hours before the doors. They’ve also added a dedicated NA drink bar on the main floor. 128 NE Russell Street, Portland

And Cliff’s has a new location. They were the folks working the bar space under Wonder Ballroom; WB chose to not renew their lease, so they left at the end of 2025. And now they’ve found themselves on NE Alberta in the old Assembly Brewing Pizza Annex space. Opening spring 2026. 2934 NE Alberta Street, Portland

When a door closes, a Wyrd window opens. Wyrd Leatherworks & Meadery announced that they have decided to not renew their current lease at SE Holgate/41st after eight years in this location. That lease ends in June 2026, and while in discussion about it with the landlord, the renewal terms were not satisfactory.. But, that does not mean they are closing-closing. More:

“As we enter Year 9, we’re stepping into what we’re calling the Year of the Fellowship—focused on community, resilience, and shared purpose. We are actively seeking a new home and will soon be launching a crowdfunding campaign to help build our next tasting room.”

So stop on in to experience this magical space they’ve built. And later, they’ll have something bigger and better. Best of luck, lads. 4515 SE 41st Avenue, Portland

The inaugural Sauna Festivaali is in a couple of weeks. For two days, enjoy Portland’s first-ever Winter Sauna Village where you can celebrate sauna culture, community, and feeling good. There will be over 12 mobile saunas, as well as cold plunges, river dips, live music, and DJs. Nordic food offerings, a beer garden from Pfriem, free kombucha, coffee, and more round out the eats and drinks.

It takes place in Milwaukie at Milwaukie Bay Park. Saturday, February 14, 10am to 10pm, and Sunday, February 15, 8am to 2pm. You can get your tickets here. 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie

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Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

No Doubts Wine Bar Opens in St Johns in Portland
Carina’s Bakery Brings Standout Flavor to Beaverton’s Vegan Scene
The Wild Bunch 2026: Five Years Old This Year in Portland
Secret Sauna Is Social in Portland’s Montavilla Neighborhood
National Shutdown: Restaurants Open and Helping in the Portland Metro