3 Doors Down Is Closing Again in Portland

3 Doors Down closes again, and farewell to these meatballs. — Meatballs was one of the things they were really looking forward to offering when they returned. Photo credit: 3 Doors Down Cafe.

You’ve read this before on Bridgetown Bites, but this time it’s truly the end of the journey of this true Portland institution: The restaurant 3 Doors Down is closing again in our fair city. This longstanding cafe three doors north of SE Hawthorne that opened in the 1990s will shut its doors at the end of February. Owner Dave Marth sent out a press release last Friday with the closure announcement.

The Announcement That 3 Doors Down Is Closing

In an email with the subject line, “3 Doors Down Cafe to Close Its Doors After Beloved Return Under Original Owner,” we learned of the fate of the restaurant:

“After decades as a neighborhood gathering place and a deeply anticipated return under its original chef and owner, 3 Doors Down Cafe will close its doors at the end of this month, citing the impact of rising costs on a small, independently owned restaurant.”

You may also find our conversation with Matthew Stiles, one of 3 Doors Down’s early employees, interesting. We spoke with him around the time the restaurant closed in 2024.

32 Years, More or Less

3 Doors Down opened in 1994—that’s 32 years in business. In our previous closure post, I wrote, ” It was founded by Kathy Bergin and Dave Marth, who ran it for 25 years. Michael Galloway and Jeff Saulsbury bought it in 2019.” Money problems followed the new owners, which led to its closure in late 2024. It returned in May 2025 with Dave at the helm.

They’ve had a dedicated and loyal following over the years, offering good sized portions of dishes made with quality ingredients, with an interest in seasonality. The press release stated, “When the restaurant reopened under founder Dave Marth in 2025, the return was met with overwhelming support from longtime patrons and new neighbors alike.”

3 Doors Down is closing - but this was when they were reopening in 2025. — Working on the space before their reopening last year. Photo credit: 3 Doors Down.

“Reopening 3 Doors Down was about coming home,” said Dave. “The response from the community has been incredibly moving. We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who showed up for us—especially during this second chapter.”

Why Close Now?

I responded to Dave’s email and asked him why 3 Doors Down was closing now. He started his list with the issue of rising costs: “Thin margins, elevated food costs.” He also noted that energy costs were also rising, and you can’t run a kitchen without gas and electric. He added this realistic and understanding take, “Pretty much what almost every American is experiencing as well.”

It’s no secret that the current economic climate really is hitting folks hard (well, maybe not millionaires and billionaires). And it’s affecting the ability to dine out. I asked Dave this: What does the Portland dining scene need to weather this current economic climate? His response was to value your customers, and invest in them in a way that gives them the best experience.

“Portland built its food culture on locals supporting locals, and that matters more now than ever,” said Dave. “Restaurants are surviving on everyday choices.”

He continued, “What helps most is simple, repeat behavior. Choosing an independent spot over a chain, ordering directly instead of through third-party apps, coming in during slower weekdays, and being willing to pay a few dollars more for food made by real people in their own neighborhood. Those habits add up far more than one big weekend splurge.”

The Time We Have Left Before 3 Doors Down Closes

3 Doors Down will remain open through Saturday, February 28, though they’d like to make it through March to celebrate Portland Dining Month (FKA Ticket to Dine). It’s one of Chef Marth’s favorite times of year in Portland. He encourages guests to stop by the restaurant, share memories, and enjoy a final meal together.

I also asked Dave what is next for him, and he replied, “Yet to be determined,” but no doubt rest is going to be part of the plan.

This additional point of the press release is something I want to include, as expressions of gratitude bear repeating: “3 Doors Down Cafe extends sincere thanks to its staff—past and present—its suppliers, neighbors, and the community that carried it through every chapter.”

Truly the end of an era, and while it is unfortunate to see another closure in Portland, I understand the reasons. Sending the best to Dave, and every good wish to his staff as they figure out their next steps. Stay tuned to the 3 Doors Down Instagram and website for news and updated hours during these final weeks.

And an ironic P.S. as I write this—I learned that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter for the band 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7, due to cancer. He was 47.

3 Doors Down Cafe [closing February 28, 2026]
1429 SE 37th Avenue, Portland
3 Doors Down website | Instagram | Facebook