Small Bites: Peter’s, Pears, Pizza, and More

Chicken Cobb Salad at Peter's Bar & Grill in Portland, Oregon.
The Chicken Cobb Salad at Peter’s Bar & Grill.

Change in Peter’s Bar & Grill ownership. This past week, the Facebook page for Peter’s Bar & Grill posted a goodbye message: “After a little over 11 years, today was our last day as the owners of Peter’s Bar & Grill. We feel so fortunate to have had this experience. We are so grateful to everyone who welcomed us into this community …. Because of all of you, we’re excited for what Peter’s will be in the future.” It was signed by Tim, Tara, Alex, Piper, & Casey.

I’ve reached out to learn more. My hope is that they do not end up closing. 5701 NE Fremont Street, Portland

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Black Water Will Bring Food, Drink, Music to NE Sandy Blvd in Portland

The new location of Black Water in the old Laurelwood Brewing Pub on NE Sandy Blvd. Photo credit: Laurelwood Brewing.

Black Water, an established local record label, performance venue, and vegan bar, is coming to Rose City Park. They will set up shop in the old Laurelwood Brewing pub space. This feels like a big deal, as locals have lamented the absence of a tenant in that location since the pub closed in 2023.

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Panther Club, a New Bar, Is Open in Portland

Decorative slot machines at Panther Club, a bar in Portland, Oregon.
Slots (decorative at Panther Club. Photo credit: Panther Club.

A new bar called Panther Club has opened in the Buckman neighborhood in SE Portland. A concept by Nate “Theo” Theobald, it offers great cocktails, tasty food, and a cool interior, but also fills a space that has been home to a number of beloved businesses.

I spoke with Quinn Matthewstearn (who you may know from Side Eye, Sugar Hill, and Jackie’s, among others) about the new bar. He had mentioned it to me back in December, so I wanted to follow up with him and learn more about Panther Club. I’ve also added new details shared by Theo since this article first published.

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Eat Unsweetened Chocolate in Portland

One of my favorite unsweetened chocolate bars, with fun art on the packaging. Photo credit: Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé  

I like to eat unsweetened chocolate bars and I like it. Yes, that’s the 100% cacao product with no sugar added—not even alternatives like coconut sugar, allulose, monk fruit, or stevia. You are probably thinking, “What is wrong with this gurl?!?”

I know this might be a hard sell for some of you reading this—and I know it’s a controversial take, esoteric at best—but I am here to encourage you to take a chance on it. In exchange, you get a payoff of deep cacao flavor, complex tasting notes, and a new chocolate experience.

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Update on the Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe in Portland

One of the creative drinks at Trung Nguyên Legend.
Their marketing photos are so pretty. Photo credit: Trung Nguyen Legend.

Back in June 2024, I noticed that a modest building on SE Powell was set to become a Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe. As I mentioned in that article, “Trung Nguyên is a major name in Vietnamese coffee, and along with their manufacturing and retail efforts, their cafes are some of the most popular in Vietnam.” I have a few updates to share.

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