July 2026 Story Updates: Food Carts, Deli, Bars, and More

July 2026 Story Updates header image of downtown Portland.

For a while now, I’ve wanted to find a way to share updates on past stories we’ve published on Bridgetown Bites in some kind of regular, orderly way. Social media seems clunky for this, as it moves so fast, hence this new—and experimental—updates column. This month it’s called July 2026 Story Updates. Perhaps a little boring, but it’s straight and to the point.

They plan is to publish mid-month, once a month. Please let us know if you find this kind of thing helpful.

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The Richmond Club Succeeds The Richmond Bar in Portland

Artist rendering of the center booth area at The Richmond Club.
Artist rendering of the center booth area at The Richmond Club. Image credit: The Richmond Club.

Last October, The Richmond Bar closed after 13 years in business. In January of this year, it appeared that something called “Irene’s” was moving in. Time passed. Then last month I had a chance to chat with Dan Casto, the owner of The Richmond Club, which is the real name of the new bar opening in what was The Richmond Bar space. Here’s what we talked about.

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Rum Club Celebrates 15 Years in Portland

The Peach Blendy at Rum Club.
The Peach Blendy, a daiquiri made with RC Spiced Rum, Baird Family Orchards peaches, Demerara, lime, bitters, and mint. “Possibly the best thing in the world.” Photo credit: Rum Club.

Last week I got an email from Michael Shea, co-owner (with his wife, Wendi) about the fact that Rum Club is turning 15 years old this month. With all the recent talk of “barmageddon” and witnessing so many places closing, it’s impressive to see Rum Club have staying power. We chatted on the phone about the bar, it’s vibe, their thoughtful cocktail program, the lingering effects of COVID, and the waning interest in standing at bars, among other things. Here’s part of our conversation.

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Small Bites: Ancestro Brunch Returns, Feast Utopia, Camp, and More

Ancestro brunch returns with delicious dishes like this with eggs, tortillas, filling, and mole.
You could eat brunch there this morning. Photo credit: Ancestro.

Ancestro brunch returns. As they said, “dinner is taking a little nap for now” (it may return periodically) and they are focusing on brunch at the moment. Head there—they are inside Commensal Fermentation—Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 1pm for their delicious brunch offerings. 3901 N Williams Avenue, Suite A, Portland

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Bar Scorpio: Cocktails, Hot Dogs, and Dessert in Portland

Scorpio constellation for Bar Scorpio.
The constellation Scorpio includes that very bright star on the upper right side of the image.

A new bar called Bar Scorpio is coming to SE Hawthorne and SE 37th Avenue. It will open in what was most recently home to the La Familia Cider taproom, and before that the taproom for Portland Cider Co. I spoke with Bar Scorpio’s owner Aurelia Bardel last week about the new bar—here is what I learned.

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