Small Bites: Balong, Brunch, Ice Cream, and More

Breakfast sandwich from Balong.
Photo credit: Balong.

Balong is officially open. After a short time in soft opening phase, they had their grand opening this week. This Filipino-American breakfast sandwich spot (they also make fresh bread like pan de sal) from Justin Dauz opened their brick & mortar after being a pop-up since 2022. They are now located in the former Meianna Bakery in the Fubonn Shopping Center (considered the largest Asian mall in Oregon).  2850 SE 82nd Avenue #27, Portland

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Small Bites: Leikam Brewing, Nectaris, Upright Brewing, and More

Hot dog at Leikam Brewing in Portland, Oregon.
Photo credit: Leikam Brewing.

New food menu at Leikam Brewing. They’ve partnered with Nourishment PDX, which provides locally-sourced, flavorful food. A little backstory: “The two first crossed paths nearly a decade ago as vendors at the Hollywood Farmers Market and are excited to reconnect. Ramona White, founder of Nourishment PDX, was a beloved presence at the market for 19 years, serving tens of thousands of her famous breakfast burritos to customers of all ages and Leikam sold its first beers publicly at the market weekly.”

You can see their menu here, which includes mac & cheese, a mezze plate, lamb chorizo chili, deviled eggs, and more. The full menu is available 4pm to 8pm, with a modified menu after 8pm. 5812 East Burnside Street, Portland

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Small Bites: Kachka, Bar Nouveau, Mayor Millie, and More

Mayor Millie's Mexican Lager label at Montavilla Brew Works.
Mayor Millie will be there at this Saturday’s event!

A new cocktail bar from Kachka is coming this summer. The Portland Business Journal reports that Kachka will open a “full bar concept” in what was the Aimsir Distilling space. Aimsir closed in early January; you may be aware of the tension between them and Jade Rabbit, who are now operating on SE Belmont and 23rd.

Anyway, the article indicates that “[Owner Bonnie] Morales had already leased 2,100 square feet in the same building for a production facility. Half of that space was earmarked for distilling Kachka’s horseradish vodka. The vodka production started in the new space in February, Morales said. By taking over the Aimsir lease, Kachka is adding another 1,500 square feet, but more importantly, the space comes with a fully built out kitchen and distilling equipment.” No name for the bar yet, but I’ll keep an eye on it. 2117 NE Oregon Street, Portland

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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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Small Bites: Screen Door Happy Hour, Vandalism, Palomar, and More

Happy hour offerings at Screen Door in Portland, Oregon.
Screen Door happy hour yums.

New! Screen Door Happy Hour in the Pearl. From Monday to Friday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and again from 8pm to 9pm, you can enjoy happy hour at the Screen Door. What will you find on this menu? Things like shrimp remoulade, smoked alligator sausage, pulled pork sliders, and Cajun poutine. Plus $2 off drafts, $5 house wine and wells, and a selection of cocktails and low/zero-proof drinks (the NA Violet Beauregarde sounds good: lemon, grapefruit, orange, rosemary simple syrup, and butterfly pea tea). 1131 NW Couch Street, Portland

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