Small Bites: Phở, Electrica, Ma Cher, Bagel-ish, and More

Phở and spring rolls from Phở Gabo
Vietnamese beef pho with spring rolls. Photo credit: Phở Gabo

Eats History focuses on Phở. As Eats History founder Donnie Dodson writes, phở is “often described as Vietnam’s national dish, but it was not born in peace. It was shaped by colonialism, hunger, war, and a country slowly stitched back together, one bowl at a time.” Phở may very well be a signature dish of Portland, too, thanks to our Vietnamese immigrant community. Read the article on the history of phở on Facebook.

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Celebrate Robert Burns This Year in Portland

Robert Burns

Around the world in January, fans of Robert Burns (1759-1796)—the national poet of Scotland—celebrate his life and poetry. This usually happens on his birthday, January 25, but other days nearby are sometimes chosen, too. Usually referred to as “Burns Suppers,” they offer a chance to gather together, dance, drink (eschewing Dry January) enjoy traditional Scottish food and music, and hear his poems recited.

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Summary: Portland Restaurant Openings and Closings, 2025

The dining room at ZabPinto Thai PDX. Portland Restaurant Openings and Closings, 2025
The dining room at Zabpinto Thai PDX.

Welcome to the summary of our coverage of Portland restaurant openings and closings, 2025. Our Portland Restaurant Openings and Closings List is the source (here is the 2025 archive), which we update throughout the year. It’s fun and interesting to look back and get that broader view of just exactly what restaurants did open and close. Here are our thoughts and observations.

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Small Bites: Fiery Crab, Lost Lounge, Krampus, and More

Seafood boil at Fiery Crab.
Photo credit: Fiery Crab.

Fiery Crab is coming to Portland. A reader wrote us with this tip, “The old Shari’s on NE 122nd near San Rafael and in the Winco parking lot is becoming a new restaurant. It looked like some work had been happening there, but it had been quiet for a while. Today I saw a sign going up that I think said Fiery Crab.” That matches this Google listing—“temporarily closed” likely means it’s just not open yet.

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