Bridgetown Bites

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026

The Richmond Club Succeeds The Richmond Bar in Portland

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.

July 13, 2026July 15, 2026

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.

July 10, 2026July 12, 2026

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

July 9, 2026July 9, 2026

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.

July 8, 2026July 7, 2026

Bar Noto Will Open Inside Studio Noto in Northwest Portland

Image credit: Bar Noto.

Last month a Bridgetown Bites tipster told me about Bar Noto, opening in Northwest Portland at the same address as Studio Noto. I figured they had to be related. So I reached out to Gloria Noto, founder of Studio Noto and owner of Bar Noto with her wife Azsa West, over email—here is what I learned.