Javelina Archives - Bridgetown Bites

March 21, 2025March 21, 2025

Four Things I Learned This Week (March 21) in Portland Food

East Glisan Pizza Lounge is taking a break. First there were rumors, then there was a statement from the East Glisan Pizza folks: “Starting Monday, March 17, we’re taking some space to look at the business with new eyes—to take what we’ve learned over the past 11 years & rebuild with structure & culture in place that we & our crew deserve. We look forward to a healthy relationship with a business we’re excited about, even outside of the times we get to see you.” Keep up with them on their social channels for updates. 8001 NE Glisan Street, Portland

Javelina is moving again. Javelina and Inɨ́sha will be moving from the old Lil’ Dame space, their most recent home on NE 30th Avenue, to the old Yonder space on NE 42nd Avenue. This will put them next to door to NAYA’s munk-yeʔlan sax̣ali, (pronounced “moonk-YEH-lǔn SAH-hah-lee”) AKA Munk-yelan Saxali office in Cully. Their last day of service on NE 90th Avenue is Saturday, March 29; they’ll then take a two week break and relaunch on Thursday, April 17.

The positives of moving? “With the extra space we can expand our hours and menus. Also, our indoor seating almost triples and we now have a full bar where we can really allow our beverage program to flourish.” Why they moved? “We had some unforeseen challenges within that space that we couldn’t see getting through. Also, it was too small, we couldn’t accommodate everyone that came in and quickly realized we needed more room to pursue our goals of being a restaurant, gathering place and community hub for our guests.” 4636 NE 42nd Avenue, Portland

Beekie’s PDX has opened in Parkrose. This truck that seems new to the area is currently in the Grocery Outlet parking lot, according to a Bridgetown Bites tipster. One thing indicated on the truck is that they serve “vegan soul food.” They have a Facebook page and Instagram account, and from what I can tell there, vegan offerings include burgers and tacos; they definitely serve meat, too. 10721 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Kim Jong Grillin has left the Happy Valley Town Center. Tuesday was his last day there. Hopefully the future is bright for him and will bring good things his way. 15934 SE Happy Valley Town Center, Happy Valley

Bonus: Pronto Gelato is open again! They re-opened on Thursday after some time away. Find them Thursdays through Sundays, 3pm to 8pm.

Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Paqui Modern Mexican Will Open on NE Sandy Blvd in Portland
Hey Cricket Fans! Sticky Wicket Will Open in North Portland
Schilling Cider House Will Re-Open on SE Division in Portland
Food Loop Northwest Will Open in NW Portland’s Cordage Building

I also want to with you all a happy spring! The spring equinox was Thursday, March 20, and it looks like we have some nice mild weather ahead of us, despite the rain today. And remember: Ticket To Dine continues all month!

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

Restaurants Opening in Portland in 2025: What We’re Looking Forward To

Looking through the front door at Pleasure Mountain.

I thought I’d take a little time to share some of the restaurants opening in Portland in 2025 that I am particularly looking forward to. As we move further away from the pandemic—though COVID is not gone, by any means—I have hopes that its volatility that affected the city’s restaurants for too long is truly in the rearview mirror. And that other issues (like break-ins) can be addressed by our new city council. This year’s list includes a public market, a new coffee shop, Indigenous fine dining, and more.

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

Small Bites: Update on Arrowood, Flock Food Hall, Cassoulet, and More

Update on Arrowood. After I was asked if I had heard any updates from Arrowood (my emails remain unanswered), a neighbor indicated that they had seen a listing online for the Arrowood space. I checked it out, and found a listing on Crexi entitled, “For Lease: Turnkey Restaurant & Bar for Lease.” So, looks like we have the answer: They are done. Truly unfortunate for the neighborhood. 5846 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

January 3, 2025January 5, 2025

Four Things I Learned Last Week in Portland Food (January 3)

Javelina has found a place to call home. Indigenous pop-up-turning-restaurant Javelina announced late last year that they have found a place to land in Portland—the Lil’ Dame space in Northeast Portland. On Instagram, they said, “We have secured a hosting space to open the FIRST indigenous dining restaurant in Portland, Oregon.”

They will run two services at the new location—the original Javelina concept offering “classic powwow comfort food,” and a new dinner concept, which they will say more about this year. A soft opening will be on Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, and full service starts Thursday, January 23, operating Wednesdays to Saturdays. Very exciting! Reserve on OpenTable. 5425 NE 30th Avenue, Portland

Pip’s Original closes Beaverton location. Unfortunate news for one of our western suburbs—Pip’s closed up shop in Beaverton. Sounds like it has to do with rent increases and the stance of the landlord and property management company. They were “ultimately unable to reach an accommodation,” and that meant shutting down in Beaverton. They are still operating at their NE Fremont location. 12400 SW Broadway Street, Beaverton

And Blue Star closes its Lake Oswego and Mississippi locations. The Mississippi location was my first encounter with Blue Star, and I’m sorry to see them leave that space. On their Instagram they posted, “These spaces have been home to countless sweet memories, joyful celebrations, and deep connections. While this decision was incredibly difficult, it’s one we had to make to ensure the long-term stability of Blue Star as we head into our 13th year.” You can still find them at South Waterfront, Goose Hollow, Division Street, and PDX Concourse D. 3753 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland and 350 1st Street, Unit C-4, Lake Oswego

Giveaway! Support the local small business community. Former bartender Matt Kesteloot is organizing a giveaway of $5 gift cards to support local small businesses. How to participate? Enter from Friday, January 17 to Friday, January 31 by posting a picture of yourself at your favorite, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, vintage store, etc. Tag the business and use the hashtag #BeThereForPDX. On Saturday, February 1, winners will be chosen randomly to split the pot. Read more on Matt’s Instagram, including updates on what businesses are participating. Multiple locations

Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Summary: Portland Restaurant Openings and Closings, 2024
Landing Paper Planes Will Bring a Pay-What-You-Can Cafe To Portland
Zero Proof Portland: Dry January 2025

Updated January 5, 2025.