Older eateries in Portland aren’t usually treated well. Think about Caffe Mingo.
Some expressed grief when the Northwest Portland eatery, which we had referred to as one of Portland’s oldest Italian restaurants, announced that it will not reopen following a fire in August of last year. Others were surprised.
“In 1991, one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the city opened!” a coworker inquired.
Yes, in a nutshell. By the 1990s, classic restaurants like the Lido and Monte Carlo had largely disappeared, as we discovered last year while investigating our recent story on Portland’s 75-year-old Caro Amico. The only remnants of a time when the city had its own Little Italy that stretched from downtown to Lair Hill are Caro Amico and its younger sister, Amalfi’s. To name only a handful of beloved pasta and pizza restaurants, Alba, Delphina’s, Fratelli, Genoa, Zefiro, and countless others have since come and gone.
Put another way, it’s usually worth celebrating when a Portland restaurant hits a significant milestone.
[Related: Valentine’s Day dining options in Portland]
Some significant milestones have been reached in recent years, including the 100th anniversary of Otto’s Sausage Kitchen, the Republic Cafe, and the Sandy Hut; the 75th anniversary of Caro Amico and Chin’s Kitchen; and the 25th anniversary of Hoda’s, Ya Hala, and Reo’s Ribs. In the meantime, RingSide Steakhouse celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2019 and downtown Portland’s Rialto Poolroom celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. The iconic Jake Famous Crawfish celebrated its 125th year in 2017.
Even though there may not be any establishments celebrating their centennial this year, there is still much to be happy about. The following list includes all Portland eateries and bars that have noteworthy anniversaries this year, which are defined as multiples of five years:
The “Old Fashioned” hot dog from Nick’s Famous Coney Island.Staff member Beth Nakamura
The Well-Known Coney Island of Nick (first opened: 1935)
As the dive bar nears its 90th birthday, Nick’s, which opened in 1935 and moved here in 1942, is still a fantastic spot to have a chili dog, a cold beer, and a game.3746 Hawthorne Blvd., S.E.
A milkshake at Skyline Restaurant with butterscotch.The person from Oregon
Restaurant Skyline (1935)
Skyline, another well-liked 90-year-old eatery, began as a fried chicken diner called The Speck in 1935. The burger is still a winner even after the chicken is gone.In our 2011 roundup, Skyline was ranked as the second-best traditional burger in the Portland region.N.W. Skyline Blvd. 1313.
Tom’s Bar and Restaurant (1975)
Tom’s became the go-to Greek diner in Portland when The Overlook shuttered. Although the pub and restaurant are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, the psychedelic 1970s logo could have been created this year. Yes, they sell merchandise. 3871 S.E. Division St.
Downtown Portland’s historic rail depot is home to Wilf’s Restaurant and Bar.The Oregonian/file
Wilf (1975)
Wilf’s, another 50-year-old restaurant, has been serving up sizzling jazz and refreshing cocktails at its location next to Portland’s Union Station since 1975. The restaurant will celebrate on Saturday, March 15 at 800 N.W. Sixth Ave. with a four-course meal and live music.
Korsakoffeehouse and Rimsky (1980)
This year, the most haunted and strangely adorned coffee shop in Portland will commemorate its 45th anniversary.12th Ave., 707 S.E.
In 1990, Kell’s Irish Pub
Lucy and Gerard McAleese founded this Irish pub in Seattle in 1983. It first started in Portland thirty-five years ago and has since grown to include a brewery.112 Second Avenue, S.W.
Since 1990, Pho Hung, one of Portland’s oldest Vietnamese eateries, has been serving bowls of beef noodle soup on Powell Boulevard.The Oregonian | Mims Copeland
Hung Ph (1990)
For 35 years, Pho Hung has been serving steaming bowls of Vietnamese beef noodle soup on Powell Boulevard. And based on the results of our most recent ph poll, it appears that our readers still think it’s performing admirably.4717 Powell Blvd., S.E.
Bakery An Xuy n (1995)
An Xuyen, another innovative Vietnamese company, is still in operation. If you’ve eaten a sandwich in Portland on BNH M (not the sandwich, but the roll) thirty years later, it was probably made by An Xuyen.5345 Foster Road, S.E.
Delta Cafe (1995)
At its location on Southeast Woodstock Boulevard, Delta Cafe has been offering 40-ounce bottles of inexpensive beer along with Southern classics like fried chicken for decades.4607 Woodstock Blvd., S.E.
Grill Du s (1995)
For thirty years, Du’s Grill has been the go-to teriyaki place in Rose City, beloved by Portland rapper Amin, this food critic, and many others. Before you even see the small parking lot, you will be able to smell the fragrant smoke.5347 Sandy Blvd., N.E.
Lounge Aalto (2000)
This chic pub on Belmont Street, named after a Finnish designer, has been serving wine, cocktails, and a stylish midcentury aesthetic for 25 years. Don’t pass up a visit to the back patio when it gets warmer.3356 Belmont Street, S.E.
Dante (2000)
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the downtown Portland rock and burlesque venue, which continues to thrive today. It’s common for locals to wander into a set of Karaoke from Hell, Portland’s first live karaoke band.Burnside Street, 350 W.
Yun Shui Teahouse at Lan Su Chinese GardenLan Su Chinese Garden
Teahouse, Yun Shui (2000)
The teahouse at Lan Su Chinese Garden opened inside the serene walled garden 25 years ago, and continues to serve a carefully curated menu of tea and dim sum (in the original sense of small teahouse snacks).Everett Street, 239 NW.
Mother s Bistro & Bar (2000)
This beloved downtown bistro and brunch destination celebrated its 25th anniversary last month with henna tattooing, tarot card reading, live music and more. But the anniversary vibes are sure to continue all year long. Speaking of, have you made those Mother s Day reservations yet?121 S.W. Third Ave.
Pambiche (2000)
Portland s pioneering Cuban restaurant is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a revived happy hour (and, soon, the return of weekend brunch). On Friday February 14th, aka Valentine s Day, the restaurant will celebrate turning 25 by offering both anniversary specials and free cafe con tres leches birthday cake to guests all weekend long.2811 N.E. Glisan St.
Note:As explained in the intro, this isn t a list of Portland s oldest restaurants, but rather those celebrating a multiple of five anniversary in 2025. Know of a restaurant we that fits that criteria that we missed? Drop me a line at the email below.
Michael Russell;[email protected]
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