Portland, Oregon’s dynamic food and drink scene is embracing a busy September, marked by the arrival of exciting new establishments, the evolution of existing eateries, and a calendar brimming with diverse culinary events. From French patisseries to Italian-inspired bars and vibrant vegan festivals, the city’s restaurants and bars are offering a rich tapestry of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
New Tastes Arrive in the Rose City
September is a significant month for new openings across the Portland metropolitan area. Artisserie Lake Oswego, a French pastry shop and bakery, has officially opened its doors in downtown Lake Oswego, expanding its presence from its original Northwest Portland location. Offering a delightful array of French pastries, cakes, breads, and coffee, the bakery also features a brunch menu, adding a sophisticated European touch to the local dining options.
In Slabtown, Hey Luigi, a new Italian-themed bar and restaurant from acclaimed chef Gabriel Pascuzzi, is set to open its doors mid-September. Situated in the former Tip Top Burger Shop space, the establishment promises an ambitious cocktail program and an Italian-inspired food menu, aiming to become a neighborhood gathering spot. Meanwhile, Proof Pizza, known for its Chicago-style thin crust pies from its Beaverton cart, is launching a brick-and-mortar location in Southeast Portland. A late-night service window is anticipated for the first week of September, with the full restaurant and bar to follow in October.
Adding to the influx of new ventures, Coquelico, a cafe born from a partnership between the Portland Art Museum and Providore Fine Foods, is slated to open its doors mid-September. The museum’s new campus cafe will feature coffee, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic cocktails, integrating culinary art with the museum experience. Furthermore, the Concordia neighborhood welcomes Foodvilla, a local corner market now under new ownership, which hopes to reopen its doors mid-September with refreshed offerings.
Evolving Culinary Landscapes and Seasonal Events
Beyond new beginnings, September sees existing establishments updating their offerings. Maglia Rosa, the Italian restaurant and market on SE Division Street, has introduced a new lunch menu featuring sandwiches, salads, and house-made pasta, available Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant’s adjoining market continues to provide a curated selection of Italian and local provisions.
Portland’s reputation as a city that celebrates its food culture is further solidified by a packed September events calendar. The Fig Fest at One Green World nursery on September 20 offers a chance to sample various figs, purchase discounted plants, and engage with local growers. The city will also host the Circle V Portland Vegan Food & Drink Festival on September 14, showcasing collaborative dishes from 20 local vegan businesses. Another notable event is the Summer Supper hosted by Urban Gleaners on September 14, a premier upcycling food event featuring chefs crafting small plates from gleaned ingredients.
Oktoberfest celebrations are also in full swing throughout September. From September 19-21, Oaks Park Oktoberfest will bring German food, beer, music, and traditional activities like wiener dog races. Other Oktoberfest events include Prost Oktoberfest, All Saints Oktoberfest on September 26, and a Portland Oktoberfest Bar Crawl on September 27. Later in the month, the Compassionate Living Festival on September 28 will celebrate veganism with food, speakers, and chef demonstrations.
Farewells and Future Prospects
As new ventures emerge, some long-standing establishments are marking their closures. Carina Lounge, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its European café feel, concluded its eight-year run on August 30. Other closures include the vegan eatery Gnarlys, the avant-garde cocktail bar Deadshot, and the empanada and pisco sour bar Epif. The beloved neighborhood bar Backyard Social also closed its doors after nine years. However, the SE Portland watering hole Slow Bar, which closed in August, is showing signs of life with new ownership planning a mid-October reopening.
The continuous ebb and flow of Portland’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene reflects its energetic culinary identity. This September promises a plethora of choices, from discovering new favorites to revisiting established haunts, underscoring why Oregon remains a trending destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
