Portland Pizza Favorite Expands South, Joining Robust Regional Restaurant and Bar Scene
A beloved Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant, a fixture in Portland for over a decade, is set to bring its popular pies to Lake Oswego this fall, marking its third location. The expansion south of Portland signals continued growth for the culinary scene across Oregon.
A Taste of Portland in Lake Oswego
The restaurant, known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, has cultivated a loyal following in Portland since its inception. The decision to open a new establishment in Lake Oswego highlights the area’s appeal and the chain’s ambition to reach a wider customer base. Residents of Lake Oswego can anticipate the familiar quality and taste that have made the pizza place a Portland staple, with an opening slated for the autumn.
A Flourishing Food and Beverage Landscape
This expansion comes at a time of significant activity within the region’s food and beverage sector. Several other new establishments and ventures are either opening or have recently debuted, contributing to a dynamic and trending culinary environment. In Boise, Sun Rice has opened its doors, adding to the growing list of dining options. The Kickin’ Crab and X Noodles and Dumplings are also notable new additions, catering to diverse palates. For coffee enthusiasts, Pioneer Joe Coffee is expanding its presence with new locations.
Brews, Bites, and Local Venues
The craft beer scene is also buzzing. Fracture Brewing is poised to take over a bar space at the Extra Credit Food Cart Pod, promising new craft beer offerings. Meanwhile, the vibrant Pearl District in Portland will soon welcome a new restaurant specializing in Thai street noodle soup, further diversifying the city’s culinary offerings.
Historic Charm and Modern Innovations
Adding to the rich tapestry of Oregon’s hospitality industry, the iconic Bagdad Theater & Pub in Portland’s Hawthorne District, a historic movie palace and entertainment venue operated by the McMenamins chain, continues to be a beloved destination. McMenamins, renowned for its unique pubs, breweries, and historic hotels spanning Oregon and Washington, is also venturing into new beverage categories. Starting August 1st, they will be introducing new THC + CBD beverages in Oregon. Throughout August, McMenamins will also be celebrating Washington Wine Month with a series of events and specials, highlighting regional wineries.
Community, Culture, and Curation
Beyond the larger chains, smaller, curated establishments are also making their mark. HiFi Wine Bar in McMinnville is gaining attention for its unique blend of wine, music, and community engagement. This establishment prides itself on its curated selection of vinyl records and hosts regular ‘Terroir Sessions,’ events designed to spotlight specific vineyards and producers, offering patrons an educational and sensory experience.
Regional Taps and Tastings
Further afield, The Dry Canyon Club in Redmond has opened as a new tap house and food cart lot, providing a wide array of beverage and food choices for the Central Oregon community. In Bend, The Good Drop Wine Shoppe stands out as Central Oregon’s premier wine bar and shop, offering a sophisticated destination for wine lovers.
These diverse openings and developments underscore a thriving period for Oregon’s restaurants and bars, offering an expanding array of choices for residents and visitors alike, from traditional favorites to innovative new concepts. The continued investment and expansion by established brands like the Portland-based pizza chain, alongside burgeoning new ventures, paint a promising picture for the state’s hospitality sector.
