Portland’s Culinary Scene Welcomes Pretty Ugly Bar
A new bar named Pretty Ugly has opened its doors in Portland, Oregon. This exciting new establishment comes from established restaurateurs Vijay Kumar and Gilbert Leon, the visionary LULU owners new bar venture. Pretty Ugly has been in development since early 2025, promising a fresh addition to the Portland restaurant scene.
The Team Behind Pretty Ugly Bar
Vijay Kumar and Gilbert Leon are seasoned players in Portland’s vibrant restaurant scene. Their previous ventures include LULU, known for its cocktails, and Silk Road, which serves Chinese food. LULU offers Nikkei cuisine. Silk Road was inspired by Portland’s dwindling late-night scene. The team wanted to create a late-night food destination. Now, they expand their offerings with Pretty Ugly. The Pretty Ugly owners take bartending seriously. They even hosted training for the World Class global bartending competition. This shows a commitment to professional development for the Pretty Ugly Bar team.
A New Name and a Familiar Concept at Pretty Ugly Bar
The name “Pretty Ugly” has roots in LULU’s early days. It was almost the name for LULU itself. Additionally, “Pretty Ugly” is the name of a popular cocktail on LULU’s menu. This drink features Ilegal Joven Mezcal, kiwi, lime, agave, and yuzu bitters. Pretty Ugly is considered a sister establishment to LULU, bringing the Pretty Ugly Bar experience to a new location.
Location and Culinary Offerings at Pretty Ugly Bar
Pretty Ugly is situated on NW Hoyt Street in Portland. This NW Hoyt Street bar was formerly occupied by Mio Sushi for many years. The bar offers New American Eatery style food. Diners can expect a menu featuring burgers and fries. These are not smash burgers. The locally sourced ingredients are a highlight. This includes local meats for burgers and chicken. Breads are baked locally. Gabriel’s Bakery provides the sesame seed brioche buns. Sauces, pickles, and smoked components are made in-house at Pretty Ugly Bar. The Pretty Ugly Bar also offers a wide range of cocktails, making it a prime Portland cocktail bar. Boozy shakes might also be on the menu. The establishment plans to be open every day. Hours are expected from 12 PM to 1 AM.
Portland’s Trending Food and Drink Scene: The Rise of Pretty Ugly Bar
Portland, Oregon, is known for its dynamic bar and restaurant culture. New establishments frequently emerge, contributing to the city’s trending culinary landscape. Pretty Ugly fits into this evolving Portland restaurant scene by offering a distinct American menu. It diversifies the options from its sister restaurants. The focus on locally sourced ingredients aligns with Portland’s values. This commitment to sourcing helps support regional producers. The city’s bars are also noted for their food. Many bars serve food that rivals restaurants. Pretty Ugly’s menu aims to be a strong offering for this New American Eatery.
A New Chapter for Local Restaurateurs with Pretty Ugly Bar
The opening of Pretty Ugly adds another popular spot to Portland’s offerings. It represents a new chapter for Vijay Kumar Gilbert Leon. Their experience with LULU and Silk Road provides a strong foundation for this new Pretty Ugly Bar. The bar officially began its soft opening on January 2, 2026. This launch brings a New American Eatery dining and drinking option to NW Hoyt Street. The establishment aims to serve the local community. It is part of Oregon’s exciting and growing food scene, with Pretty Ugly Bar poised to become a local favorite.
