31 Locally Owned Businesses Opened in Portland in July

Every month, I feel like I’m living in a different Portland. Not in a bad way, of course—in an exciting way, an adventurous way, a way that makes me feel so lucky to call this city my own. As I scour the local blogs following rumors of new business plans, I seem to hear everyday about a Food Network or Travel Channel show filming in town, read about some of our local favorites included in national magazines’ "Best of" lists, and expect an article about Portland’s awesomeness at least once a month in the New York Times (the latest, fittingly, about our obsession with local).

And I don’t blame them! Sure, some beloved local businesses have recently closed (Roots Organic Brewery, The Maiden, Square Deal Wine, Ladybug Organic Café), but every month I am also awed at the creative concepts that bold local entrepreneurs are making a reality, and many times I giddily think to myself, Only in Portland. Make sure you read all the way through month’s edition of new local destinations because there are some can’t-miss treats in the mix. And oh my goodness, my mouth is already watering over next month’s list.

Hear about a new business idea? Drive by a new sign? Visit one of these new spots? I would love to hear all about it! Email newbizpdx@gmail.com. Have fun taking care of our awesomely dynamic city!

NORTHWEST

Azzurro
Does a new location a new business make? It sure does when a quaint Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood shop moves to a much more spacious industrial chic space across the river in Northwest District and adds an incredible amount of new—and unique-to-Portland—inventory. The airy modernity of the building is a refreshing contrast to the vintage French flea market-style home and lifestyle goods, including new charming Jars ceramic dinnerware from Provence, architectural wool felt totes from Graf & Lantz, and a fantastic array of European antiques. You could get lost here for hours exploring the lovely items like delicate laundry detergents, fine shaving supplies and gourmet jams that elevate everyday activities. Add a dose of class to your summer by attending their grand opening “Une Fete Blanche” (that’s White Party) on August 7 (4-10 p.m.)

1500 NW 18th Avenue, #110
Portland, OR 97209
503.241.5272
www.azzurropdx.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Barrel Room
Ever since Wallbangers closed over three years ago, Portland has been without a dueling piano bar. How could we have survived so long?!? Thankfully for bachelorette parties and tongue-in-cheek revelers, the Barrel Room has resurrected the time-honored, raucous tradition in Old Town-Chinatown, with rock ‘n roll piano shows every Friday and Saturday (9 & 11 p.m.), bartenders that break into showtunes at any minute, and even a DJ in the outside courtyard for dancing under the stars. Sure, its drinks are typical and the menu limited to the usual (tacos, artichoke dip, burgers), but you don’t need anything fancier than that to distract you from the endless entertainment.

105 NW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.242.0700
www.barrelroompdx.com
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m.-2 a.m. (available for private parties earlier hours and Wednesday-Tuesday)

Blue Olive
Although the new Northwest District location has downsized its outdoor seating (from the former location on Northeast Fremont) to a handful of sidewalk tables, the Mediterranean restaurant has upped the ante with a large, full bar that features a new cocktail list, happy hour (3-6 p.m.), and late-night bar menu ($3-$6 dip sampler, Mediterranean salad, burger & fries, and more). With light and flavorful dishes like Lamb Chops with roasted potatoes and Chicken Saffron Kebobs, we think the “new” Blue Olive may beat the curse on this restaurant corner.

500 NW 21st Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.528.2822
www.blueolivepdx.com
Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (dining room), 11:30 a.m.-as late as 12 a.m. (bar)

Cloud Seven Café
Okay, how about the same location that gets a makeover and new name? Heck yes, that’s new to us, too! In fact, after Sip & Kranz went through several iterations at this fab Pearl District spot on Jamison Square (from kid-friendly café with playroom to vaguely Scandinavian laptop parking lot), the new owners’ focused vision of a modern Vienna coffee house brings a lot to this space—dark wood, mod white chairs, and colorful design accents add a grown-up sophistication without seeming harsh, and though the menu is simple, it’s studded with standouts like ricotta-stuffed sweet peppers, chicken salad on a yam bun, and fresh roasted Intelligentsia pour over coffee. From Kettleman’s bagels to local wines, it seems like it would be easy to take them up on their offer to “linger as you wish.”

901 NW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.336.1335
www.cloudsevencafe.com
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Dapper Frog
From one Oregon Coast-founded gallery to another. The Dapper Frog, with locations at Salishan (the original), Newport, Pacific City, and Dundee, recently opened in the former Lawrence Gallery’s Pearl District space to bring its “art collectibles” to Portland. Focusing mostly on glass artists, the huge 3,150-square foot gallery now displays stunning sculptures, vases, crystal pieces, figurines and tableware, and will feature new exhibits every month on First Thursday (when they will serve wine, snacks, and stay open until 9 p.m.)

915 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209
503.224.4000
www.dapperfrog.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Finales Desserts
Instead of waiting for an extravagant wedding or seeking out pastry chef Erica Bentson’s addictive treats at outlets around town, now you can go straight to the source at Finales’ new dessert counter and coffee bar in Northwest District. Just be careful, because now that items like chocolate caramel tarts, chevre cheesecake slices, red velvet cupcakes, and lemon bars are so easily available (and affordable!) from the rotating menu, it may be difficult to resist a mid-afternoon pop-by every single day.

901 NW 21st Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.241.5012
www.finalesdesserts.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Plan B
Another move, another local business owner excited about new possibilities in a larger space and busier neighborhood. Brad Rogers moved his regional “object-oriented” gallery to the Pearl from Northeast Broadway, and he’s looking forward to showing more work (love the found-object sculptures), and offering more unique items in his gift shop, including artist-made cards, ceramics, and fair-trade décor.

120 NW 9th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.236.0600
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

Benessere
Sure, there are lots of fabulous new restaurants to try in town, but sometimes you just want to stay in and enjoy a home-cooked meal. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t taste just as fabulous, right? Well, maybe not at my house, but if you’re more talented in the kitchen, you’ll want to explore the selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world at this new Downtown tasting room. Try a bunch of flavors and/or origins, and then they’ll bottle your selections in one of three sizes. Gourmands can get crazy creating their own custom blends.

907 SW 9th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.206.5317
www.benessereoil.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Element Restaurant & Lounge (CLOSED...already!)
Simple, elegant dinners served up at a reasonable price. That’s what you’ll find at this Downtown restaurant, where the relatively new-to-Portland Chef Lacey Jane Miller Cahoj is having fun with the abundance of amazing local ingredients as she gets to know those PDX palates. The menu features a killer Portobello burger, salmon with asparagus “pasta” and adobo rubbed chicken, fresh sorbet (recently black cherry and Framboise flavors), and the standout hit, Portobello fries with cilantro ranch. Hours will expand to dinner and late night in the near future.

1135 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97205
503.224.0442
Element on Yelp
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Gilda’s Italian Restaurant
There’s always a new foodie trend to experiment with, but sometimes you just want the classics, the comfort, the kind of old school meals your grandma would make. This warm, family-run Goose Hollow restaurant is a throw back to those genuine Italian restaurants, but instead of sticking with the traditional spaghetti and meatballs (though since they’re “Grandma’s”, they’re probably pretty amazing), try something like risotto with artichokes, asparagus, pecorino romano, peperoncino, and mint. Or halibut piccata served with tortellino stuffed with beef, veal or prosciutto. They even serve breakfast and lunch, so you can enjoy a full day of finger-lickin’ deliciousness.

1601 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97205
503.224.0051
www.gildasitalianrestaurant.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

SOUTHEAST

Dick’s Kitchen
Portland is turning into quite the burger town, and during the dog days of summer, could you really ask for anything else? Love the nod to New York diners at this Sunnyside spot (mural of Yankee Stadium on the wall), and the simple menu full of all-American classics that are made with organic and sustainable ingredients (it is owned by the same guy as Laughing Planet, after all). There are over a dozen homemade sauces to choose from for your burger (beef, buffalo, turkey, salmon or vegan), including ketchup, mustard, and more exotic options like garlic and pesto. Also sausages/hot dogs, fries (of course), other sandwiches, salads/slaws, and milkshakes galore. Fittingly, it’s one a several new places dishing out frozen desserts during these hot months. Keep reading….!

3312 SE Belmont Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.235.0146
Dick's Kitchen on Yelp
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

FIN
Living in a city tucked between the ocean and rivers, we’re spoiled with fresh seafood that comes right out of our watery backyard. But there has been a dearth of modern, dedicated seafood restaurants in our neighborhoods. The former Sel Gris space in Hosford-Abernethy has been transformed into FIN, which is just that—focused on local and sustainably harvested fish and shellfish. The menu’s small/medium plates takes diners through many preparations, from raw swordfish ceviche to rare seared blue prawn to grilled langoustine (large prawn/mini lobster), so you and your friends can sample the many tastes of the sea.

1852 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214
503.517.7770
www.finpdx.com
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.-ish (open seven days after Labor Day)

The Globe Bar & Café
In the great tradition of neighborhood cafés, we now have The Globe in Buckman. It’s airy in some ways (high ceilings, open garage door to a front patio) and cozy in others (bar alcove, stocked bookshelves, fire pit). You could hang out here everyday and have a different experience, choosing from craft beer on tap, wine, a full bar, fresh salads, and artisan pizzas. Plus, live music and movies on Sundays. Not bad. Not bad at all.

2045 SE Belmont Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.488.5701
www.globepdx.com
Hours: Daily 3 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Helium Comedy Club
We’ve got an incredible music scene. Impressive theater and dance. Art shows around every corner. But comedy hasn’t really found a home in Portland. After several increasingly successful Bridgetown Comedy Festivals and ever-more popular local improv shows, it’s about time that we got a venue that not only attracts up-and-coming comedians (before they end up in the next Hangover) but also nurtures our own hilarious talent. Everyone seems to be optimistic that this new comedy club, in the very revamped former Chelsea Ballroom in Hosford-Abernethy, may finally be the ticket. And they’re off to a great start, with Maria Bamford (“The Comedians of Comedy”), Bill Burr (“Chappelle’s Show”), and Todd Glass (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) coming to town over the next month, plus Tuesday open mics and a Portland Comedy Battle on Aug. 18.

900 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214
888-64-FUNNY
www.portland.heliumcomedy.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 6 p.m.-12 a.m. & Friday-Saturday 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Landmark Saloon
Modern cowboy. Minimalist Western. Whatever you want to call it, this new Richmond watering hole with a huuuuuuuuge patio, is the perfect summer hangout. Pendleton blankets hanging on the walls and half barrel tables inside evoke Oregon pioneer heyday without being kitschy, but it’s the dog-friendly yard, big enough to hitch up your wagon, and complete with an outdoor bar, misters to stay cool, and cornhole (bean bag toss) that will call to us every sunny day.

4847 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97206
503.894.8132
www.thelandmarksaloon.com
Hours: Daily 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

OMNIBUS
Remember way back in 1994, when Cake was asking us all, “How do you afford your rock ‘n roll lifestyle?” The answer, in Portland in 2010, is this new vintage clothing and record shop in the basement of East End, a Buckman bar and music venue. It’s a late-night cave, where you can go trolling for everything from ’50s dresses to ‘90s rompers and neon, dapper ‘40s suits to ‘80s leather, and pick up the albums to create the perfect soundtrack for your new look. They’re adding new stuff all the time, including new indie designers, vintage instruments, and home décor.

203 SE Grand Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
OMNIBUS on Facebook
Hours: Daily 4 p.m.-12 a.m.

Oregon NORML Cannabis Café
After a hullabaloo-surrounded opening in November, the nation’s first Cannabis Café operated relatively quietly for over six months in Woodlawn. But after what we’ll call irreconcilable differences with the owners of the space, Rumpspankers, Oregon NORML closed that location and has reopened the Café in Montavilla. The new space has a welcoming, homier feel (even movie nights on Wednesdays), which NORML says is conducive for “social medication.” As was the case at the original location, guests must be registered with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program and be an Oregon NORML member.

322 SE 82nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97216
503.239.6110
www.usacannabiscafe.org
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

ZoomCare
Like the location that opened on Alberta in June, Sellwood-Moreland’s brand new ZoomCare neighborhood clinic represents a new model of healthcare, more personal and less time-consuming than urgent care, but more on-call and affordable than traditional doctor’s office visits. Staffed by doctors and physician assistants, patients can call or make appointments online for physical exams, lab tests, urgent injury care, and other minor procedures on a same-day, self-pay basis (they also take insurance).

6910 SE Milwaukie Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
503.608.3087
www.zoomcare.com/clinics/sellwood.php
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

NORTHEAST

Bar Bar
The remodeled Mississippi Studios that debuted last year was impressive enough, but now the venue has taken over the former Mississippi Station restaurant and amazing patio to create an oh-so-Portland indie fun zone in Boise. The menu is simple: basic (and we hear delicious) burgers, fries, onion, rings, one salad, and a few sweet treats, plus of course, plenty of beer, cocktails and wine. It’s all you need, really, to fuel a rockin’ summer evening. We’ll be there on Sundays enjoying the free outdoor acoustic Mississippi Summer Sessions (3-7 p.m.)

3953 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503.288.3895
www.mississippistudios.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m. & Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m.

Cup & Saucer Café
Like your favorite worn-in pair of Levi’s cutoffs, this local “chain” is a Portland breakfast-all-day stand-by (with locations on Hawthorne, Killingsworth and Denver), and it’s a welcome addition to the Boise ‘hood’s main street, with its quick and dependable breakfasts and lunches. Lots of veggie-friendly options, a dedication to cage-free eggs and compostable practices, and increasingly sourcing local ingredients make it a “diner” for PDX tastes. There’s even $1 PBR at happy hour.

3746 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503.548.4614
www.cupandsaucercafe.com
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Golden Rule
One part boutique, another part gallery, Wynde Dyer calls her Kerns venture “a social experiment in creativity and commerce.” In short, the inventory collection—including furniture, apparel, accessories, art objects, and décor, both vintage and indie-designed—will change every month to complement the artist’s exhibit. It’s hard to pin down the ever-changing concept with words, so why don’t you stop by this Friday for the grand opening: a reception for Howard Gillam’s “Inner Lands” drawings (6-9 p.m.) and dance party to rare ‘45s of old-school girl pop, funk, and soul (9-11 p.m.). Can’t wait to see what’s in store.

811 E Burnside, #122
Portland, OR 97214
503.477.5124
www.goldenruleportland.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m. (hours for August; call for earlier, later, and other special event times)

Haunt
Right down the hall at this always creative Kerns complex, local designers Holly Stalder (modern romantic pieces using vintage trim and details), Laura Irwin (sophisticated knitwear, including bikinis!), and new addition Rachael Donaldson (textural and old-fashioned dramatic jewelry) have opened their studio and retail showroom to all the stylish ladies in town. Make a night of it and visit this Friday (7-9 p.m.) to browse the swoon-worthy pieces (some on sale!), treat yourself to some ice cream, maybe even talk about a custom-designed piece. Love!

811 E Burnside, #113
Portland, OR 97214
www.hauntstudio.blogspot.com
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m.

Mr. Green Beans
Is there anything Portlanders can’t do? Not according to the folks at this shop, which is already well on its way to becoming Boise's—and the city’s—DIY headquarters. Whether you want to be crafty, save money, or just do it your own way, you’ll find everything you need to make soap, cheese, soda, and of course, coffee. They currently stock over 15 varieties of green, unroasted coffee beans (most fair trade, sustainable, organic, etc.) and home roasting machines (though co-owners Ginny and Trevin Miller can also coach you on using kitchen appliances you probably already own). Stay tuned for classes and materials for canning, preserving, wine blending and more.

3932 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503.288.8698
www.diycoffeeroasting.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ohana Dessert and Shave Ice
What was that about frozen treats? It doesn’t get more summery than a (fantasy) getaway to the tropics, indulging in authentic island desserts at this new spin-off of the popular Rose City Park Hawaiian restaurant. Try the already flavored ice so refreshing it doesn’t need any syrup, plus you can add authentic toppings like mochi balls, li hing (dried plum) powder, fresh fruits, even azuki beans. While there’s plenty of sunny outside seating, you’ll also be able to get a tropical pick-me-up (Purple Okinawan Sweet Potato Pie, Haupia ice cream, Kona coffee) during the gray months inside the cozy house.

6320 NE Sandy Boulevard
Portland, OR 97213
503.894.9492
www.ohanahawaiiancafe.com
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Pine State Biscuits
First the lines snaked around the Portland Farmers Market. Then they trailed down Southeast Belmont Street. But now that these mouth-watering biscuits (with jam, with gravy, holding together a precarious pile of bacon, egg, and fried chicken) are available at this much larger second brick-and-mortar restaurant in Concordia. For now, enjoy more seating, a full bar to go along with your biscuit bonanza, and stay tuned for an outdoor patio and late-night hours. Mmmmm, nothing like a Reggie Deluxe to soak up the booze.

2204 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211
www.pinestatebiscuits.com
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Umpqua Bank
As this Roseberg-based bank increases its presence around town, it’s opening smaller, community-focused “neighborhood stores” in pockets like NW 23rd, Sellwood, and now, Alberta. The new location in King will take advantage of the building’s open plaza and encourage neighbors to hang out, use their resources and learn financial tips. They’ll highlight local merchants throughout the year (first up: Smith Tea), invite residents to share their photos and announcements on the community bulletin board, and honor the spirit of the neighborhood with a handcrafted wall mandala that highlights the art and creative development of the street. And of course, it’s a place for money to change hands, including a $10,000 gift to fund a neighborhood improvement project. (Submit your idea on their Facebook page by Aug. 20 to be voted on next month.)

1746 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211
503.219.6160
www.umpquabank.com/alberta
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ruby Jewel Scoops
Okay, we’ve covered milkshakes and shaved ice, now it’s time for some creamy, rich, and delicious ice cream. Slowly but surely, Lisa Herlinger’s gourmet ice cream sandwiches (lemon cookie with honey lavender ice cream, cinnamon chocolate cookie with espresso ice cream) took Portland and much the country by storm; now, we’re lucky enough to be able to pop by her new Boise ice cream shop and sample the wide array of ice cream flavors handmade from local ingredients. There are classics like vanilla bean and caramel with salted dark chocolate, but also rotating creations like coconut almond chip and marionberry pie. You can get your scoops in a cup or a cone, but we suggest choosing cookies for your own signature ice cream sandwich.

3713 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503.505.9314
www.rubyjewel.net
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

YoChoice Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt
And finally, there’s the frozen yogurt—2010’s answer to the cupcake craze of ’08 (at least locally). Serving Portland-made YoCream a little closer-in than that brand’s Cascade Station location, the concept at this Cully neighborhood outpost is pretty much the same: pull the lever on your flavor of choice and then go crazy with the toppings, from healthy nuts and fresh fruit to silly and sugary Fruit Loops and chocolate chips. Sounds like a sweet summer evening stop.

4941 NE Fremont Street
Portland, OR 97213
www.yochoiceyogurt.net
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

NORTH

The Monkey Bar
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t doll it up a bit. Overlook neighbors were big fans of Sagittarius, but the new owners who have adopted the space and rechristened it hope to maintain the neighborhood favorites while adding some improvements of their own. To start, they’ve added a larger liquor section, some more burger options, and additional happy hour choices—and late night hours (9 p.m.-12 a.m.). Coming soon: expanded hours (including lunch) and weekend brunch.

2710 N Killingsworth Street
Portland, OR 97217
503.289.7557
The Monkey Bar on Yelp
Hours: Call for hours

Solabee Flowers
If you have a brown thumb (like me), the two ladies at this new Kenton flower (and so much more) shop are just want the flora doctor ordered. Whether it’s a wedding bouquet, business arrangement, event centerpiece, impromptu gift or botanical terrarium, they focus on local and sustainable plants and blooms, so you know you’re getting au natural at its best. They’re also garden gurus, helping you start from scratch or revamp your outdoor wonderland, helping set up container gardens or planters for the space-challenged, or institute a natural pest control/living fence/edible garden for those wanting to make the most of their land.

8315 N Denver Avenue
Portland, OR 97217
503.307.2758
www.solabeeflowers.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

EAST

Lents Commons
If ever a neighborhood needed a coffee shop, it’s Lents. Neighbors have been rooting for this grassroots café for months as they remodeled, faced permit delays, and worked out the logistics of opening a new business. And they’ve been rewarded with a warm and welcoming gathering spot that supports local artists and musicians with monthly exhibits, and a variety of weekly events including open mics, poetry clinics, and youth improv classes. A true community effort, they’re open to new event ideas, rentals for private parties, and even catering (they serve Caffe Vita espresso and a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries.)

9201 SE Foster Road
Portland, OR 97266
503.505.9448
www.lentscommons.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.