Kenton residents take note: change is coming, in the form of bacon jam. Tabor Tavern owners Kristen Siefkin and Ken “Zig” Naffziger moved to North Portland a little over a year ago, and, inspired by Kenton’s cattle history, dreamed up a crowd-pleasing neighborhood tavern.  

While Swift and Union follows the same “neighborhood place” philosophy of Tabor Tavern, Siefkin says it has its own personality. Chef Aaron Hepp-Buchanan, formerly of Songbird Cafe, has helped craft a menu that is appropriately bovine-inspired, but still light and veg-friendly. Highlights include a smoky, south-of-the-border Caesar, pork belly Cubano with a refreshing watermelon gazpacho, pub classics such as the Swift Burger and Ploughman’s Platter (both with house-made bacon jam), and a variety of simple, bright salads.

With a custom bar top made by local reclaimed-lumber shop, Salvage Works, t-shirts by Little Red Press, and turn-of-the-century décor by former Kenton shop Boys Fort, Swift and Union seems to be walking their neighborhood talk. Boys Fort owner and designer, Jake France, describes the décor as “part English tavern, part French bistro with modern industrial touches.”  

Swift and Union opens July 15 (today) for dinner service, along with beer, wine, and a full bar. Lunch and weekend brunch coming soon.

Swift and Union
8103 N. Denver Ave.
Sun-Wed, 4-10 pm
Thurs-Sat, 4-11 pm
503-206-4281