After a dramatic legal battle that nearly destroyed the century-plus-old bistro forever, Besaw’s is finally reopening at 1545 NW 21st Ave on January 27. Following months of trademark dispute, owner Cana Flug came away with the Besaw’s name and its history as a Rose City restaurant icon, incorporating both into a new, contemporary space flecked with all the charms of the old locale. 

With Besaw’s 2.0, Flug is bringing on some heavy hitters from her days at Wildwood: Dustin Clark, former executive chef of Wildwood, and pastry chef Michelle Vernier, last seen baking up a storm at Paley’s Place and Imperial. Charged with serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Clark plans to pay homage to the original menu, plating many of Besaw’s classic comfort food dishes in a “forward-thinking direction.” Wine pairings come courtesy of sommelier Savanna Ray (another Wildwood alum), while the mixology masters at Bull In China consult on the cocktail menu.  

Look out for Besaw’s little sister project, Solo Club, set to open next door in the coming months. The concept is an amaro/bitters-centric bar menu, sided by coffee and pastries during the day, Southeast Asian-influenced small plates from Clark at night, and desserts from Vernier late into the evening.

Click on the slideshow above for a first look at the new space.

Besaw’s
1545 NW 21st Ave
503-228-2619