Burger Stevens Takes Over Dig a Pony’s Kitchen

One of Portland Monthly’s favorite cheap eats in 2017, Burger Stevens is headed to Grand Ave’s popular bar/party-time dance venue, Dig a Pony. Burgermeister Don Salamone says he’ll take over the kitchen starting this week. In September, Salamone plans to open a walk-up, take-out window for those who are more into devouring his irresistibly juicy burgers in the privacy of their own home.

Mother's Bistro Relocates

The 18-year-old comfort food-focused, kid-friendly dining room from Lisa Schroeder will move down the street to the downtown Hilton Embassy Suites, at 319 SW Pine St. Says Schroeder: “We’ve had an amazing run here at the original Mother’s location. However, we’ve officially outgrown the space and in the interest of all of our 75 employees’ comfort and creativity, and to continue to make sure our guests are receiving the highest level of hospitality possible, moving is the right choice.” Meanwhile, the original location will become "Mother's Velvet Lounge and Cafe," serving "limited Southern comfort-focused menu."

The Alibi Launches Karaoke Brunch

Big news, karaoke fans: The Alibi, Portland’s 71-year-old tiki bar, is adding a special “karaoke brunch” to its longstanding menu of rum swizzles and shoyu chicken. (Back in early 2017, the storied Portland institution was revamped by the folks behind the Sandy Hut facelift.) Every Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., you can sing your heart out with a Hawaiian coffee (rum, Coruba dark coffee, cinnamon) in hand and Kalua pork benedict in your belly. Saturdays will also feature the brand-new brunch menu, minus karaoke.

RingSide Fish House to Close

The seven-year old, seafood-focused spinoff to Portland’s 74-year-old steakhouse will close on August 12. It’s a sign of RingSide’s waning presence in Portland, after losing its east-side steakhouse at the Glendoveer Golf Course in 2017. (That space is now occupied by Von Ebert Brewing.) Now, the original RingSide Steakhouse remains the only place in town to find a 34-ounce, $113 bone-in rib steak. 

QuickFish Opens in the Pearl

The city’s fanciest poke bowl will open a second location (technically a third, if you count the one in Denver) at 1241 NW Johnson St on August 15. The side operation from Bamboo Sushi uses the same sustainable seafood practices for its poke, topping it with elaborate and textural accessories, candied Thai chile to sesame brittle. Judging by its popularity at the original downtown location, success in the Pearl District seems likely. No word on any new offerings at the Pearl location.

Kachka Opens on the Goat Blocks

Last week, Kachka 2.0 opened its doors at 960 SE 11th Ave, leaving its old space on Grand Avenue as a dedicated bar, Kachinka. What’s new? For starters, two stories, and three distinct spaces: a main dining room, a bar, and a private dining area with majorly kitschy opulence, including chandeliers and reproductions from the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Food-wise, expect an entirely new charcoal-grilled shashliki menu, featuring Azeri-style sturgeon, kefir-marinated chicken, and lamb lyulya kebab. Plus: housemade bread, rotating daily dumplings, and an expanded cured fish program. Yum.