A Beloved Division Street Bar Has Served Its Last Cocktail and Handpie
Image: Alex Frane
Nate Tilden was already something of a culinary superstar when he co-opened the Richmond Bar on SE Division Street in 2013. The restaurateur had previously managed Castagna, co-opened Olympia Provisions, and cofounded Clyde Common, which brought national attention to Portland for its cocktail program. So, there was hot anticipation for this newest bar, a classy yet relaxed lounge with long, tufted leather banquettes and deep red woods. It quickly became a hot spot for folks grabbing a cocktail before dinner at the nearby Pok Pok or Ava Gene’s.
In 2015, the Richmond became one of the hottest patio seats in the neighborhood, with its courtyard seating proving equally comfortable on warm summer days and chilly winter evenings thanks to its ample shade and space heaters. When COVID-19 radically altered the makeup of Division Street, the patio provided a space for social distancing as diners crept back to restaurants and bars. Soon, things were buzzing again. But in September, the bar posted on Facebook and Instagram with its closing statement. “It is with heavy hearts, and much deliberation, we have decided to close down the Richmond Bar. We’ve had 13 great years on the corner of 32nd. Those years brought us great customers, amazing staff, and fantastic memories. We appreciate every person who came together to make that happen.” The bar had its last day on Friday, October 17, as a long line snaked around the packed dining room, each seat in the house crammed with well-wishers enjoying one last whiskey drink and handpie.
Other Closures to Know
Doc Marie’s
closed oct 31
In another blow to the city’s already struggling queer bar scene, lesbian bar Doc Marie’s poured its last pint on Halloween before closing its doors for good. A statement on the bar’s social media reads, “This has been a devastating year for small businesses and for our community and we don’t have the finances to keep our doors open.... We want to send so much love and gratitude to our community and all the people that helped us create so much queer joy and magic over the last three years.”
Cider Bite
closed Oct 19
Portland is down to a handful of cideries as one of the oldest, Cider Bite, closed its doors in mid-October. The closure was due in part to a rent hike as its lease came to an end, with owner Jeff Hanneson opting not to renew. In a statement on the website, Hanneson also cited COVID restrictions, break-ins, vandalism, operating costs, and “...a significant decline in tourism and downtown foot traffic that has not returned to prepandemic levels.”
Grand Amari & Little Bitter Bar
closed oct 4
The Richmond Bar was not the only one of Tilden’s establishments to recently close: Downtown’s Grand Amari and its bar, Little Bitter Bar, also shut down in October after two years of service. Part of the Olympia Provisions group, it opened in 2023 at the Hotel Grand Stark with a menu of Italian snacks and pasta dishes. While the team didn’t offer a reason for the closure, its location at the still slowly recovering downtown area likely contributed to financial difficulties.
