More bad news for Portland food lovers: The beloved Little Bird Bistro is closing its doors forever on October 27 according to a press release sent by owners Andy Fortgang and Gabriel Rucker:
Over the years we have been honored that so many of you have chosen Little Bird to celebrate the special occasions of your lives, or just enjoyed a quiet Tuesday afternoon at our bar.
Our hearts are warmed with the memories of all the people who have worked here over the years, and how Little Bird has been a part of their lives’ journeys. We are heartbroken to have to see Little Bird close, but look forward with enthusiasm to what lies ahead.
The sister restaurant to the also popular Le Pigeon opened in 2010 and was well-known around town for its terrific happy hour and mouth-watering burgers. From our 2011 review of Little Bird Bistro:
The menu—which Rucker developed with Erik Van Kley, his former sous chef, and the man handling day-to-day operations—is heavy on traditional French bistro favorites: moules frites, frog legs, escargot. But nothing I’ve tried feels pigeonholed by tradition; nothing tastes generic.
What I will miss most is definitely Little Bird’s happy hour, which I considered to be one of the best in the land. From my 2019 review:
Criminally overlooked, Little Bird features one of the classiest happy hour experiences in Portland. I am DOWN with it—especially their much-loved Double Brie burger at the affordable price of $7. Surrounded by onions, pickles, and spiced ketchup, the contents are embedded in a soft artisan bun that easily carries this thick ’n’ hefty, perfectly cooked patty. And because I’m fancy, I like to pair it with the best Old Fashioned Fumé ($9 at happy hour) this city has to offer. Truly, this drink is as beautiful as Ryan Gosling’s more handsome brother.
Reservations are still being accepted, so join me in at least one (or many more) Old Fashioned Fumés all the way up to October 27. Thanks, Little Bird, for all the great tastes and memories.
