A neighborhood bar is a sacred space. It’s where you go when you have something to celebrate, something to mourn, or just don’t feel like cooking that night. Taking one over is high-risk, high-reward. Dan Casto recently proved he’s up to the challenge. The owner of the long-running bar/Vietnamese restaurant, Double Dragon, has revived the Richmond Bar, a beloved SE bar opened in 2013 by Nate Tilden of Olympia Provisions and Clyde Common. Newly dubbed the Richmond Club, it’s decidedly spruced up, but Casto hopes it’ll scratch the same itch.
Casto prioritized keeping the food and drink list approachable, but with some contemporary changes. Henry Earlenbaugh, the long-time kitchen manager at Double Dragon, led menu planning, and Casto consulted with Aaron Barnett of St. Jack for a second opinion. They talked about flavors, of course, but also about the utility of the space—how it exists “spiritually and creatively,” Casto says, as a neighborhood bar. To Casto, that means good food and good drinks, no matter the time or day.
“This is Tuesday night food, Saturday night food, dinner food, and late night food,” he says. “It works for groups, it works for dates, and it works for sitting at the bar solo.”
Across the menu, bright flavors accent deceptively simple plates—the kind of dishes you’ll want to go back for multiple times a week. There are staples, like a burger and late night hot dog special, but also fresher, seasonal fare. Tomatoes are topped with basil, tomato vinegar, and finely grated Belper Knolle, a truffle-shaped cheese that’s rolled in black pepper, garlic, and Himalayan salt. Chicories are piled high above a bed of celery and mint, finished with a generous dusting of parm and an anchovy vinaigrette. The chicken frites might be the star, though, served with a relish of Jimmy Nardello piperade, crispy fries, and spicy aioli. A slice of the burnt honey, fig, and hazelnut cheesecake is also not to be missed. It’s bar food, yes, but consciously elevated.
“Sorry, we didn’t keep the mac and cheese,” Casto jokes, referring to a favorite menu item from his predecessor.
As for drinks, the cocktails live up to the standard set at Double Dragon, which is to say—top-notch. Double Dragon’s bar manager, Katie Farr, dreamed up this menu, one that’s anchored in classic cocktails with a fun little twist. The names might sound familiar, but the interpretations are creative. Consider the old fashioned, which has Calvados and rye but also introduces pear eau de vie, fig leaf, and oolong tea. Or the daiquiri, which layers multiple aged rums and apple brandy with lime, coconut, pandan, and chai. On opening night, a woman sitting at the bar liked the daiquiri so much, she ordered it three times in a row. I understand why, having had one myself—it’s delightfully layered and refreshing.
Casto had been casually looking for a location for his second project for years. When he saw this one come available, he knew that was it. Having lived within four blocks of the bar for over a decade, Casto has been there for every iteration of the space. He spent his 23rd birthday there, while it was still the Matchbox, and came to opening night of the Richmond Bar after one of his first-ever bartending shifts. Now, he owns the joint.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be the custodian of this place,” Casto says. “It has such a huge impact on what it feels like to live here. I love this neighborhood and feel really really lucky.”
The bar itself is changed only slightly. Casto added a hanging bar, making it easier for his team to maneuver around in the tight space. The original black, leather banquettes still frame the perimeter, but now there’s a sleek, back-to-back booth with soft green tables in the center too.
“Creating cozy nooks and corners in a big square room has been a fun challenge,” Casto says.
The lighting strikes a flattering balance of being perfectly dim and also warm—a mix that can only come from lots of candles and a complete lack of LED bulbs. This is a welcome reprieve from some of the more fluorescent-leaning spaces in the city.
“Lighting and music are often pretty tragic afterthoughts of bars here,” Casto says. “The sound system is great, and we found some really awesome vintage light fixtures to vibe the place out.”
He himself sourced furniture, lighting and other components from collectors around town and by scouring Facebook Marketplace.
Casto also worked with Makrai Crecilius of Totally Fine Designs and Nick Musso of Moose Made for the space’s build out. He and the design team pulled reference images of European bars/cafes, mid-century lounges and diners as inspiration.
“It was important to me that nothing about the space felt ‘new.’ It’s gotta feel real, classic, and lived-in. Finding cool stuff to give the bar personality is my favorite part of the whole thing.”
Landing in such a historic building, especially one with built-in outdoor space, was a lucky get for Casto. He knew the covered patio was a neighborhood gem, so he prioritized keeping it that way. The fire pit may be gone, but in its place there are leafy palms, climbing vines, ferns and fig trees in scalloped ceramic pots—making it feel like a hidden oasis.
“The indoor/outdoor interplay is the best part about Double Dragon,” Casto says. “We were excited to work with Arium Botanicals again to get the patio here feeling just as lush.”
Plus, since the patio’s fully covered and lined with string lights, it can literally weather the changing seasons and dropping temps. Indoor or outdoor, weeknight bite or late night drink, the Richmond Club is ready for it all.
The Richmond Club, 3202 SE Division, open Mon-Sun 4pm-midnight, instagram.com/richmondclubpdx