There are a lot of things that Portlanders look forward to during the summer months: 9 p.m. sunsets, patio season, river days. Over the coming months, Portland also has a slate of buzzy new restaurant openings worth getting hyped about, and it’s a doozy
of a lineup. From the first brick-and-mortar location of a beloved smash burger joint to a celeb-backed steakhouse, here are the top restaurant debuts to have on your radar this summer.
The Malarkey
Oregon’s own Brian Malarkey, a prolific restaurateur with a slate of TV credits including being a two-time finalist on Top Chef, is bringing his newest project to the Pearl District. Joining him is Jose “Lalo” Camarena of Metlapíl and República as executive chef and partner and his brother James Malarkey. The Malarkey is a wood-fired steakhouse and seafood grill rooted in Pacific Northwest ingredients and heritage. Hemp-raised beef from Malarkey’s Central Oregon family ranch, geoduck fritters, and raw oysters from the coast, as well as steakhouse classics are on deck, with some Mexican American twists courtesy of Camarena. The design is also supposed to be a standout (those who are familiar with Malarkey’s Bend restaurant, Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, know that Malarkey has a distinctive approach to design), with decor shifting between rooms to evoke different Portland and Pacific Northwest settings like a Chinatown-inspired dining nook or a “psychedelic Pacific Northwest forest.”
Address: 1210 NW Hoyt Street
When: Late-Summer
Sure Shot Burger
What says summer more than burgers and fries? Sure Shot — the popular food cart for crispy smash burgers, crunchy french fries, and Anthora cups loaded with chicken nuggets — has been teasing its upcoming brick-and-mortar location since February. The projected May opening has been pushed back into early summer, which is even more perfect timing. Follow Sure Shot’s Instagram for the latest updates.
Address: 5013 NE 42nd Avenue
When: June
Sushi Fukami
One of the chefs behind the esteemed Nimblefish is launching his own solo venture this summer with a new downtown space: Sushi Fukami. Featuring only eight seats, this intimate, pared-down omakase counter will better allow chef Cody Auger to tailor ingredients, pacing, and guest interactions for a more personal, focused experience. It’s reservation-only as well, so be prepared for a bit of a waitlist once it opens up.
Address: 1128 SW Alder Street
When: July
Portland Mercado
After temporarily shuttering due to a fire in 2024, the Portland Mercado food cart hub is estimating a full reopening at the tail end of summer in September after an ambitious rebuild. The new space will have a rooftop bar and terrace, upgraded commercial spaces with more room for vendors and events, and a commissary kitchen, plus six Latino food-focused carts and trucks. The cart park recently began accepting applications from interested vendors.
Address: 7238 SE Foster Road
When: September
Lucky Duck
While not technically in Portland (you’ll need to drive out to Carlton for this one), this opening is still well worth watching out for. Why? This corner shop cafe and guest house is the latest venture from chef Kari Shaughnessy and Co., the team behind the James Beard-recognized Hayward. Setting up shop in the historic 1910 bank building in Carlton, Lucky Duck will feature a provisions shop for takeaway goodies like pantry staples and meats, and a cafe for coffee and pastries by day and wine and light bites come afternoon and evening. There’s also a courtyard area where that will host seasonal residencies; starting in July, Eater Award-winning Astral is first up.
Address: 119 W Main Street, Carlton
When: July 13
Eldorado
Looking for something to do on a hot summer night? Head to Eldorado. This new nightclub and bar comes from Quinn Matthewstearn, David Hall, and Nate “Theo” Theobald, major movers in the local nightlife scene whose collective resume includes party spots like Jackie’s, Two Wrongs, and Panther Club. Named after the model of Matthewstearn’s first car, Eldorado is set to fill the former home of Dig a Pony and Lollipop Shoppe at Southeast Grand and Morrison. Expect DJ sets, cocktails, wine, and bar food like burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and chicken nuggets from Lo’s Burgers’s Lorenzo de Alicante.
Address: 736 SE Grand Avenue
When: Early summer
Strange-Bird
Strange-Bird, which first launched in 2025 as a food cart in the alley behind Someday bar, is moving into its own permanent location along Southeast Clinton Street. It’ll be setting up shop next to Rhinestone, with a grand opening set for Friday, June 12. Strange-Bird is known for its hand-tossed pizzas and a constantly flexing menu of contemporary American dishes grounded in seasonal ingredients, from salads to rockfish sandwiches.
Address: 2114 SE Clinton Street
When: Friday, June 12
