Dime Store (Portland, Oregon)

Last updated
The Dime Store
The Dime Store logo, Portland, Oregon.jpg
Dime Store, closed, 2016.jpg
The restaurant's exterior in March 2016, after closing in November 2015
Dime Store (Portland, Oregon)
Restaurant information
Established2014 (2014)
ClosedNovember 2015 (2015-11)
Previous owner(s)Dayna McErlean
Food type American
Dress codeCasual [1]
Street address837 SW 11th Avenue
City Portland
County Multnomah
State Oregon
Postal/ZIP Code97205
CountryUnited States
Coordinates 45°31′09″N122°41′02″W / 45.51909°N 122.68400°W / 45.51909; -122.68400
ReservationsNo
Website dimestorepdx.com

The Dime Store was a short-lived restaurant in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It was established by Dayna McErlean, with additional conceptual development from Jeremy Larter. The restaurant opened in 2014, replacing Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop, a diner which had operated for thirty years. The Dime Store's menu included diner classics such as burgers and milkshakes, along with all-day breakfast and weekend brunch specials. Despite receiving a positive critical reception, the restaurant closed in November 2015.

Contents

Description

The Dime Store was housed in downtown Portland's Medical Dental Building (pictured in 2012). Medical Dental Building, Portland, Oregon (2012) - 14.JPG
The Dime Store was housed in downtown Portland's Medical Dental Building (pictured in 2012).

The Dime Store was a restaurant housed in the first floor corner of the Medical Dental Building (837 Southwest 11th Avenue) in downtown Portland. [2] [3] Its menu was created by Claire Miller and included American diner classics such as burgers, ice cream floats, milkshakes, sundaes, and other desserts, [4] as well as upscale diner food and healthy food options with a farmers' market influence. [2] [5] [6]

The all-day breakfast menu included buttermilk biscuits and gravy, Water Avenue coffee, [7] fried egg sandwiches, pancakes, and scrambled egg specials. The lunch menu included sandwiches (BLT, club, [4] falafel, grilled cheese, meatloaf), salads, and soups. [5] [8] [9] The Dime Store's weekend brunch menu featured Eggs Benedict, French-style omelettes, and the "Boss-Lady's Breakfast", which included braised greens, fried egg, and sausage. Brunch cocktails included Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Salty Dogs. [10] Its beer, cocktail, and wine selection was curated by Nick Ramsdell. [5] One milkshake special featured Salt & Straw, a Portland-based artisanal ice cream company. [11]

The restaurant featured a horseshoe-shaped kiosk-style counter displaying coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and a variety of 25 periodicals supplied by The City Reader, a Modern Newsstand on Southeast Division. [2] [5] It was described as a "shinier" version of the coffee shop which had occupied the same space for thirty years prior, with grey and red linoleum flooring and teal pleather or vinyl seating. [5] [8]

History

The restaurant replaced Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop, which was owned by Peter and Jane Chan for thirty years. [2] [8] When Leo's closed in February 2014, rumors had already circulated about restaurateur and developer Dayna McErlean's plans to open a more upscale diner. [12] [13] The Dime Store's concept was created by McErlean and Jeremy Larter, and was inspired by the soda shops they both experienced growing up on the East Coast. Prior to the restaurant's opening, plans were to serve breakfast and lunch during mid-week hours, with the potential to later add happy hour and family-friendly dinner options, as well as outdoor seating. [2] [3]

Dime Store, PDX, March 2016.jpg
Dime Store, PDX, 2016.jpg
The diner's interior in March 2016

The Dime Store opened in the early summer of 2014 (June–July), with a grand opening on June 16. [4] [5] [9] It began operating with a limited menu during the hours of 7am to 3pm; [4] hours were later extended to 6pm. [1] The restaurant's weekend brunch launched in July, offering a larger menu from 9am to 3pm. [10]

The restaurant closed in November 2015. The owners posted online, "It was a hard decision but sadly we have decided to close our doors. Thanks to everyone that's supported us and have dined with us. We will miss you all and happy holidays!" [7] Willamette Week 's Martin Cizmar attributed the diner's closure to its location and lack of nearby foot traffic. [7] Oregon Liquor Control Commission documentation from March 2016 shows an application for a tradename update to The Daily Feast. [14]

Reception

Fodor's called The Dime Store "bright and hip", offering "office workers and hotel guests a much-appreciated source of seasonally driven, well-prepared comfort fare". [1] Cizmar wrote a positive review of the restaurant in August 2014, in which he paid tribute to Leo's and described his two $1 extras (an egg on his BLT and maple syrup for his pancakes) as "the best two dollars [he] spent all week". [8] [15] That same month, Thrillist contributor Drew Tyson included the diner in his list of the "11 Best New Restaurants in Portland", writing:

Billing itself as a "finer diner", this old-school space feels a bit like the diner in Twin Peaks. There's a magazine and candy counter in one corner that no one seems to touch; just quick enough service that once you start questioning whether or not you'll get another cup of coffee, one arrives; plus a menu full of classics. All-in-all it's one of the only places you can go in Downtown and feel like you're transported somewhere else entirely. [16]

The Portland Mercury 's Andrea Damewood wrote:

Dime Store is its own thing, a great place to grab lemony eggs benedict and a Water Avenue coffee on a Sunday without a massive line. Sure, there's vintage milk bottles as water pitchers, "Hound Dog" blasting from the speakers, and a big-old 1950s vibe going on—but you're not going to feel like some asshat in a retro-themed chain here ... There's no life-changing or avant-garde cooking happening at Dime Store. You won't see coffee mayo and duck bologna like Vitaly Paley's crew puts out at Penny Diner. You won't find the greasy hash browns available at the actual old-school diners. But that's kind of the point. Dime Store is a sweet slice of nostalgia with just the right nod to current dining realities. [11]

In 2015, The Oregonian included the diner's "Dime Burger" as one of five "burger classics" in its list of the city's "100 best Cheap Eats". [17] The newspaper later included The Dime Store in its list of the "top 10 Portland restaurant closings of 2015". [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Woodsman Tavern</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Woodsman Tavern is a restaurant in the Richmond neighborhood of southeast Portland, Oregon, in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irving Street Kitchen</span> Defunct restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Irving Street Kitchen was a restaurant serving American cuisine in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, in the United States. Conceived by Doug Washington, Mitch Rosenthal and Steve Rosenthal as their interpretation on American cuisine with a Southern influence, it opened on May 6, 2010. With executive chef Sarah Schafer, Irving Street Kitchen added to their serving hours over the years, opening up for lunch and brunch. The restaurant also shifted towards casual dining in 2019, revamping its menu and ambiance. Irving Street Kitchen ultimately closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Parish</span> Defunct restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Parish was a Cajun, Louisiana Creole, and seafood restaurant in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, in the United States. It was opened by Tobias Hogan and Ethan Powell in 2012, and became known for its oysters. In 2015, the restaurant was split in half, and one side of the space began serving brunch, lunch, and happy hour as the Palmetto Cafe. The Palmetto was converted into a private event space and pop-up restaurant in February 2016, and The Parish closed abruptly in September of that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nostrana (restaurant)</span> Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Nostrana is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria in southeast Portland, Oregon, United States. Cathy Whims opened the restaurant in 2005 and serves as chef and owner. Nostrana serves classic Italian cuisine and has been dubbed "Portland's capital of the Negroni". The restaurant has received a generally positive reception, especially for its pizzas and happy hour menu. In 2018, Whims opened the European wine bar Enoteca Nostrana next door to the restaurant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Goose (restaurant)</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Goose, formerly The Blue Goose, is a New Mexican, Southwestern, and Tex-Mex restaurant in southeast Portland, Oregon, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boxer Ramen</span> Chain of ramen restaurants in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Boxer Ramen is a small chain of ramen restaurants in Portland, Oregon, United States. Micah Camden and Katie Poppe opened the original 30-seat restaurant in 2013, followed by a second in January 2015. Matt Lynch and Chris Thornton have since joined as partners. Boxer Ramen opened a third, fourth, and fifth location in March 2016, December 2017, and 2018, respectively. All of the restaurants closed temporarily in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the two most recent closures have been converted into other restaurants operated in part by Camden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman Candle (Portland, Oregon)</span> Defunct bakery and pizzeria in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Roman Candle Baking Co., or simply Roman Candle, was a bakery and pizzeria–restaurant in the Richmond neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Duane Sorenson opened Roman Candle in 2013, with a menu offering wood-fired pizza and other Italian cuisine, including sandwiches, breads, green salads, pastries, and baked potatoes. Dan Griffin and Joshua McFadden served as the baker and chef, respectively. The bakery started supplying select menu items to Sorenson's Stumptown Coffee Roasters locations in late 2015. Roman Candle received a generally positive reception, with the pizzas and kouign-amann receiving the most praise. The restaurant closed in April 2018 for renovations, ahead of a rebrand as a gluten-free and vegan cafe called Holiday, which Sorenson launched one month later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brix Tavern</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Brix Tavern is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, in the United States, that serves American cuisine. The 150-seat restaurant was opened in April 2011 by Urban Restaurant Group and offers a menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, rotisserie meats, and other comfort foods. Brix has hosted and participated in special events, and has received a generally positive reception; compliments are most often given for happy hour menu options.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Original Dinerant</span> Diner in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Original Dinerant, or simply The Original, is a diner serving American cuisine in Portland, Oregon, United States. Owned by Sage Hospitality Resources, Guy Fieri visited the "modern" and "upscale" diner to film a 2016 episode of the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The diner has hosted competitive eating contests and other special events. The Original has received a generally positive reception and is most known for its glazed doughnut sliders and alcoholic milkshakes. The restaurant's mezzanine level has an amusement arcade and bar called The Dinercade added in early 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuller's Coffee Shop</span> Diner in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Fuller's Coffee Shop is a diner serving standard American cuisine in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District, in the United States. Established in 1947, the restaurant has operated from its location in downtown Portland since 1960. It serves breakfast all day, and the menu features a cheeseburger with a recipe that has not changed since the diner's establishment. Described as a greasy spoon, Fuller's has received a generally positive reception, and appeared in an episode of the television series Grimm in 2017. Founded by Jack Fuller, the diner was later owned by his son John then by Urban Restaurant Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tin Shed Garden Cafe</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Tin Shed Garden Cafe, or simply Tin Shed, is a lesbian-owned restaurant in Portland, Oregon's King neighborhood, in the United States. Co-owned by Christie Griffin and Janette Kaden, the dog-friendly café opened in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arleta Library Bakery & Cafe</span> Defunct restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Arleta Library Bakery & Cafe was a restaurant located in Portland, Oregon, United States. The business operated in the Mt. Scott-Arleta district of southeast Portland for approximately fifteen years; owners Sarah and Nick Iannarone established Arleta in 2005 and it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guy Fieri visited the restaurant for an episode of the Food Network's television show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dig a Pony (bar)</span> Bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Dig a Pony (DAP) was a bar and restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Named after the Beatles' song of the same name, the business opened in mid 2011. Dig a Pony closed in June 2022, following an ownership change.

Sunshine Tavern was a restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Seasons and Regions Seafood Grill is a seafood restaurant in Portland, Oregon, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shut Up and Eat</span> Defunct restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Shut Up and Eat was a sandwich shop in Portland, Oregon. The business was established as a food cart in 2010 by John Fimmano and Glenn Hollenbeck, and later became a brick and mortar operation in 2012. Shut Up and Eat garnered a positive reception before closing in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauretta Jean's</span> Bakery in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Lauretta Jean's is a bakery and pie shop with two locations in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TarBoush (restaurant)</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

TarBoush Lebanese Bistro and Bar, or simply TarBoush, is a Lebanese restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ya Hala</span> Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine, or simply Ya Hala, is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant in Portland, Oregon, United States. The business was established as a deli counter in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cibo (restaurant)</span> Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Cibo is an Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Dime Store". Fodor's. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Bakall, Samantha (March 19, 2014). "The Dime Store to take over former Leo's Coffee Shop in downtown Portland". The Oregonian . Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN   8750-1317. Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  3. 1 2 Jones, Allison (May 8, 2014). "New Details for Downtown's Dime Store Diner". Portland Monthly . ISSN   1546-2765. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 DeJesus, Erin (June 5, 2014). "The Dime Store, Downtown's Upscale Diner, Now Open". Eater Portland . Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bakall, Samantha (June 4, 2014). "First look: The Dime Store, downtown Portland's 'finer diner'". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  6. ↑ DeJesus, Erin (May 9, 2014). "Eater Tracking". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 Cizmar, Martin (November 24, 2015). "The Dime Store Has Closed". Willamette Week . Portland, Oregon: City of Roses Newspapers. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Cizmar, Martin (August 26, 2014). "Dime Store". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  9. 1 2 Bamman, Mattie John (November 24, 2015). "The Dime Store Has Served Its Last Cup of Joe". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  10. 1 2 DeJesus, Erin (July 14, 2014). "Dime Store Brunches; Big-Ass Sandwiches Selling Cart". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  11. 1 2 Damewood, Andrea (October 1, 2014). "Putting in Her 10 Cents: Dayna McErlean's Dime Store Diner Delivers". The Portland Mercury. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  12. ↑ DeJesus, Erin (March 19, 2014). "Dayna McErlean Taking Over Leo's Coffee Shop Space". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  13. ↑ Beck, Byron (April 23, 2014). "Nonna's Dayna McErlean Names Her St. Johns Haunts". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Weekly Applications Received for Entry Dates: 03/14/2016 Thru 03/17/2016" (PDF). Oregon Liquor Control Commission. March 17, 2016. p. 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  15. ↑ DeJesus, Erin (September 2, 2014). "Three Sparklers for Kachka; Brooks Files on Maurice". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  16. ↑ Tyson, Drew (August 27, 2014). "The 11 Best New Restaurants in Portland". Thrillist Media Group. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  17. ↑ Bakall, Samantha (April 1, 2015). "Portland's 100 best Cheap Eats 2015 -- the complete list". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  18. ↑ Rasmussen, Randy. "The top 10 Portland restaurant closings of 2015: Dime Store -- All-Way". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 13, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2016.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.