Lunch at Sizzle Pie (East). [Photograph: Jim Bonomo]
The pizza scene in Portland has been fairly stationary since the much-hyped New Year's Eve opening of East Burnside's Sizzle Pie. As we approach Sizzle's one year anniversary, a second location is preparing to open in southwest Portland, and the overall pizza landscape in Portland has encountered a rapid growth spurt. Here's what's on the horizon:
Sizzle Pie West
Supposedly opening in "a few more weeks" according to their Twitter feed, Powell's Books' new neighbor will be occupying the old Rocco's space. Late hours and vegan options are a perfect match for this hipster/tourist epicenter. (949 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR; map)
Oven and Shaker
Opened for previews on November 25th, Cathy Whims' (Nostrana) new pizza and cocktail joint will abandon the trademark traditional, artisan scissor-cut pie for a more experimental thin-crust playing field. Expect pizza to be front-and-center at this new location. (1134 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR; map)
Fire on the Mountain 3
The classic Portland wing joint has opened a third location in Northeast which features both classic and wing-themed pies. They will also be brewing beer and offering calzones at this new FotM outpost. (3443 NE 57th Avenue, Portland, OR; map)
Via Tribunali
The Seattle-based chain has recently brought its Neapolitan wood-fired pizza to Portland's Old Town. The cozy location features an "upstairs mezzanine with a great view of the pizza-slinging action." (208 SW Ankeny Street, Portland, OR; map)
Pizza Contadino
St. Johns' mysterious pizza cart has been busy as of late. They've finally established a real website, expanded their hours, updated their blog, and changed location. (N Charleston and Lombard Street, Portland, OR; map)
Via Chicago
The Chicago-inspired farmers' market pizza stand previously reviewed on Slice will be opening a bricks-and-mortar establishment this spring which will feature a take-home beer shop. (Location TBD)
Lonesome's Pizza
What once was a late-night take-out outfit with no storefront
is transforming in to a sit-down pizzeria. According to the Oregonian, Lonesome's will be opening a new location inside the Grove Hotel downtown this spring. (421 W Burnside Street, Portland, OR; map)
Never fear, Slice will be providing all relevant coverage of these establishments in the coming year.