McMenamins to close Northwest Portland pub after 35 years

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — McMenamins is closing its Rams Head pub in Northwest Portland, the company announced on Feb. 17.

The Ram’s Head, located at 2282 NW Hoyt St., will remain open until June, when McMenamins says it will throw a farewell party for the location.

“After 35 years, McMenamins has decided not to renew the lease at the Rams Head location in NW Portland,” the company shared on social media. “Don't worry, the lease isn't up until June, so you have the next few months to say your goodbyes to this iconic NW 23rd gem.”

Like many McMenamins properties, the building that houses the Rams Head has a rich history.

“Housed in the historic Campbell Building, the Rams Head was once the Campbell’s dining room — and one of Portland’s biggest speakeasies,” McMenamins website states. “During Prohibition, the dining room served gallons of ‘coffee’ (read: booze), as cocktails were served discreetly in coffee cups — it was an upscale joint, after all. Liquor shipments were disguised as vegetable deliveries, and the popular 1920s spot was lively with jazz, swing and the occasional Hawaiian music night. For a dollar, you could order the Dixie Dinner featuring appetizers, fried chicken, country gravy, corn, red peppers, sweet potatoes, ‘Dixie salad,’ biscuits and a mint julep dessert.”

The Rams Head is one of multiple locations that McMenamins operates in Northwest Portland, including McMenamins Tavern & Pool, 23rd Ave. Bottle Shop, Blue Moon Tavern & Grill and the Mission Theater.