This didn’t last long! I received this note yesterday from the owners of Bamboo Izakaya/Sushi
It is with a great deal of excitement and joy that we let you know about the newest Bamboo Sushi coming to PDX. Before we tell you about the where and when, we also want to let you know about some other business happenings in the Bamboo family.
In October of 2014, the Bamboo team opened Bamboo Izakaya, at 1409 NE Alberta St. Born from a desire to create an authentic Japanese “drinking-house” experience, complete with White-Binchotan charcoal grills and a transportive ambiance, we worked for over two years developing the menu and making trips to Japan to study Izakaya architecture, design, ambiance, food, and of course, drinks. We hired a team of architects and Japanese designers to assist us in the construction of our space and worked to perfect a creative and dynamic menu that would complement this rustic Tokyo-style environment. The goal was a menu that would feel and taste both authentic and yet, uniquely Portland. While our team has truly enjoyed the journey over the last 6 months since we opened, and been so proud of this endeavor, it has come to our attention that we must listen to what our guests and the city of Portland really desires. Each evening since we’ve opened, we receive countless requests for sushi. We kindly let the guests know that sushi is not something that Izakaya offer and that we are sure they will find something to delight their palate at Bamboo Izakaya. Without fail, almost every one of those guests leave to go and find sushi. Overall, the Izakaya, while a fun and delicious concept, does not carry to same appeal that sushi does. Sushi has had over 65 years in the United States to take hold of the American psyche and become one of the most beloved and craved forms of food available, and we are proud to be a part of that tradition with our Bamboo Sushi restaurants in SE and NW. And so, as of today, we are announcing the transition of Bamboo Izakaya and the April 2nd opening of Bamboo Sushi Alberta in its place!
We have not taken this decision lightly and are sad about saying goodbye to the Izakaya for now, but know that it will make a resurgence again sometime down the road. The Izakaya has certainly been fun, and we are excited to be welcoming some new additions to the Bamboo Sushi menu from the Izakaya. We thank you for the support and look forward to bringing our super delicious and sustainable sushi and contemporary Japanese cuisine to the wonderful neighborhood of NE Portland.
1409 NE Alberta st. Portland, or 97211