Bad news about Beaker & Flask. According to people ‘familiar with the matter’, the popular bar and restaurant will not be reopening.
Kevin Ludwig was well known from his longtime position as bartender at Park Kitchen. In 2010 he realized his dream, opening Beaker & Flask on SE Sandy to great fanfare. The restaurant and bar was a favorite of many, both because of the care the bartenders put into their drinks and the culinary skills of the kitchen. At the time it opened I wrote, “Beaker & Flask is a surprise, currently the only bar in Portland where the quality of the food matches the thoughtful detail put into the cocktails.”
I’m sad to see it closed. It’s a little punch in the gut to the Portland food scene. Hopefully Kevin will resurface somewhere. I use some of his drink recipes on a regular basis.
Andy says
Wow, did losing Bettinger really hurt it that much? Or had people just moved onto other cocktail bars?
Food Dude says
No, I don’t think that was part of the reason
Jill-O says
Well, damn, that sucks. sigh.
Amy says
What a bummer. I had heard that, but was hoping it was just a rumor.
JimmyLikesRye says
I’m greatly saddened. This is a serious blow to the PDX cocktail landscape.
Timothy Nishimoto says
I had said since B&F opened that it was my favorite restaurant in Portland for the exact reason you mention; they were as adept in the kitchen as they were behind the bar. There really aren’t many places in town that do awesome cocktails AND interesting, great food across the board, consistently well. Bummer.
The Bonegypsy says
Nicely said, Timothy.
My exact sentiments.
Yeah, went a lot when B. & F. first opened, that beautiful sun set light pouring in on the booths filled with friends with great food to match the cocktails….but it was just a little bit out of the way, a drive, and other neighborhood places popped up that were cheaper and closer.
I wish Kevin well on his next venture…a class act.
hsawtelle says
buzzkill!
hsawtelle says
*Eater* called this post “rumormongering.” HAHAHA!
http://pdx.eater.com/archives/2013/06/28/its-official-beaker-flask-is-now-permanently-closed.php
westwoodguy says
this is so wrong.
very disappointing news.
jimster says
Anyone want to put money on how long it takes for this to become a Chef’s Table joint?
caliente says
Damn. So sad. Beautiful place, great cocktails, have many great memories there.
Best wishes, Kevin. See you at your next venture.