The Dime Store, Downtown's Upscale Diner, Now Open

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[Avila, 6/5/14]

Dayna McErlean (the restaurateur behind Nonna, DOC, and Yakuza) has spiffed up downtown's former Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop space to soft-open her upscale diner the Dime Store yesterday (nearly two weeks ahead of schedule). The teal swivel chairs at the U-shaped counter nod to the space's Leo days, but the former short-order breakfast menu has been replaced with a new bill of fare by Grain & Gristle alum Claire Miller: Currently, a "limited" menu offers a breakfast sandwich of eggs and hot peppers; biscuits and gravy; and buttermilk pancakes with honey butter. Lunch keeps it simple with soups, salads, and sandwiches: a house club, meatloaf with bacon and red onion jam, and yes, a burger.
Harking to old school soda fountains, the Dime Store offers malted shakes, cake and pie by the slice, and an in-shop newsstand selling magazines for counter reading (or grab-and-go purchasing for that MAX ride home). The Dime Store is open now for breakfast and lunch (7a.m. to 3p.m.), with dinner and drinks "coming soon" (the spot plans a grand opening on June 16).
· The Dime Store [Official site]
· All Previous Dime Store Coverage [Eater PDX]