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This just in: Century Bar says it will actually open a day early to correspond with the NBA finals. So no need to wait until Friday— The doors fly open Thursday, June 16, at 4 p.m.
You didn't think we'd fall for the rumors did you? No, after so many starts and stops, we had to wait until the final inspection was passed and the final T crossed, and the official news just came in from co-owner John Janulis: Century Bar, the latest bar from Portland's Lightning Bar Collective, will open its stadium-like bar and restaurant at 930 SE Sandy Friday, June 17, at 3 p.m Thursday, June 16, at 4 p.m.
Thanks to its unique design and those killer high-def televisions descending from the ceiling, Century Bar is shaping up to be one of the city's top sports bars, even if it can almost instantly transform into a wedding venue or late-night dance party with DJs.
Executive chef Hannah Johnston and general manager Nate VanDeventer have also shared their opening day menus with Eater. An Oregon native, Johnston is a newer chef on the scene, and she has four years cooking experience at Blossoming Lotus. "Everything on the menu can be either meat or vegan," says Johnston, "and I want everything to be comparable. If you get nachos, the chicken and soy-curl versions should taste identical."
Keeping with the stadium theme, much of the food will be handheld to keep from being messy, and the menu features snacks like popcorn and chips and guacamole, along with heftier options like burgers, quesadillas, veggie skewers, and panini.
The slightly South of the Border vibe continues to the cocktails, according to VanDeventer, who says he fell in love with agave spirits during the seven years he worked as bar manager at Casa del Matador. The two full bars at Century Bar stock 52 tequilas and 15 mezcals total, and you'll find 14 taps, three slushy machines, and a solid tallboy selection. When the rooftop opens, which comes with views of downtown, it'll have a partial bar, as well.
"The Neighborhood Kid is our signature drink," says Nate. "It's served in a 24-ounce mason jar. We wanted to use larger glasses so people can watch a whole quarter of a football game without having to get up and go to the bar."
Here are the menus you'll find at Century Bar when it opens Friday tomorrow: