The American Local Plans to Close After Post-Election Slowdown

Portland locals, say goodbye to beautiful, composed crudos and that one-of-a-kind burger: The American Local will close April 7. Chris Whaley and Jenny Nickolaus announced the restaurant’s impending closure on Facebook “with mixed emotions,” which The Portland Mercury picked up shortly afterward.

The American Local opened in 2014 and was quickly celebrated for its exceptional vegetarian dishes, which stood alongside fish tartares and fried chicken with a touch of Japanese izakaya and Pacific Northwestern produce. The burger is a Portland must-try, made with a blend of dry-aged brisket, short rib, sirloin, and house-made American cheese (who knew that was a thing?).

Eater reached out to The American Local for comment, but so far, no response. In an interview with Ravenous Traveler, however, Nickolaus said, “We just got slower and slower after the election and never really got our balance back.” The two had worked in restaurants across the country and tried to celebrate the best dishes they found along the way. For now, it sounds like the party has come to a close.

• The American Local [Official]
• The American Local [Facebook]
• All American Local coverage [EPDX]
• The American Local Will Close on SE Division on April 7 [Ravenous Traveler]
• The American Local Will Close on April 7 [Portland Mercury]