North Portland Bar Liberty Glass, a Neighborhood Institution, Will Permanently Close

Tucked down at the bottom of Mississippi Avenue, Liberty Glass stood as a neighborhood haunt for more than a decade. Housed in a two-story Victorian home, the bar served comfort food and brunch, hosted events like drag bingo, and offered drink service into the early morning hours. But on May 1, the bar will close permanently, citing financial uncertainty due to COVID-19 concerns.

Like every other place in town, the Liberty Glass closed its dining room on March 17 in accordance with the executive order from Gov. Kate Brown. For a while, the bar stayed partially open with to-go orders, including sandwiches and growlers of beer, as well as merchandise sales with proceeds going to staff. However, on Thursday afternoon, an owner took to Instagram to post the news of its closure. “Portland, the bad news is we’re closing down permanently May 1,” the post reads. “The uncertainty surrounding the Corona Virus (sic) has brought a few things into focus for me, financial security and time with my family are necessary for my happiness.”

Fans and regulars of the establishment have commented with their condolences and shared memories of the bar on social media. As restaurants remain closed and financial aid attempts stall, these closing stories will become increasingly commonplace.

Eater has attempted to contact Liberty Glass’s owners, but the phone line has already been disconnected.

• Liberty Glass [Official]
• Oregon Orders Closure of All Bars and Restaurant Dining Rooms [EPDX]
• Federal Small Business Bailout Fund Has Run Out of Money [Eater]
• How Coronavirus Is Impacting the Portland Restaurant World [EPDX]