A new bar from Sesame Hospitality is coming to Slabtown, according to the Portland Business Journal. The upcoming bar, Angelina’s, harkens back to the fern bars of the 1960s and 70s.
Fern bars gained popularity in the 60s, upscale spaces geared toward young, single crowds, women in particular. Three decades post-Prohibition, the culture was still figuring out what, where and how they wanted to drink. Adorned with greenery (ferns, specifically), these cozy spaces were an early answer.
And fun fact: Before the bottomless mozzarella sticks and Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martinis, T.G.I. Friday’s was founded in New York’s Upper East Side as one of the first major fern bars.
Angelina’s is opening in the former Cosube space on 1580 N.W. 21st Ave, a 2,800-square-foot space seating 76 people indoors and an additional 30-seat outdoor heated patio space.
The beverage selection, curated by beverage director Joanna Scarpelli, will largely consist of local wines in addition to a cocktail menu. Designed by executive chef Adam Demaris, who was previously the chef de cuisine of Achilles Heel, Angelina’s offers an Italian-leaning menu of polenta breads and house-made pasts with some additional shareable plates.
Angelina’s is the sixth location for the Mediterranean-focused Sesame Hospitality, helmed by Kasey Mills and Laura Amas. The group is also behind Mediterranean Exploration Company, Shalom Y’all, Yalla and Bless Your Heart Burgers. Most recently, Sesame Hospitality opened Dolly Olive in the West End.
Angelina’s is aiming for a summer 2026 opening.
