Trader Vic’s Returns to Portland, OR: Bringing a New Approach to a Timeless Concept

This iconic Polynesian restaurant offers an authentic tropical environment and a place for Portlanders to get away from it all...after this rainy summer...we need to "feel" sunny!
 

Phoenix Trader Vic's Dining Area

This July 26th the the legendary Trader Vic’s restaurant and Tiki lounge will return to Portland for the first time in more than 20 years.  Located in the heart of the trendy Pearl District, the new Trader Vic’s is sure to become a favorite oasis for Portlanders looking to celebrate the sun, escape the rain and enjoy a taste of the tropics.

Defined by authentic island décor, innovative mixology, eclectic Polynesian-style cuisine and impeccable service, Trader Vic’s has played a pivotal role in the Tiki culture since its beginnings in the early 1930s. Today the family-run business is headed by “Trader” Vic Bergeron’s grandson, Peter Seely, who honors his grandfather’s legacy by infusing the Trader’s time-tested formula with an exotic and contemporary menu and an approach that’s sure to put a smile on the faces of past and future beach bums,jet-setters, lounge lizards, Tiki aficionados and lovers of all things delicious.

The Original Trader Vic's in the Benson Hotel, Portland OR

“Our goal today is the same as it always has been – to create a tropical refuge where people can escape for a few hours and immerse themselves in the island mindset,” said Seely. “The essence of Trader Vic’s remains unchanged, but we’ve updated our style, sophistication and energy level to extend our appeal to next-generation diners. The new Portland location will provide a shining example of modern Tiki and today’s Trader Vic’s at its finest.”


The restaurant’s Polynesian décor evokes visions of paradise. The new Portland location will showcase tribal masks, Tiki carvings, tapa cloth and woven grasswall coverings as well as other indigenous art and artifacts collected by the Bergeron family over the past 75 years.
 

As the inventor of the quintessential Tiki beverage, the Mai Tai, the Trader’s dedication to the art of the perfectly executed cocktail has become a foundational part of the company’s heritage.  Bartenders in Trader Vic’s Tiki lounges around the world continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in search of the next classic. The expansive Portland lounge will feature an extensive collection of more than 80 hand-crafted tropical drinks, including one yet-to-be-developed “PDX” concoction that will be available on a “locals only” basis.

“Like the décor, our menu pulls in elements from many different cultures, and that’s what makes it unique,” said Seely. “We encourage our chefs around the world to continue that tradition by incorporating local flavors into their restaurants.  With so many fresh, local ingredients to choose from, the possibilities are endless.”

Sample Dishes: Cosmo Tidbits For Two – BBQ Spareribs, Crab Rangoon, Crispy Prawns, Sliced Chars Sui Pork; Ahi Poke – sushi-grade tuna, soy chili dressing, avocado, taro chips; Misty Mountain Mushroom Roll – Misty Mountain organic mushrooms, lumpiapaper, Fraga Farms goat cheese, Sriracha, coriander; Cedar Plank Salmon – artichoke hearts, aged balsamic spinach, thyme-roasted fingerlings; Trader Vic’s Crispy Duck – half aromatic duck, mu shu pancakes, cucumber, scallions, duck sauce; Fulton Farms 8-oz Filet – all-natural grass-fed beef tenderloin, Misty Mountain organic wild mushroom ragout; Cowboy Ribeye – 20-oz Fulton Farms steak, Hawaiian sea salt crust, house butter, broccolini; Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi – wasabi potato puree, citrus butter, asparagus spears, charred pepper coulis; Indonesian Lamb Loin Chop – Anderson Ranch organic marinated lamb, Bali fried rice, trio of sauces; Banana Trio – Bananas Foster, frozen chocolate banana pop, banana fritter; Flourless Chocolate Tart – olive oil, macadamia salt, sun-dried chocolate-dipped mango.

Price Ranges: Tidbits and Pupus: $7 – $15. Menehune Plates: $9 – $16. Entrees: $24 – $42.
Desserts: $8.

Cocktails: As the inventor of the quintessential tiki beverage, the Mai Tai, Vic Bergeron’s dedication to the art of the perfectly executed tropical cocktail is the foundation of the Trader Vic’s brand and is still upheld today. Cocktails are largely rum- and fruit juice-based, though with more than 80 choices on the menu there is something for everyone. All drinks are handcrafted using the best available ingredients. They are elaborately garnished and served in a variety of unique drinking vessels. Many are meant to be enjoyed communally and come in large bowls with multiple straws.

Cocktail Highlights: Tiki bar classics including the Mai Tai, Samoan Fog Cutter, Scorpion,Suffering Bastard, Tiki Puka Puka and Zombie. Party Libations to be enjoyed by 2 to 4 people include the Scorpion Bowl, Rum Keg, Tiki Bowl and Rum Giggle. Warm toddies and after-dinner drinks include Trader Vic’s Hot Butter Rum, Kave La Te and the Tahitian Mudslide.

Wine and Beer: A broad selection of wine and beer, with an emphasis on the Pacific NW.

Price Ranges: Trader Vic’s cocktails: $8 – $12. Well drinks: $6. Beer: $4 – $5.

Wine (bottle): $25 and up.

Hours: 3 p.m. – midnight, Monday – Thursday; 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Happy Hour: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. until closing.

Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Reservations: Gladly accepted for individuals or groups of any size.
Credit Cards: All major credit cards, traveler’s checks, cash.
Seats: 250, with private dining and outdoor seating available.
Parties: Large groups, private events and off-site parties welcome. Seating for up to 50 in the private dining room (the Kon Tiki Room).
Parking: Metered street parking and valet.

The original Portland Trader Vic’s operated in the Benson Hotel from 1959 to 1996.The new restaurant is located at 1203 NW Glisan St.

 

To learn more, visit www.tradervicsportland.com, www.facebook.com/vicspdx or www.twitter.com/tradervicspdx.