The beloved McMenamins Rams Head pub, a fixture in Northwest Portland for the past 35 years, is preparing to close its doors for good. The company made the announcement yesterday, much to the chagrin of loyal patrons. Situated at 2282 NW Hoyt St., the Rams Head has stood as a testament to the vibrant history and culture of Portland's Nob Hill neighborhood. According to KOIN, the venue will remain open until June, culminating in a farewell party to celebrate its storied history.
Additional details were provided on the company's Instagram post, captured by OregonLive, revealing that "After 35 years, McMenamins has decided not to renew the lease at the Rams Head location in NW Portland." The post encourages the community to cherish the upcoming months before the closure, allowing them to visit the "iconic NW 23rd gem" one last time and obtain their final Rams Head Passport stamps.
Aspects of the McMenamins experience are set to change with the pub's closure. The McMenamins Passport program, a fan-favorite scavenger hunt of sorts for the franchise's numerous locations, is losing one of its key stamps. The Rams Head stamp, a badge of honor for Passport holders, will be retired after the pub closes its doors. Future printings of the Passport will no longer include the space from page 9 dedicated to the Rams Head, as mentioned by KATU. Current Passport holders are urged to collect their stamp before it becomes a piece of Portland nostalgia.
The McMenamins franchise has long been revered for its unique approach to creating immersive, historically rich environments that resonate with residents and visitors alike. As noted in their Instagram announcement, while the lease isn't up until June, there's an evident acknowledgment from McMenamins of the space Rams Head has held in the hearts of those it served. They invite one and all to say their farewells and get that last stamp, enshrining a chapter of Portland's history that is closing too soon.
