One of Portland's stalwart Italian dining rooms is heading for a second farewell. 3 Doors Down Cafe, a Hawthorne-area fixture that first opened in 1994, will close again in late February or March, owner Dave Marth confirmed. The decision follows a brief comeback after the restaurant unexpectedly shut down last fall.
Owners Cite Rising Costs In Second Shutdown
In a news release, the owners pointed to the rising costs of running a small, independently owned restaurant as the reason for calling it quits, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The statement also invited longtime regulars to “stop by, share memories, and enjoy a final meal together.” The release set the final-service window for sometime in late February or March, without naming a specific last day.
From Sudden Shutter To Short-Lived Comeback
The cafe abruptly closed without notice in November 2024, a disappearance that showed up in local closure roundups from Eater Portland. It returned to the neighborhood in May/June 2025 under a revived team led by Marth, as first reported by Bridgetown Bites. The quick turnaround made clear how attached diners were to the restaurant's familiar pastas and cocktails, even if the comeback now looks more like an encore than a full new run.
A Neighborhood Mainstay’s Long Run
3 Doors Down was founded by Marth and Kathy Bergin in 1994 and grew into a Hawthorne-area fixture known for hearty Italian comfort food and strong drinks. The restaurant changed hands in 2019 when Michael Galloway and Jeff Saulsbury bought the business, according to the Portland Mercury. Even in recent years, local guides have continued to highlight the place for its menu legacy, with longtime fans pointing to staples like penne alla vodka and the bar's martinis as defining dishes, per PDX Monthly.
What The Closure Says About Portland Dining
3 Doors Down's second shutdown lands amid a broader wave of high-profile restaurant closures in Portland, as operators wrestle with higher food and labor costs and shifting foot traffic. Outlets including Eater Portland have tracked the churn, noting that even long-established spots are not immune. Industry observers say the losses are reshaping where Portlanders go for weeknight dinners and special-occasion splurges.
Marth's statement ended on a nostalgic note, urging supporters to “stop by, share memories, and enjoy a final meal together,” according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The restaurant has not yet listed an exact final day of service, beyond the late February or March window. We will share confirmed dates once they are announced.
