One of America’s great cheese shops is closing for good after the holidays.

“If you have enjoyed purchasing holiday treats for friends and family from Cheese Bar or Steve’s Cheese over the last 15 years, this will be your last chance,” writes Steve Jones.

World Champion Cheesemonger Steve Jones opened Cheese Bar in 2010 and before that he operated Steve’s Cheese in downtown Portland. His repertoire goes beyond cheese, as an ambassador for craft beer and it’s complimentary cheese pairings Jones has become known as one of the preeminent pairing masters. Jones co-founded the Portland Beer and Cheese Festival in 2011 and has spoke extensively about beer and cheese at conferences, seminars and dinners. He even co-wrote a book about it called Cheese Beer Wine Cider: A Field Guide to 75 Perfect Pairings that came out in 2019. And you may remember his downtown Portland spot Chizu or the Cheese Annex window at The Commons Brewery.

“After almost 16 years of independent operation we have decided to close shop and move onto other opportunities. We will run through the holidays fully stocked and staffed to serve you as we always have. There are special holiday preorders heading our way, and we plan on going full steam ahead into the New Year. As of January 11th (through the 24th) we will start our going out of business sale for all remaining cheese, cured meats, wine, beer, cider, dry goods, and restaurant equipment,” writes Jones.

Cheese Bar is much more than a cheese shop, as it’s name suggests, it is also a beer and wine bar with an eclectic stock of bottles. When not at Cheese Bar, you can probably find Jones at Belmont Station where he is regularly trying the latest and greatest beers and always on the look out for the more eccentric offerings that pair well with food.

”It’s been our pleasure serving our neighborhood and Portland over the years, and I will miss the day to day aspects of running a small business and seeing our customers on a regular basis. We thank you all for everything and will keep you in the loop for future cheese adventures. Let’s have a great final lap together!” - Cheese Bar is signing off.

CHEESE BAR
6031 SE Belmont Street,
Portland, OR 97215