North Portland’s new Southern soul and Italian fusion dive bar ‘Pomalo’
Pomalo Bar, the newest bar on Lombard Street, will open its doors to the North Portland community on December 4, 2025, offering a neighborhood-first experience that blends dive bar roots with thoughtful, elevated touches.
Pomalo is designed to be, first and foremost, a place for the neighbors. A go-to spot for warmth, comfort, and a good night out. It’s a place where locals can enjoy everything from affordable beers to craft cocktails and a few wine pours recommended by a neighboring wine shop. The design honors the previous bar’s history while introducing modern updates, creating a welcoming environment for both longtime regulars and newcomers. The goal is simple: to offer North Portland a destination where good food, drinks, music, and conversation can be enjoyed “little by little.”
Rooted in the philosophy of “Pomalo,” a Croatian term meaning “little by little,” the bar embodies a slower, more mindful approach to life.
According to owner Mary Caballero, "My father’s family is from the Croatian islands, and pomalo is an approach to life that I really appreciate. After spending the past year listening to the neighborhood and learning what people really want, we set out to create a place where you can just take your time with life. Whether you’ve been part of this community for decades or you’re discovering North Portland for the first time, we want this to feel like a place where you can slow down, feel welcome, and simply be yourself.”
The bar’s menu reflects a mix of Southern soul and Italian fusion, with approachable pricing alongside premium offerings. Complemented by live R&B, soul, and jazz, Pomalo aims to create moments of connection where laughter hums, glasses clink, and stories are shared over thoughtfully crafted drinks and dishes.
About Pomalo
Pomalo is a neighborhood bar in North Portland inspired by the Croatian philosophy of “little by little”. Rooted in dive bar tradition and modern comfort, Pomalo offers a warm, welcoming space where locals and newcomers alike can enjoy great food, craft cocktails, and live music. Pomalo is a place to slow down, connect, and savor life one moment at a time.
Grand Opening: December 4, 2025
Hours: SUN/M/W/TH: 4pm - 12am
FRI/SAT: 4pm -1am
TUES: closed
Location: 5903 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Instagram: @pomalobarpdx

