Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

VICTORIA’S NEPHEW

Per https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/01/another_round_of_memories_84_m.html

Victoria's Nephew

In 1974, Englishman Emyln Thomas and former college teacher William Jamison opened a Victorian-themed breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Portland on Southwest Stark Street. The menu featured sandwiches with English names like George III, which was shrimp, avocado, and cream cheese on a Middle Eastern bun. When the weather allowed, the sidewalk tables offered great people-watching. In 1984, Jamison sold his interest in the business to open Jamison/Thomas Gallery (run with Jeffrey Thomas – no relation to Emyln), the legendary Pearl District art gallery, where he founded the First Thursday art walk. The Victoria's Nephew space in the historic Concord Building is now Mothers Bistro & Bar.

212 SW Stark 223-7299 and 409 SW 2nd

Years: 1974 (?) – 1984 at 212 SW Stark (Later became the first location of Mother’s Bistro)

Moved to 409 SW Second 1984-1988

Photo and comment from https://lostoregon.org/2010/05/30/portlands-restaurant-heritage/  Victoria’s Nephew [Mother’s Bistro occupied the space beginning in 2000 until 2019] was, according to them, the only place in town to offer a cappuccino [1979]

Per David Grant Kohl’s book A Curious and Peculiar People, page 195 Fundraising drive with a wine tasting at Victoria’s Nephew.

Ad Below Left is from the Old Portland Today newspaper June 1975. Ad Below Right is from Out and About 1983 booklet. Notice the address – 409 SW Second and Cafe’ is added to the name.

ABOVE: Article in Northwest Gay Review, September 1975

citations & references:

  • Ad in Northwest Gay Review November 1974

  • Mentioned in Northwest Gay Review, June 1975 Visitors Guide to Portland “Victoria’s Nephew 2112 SW Stark.”

  • Per the One Dollar Magazine May 1975 – page 16 “Judicious use of small space, clever design, and wonderful sandwiches make this place second to none for lunch.”

  • Per the One Dollar Magazine July 1975 – page 26 same ad but they added, “Now with Sidewalk Café.”

  • Cited in Jeff Taylor’s Gay Guide for the Pacific Northwest – Summer 1975 edition, page 17 under Restaurants – Open 11 am -4 pm Mon-Fri. Closed weekends. Serving lunch – specializes in soups salads, and sandwiches. Mixed Crowd.

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1977 with notations M – Mixed and R – Restaurant and note: (Open days only – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1978 with notations M – Mixed and R – Restaurant and note: (Open days only – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1979 with notations M – Mixed and R – Restaurant and note: (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1980 or thereafter until 1982

  • Cited in Counseling Center for Sexual Minorities Referral and Resources Book Revised April 1, 1980, under Mixed Restaurants

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1982 with notations (M) (R)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1983 with notations (M) (R)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1984 with notations (M) (R)

  • 409 SW Second – However,  still listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1985 with the location of 312 SW Stark

  • 409 SW Second – However,  still listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986 with the location of 312 SW Stark

  • 409 SW Second – However,  still listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1987 with the location of 312 SW Stark

  • 409 SW Second – However,  still listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1988 with the location of 312 SW Stark

  • Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1989