Dime Store (Portland, Oregon)

The Dime Store was a restaurant housed in the first floor corner of the Medical Dental Building (837 Southwest 11th Avenue) in downtown Portland.{{cite news|last=Bakall|first=Samantha|title=The Dime Store to take over former Leo's Coffee Shop in downtown Portland|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/03/the_dime_store_to_take_over_fo.html|access-date=March 25, 2016|work=The Oregonian|publisher=Advance Publications|issn=8750-1317|location=Portland, Oregon|date=March 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417024255/http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/03/the_dime_store_to_take_over_fo.html|archive-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Jones|first=Allison|title=New Details for Downtown's Dime Store Diner|journal=Portland Monthly|date=May 8, 2014|url=http://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2014/5/8/new-details-for-downtowns-dime-store-diner-may-2014|access-date=March 27, 2016|issn=1546-2765|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408162505/http://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2014/5/8/new-details-for-downtowns-dime-store-diner-may-2014|archive-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=live}} Its menu was created by Claire Miller and included American diner classics such as burgers, ice cream floats, milkshakes, sundaes, and other desserts,{{cite web|last=DeJesus|first=Erin|title=The Dime Store, Downtown's Upscale Diner, Now Open|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/6/5/6211765/the-dime-store-downtowns-upscale-diner-now-open#4140458|website=Eater Portland|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407083058/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/6/5/6211765/the-dime-store-downtowns-upscale-diner-now-open#4140458|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} as well as upscale diner food and healthy food options with a farmers' market influence.{{cite news|last=Bakall|first=Samantha|title=First look: The Dime Store, downtown Portland's 'finer diner'|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/06/first_look_the_dime_store_down.html|access-date=March 25, 2016|work=The Oregonian|date=June 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417111747/http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/06/first_look_the_dime_store_down.html|archive-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=DeJesus|first=Erin|title=Eater Tracking|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/5/9/6227075/eater-tracking|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=May 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407145243/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/5/9/6227075/eater-tracking|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}}

The all-day breakfast menu included buttermilk biscuits and gravy, Water Avenue coffee,{{cite news|last=Cizmar|first=Martin|title=The Dime Store Has Closed|url=http://www.wweek.com/2015/11/24/the-dime-store-has-closed/|access-date=March 26, 2016|work=Willamette Week|publisher=City of Roses Newspapers|location=Portland, Oregon|date=November 24, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329092014/http://www.wweek.com/2015/11/24/the-dime-store-has-closed/|archive-date=March 29, 2016}} fried egg sandwiches, pancakes, and scrambled egg specials. The lunch menu included sandwiches (BLT, club, falafel, grilled cheese, meatloaf), salads, and soups.{{cite news|last=Cizmar|first=Martin|title=Dime Store|url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-22983-dime-store.html|access-date=March 26, 2016|work=Willamette Week|date=August 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082723/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-22983-dime-store.html|archive-date=October 6, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Bamman|first=Mattie John|title=The Dime Store Has Served Its Last Cup of Joe|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2015/11/24/9795740/the-dime-store-closes-downtown-portland|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407130848/http://pdx.eater.com/2015/11/24/9795740/the-dime-store-closes-downtown-portland|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} The Dime Store's weekend brunch menu featured Eggs Benedict, French-style omelettes, and the "Boss-Lady's Breakfast", which included braised greens, fried egg, and sausage. Brunch cocktails included Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Salty Dogs.{{cite web|last=DeJesus|first=Erin|title=Dime Store Brunches; Big-Ass Sandwiches Selling Cart|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/7/14/6187179/dime-store-brunches-big-ass-sandwiches-selling-cart|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407104024/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/7/14/6187179/dime-store-brunches-big-ass-sandwiches-selling-cart|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} Its beer, cocktail, and wine selection was curated by Nick Ramsdell. One milkshake special featured Salt & Straw, a Portland-based artisanal ice cream company.{{cite news|last=Damewood|first=Andrea|title=Putting in Her 10 Cents: Dayna McErlean's Dime Store Diner Delivers|url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/putting-in-her-10-cents/Content?oid=13694454|access-date=March 27, 2016|work=The Portland Mercury|date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408215433/https://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/putting-in-her-10-cents/Content?oid=13694454|archive-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=live}}

The restaurant featured a horseshoe-shaped kiosk-style counter displaying coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and a variety of 25 periodicals supplied by The City Reader, a Modern Newsstand on Southeast Division. It was described as a "shinier" version of the coffee shop which had occupied the same space for thirty years prior, with grey and red linoleum flooring and teal pleather or vinyl seating.

The restaurant replaced Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop, which was owned by Peter and Jane Chan for thirty years. When Leo's closed in February 2014, rumors had already circulated about restaurateur and developer Dayna McErlean's plans to open a more upscale diner.{{cite web|last=DeJesus|first=Erin|title=Dayna McErlean Taking Over Leo's Coffee Shop Space|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/3/19/6259897/dayna-mcerlean-taking-over-leos-coffee-shop-space|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=March 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407092040/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/3/19/6259897/dayna-mcerlean-taking-over-leos-coffee-shop-space|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Beck|first=Byron|author-link=Byron Beck (blogger)|title=Nonna's Dayna McErlean Names Her St. Johns Haunts|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/4/23/6237899/nonnas-dayna-mcerlean-names-her-st-johns-haunts|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=April 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407141304/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/4/23/6237899/nonnas-dayna-mcerlean-names-her-st-johns-haunts|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}}

The Dime Store's concept was created by McErlean and Jeremy Larter, and was inspired by the soda shops they both experienced growing up on the East Coast. Prior to the restaurant's opening, plans were to serve breakfast and lunch during mid-week hours, with the potential to later add happy hour and family-friendly dinner options, as well as outdoor seating. The Dime Store opened in the early summer of 2014 (June–July), with a grand opening on June 16. It began operating with a limited menu during the hours of 7 am to 3 pm; hours were later extended to 6 pm.{{cite web|title=Dime Store|url=http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/oregon/portland/restaurants/reviews/dime-store-610154|publisher=Fodor's|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413023328/http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/oregon/portland/restaurants/reviews/dime-store-610154|archive-date=April 13, 2016|url-status=live}} The restaurant's weekend brunch launched in July, offering a larger menu from 9 am to 3 pm.

{{Multiple image

| total_width = 260

| align =

| direction = vertical

| background color =

| width =

| caption_align =

| image_style =

| image_gap =

| header_background =

| header_align =

| header =

| image1 = Dime Store, PDX, March 2016.jpg

| width1 =

| alt1 =

| link1 = File:Dime Store, PDX, March 2016.jpg

| thumbtime1 =

| caption1 =

| image2 = Dime Store, PDX, 2016.jpg

| width2 =

| alt2 =

| link2 = File:Dime Store, PDX, 2016.jpg

| thumbtime2 =

| caption2 =

| footer_background =

| footer_align =

| footer = The diner's interior in March 2016

}}

The restaurant closed in November 2015. The owners posted online, "It was a hard decision but sadly we have decided to close our doors. Thanks to everyone that's supported us and have dined with us. We will miss you all and happy holidays!" Willamette Week{{'s}} Martin Cizmar attributed the diner's closure to its location and lack of nearby foot traffic. Oregon Liquor Control Commission documentation from March 2016 shows an application for a tradename update to The Daily Feast.{{cite web|title=Weekly Applications Received for Entry Dates: 03/14/2016 Thru 03/17/2016|url=http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/LIC/docs/weekly_applications/2016/weeklyapps_031416_031716.pdf|publisher=Oregon Liquor Control Commission|access-date=March 27, 2016|page=7|date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407115728/http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/LIC/docs/weekly_applications/2016/weeklyapps_031416_031716.pdf|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}}

Fodor's called The Dime Store "bright and hip", offering "office workers and hotel guests a much-appreciated source of seasonally driven, well-prepared comfort fare". Cizmar wrote a positive review of the restaurant in August 2014, in which he paid tribute to Leo's and described his two $1 extras (an egg on his BLT and maple syrup for his pancakes) as "the best two dollars [he] spent all week".{{cite web|last=DeJesus|first=Erin|title=Three Sparklers for Kachka; Brooks Files on Maurice|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/9/2/6163015/three-sparklers-for-kachka-brooks-files-on-maurice|website=Eater Portland|access-date=March 26, 2016|date=September 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407092634/http://pdx.eater.com/2014/9/2/6163015/three-sparklers-for-kachka-brooks-files-on-maurice|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} That same month, Thrillist contributor Drew Tyson included the diner in his list of Portland's eleven best new restaurants, writing:

Billing itself as a "finer diner", this old-school space feels a bit like the diner in Twin Peaks. There's a magazine and candy counter in one corner that no one seems to touch; just quick enough service that once you start questioning whether or not you'll get another cup of coffee, one arrives; plus a menu full of classics. All-in-all it's one of the only places you can go in Downtown and feel like you're transported somewhere else entirely.{{cite web|last=Tyson|first=Drew|title=The 11 Best New Restaurants in Portland|url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/portland/best-new-restaurants-in-portland|publisher=Thrillist Media Group|access-date=March 27, 2016|date=August 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414112233/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/portland/best-new-restaurants-in-portland|archive-date=April 14, 2016|url-status=live}}

The Portland Mercury{{'s}} Andrea Damewood wrote:

Dime Store is its own thing, a great place to grab lemony eggs benedict and a Water Avenue coffee on a Sunday without a massive line. Sure, there's vintage milk bottles as water pitchers, "Hound Dog" blasting from the speakers, and a big-old 1950s vibe going on—but you're not going to feel like some asshat in a retro-themed chain here ... There's no life-changing or avant-garde cooking happening at Dime Store. You won't see coffee mayo and duck bologna like Vitaly Paley's crew puts out at Penny Diner. You won't find the greasy hash browns available at the actual old-school diners. But that's kind of the point. Dime Store is a sweet slice of nostalgia with just the right nod to current dining realities.

In 2015, The Oregonian included the diner's "Dime Burger" as one of five "burger classics" in its list of the city's 100 best "cheap eats".{{cite news|last1=Bakall|first1=Samantha|title=Portland's 100 best Cheap Eats 2015 -- the complete list|url=http://impact.oregonlive.com/portland_cheap_eats/print.html?entry=/2015/04/portlands_100_best_cheap_eats.html|access-date=March 27, 2016|work=The Oregonian|date=April 1, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082717/http://impact.oregonlive.com/portland_cheap_eats/print.html?entry=%2F2015%2F04%2Fportlands_100_best_cheap_eats.html|archive-date=October 6, 2016}} The newspaper later included The Dime Store in its list of the "top 10 Portland restaurant closings of 2015".{{cite news|last1=Rasmussen|first1=Randy|title=The top 10 Portland restaurant closings of 2015: Dime Store -- All-Way|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2015/12/the_top_portland_restaurant_cl.html#1|access-date=March 29, 2016|work=The Oregonian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313013639/http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2015/12/the_top_portland_restaurant_cl.html#1|archive-date=March 13, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Food|Oregon}}

• List of diners

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Dime Store (Portland, Oregon)}}

• {{Official website|http://www.dimestorepdx.com}}
• {{Cite journal|journal=Time Out|url=http://www.timeout.com/portland/restaurants/dime-store|title=Dime Store}}
• {{Cite web|url=http://pdx.eater.com/2014/6/5/6211767/epdx-inside-the-dime-store#4140458|title=EPDX Inside: The Dime Store|website=Eater Portland|first=Erin|last=DeJesus|date=June 5, 2014}}

{{Defunct restaurants in Portland, Oregon}}

{{Good article}}

Category:2014 establishments in Oregon

Category:2015 disestablishments in Oregon

Category:Defunct diners in Oregon

Category:Defunct restaurants in Southwest Portland, Oregon

Category:Diners in Portland, Oregon

Category:Restaurants disestablished in 2015

Category:Restaurants established in 2014