The renowned Portland restaurant República, known for its Mexico-forward tasting menu, is set to close its doors for good on February 21st. This decision comes as a shock to many, as the restaurant had become a staple in the city's culinary scene. Co-owners Angel Medina and Olivia Bartruff announced the closure on Substack, citing multiple factors for their difficult choice.
Medina attributed the closure to a combination of events, including the 2024 election of Donald Trump, a significant drop in reservations during the spring, and personal concerns for the safety of his staff due to the aggressive tactics of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. These issues have created an increasingly challenging environment for the restaurant's operations.
República's journey began as a casual lunch counter, evolving into one of Portland's most ambitious restaurants in recent years. It gained recognition for its elegant dishes, including raw fish preparations and time-intensive moles, and the use of unique Mexican ingredients rarely seen in the city. The restaurant's success was further solidified when it was named Restaurant of the Year by Portland Monthly in 2021 and named one of America's best new restaurants by Bon Appétit in 2022.
Despite its accolades, República has faced recent challenges. Chef Lauro Romero, who played a pivotal role in the restaurant's success, stepped down in 2022 and passed away in 2024. This led to a series of chefs running the kitchen, including Juan Gomez from Lilia and Dani Morales, who introduced an a la carte option. However, the combination of external pressures and internal changes has ultimately led to the restaurant's closure.
The restaurant will remain open until February 21st at its location at 100 N.W. 10th Ave. with contact information 541-900-5836 and website mexico-forward.com. This closure marks the end of an era for República, leaving a void in Portland's culinary landscape that many will find difficult to fill.
