Interior of a modern restaurant with a long blue bar counter and black stools, small white tables with chairs, and minimalist decor including framed art on the walls and shelves with plants and condiments.

Old Pal

Photographer: Tom Schaller

  • Located in SE Portland between Morrison and 34th avenue, Old Pal is a bright and airy vegetable and seafood focused bar and restaurant. The owner had approached Owen Gabbert, LLC to renovate an existing dark and grungy sports bar into a new European-inspired bistro. OGLLC was tasked with a surface remodel on 780 SF of the overall 4,000 SF space, maintaining the existing walls, windows, and electrical work.

    One of the challenges was the need for a quick turnaround and construction starting during pandemic restrictions. This required very close collaboration with the client/owner, open communication, and consistent site presence. A small team on both sides enabled decisions to be made quickly, which helped meet the schedule and budget objectives.

    The space was brightened up with all new surfaces, granite countertops, and a cohesive material palette of quartz, wood, and brass. The OGLLC team created an elegant entry flow, designed and built a custom host stand, and rebuilt the entire bar, featuring a 44’-long curved granite countertop and a brass bar foot rail. The team also designed and built new dining booths, tabletops, and display shelving for the walls.

Modern restaurant dining area with tables, chairs, and a booth, featuring minimalist decor and a large open shelving unit filled with dishes and decorative items against a dark teal wall.
Interior of a modern cafe with a long white countertop, wooden stools, pendant lights, and large windows.
Interior of a modern, minimalist restaurant with white tables and chairs, set with napkins and glasses. The wall is adorned with framed artworks and decorative items. Warm lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling, and a large window provides natural l
Contemporary restaurant interior with a bar, stools, and dining tables
Interior of a modern, minimalist cafe with a bar counter, stools, and white tables. The decor features green and white walls, framed art, and pendant lighting. Plants and condiments are placed on shelves and counters.
Bar countertop with mixers and tools, liquor bottles in the background.
Interior of a restaurant with a countertop featuring glasses, plates, and bottles. A cash register is visible on one side, with decorative items on a shelf above. The walls are painted a dark teal color.
Interior of a modern pizzeria with wooden tables and chairs, a wood-fired oven, and a wooden ceiling. The decor includes green tiled walls, pendant lights, and some tables set with utensils and containers.