Our Story

The Fireside story

Let’s go back to the 1920s in NW Portland. Small businesses, local charm, and Fireside’s iconic building nestled at the corner of NW 23rd and Johnson Street. More than just bricks and mortar, a place where people gather together.

Our one-story Mediterranean style building began as a neighborhood grocery store. NW 23rd was home to quaint drug stores, shoe repair shops, diners, and hardware stores. Through the decades, our beloved building evolved, housing various small businesses, including a locally owned record store that drew music lovers from the neighborhood.

When the record store moved on, Dick Singer, the building’s owner, envisioned continuing the tradition of community on this corner. In 2013, Singer, along with co-owners Wendy Hessel and Lori Singer, made that vision a reality when they opened the doors to Fireside.

Their idea was simple: create a warm and welcoming bar and diner serving seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes alongside inventive cocktails. Fireside would be where friends gathered for happy hours, families celebrated special moments, furry pals enjoyed the dog-friendly patio, and lively conversations flowed at the bar.

But why Fireside? Owner Wendy Hessel beautifully summed it up: "Fire is at the heart of human existence. It sustains us. We gather around it for warmth, food, and friendships. It's what brings us together. It's about community.”

Today, Fireside continues this legacy, striving every day to be a welcoming place for people to come together with friends and family. They share delicious food and drinks, enjoy each other's conversations, and find comfort in the warmth and light of our fires.

For almost a century, our corner of NW 23rd has been a beacon of community, a testament to the enduring power of togetherness, and where cherished memories are etched into Fireside’s story.