Classic McMenamins location is set to close after 35 years

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It may not be the most beloved McMenamins around (that honor goes to Edgefield, of course), but Rams Head has a place in many Portlanders' hearts.

Now, the old standard bar on Northwest 23rd Avenue and Hoyt Street is closing its doors.

“After 35 years, McMenamins has decided not to renew the lease at the Rams Head location in NW Portland,” the company wrote on Instagram Monday morning.

“Don’t worry, the lease isn’t up until June, so you have the next few months to say your goodbyes to this iconic NW 23rd gem and score your last ever Rams Head Passport stamps!”

McMenamins started as a brewpub concept created by two brothers, Mike and Brian McMenamin, in 1983. Rams Head was one of their first handful of locations.



Now, the company has nearly 60 properties throughout Oregon and Washington.

A spokesperson for McMenamins said Rams Head would be only the third location the company has closed since opening its first pub. Both those closures were also because of “landlord/end-of-lease situations.”

According to Instagram, McMenamins plans to throw a party for Rams Head in June. McMenamins Passport Holders have until then to get their Rams Head stamp.

“We are making efforts to facilitate smooth transitions for employees, all of whom will have the option to work at alternate locations,” the McMenamins family said in a statement.

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