In a timely response to the vibrant culture surrounding music and dining, Portland’s own Richard Le, Lung Ly, and Kim Dam are set to introduce After Ours, a unique café-cocktail bar pairing Vietnamese American cuisine with an extensive vinyl collection. The venue, opening on August 7, will bring a new vibe reminiscent of Houston’s 93 ‘Til, a bar and restaurant celebrated for its eclectic music and culinary offerings.
Founded by Momofuku alumnus Gary Ly and his partner Lung Ly in Houston, 93 ’Til shines as a testament to the influence of hip-hop and other genres on dining experiences. Timothy Malcolm of Houstonia described the establishment as played against a backdrop of diverse sounds—hip-hop, funk, jazz, and more—all while serving up comforting dishes and crafted drinks.
Le, who has built a reputation for his culinary creativity, was inspired to create something similar in Portland after experiencing the intricate food and beverage pairing at 93 ‘Til. Along with his partners Dam and Nguyen, they aim to fill a gap in Portland’s bar scene, which lacks a venue that marries quality food and drink with vibrant music in a hip-hop influenced atmosphere.
In Portland, the record bar, often referred to as a listening bar, hails from Japan where they are a staple in the bar scene, merging music and quality drinks. Although Portland features various establishments that incorporate vinyl records—like Replicant and the Record Pub—After Ours aims to encapsulate a distinct vibe with equal emphasis on food, drink, and music.
“In Portland, there’s enough bars where you go there to dance and mingle,” Le shares, conveying the intention behind After Ours. “This is meant to feel more like, you can come down and sit and have a drink, chat…kinda moody and vibey.”
With an ambitious vision, After Ours will serve an all-day menu featuring Vietnamese American delights that represent a blend of cultural influence. Le has curated a menu that includes fan favorites from his past food truck, Matta—a known entity for its Vietnamese family recipes and modern interpretations.
Diners can expect signature dishes such as fried chicken sandwiches, salt and pepper squid, and funky fried rice alongside items like furikake fries. From its morning coffee offerings, in collaboration with his partners’ existing coffee ventures, to late-night bowls of Hanoi-style pho, After Ours promises a culinary experience that extends far beyond the average bar food.
The late-night menu, which will be available from Thursday through Saturday, showcases a minimalistic approach to pho, an iconic Vietnamese dish featuring thicker rice noodles and clear broth—perfect for those craving a relaxing evening experience.
The drink menu is designed by Ketsuda “Nan” Chaison, who aspires to create unique cocktail blends that speak to the Vietnamese roots embedded in the establishment’s identity.
Highlights include salted lime gin and tonics, lychee martinis, yuzu-oolong whiskey sours, and a Hennessy old-fashioned crafted with salted plum cordial. These cocktails will harmonize with the diverse record collection that Le has prepared in anticipation of After Ours’ debut.
Le notes that patrons won’t find typical club vibes at After Ours; instead, the space is crafted to encourage meaningful conversations and a community feel, with a DJ booth set to host local talent who have an affinity for vinyl.
The decor reflects a midcentury modern aesthetic, with soft green lighting skillfully curated for an inviting ambiance. This desire to create an inclusive community atmosphere centers around their storytelling through food, music, and camaraderie.
Leveraging their backgrounds in gastronomy, each partner of After Ours contributes their unique expertise and vision, ensuring the establishment serves not only as a restaurant and bar, but as a social hub for friends and families alike.
With its grand opening on the horizon, After Ours is poised to become a gathering spot in Northeast Portland, offering late-night pho, innovative cocktails, and warm, welcoming vibes—everything diners and music lovers have been waiting for.
As the opening day approaches, Le encapsulates the ethos of After Ours: “The reason it’s called After Ours, it’s meant to be built for our community.” His commitment to the community and cultural significance underscores the true essence of After Ours, inviting Portlanders to experience a space made for connection, conversation, and shared joy through music and food.
image source from：pdxmonthly
