New food halls offer flexibility and eclectic cuisine for a casual approach to dining out

Written by Cathy Carroll

Dining out is back again and a few new food halls are keeping it interesting, casual and flexible. In Portland, Collective Oregon Eateries, or CORE, is on a mission to elevate the work environment for culinary artists and the eatery experience. It has its sights set on being “the ultimate foodie destination,” according to its vision statement for the 36,000-square-foot space on SE 82nd Avenue.

The offerings include Papi Sal’s Puerto Rican barbecue meets Philadelphia comfort food; Mitate sushi; Matta’s Vietnamese dishes, A UnicornCreationz Restaurant’s Mexican-Southern fusion; Gumba Pasta Parlor and EEM’s Thai barbecue.

In Beaverton, 1st Street Dining Commons, a pandemic pop-up, prevails. The space offers tents around tables for enjoying takeout from surrounding downtown restaurants such as Koya Sushi, Ex Novo Brewing, Big’s Chicken, Top Burmese Bistro Royale, Nak Won Korean Restaurant, Syndicate Wine Bar and Afuri Izakaya for ramen.

In Bend, The Grove Market Hall in the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood, will satisfy after river and trail adventures. It has brought together a brewery, Waypoint, as well as ThAiPAS, Left Coast Burger Company, Elly’s Ice Cream, Sebastian’s Seafood & Specialty Market, Sunny’s Carrello (Italian inspired dishes from the chef of local favorite Sunny Yoga Kitchen), Greenleaf Juice and Thump Coffee.