Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns
CHOCOLATE MOOSE
An article in the Cascade Voice, February 11, 1983, page 23 THE STELLAR CELLAR
A Portland institution for almost 20 years, the Chocolate Moose is one of the most relaxing taverns in the city. The atmosphere is cordial, laid-back, soothing. The décor is pleasing to the eye. The Chocolate Moose is a place where one can enjoy the simple pleasures of relaxing and good conversation.
Chuck Council, the owner of the Chocolate Moose, started working there in 1972 while attending Portland State University. He bought the place in June of 1979, making very few changes in the set-up. He’s put prints of Thomas Nast political cartoons, dating from the 1870s, on the walls. A beautiful collage of birds, constructed by Tony Silvers, hangs on the ceiling, running the length of the tavern The menu, containing a beautiful menu, containing beautiful calligraphy by Victoria Corbett, contains sandwiches, such as cold pot roast, each made with homemade mayonnaise; soups, such as beef and vegetable ragout; cheese plates…
The Steak Cellar, which was opened in June of 1977, was acquired by Council when he bought the Chocolate Moose in 1979. “Sort of a package deal,” he said. The Cellar has a rich, red, and wood décor that is both esthetically pleasing and ultimately relaxing. Prices at The Steak Cellar are moderately priced, with the most expensive item, New York Steak dinner, being only $7.95. The restaurant is geared more towards adult patronage rather than families. “There are plenty of Stuart Anderson’s and Mr. Steak’s,” Council said, “We have it this way because we’re downtown, in the mainstream of the city’s nightlife.” The Chocolate Moose is open from 11:30 am to 1:00 am Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 12:00 am on Sundays. The Steak Cellar is open from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Both are located at 211 SW Ankeny, right on the comer of SW Second and Ankeny.
[Cabaret Room]
211 SW Ankeny 222-5753
Years: possibly 1964 - 1988
The Chocolate Mouse was across the street from Dan and Louis Oyster Bar and was later taken over by Berbatis [later Bertati’s Pan]. Down on Ankeny was The 24 Hour Church of Elvis – its second location was 219 SW Ankeny, 1987–1994.
Which later became: Anchors on Ankeny
MORE HISTORY COMING SOON
ad in City News Feb 14, 1986, and on page 5, “Beer & Wine, Food, Cabaret Show.
Ad in the Cascade Voice, December 17, 1982 issue page 47 cites the space as “Chocolate Moose Tavern & Steak Celler”
Notice CABARET OPENING MARCH 8th – ad in the Eagle – March 1, 1985
1985 Roaring 20’s Coronation program
Listing in Oregonian July 26, 1985
Ad from Storefront Theatre program 1981
citations & references:
See February 1983 article about Chocolate Moose/Steak Cellar.
1964, City of Portland Directory, page 231, 1964 – Kilroy’s Tavern was located at 1716 SW 11th]
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1965 with a connotation C – Coffee, Soft Drinks, Juices, snacks but the address was 1716 SW 11th.
Listed in Around The World with Kenneth Marlowe Magazine 1965
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1974 with a connotation PE – Pretty Elegant – often coat and tie, R – restaurant address is 2nd & Ankeny
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1975 with a connotation PE – Pretty Elegant – often coat and tie, R – restaurant address is 2nd & Ankeny
Old Town Portland newspaper June 1975 In the article “Roving Critic – Why Doesn’t the Light Shine in? “The Chocolate Moose and taverns like it bring people to the area by taking a stroll through Old Town a visual treat…”
Per the One Dollar Magazine May 1975 – page 16, “Affection grows stronger with every visit. The design is subtle even though the walls are painted fire-engine red.”
Cited in Jeff Taylor’s Gay Guide for the Pacific Northwest – Summer 1975 edition, page 16 under Restaurants – Opens late morning. Specializes in soups, salads, and sandwiches; tavern, mixed crowd. And Tavern: Opens late morning. Restaurant. Mixed crowd.
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1976 under Restaurants with a connotation PE – Pretty Elegant – often coat and tie, R – restaurant, M – Mixed address is 2nd & Ankeny
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1977 under Resturants with a connotation R – restaurant, M -Mixed address is 211 SW Ankeny
Ad in Cited in The Portland Scribe, June 23-29, 1977, cites address as 211 SW Ankeny in the Village
Not in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1978 or thereafter
Ad in the Cascade Voice, December 17, 1982 issue page 47 cites the space as “Chocolate Moose Tavern & Steak Celler”
Listed in Orange folder FALL 1983 and revised in 1987– Answering Service – possibly like the resource directory developed by the Counseling Center for Sexual Minorities Referral and Resources Book and what has been used with their revised April 1, 1980, edition. This place was cited under Restaurants
Cited in Out and About 1983 booklet
Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983 with connotations R & T – Restaurant – beer/wine. Stated in the Coronation 85- The Roaring Twenties - booklet “A special Portland place since 1964”.
Listing in Oregonian July 26, 1985
Ad in City News Feb 14, 1986, and on page 5, “Beer & Wine, Food, Cabaret Show.”
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986 (M) (R-restaurant)
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1987 (M) (R-restaurant)
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1988 (M) (R-restaurant)
Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1989