Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

ELEPHANT AND CASTLE

The entrance is now [2022] on the corner and called Mama Mia.

Per CAFE UNKNOWN The Council Block was next door to the Waldo Block (still existent) on SW Washington. Its first floor was home to the Elephant and Castle pub and restaurant. Mama Mia Trattoria now occupies the space. This 1970 view shows a portion of the Elephant and Castle. The slogan "R's is a nice house R's is - “No rats, no mouzes" is adapted from an old English music hall song.

“The Waldo Building is one of the first things you see when you enter downtown Portland from the Morrison Bridge, and for years, its corner restaurant space was home to Elephant and Castle, a British-style pub that was known for crispy fish and chips and an annual dart tournament. Elephant and Castle opened in 1972, and its interior featured flags of all the nations in the British Commonwealth. The pub closed in 2003, and Mama Mia Trattoria opened there the following year.” (SOURCE)

MORE HISTORY COMING SOON

201 SW Washington & 439 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Years: Estimated 1964 – 2003 
“Gay years”: Estimated 1971 - 1973

citations & references:

  • Listed in GAY PLACES 1971 International Guild Guide – telephone number: 227-9692 with the connotations of B, M, YC Semi-E – Beer, Mixed, Young Crowd, Elegant

  • Listed in Guild Guide 1973 USA & International