Hilaire's and Hilaire's Encore

These downtown restaurants were run by Portland restaurateur Larry Hilaire, who was known for a broad grin, ever-present bow ties, and a strict eye for service. Urban legend has it that he once fired a waiter for putting too much dressing on a salad. Hilaire’s first opened in 1933 on Southwest Washington Street, and the Encore opened around the corner on Broadway in the 1950s, and the two restaurants had adjoining backrooms. The dining room at Hilaire’s featured deep booths, and there was a long, polished bar. The bar at Encore, seen here in 1953, was remarkably beautiful, with a large chandelier and elaborately framed mirrors. The bar was a popular spot with patrons of the many movie houses that were located nearby. Upon closing in 1984, Larry Hilaire recalled notable events that had happened in the restaurants, including how a woman had given birth under a stairway. The Hilaire’s space became Chen’s Dynasty Chinese restaurant. Both buildings were demolished in the late ‘90s to make way for the downtown Marriott hotel. https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/01/another_round_of_memories_84_m.html