Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

JONAH’S RESTAURANT

Per David Grant Kohl’s book A Curious and Peculiar People page 215, “Jack Strejt and Jim Nelson had been together four years, and were co-owners of Jonah’s Restaurant…Jonah’s on SW Barbur Blvd. near the Burlingame Fred Meyer Store became a very popular location for MCC brunches and fundraising events for almost 20 years.”

MORE HISTORY COMING SOON

also known as Jonah’s Galley & Pub
7425 SW Barbur
Years: 1979-1988

in The City Open Press Dec 19, 1985 - Jan 16, 1986 

citations & references:

  • An ad was placed in the Oregon Gay Rights Report, November 1979 “Casual, Intimate, Relaxing” Jonah’s Galley & Pub” – 7425 SW Barbur at Terwilliger

  • Cited in Counseling Center for Sexual Minorities Referral and Resources Book Revised April 1, 1980, under Mixed Restaurants with a notation: Atmosphere: Quiet & intimate, (gay & straight)

  • Cited in Gay Areas Private Telephone Directory, Pacific Northwest Page 15 Winter 1981-82

  • December 3, 1982, Cascade Voice magazine Pat Kerwin wrote a piece entitled LOVERS IN BUSINESS TOGETHER. It cited that several couples owned or operated businesses together: John Phillips and Bill Scott of JR’s West; Chris Tolley and Stewart Benson of Plain Brown Wrapper; Ken Ensimger and Ed Walls of The Owl’s Eye Crafts; and Jim Nelson and Jack Stejc of Jonah’s Restaurant.

  • Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983.

  • First time listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1983 – ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch)

  • 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; however, no date is given, but there the restaurant is crossed out – possibly around 1987. 

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1984 – ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch) 

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1985– ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch) 

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986 – ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch) 

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1987 – ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch) 

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1988 – ( R – Restaurant) (Sun Brunch) 

  • Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1989