This post is all about places that have reopened, either after a long hiatus or in a new location. First off is one of my favorite food carts, Sorbu Paninoteca. They closed at the end of 2025 and planned to take the winter off, which stretched all the way until this weekend when they opened back up again. While they had a pop up or two in the remaining months, they are apparently back after nearly 10 months. Also they are celebrating their 6 year anniversary. Readers of my blog or IG page will recognize their food (and bread) from many posts. The above featured image is from yesterday. Risotto with grilled, foraged chanterelles, Tuscan kale, hazelnuts, parmigiano and Chanterelle oil. This was truly a homage to fall, even though it was sunny and 80 degrees yesterday. I really missed Sorbu, so I’m glad they are back. That block has really changed now that Sure Shot moved next door into a brick-and-mortar and now that Oakshire has closed for good after 20 years.

Roasted Turkey sandwich and housemade chips from Better Half. Turkey, bacon, cheddar, apple, shredduce, pesto aioli, and an oil & vinegar drizzle on a housemade hoagie. Similar to Sorbu, Better Half stopped serving sandwiches in their original location in November of last year but always planned on reopening in a new location. For five years they were down the street from me in the Eliot neighborhood. I would go there weekly this was a day one spot for me. They are one of the best sandwich shops in town. Their new location is at 2375 NW Thurman in the Northwest District. I missed their sandwiches, housemade hoagies and housemade chips. They had their soft opening this weekend so of course I had to go! It’s actually still really close since I can just pop on the Fremont bridge and I’m there.

Fest Burger Special (on a pretzel bun!) & Crispy Brussels from Sure Shot Burger. Sure Shot was a food cart on 42nd Ave in the Oakbrew parking lot. This summer they moved 20 feet south and took over a former Mexican restaurant. They were only closed a month, and only moved next door, but it still feels like a big change. Any time a food cart levels up to a brick-and-mortar it’s a big deal. It’s pretty much the same menu (smashburgers, fries, chicken nuggets) but they did add these Brussels sprouts and an Icehouse salad. Also you can grab a drink. They always run a burger special so that is what I went with. It was delicious! Also these Brussels are solid. Sure Shot remains one of the best smashburger joints in town. Now you can sit down in a retro-themed restaurant and eat them.

Tacos from Saint Burrito. Speaking of moving next door, Saint Burrito moved from the food carts on NE 28th over a block on Rainbow Road to 27th and set up their airstream outside of Gorges Beer. Now the two are paired: beers and burritos. Definitely win-win situation. Saint Burrito has been one of my favorite burrito spots since they took over the airstream from Guero years ago. Pod 28 has hosted some great carts over the years (Guero, Wolf & Bears, Captured Beer Bus, etc.) but has been lackluster for a while now. The only reason I have gone there for years now is Saint Burrito. It makes sense that they would pair with Gorges, who have changed up their M.O. recently as well. I hope it works for both of them. The nice thing is that Saint Burrito expanded their menu to include tacos (Yellowfin Tuna, Flank Steak, Carnitas, Chicken) which are pictured above. The tacos were good but not as dialed in as the burritos, with the caveat that I went on opening day. They also have quesadillas, chips, salsa and guacamole as well as some sides and add-ons. Smart additions! Still the best thing on the menu is the burritos, and they added flank steak to the permanent menu which is a win.

Last up is the new food cart from beloved Portland restaurant RJ Skillets. RJ Skillets has been a favorite of mine since they opened up (8 years ago?) on Alberta. They make great Oaxacan style breakfast and lunch options. Some of my favorite chilaquiles and mole enchiladas. They just opened up a 2nd location as a food cart in Midtown Beer Garden at 4th and Harvey Milk. Open daily from 9-3 and featuring a breakfast/brunch menu exclusively (the restaurant has other more options). I got the brisket green chile omelette, which is one of my favorites from them. Came with potatoes. It was good, just like the restaurant. I love how they do their brisket there. Food came fast in like three minutes. I got it to go which felt funny for breakfast/brunch food, but it was like noon on a Saturday. Also that pod is not my favorite to eat at, I always get food to go from there. They join good company with the likes of Stretch the Noodle and Tokyo Sando.

With so many great institutions in Portland closing (Oakshire Beer Hall being the latest casualty), it’s great that places are reopening after long hiatuses or even opening a 2nd location in the case of RJ Skillets. Here is your daily reminder to support local businesses regularly, as most restaurants and food carts (not to mention all other businesses) are usually on the knife’s edge of being profitable or remaining open. Happy eating!