A new dining experience has emerged in Portland with the opening of Zero Bar & Grille, a Halloween-themed restaurant and bar that embraces the spooky spirit all year round. Located at 155 Riverside St. in the space formerly occupied by Volcano Restaurant Bar & Grill, this venue officially opened its doors this fall.
With a sprawling 9,000-square-foot layout, Zero Bar & Grille features an entertainment area named Club Zero, which spans 2,500 square feet and hosts live DJs every Friday and Saturday evening. The establishment comfortably seats up to 200 customers in the dining area, while the back room has a capacity of 175 guests.
Owner Liv True has infused her passion for Halloween into the venue’s design, adorning the exterior with large skeletons and gargoyles. Inside, patrons will find a plethora of Halloween-inspired decorations, creating an inviting yet eerie atmosphere. “I love Halloween,” True expressed, highlighting her dedication to the theme.
The menu at Zero Bar & Grille reflects this festive spirit with creatively named dishes such as the Afterlife Melt and the Graveyard Griller, alongside classic options like salads, sandwiches, burgers, fries, and desserts. Special drinks include a Bloody Screwdriver and a Graveyard Mud Pie, ensuring that guests can enjoy both food and drink with a Halloween twist.
True’s background in the restaurant industry includes four years at Seasons Grille & Bar, which previously occupied the same space. This venture marks her first experience as a bar and restaurant owner. Drawing inspiration from her time working with customers, True introduced a dog-friendly meal option named after her own dog, Zero, inspired by the ghost dog from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The doggie meal consists of rice, grilled chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. A portion of the proceeds from these meals will benefit a rotating animal shelter.
In an effort to create a welcoming environment for dogs, True has set up outdoor seating equipped with water bowls and dog cots, allowing canine companions to accompany their owners.
Operating hours for Zero Bar & Grille are Monday through Thursday from 16:00 to 22:00 and Friday to Sunday from 16:00 to 01:00. The venue is set to host a variety of events throughout the week, including karaoke, music bingo, cribbage, and live performances. Additionally, True has incorporated five pool tables for leagues and casual players alike, maximizing the venue’s potential.
“I’m utilizing every square inch of this space so that I can recoup some of the money I put into it,” True stated, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring the success of her new business.
With a unique concept and diverse offerings, Zero Bar & Grille aims to attract both Halloween enthusiasts and casual diners, contributing to Portland’s vibrant culinary landscape.
