We Are Portland

OK Omens Restaurant Has Announced Its Permanent Closure

The Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard staple will serve its final seafood-focused meals on October 17, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing an empty wine glass on a wooden table, representing the closure of a long-standing local restaurant.
OK Omens, a staple of Portland's Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard culinary scene for 25 years, will close its doors on October 17, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Portlanders who have frequented the Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard restaurant space for its quarter-century of history will see service end following the retirement of owner Monique Siu. The founder announced that OK Omens will cease operations on October 17, 2026.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a 25-year legacy for a site once known as Café Castagna, leaving a significant vacancy in the local culinary scene. With the retirement of its founder, the restaurant will spend its final weeks liquidating its wine cellar.

The restaurant has operated for 25 years in the space formerly known as Café Castagna. It remains unknown what business will occupy the storefront after the final service on October 17.

The players

Monique Siu

The founder and owner of the restaurant.

Joseph Papas

The chef who took over kitchen operations in late 2024.

OK Omens

The long-standing restaurant closing on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.

The details

Founder Monique Siu announced the decision to retire via social media, bringing the establishment's long-running tenure to an end. Since late 2024, chef Joseph Papas has led the kitchen, focusing on seafood-centric dishes. The restaurant will continue to operate through the coming weeks, offering remaining cellar wines and menu items to diners until the October shutdown.

Timeline

  1. Late 2024: Joseph Papas assumed the role of head chef.

  2. September 26, 2026: The restaurant's closure was officially announced.

  3. October 17, 2026: The restaurant will serve its final meal.

Beyond the Bridges

This closure represents the final chapter for a physical space that has defined a portion of the Hawthorne corridor for 25 years. It follows the historical trend of established neighborhood anchors transitioning as original founders reach retirement.

Patrons wishing to visit one last time can access the restaurant on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard until October 17. The menu and wine cellar will remain available for service until that final date.

The takeaway

The closure of OK Omens signals the end of a 25-year run for a significant Hawthorne dining location. Diners have until the final service on October 17 to visit the restaurant.

Further reading

For more on changes to the local food scene, see our latest coverage in Dining Out.

Live Poll

Do you feel the loss of long-standing local restaurants negatively impacts your community's character?