When Eugenio's closed to make room for Gestalt Haus, it was hard not to see some symbolism. Eugenio's featured live music by middle-aged white guys playing jazz on acoustic guitars while drinking lattes and eating pizza topped with avocado. Eugenio's (established in 2002) held a funeral procession for Old Portland on its way out, then became a bikey lagerhaus spin-off run by transplant San Franciscans.
So what does it mean that the space is now Sessionable (3588 SE Division St., 503-501-4663, sessionable.com), with gender-neutral restrooms that have bidets? I wish I knew.
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While the crusty Gestalt Haus seemed to take pride in repurposing the decor of the previous tenant in the manner of a punk house, Sessionable has redone everything. The bar now has barley grains under glass. Behind the bar, a shiny new digital taplist displays Hop Valley Blonde and Fremont Lush. On the back wall is a silvery curtain, as though you're backstage at an insurance conference awards show.
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But despite the full makeover, the summer menu isn't fully committed to the concept, with seven of the 30 taps coming it at 5% ABV or above. All of these beers are available in 10- or 20-ounce pours, the former mostly running $3 each. The food menu includes a $3 "melange of olives," a cheese plate and house-seasoned pretzel sticks, which are pleasantly spicy and a buck a bowl. Some pretzel sticks, a sessionable beer from Eugene and maybe a turn on the bidet—a nice little Saturday on present-day Division Street.