Henry Thiele Restaurant

Henry Thiele Restaurant Portland: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tourist Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled within Portland’s vibrant culinary and cultural landscape, the Henry Thiele Restaurant stood as a beacon of gastronomic excellence and community spirit for nearly sixty years. Founded in 1932 by German-born chef Henry Thiele, the restaurant quickly became a local institution, celebrated for its expansive European-inspired menu and iconic dishes such as the German pancake—better known today as the Dutch Baby—and the Princess Charlotte pudding. While the restaurant closed its doors in 1990 and the original Mediterranean-style building was demolished in 1992, its legacy endures. Today, visitors can connect with this enduring heritage at Thiele Square, the commemorative site, and explore Portland’s broader historical and culinary scene. This comprehensive guide will uncover Henry Thiele Restaurant’s history, cultural significance, and practical visitor information to help you make the most of your Portland experience (Wikipedia; Oregon Encyclopedia; PDX Monthly).

Introduction
Origins and Founding of Henry Thiele Restaurant
Architectural and Culinary Distinction
Social Impact and Community Legacy
Evolution and Endurance
Closure, Commemoration, and Visiting Information
Cultural Significance and Lasting Influence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Origins and Founding of Henry Thiele Restaurant

Henry Thiele Restaurant opened its doors on April 14, 1932, at 2315 Northwest Westover Road in Portland, Oregon (Wikipedia). Chef Henry Thiele, born in Hanover, Germany in 1882, built his culinary foundation through rigorous training in Germany and France, working as a confectioner in Switzerland, and apprenticing as a chef in Berlin. After immigrating to the United States in 1904, Thiele sharpened his skills at prestigious venues including the Waldorf Astoria in New York before arriving in Portland in 1914 (Oregon Encyclopedia).

Before founding his own restaurant, Thiele served as chief steward at the Benson Hotel and managed several local establishments. Despite financial challenges, he persisted—helped by community support—to establish a European-inspired dining destination that would become a Portland landmark (Oregon Rediviva).

Architectural and Culinary Distinction

The Henry Thiele Restaurant was housed in a distinctive Mediterranean-style white stucco building with a red tile roof, offering seating for 150 guests and parking for 100 cars—an unusual amenity in the 1930s (Wikipedia). Thiele’s menu was renowned for its breadth and quality, with up to 50 European-inspired entrées available daily, including fried Olympia oysters and the celebrated Princess Charlotte pudding (PDX Monthly).

The restaurant’s most famous dish was the German pancake, or Dutch Baby—a large, oven-baked delight with crisp edges, served on a turkey platter and dusted with powdered sugar. Other customer favorites included salmon specialties, lentils and wurst, buttered noodles with beef tips, and house-made dill pickles.

More than just a restaurant, Henry Thiele’s was a social and cultural hub. Henry Thiele himself was known for engaging guests with food lectures and for his commitment to quality, earning praise from culinary luminaries like James Beard (Oregon Encyclopedia). During World War II, Thiele and his wife Margaret played a vital role in the community by providing meals for tens of thousands of Kaiser shipyard workers (Oregon Encyclopedia).

Evolution and Endurance

Following Henry Thiele’s passing in 1952, his widow Margaret continued to operate the restaurant, maintaining its traditions and reputation for nearly four more decades (Oregon Encyclopedia). The restaurant’s convivial atmosphere, characterized by mustard-uniformed waitresses and an ever-changing menu, contributed to its status as a beloved Portland institution (PDX Monthly). Thiele’s influence extended to inspiring new establishments such as the Original Pancake House and Elmer’s, both of which popularized German pancakes and continental cuisine in the Pacific Northwest (Eater Portland).

Closure, Commemoration, and Visiting Information

After its closure in 1990 and the demolition of the original building in 1992 (Wikipedia), the site was redeveloped as Thiele Square in 1995. Today, visitors can still connect with this culinary legacy through a commemorative plaque at the shopping center.

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Location: 2315 Northwest Westover Road, Portland, OR
Hours: Thiele Square is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; the commemorative plaque is accessible during these hours.
Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, with parking available on-site and nearby.

Tickets and Tours

Admission: No tickets or entrance fees are required to visit Thiele Square or view the plaque.
Tours: Guided historical walking tours of Portland often include Thiele Square as a stop. Check with the Portland Historical Society or local tour operators for up-to-date offerings.

Nearby Attractions

Benson Hotel: Where Henry Thiele once worked (Benson Hotel)
Portland Art Museum: A short drive away
Washington Park: Includes the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden

Cultural Significance and Lasting Influence

Henry Thiele Restaurant’s impact extends far beyond its years of operation. Its introduction of European culinary traditions, signature dishes like the Dutch Baby and Princess Charlotte pudding, and dedication to hospitality helped shape Portland’s evolving food culture. Today, many local restaurants continue to serve dishes inspired by Thiele’s recipes, ensuring that his culinary legacy remains a vibrant part of Portland’s identity (Oregon Rediviva).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I visit the original Henry Thiele Restaurant building?
A1: The original building was demolished in 1992. A commemorative plaque marks the site at Thiele Square.

Q2: Are tickets or reservations needed to visit Thiele Square?
A2: No, the shopping center and plaque are open to the public and free to visit.

Q3: Are there guided tours that feature Henry Thiele’s site?
A3: Yes, some Portland historical tours include Thiele Square. Check with the Portland Historical Society or local tour providers.

Q4: Where can I try a Dutch Baby pancake in Portland today?
A4: The Original Pancake House and several other local eateries serve Dutch Baby pancakes, continuing the tradition.

Q5: What are some other attractions near Thiele Square?
A5: NW 23rd Avenue’s boutiques, Forest Park, the Portland Art Museum, and Washington Park are all nearby.

Visuals and Media Suggestions

Archival photos of Henry Thiele Restaurant, with alt text such as “Henry Thiele Restaurant, Portland, 1930s”
Image of the commemorative plaque at Thiele Square, with alt text “Commemorative plaque at Thiele Square, Portland”
Map showing Thiele Square and nearby attractions
Virtual tour links to Portland historical walking tours

Conclusion and Call to Action

Though the original Henry Thiele Restaurant no longer operates and its historic building has been replaced by Thiele Square, the restaurant’s legacy as a pioneer of European cuisine and community hospitality lives on. By visiting the commemorative plaque, exploring Portland’s Northwest District, and sampling dishes inspired by Thiele’s recipes, visitors and locals alike can honor a landmark that helped define Portland’s rich culinary heritage. To deepen your connection with the city’s food history, download the Audiala app for curated tours, historical guides, and updates on Portland’s vibrant heritage (Oregon Encyclopedia; PDX Monthly; Slabtown Tours).