Portland’s Indigenous Restaurant Finds New Home
Blue Corn Tostada,Elk Fry bread and Sakari Farms Blueberry Leaf tea.
Three months after opening its frist brick-and-mortar space, Portland’s only Indigenous restaurant is moving.
Javelina and its tasting room experience, Inisha, are relocating too 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave., the former Norma Jeans and yonder space next to the native American Youth and Family Center’s Munk-yelan Saxali office in the Cully neighborhood.
Founded by Chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson (Hopi, Yakama, Skokomish, and Cree Nations) and her husband, Nick Numkena-Anderson, Javelina has quickly become a cultural and community hub for Indigenous people in Portland, showcasing Indigenous- and Mexican-inspired North American cuisine with dishes like bison sliders, elk fry bread and blue corn tostadas.
the restaurant’s last day in its current location, near Northeast Killingsworth, is March 29. Javelina expects to relaunch on April 17 with Inɨ́sha following in May.
The owners said javelina’s business quickly outgrew its original location.
According to a Javelina PDX Facebook post, the current space posed unforeseen challenges
and was too small to accommodate everyone that came in.
The owners quickly realized we needed more room to pursue our goals of being a restaurant, gathering place and community hub for our guests.
the new location will feature expanded seating (nearly triple the indoor space), a full bar to enhance the beverage program and extended hours with an expanded menu.
I think that there’s just going to be a lot of change happening, and I hope people are just down for the journey with us,
one of the owners said in a previous interview, anticipating the move.
The owners said they hope to be a positive influence in the neighborhood, which is home to many of Javelina’s partners including the Native American Youth and Family Center, Prosper Portland and the Northwest Native Chamber.
Javelina Indigenous Dining: A New Chapter in Portland’s Culinary Scene
Table of Contents
What is Javelina Indigenous Dining?
Javelina Indigenous Dining is Portland’s only Indigenous restaurant. It is founded by Chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson (Hopi, Yakama, Skokomish, and Cree Nations) and her husband, Nick Numkena-Anderson. The restaurant quickly became a hub for the community, showcasing Indigenous- and Mexican-inspired North American cuisine.
Where is Javelina Located?
Javelina is moving! Its new location is at 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave. in Portland’s Cully neighborhood. It is indeed in the former Norma Jeans and yonder space, next to the Native American Youth and Family Center’s Munk-yelan Saxali office.
Why is javelina Moving?
Javelina is relocating because their business quickly outgrew its original space. the current location presented “unforeseen challenges” and was too small to accommodate all guests. The new location will allow them to expand, offering a better experience for their customers.
When is Javelina Relocating?
Last day at the current location: March 29
Relaunch at the new location: April 17
Inisha Tasting Room Relaunch: May
What Kind of Food Does Javelina Serve?
Javelina offers Indigenous- and Mexican-inspired North American cuisine. Some featured dishes include:
bison sliders
Elk fry bread
Blue corn tostadas
What Can Customers expect at the New Location?
The new location will feature:
Expanded seating, nearly triple the indoor space.
A full bar, enhancing their beverage program.
Extended hours.
An expanded menu.
What is the “Inisha” Tasting Room?
Inisha is Javelina’s tasting room experience.It aims to provide guests a unique tasting menu experience, showcasing Indigenous cuisine.
Javelina: Key Information Summary
| Feature | Details |
| —————– | ——————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Cuisine | Indigenous- and Mexican-inspired North American cuisine |
| Founders | Chef Alexa numkena-Anderson and Nick Numkena-Anderson |
| Original Location’s Last Day | March 29 |
| new Location | 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave., Portland, OR (Cully neighborhood) |
| Relaunch Date | April 17 |
| Inisha Relaunch| May |
| Key Features | Expanded seating, full bar, extended hours, expanded menu |