2010 saw the closing of Niki’s—the Greek diner that sat on the corner of SE Grand and Morrison for 38 years—but 2011 will witness the space’s rebirth as a new bar, which may or not end up being called Dig a Pony. One of the new owners, Jacob Carey (formerly of the band Caves, and nephew to another notable Portland restaurateur, Bruce Carey), was kind enough to speak to me about the new project. They’re currently knee-deep in renovations—not everything in the old building is up to code—and stripping things down to original floors and woodwork.
What's your timeline for opening?
We're shooting for May. The space is being completely remodeled inside and out so there's a lot to do.