21-03-2025
North Portland dumpling spot XLB will permanently shutter in April
PORTLAND, Ore. () — One of Portland's go-to Chinese restaurants will call it quits next month.
In a social media post shared on Thursday evening, XLB revealed that it will permanently shutter its last remaining location on Apr. 20.
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'This decision was not made lightly, and we are incredibly grateful for the support, laughter, and memories we've shared with all of you over the years,' Chef and Co-owner Linh Tran . 'Serving this community delicious Chinese comfort food has been an honor, and we cannot thank you enough for being part of our journey. Whether you stopped in for a quick bite, became a beloved regular, or celebrated milestones and holidays, we appreciate every moment.'
Tran co-owns the restaurant with Jasper Shen, who previously founded Aviary alongside his wife Kat Whitehead and late Portland chef Sarah Pliner in 2011. Shen then averted his focus to the opening of XLB's location on 4090 N Williams Ave. in 2017.
Aviary closed later in 2020, about six months after XLB expanded with a second restaurant in the Leland James building on Northwest Raleigh Street and 21st Avenue. The Slabtown shop closed in 2021 so the owners could focus on their flagship location.
XLB, with its name as an abbreviation for xiao long bao, is known for the soup dumplings and other Chinese dishes like Shanghai pork and shrimp noodles and popcorn chicken. The restaurant endured the opening of major dumpling chains Dough Zone and Din Tai Fung, which came to Portland in April 2022 and September 2023, respectively.
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Tran did not provide a reason for XLB's closure, but invited customers to visit the eatery one last time before it shuts down.
'Until then, from the bottom of our hearts — thank you for your support, kindness, and love,' the co-owner said.
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