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It’s better in Beaumont

It’s better in Beaumont
Owners Paula and Mark Hylland want people to feel like The Mule Bar is their third space — comfy, cozy and the perfect place to enjoy a game day with friends.

Find food, fun and friendly vibes up-and-down bustling NE Fremont Street

Visit Beaumont and you’ll quickly see why many residents don’t have to travel far to find everything they need. From a famed donut shop and yummy brunch spots to a board game cafe and a boxing gym, the area along Northeast Fremont St. between 37th to 57th avenues features tried-and-true Portland originals as well newer businesses spreading their wings.

For 40 years, the Beaumont Business Association has fostered community, camaraderie and support along the street with big annual events like summer’s Fremont Fest. 

But take a casual stroll along the street any time of year. It truly is beautiful in Beaumont. 

The Mule Bar

A friendly rivalry turned into lifelong fandom and a sports bar for San Francisco 49ers fans and owners of The Mule Bar.

Paula and Mark Hylland opened the 49ers-themed bar in 2024 in the former Stanich’s location, and have enjoyed bonding with neighbors and sports fans ever since.

“Paula’s best friend in school was very into sports and they're very competitive. When it came to football, he was a Cowboys fan, so just out of spite, she's well, ‘I guess that I need to be a Niners fan,” Mark said.

When the opportunity to buy The Mule emerged,, Mark said all signs pointed toward it becoming a 49ers hub.

“It all kind of happened in the cosmos,” he said. “Paula is a lifelong fan, the place is located on 49th Ave. The building was originally owned by George Stanich, whose son Steve played for the Niners…”

They decided to call it The Mule after Clementine the Mule, an actual once-living mule that served as a mascot in the team’s early days.

True to its name, the bar offers a variety of Moscow Mules on the menu. 

“You can get it with gin, you can get it with vodka, you can get it with bourbon and then tequila,” Paula said. “So there's every flavor of it plus you can build a mule where a customer can call their own ingredients and we'll make it around the basic mule drink.” 

The Hyllands agree that the secret to making a good mule drink is having good ginger beer, fresh ingredients and, of course, the copper cup.

The duo are no strangers to running a bar. Paula’s family has owned and operated The Mousetrap Tavern on North Lombard for more than 40 years. They also own the G.O.A.T. sports bar on Sandy Boulevard and Billy Ray’s on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

“I grew up in the Moousetrap,” Paula says. “ I helped my parents forever. I helped manage it a long time ago.

“I love small neighborhood bars where people can walk in and they see their friends every day. They might have a beer, they might have three too many, whatever it is, but we got them and it's a neighborhood place.”

Adds Mark: “A neighborhood bar is a lot of times people's third place, and we take that really seriously. I want them to feel comfortable and cozy.”

The couple understands there’s a lot of history with the building's former restaurant, Stanich’s, and they have paid tribute to the former Portland institution in subtle ways, including recreating their famous burger with blessings from the family.

“Before we even opened we got all the ingredients and his nephew Nick had a full training session with our staff,” says Paula. “So it's really important to them. We want to give a big nod to the things that we really liked about the place.”

Now patrons can enjoy the ‘Special,’ which is described as the world-famous burger prepared as it always has been with ham, bacon, egg, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, red relish and special sauce. 

However, they want people to know The Mule is its own unique space where people can make new, fun memories.

The team has added their own menu items as well, including fish and chips and steak bites and bar favorites like wings, nachos and onion rings. They also serve weekend brunch to satisfy those watching early games.

As for Paula, the 49ers fan, she says she’s holding out for a football miracle this seasons after multiple team members got sidelined with injuries.

To cheer herself up she imagines hanging out with her favorite players — past and present.

“Someone asked me the other day if I could have drinks with Joe Montana or George Kittle and  I'm torn because George Kittle is so fun and just seems cute,” she said with a laugh.

Address: 4915 NE Fremont St. Website: themulebar.com Instagram: @themulebar Don’t miss: Reserve the Clementine Banquet Room for your next event.  In addition to the main bar (which is 21+), the Mule also has a large banquet room in the back that people can reserve for private events, game day viewing parties and more. Added bonus: it’s free to reserve. Says Paula: “As long as you’re buying food and drinks and it’s not on a Niners or Ducks gameday, you can reserve it.”


Red Sauce Pizza

Owner Shardell Dues first started making pizzas out of her home oven more than a decade ago.

Things are getting saucy at Red Sauce Pizza. The family-friendly pizza joint has been offering unique spins on classics at its Northeast Fremont St. location for the past six years. 

Pizza maker Shardell ‘Pineapple’ Dues started slinging pies more than a decade ago out of her home oven and has been serving up slices ever since.

“I worked at lots of other pizza places and then I managed Apizza Scholls for five years and that really ignited my passion for sourdough baking and fermentation in general,” she said. “I knew I wanted to start my own pizzeria where I could do what I wanted how I wanted.”

Now customers enjoy unique combinations like the popular ‘Hot Nancy,’ which has whole milk mozzarella, ricotta, red onions, Shardell’s spicy honey and a touch of sea salt or the ‘Melissa McMillan,’ which is a tavern pie with house sausage and Sammich giardinara. 

However, Dues says the most popular is the ‘It’s Me Nummy,’ her take on the Hawaiian pizza with pepperoni, fresh pineapple and jalapenos.

“We are spoiled in the Pacific Northwest with our wonderful farms and seasonal produce,” Dues said. “My favorite is reading the farmers produce list and trying to make up a special based off of that.”

And it’s not just the pizzas turning heads, her hoagie sandwiches are available Thursdays through Sundays at lunch time.

“I love trying to recreate childhood food memories such as the hoagies and tavern pies,” Dues said.. “I grew up playing sports so pizzerias after the game was a big part of my childhood and they influence what I do at Red Sauce.”

Address: 4641 NE Fremont St. Website: redsaucepizza.com Instagram: @redsaucepizza 

Don’t miss: Pizza School — a kids pizza-making class — is coming up Nov. 8. Kids learn how to make pizzas from scratch and go home with a pizza kit to practice at home. For more details, pricing, and information on upcoming adult classes, visit the website. 


Be sure to check out these Beaumont staples the next time you’re in the area. 

SWING STATE BOXING

Glove up and head to this boutique boxing gym for a full-body workout that’s so fun, you’ll be surprised how fast it moves. Coach Molly Sparkman and her team have created a welcoming, inclusive environment complete with incredible playlists and classes for all fitness levels. 

Address: 4803 NE Fremont St. Website: swingstateboxing.com/ Instagram: @swingstateboxing Don’t miss: Your first class is free. What do you have to lose? 

PIP’S DONUTS AND CHAI

It’s not a trip to Beaumont Village without stopping at Pip’s, the little donut shop that’s big on flavor. Mix and match favorites like nutella and sea salt and candied bacon maple with seasonal specials, wash them down with one of their famous chais and call it a good day.

Address: 4759 NE Fremont St. Website: pipsoriginalonline.com/ Instagram: @pipsoriginal Don’t miss: Enjoy a dozen free donuts on your birthday with valid ID.

BEAUMONT NAILS AND SPA

This go-to neighborhood nail salon is popular with locals so call ahead to make an appointment. The team of skilled nail techs do everything from regular manis and pedis to full sets, waxing and more. Get ready for those holiday parties that are right around the corner.

Address: 4831 NE Fremont St. #1a Website: beaumontnails.com/ Phone number: (971) 386-2919 Don’t miss: Indulge in a hot stone pedicure on a rainy Portland afternoon. You’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. 

THE PALADINS LEAGUE

With more than 500 board games (and growing) in their collection, this gaming cafe is a great place for tabletop lovers of all ages and skill levels. Book a room or table for your own board game event or join one of their many clubs. Full menu and drinks available. 

Address: 4765 NE Fremont St. Website: thepaladinsleague.com Instagram: @thepaladinsleague Don’t miss: Follow their socials to learn about upcoming events including mini-figurine painting parties, themed trivia, bingo, after-school clubs and more.

WONDERLY

This chic-yet-casual cocktail lounge serves elevated takes on classic drinks. Their well-balanced menu is the perfect combination of lighter bites and dinner items, making it a great place to start or end your evening. 

Address: 4727 NE Fremont St. Website: wonderlypdx.com Instagram: @wonderlypdx Don’t miss: Daily happy hour from 5-6 p.m. Wind down your day with a house margarita, gimlet or adult slushee for under $10. 

BLACKBIRD WINE SHOP

This neighborhood wine shop is cute, cozy and full of tasty wine and cheese finds. Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift or simply wanting to unwind with a glass after a long day, Blackbird has you covered.

Address: 4323 NE Fremont St. Website: blackbirdwine.com Instagram: @blackbirdwineshop Don’t miss: Check their website and social media for weekly tastings and other seasonal events.

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