Bar Publica to close permanently in Portland’s West Bayside

Bar Publica to Close Permanently After One‑Year Run

Portland, Maine – The Puerto‑influenced bar and restaurant Bar Publica, located at 82 Hanover Street, announced on Thursday that it will shut its doors for good this week. The venue’s last operating day will be Saturday, September 5, according to a post on its Instagram account.

The decision follows growing health concerns for the establishment’s chief chef, Ron Medlock. Medlock, who was the original chef at the nearby Papi restaurant and spearheaded Bar Publica’s highly praised Puerto Rican‑inspired menu in 2025, has reportedly experienced a serious decline in his health. “For his health and safety, we have made the decision to close so he can take the time he needs to take care of himself,” the Instagram message stated.

Bar Publica opened its doors in June 2024 with an ambitious goal: to help revive Portland’s nightlife after a period of quieter bars and cafés. Partner Spencer Brantley expressed optimism at the opening, saying he hoped the venue would bring new energy to the city’s bar scene. The restaurant had previously closed for the off‑season in October 2024 and reopened in the spring, operating for just over a year before the latest closure.

While the bar’s brief tenure was marked by creative cocktails and a menu that blended traditional Puerto Rican flavors with local ingredients, staff and patrons alike have expressed disappointment that the venue will not remain open. The closure is a reminder of the personal toll that the restaurant industry can take on its employees, as well as the broader challenges facing small businesses in Portland’s competitive hospitality market.

The announcement came at a time when the city is experiencing a wave of new establishments and a shift toward more health‑conscious dining. Bar Publica’s final day will likely be a bittersweet farewell for its loyal customers, who enjoyed the venue’s vibrant atmosphere and its “lauded” culinary offerings.

The Bar Publica team has thanked the community for its support over the past year. The last night’s event, slated for Saturday, is expected to be a quiet celebration rather than a full‑scale farewell, giving staff the chance to wrap up their final duties while honoring the venue’s brief but spirited contribution to Portland’s food scene.