Portland City Council approves Silver Street restaurant lounge application

Portland City Council has approved a new restaurant, Silver Street by Taj, to open at 35 Silver Street, following a unanimous vote during a special meeting on February 24, 2025. The approval, sponsored by City Manager Daniel West, marks a significant addition to the city's dining scene, with Councilor Phillips expressing enthusiasm for the establishment's reputation and community contributions, including providing 2,300 free meals during the holiday season.

The restaurant's owner, Sai, expressed gratitude for the support and excitement about the new location, noting a minor change in their application from a Class A lounge to a restaurant and bar classification, which has been communicated to state authorities.

In addition to the restaurant approval, the council discussed an amendment to the Portland City Code regarding the ethics commission. However, the discussion was postponed to allow for the mayor's presence, as he was not in attendance at the time. The council plans to revisit this topic later in the session.

The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to fostering local businesses and ensuring ethical governance, with the restaurant approval expected to enhance the community's dining options and contribute positively to Portland's vibrant culture.