At the center of The Grove, a dining option at Fifth & Elm, is a striking design choice that tells the story of the space. During construction, the team sourced a live oak from the Texas Hill Country and transformed it into a chandelier that now hangs above the dining room, anchoring the entire concept.
“That tree is basically our centerpiece,” said Volkan Koç, CEO and operating partner of CC Turnkey Events. “We wanted to bring the outdoor feel inside and create a space that drives connection and reflects the energy happening throughout Fifth & Elm.”
The Grove is part of a larger collection of food concepts inside the Fifth & Elm entertainment hub, serving as its signature restaurant and culinary heartbeat. From here, guests can explore artisan pies from Old Towne Pizza Co., hot dogs from Frankly Delicious and drinks from Birdie Lounge, an elevated cocktail space overlooking the venue’s playgrounds and splash areas offering a bird’s-eye view for parents keeping an eye on the fun below.
Rooted in Texas and Gulf Coast flavors while pulling inspiration from global influences, The Grove’s menu feels both familiar and unexpected. The pizza menu offers innovative options like the Lone Star BBQ Pie topped with brisket, barbecue sauce, jalapeños, onions and cheddar; or the Sweet Brie Pie layered with apple, brie, roasted pecans, rosemary and a hot honey drizzle.
“People have the most interesting reactions to the Sweet Brie Pie,” Koç said. “But once they try it, they’re hooked.”
The Grove menu leans into shareable comfort with standout appetizers like Headliner Wings and scratch-made fried mozzarella. Another crowd favorite, the elote-style corn ribs with smoky chipotle lime crema, delivers a smoky, tangy bite guests quickly fall for.
For heartier plates, options range from the Lone Star Smash burger and Southside Cubano to the pistachio-crusted chicken fried steak served with jalapeño gravy. Lighter dishes, like the Garden Caprese Chicken and Tequila Lime Shrimp, add bright, balanced flavors to the lineup.
The “Little Acorn” menu includes playful creations for kids, like the Dino Land Forest, dinosaur-shaped nuggets served with broccoli “trees” and mashed potato “land,” designed to make even picky eaters smile.
Behind the scenes, the concept is supported by a strong culinary and beverage team, including CC Turnkey Events Corporate Chef Richard Gonzalez, The Grove Executive Chef Steven Tienda, bar concept developers Danielle Koç and Eric Gutschow, bar manager Ralph Fuentes and general manager Chela Vela.
With a menu built for sharing, an atmosphere built for gathering, and additions like a raw oyster bar and an acai stand, The Grove continues to grow into one of the most dynamic dining destinations inside Fifth & Elm.
Contact: 201 5th St., Portland | thegroveportland.com | @thegroveportland
