Artist Block’s Alpha Bravo Pivots to Cocktail Lounge in May

NEWBERG, Ore. — Artist Block’s Alpha Bravo Ramen Bar is dropping the ramen and keeping the bar when it transitions to Alpha Bravo Bar and Restaurant in early May, discontinuing its ramen service and reopening as a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge alongside a winery tasting room with a curated menu created by local chef Mason Goucher.

Artist Block owner Anna Sweet said she originally opened the ramen bar to fill a need in town for a warm, inviting restaurant, particularly during the colder months.

“Coming from outside of Oregon, I really struggled here in the winter,” said Sweet, who was raised in Charlotte, NC. “I needed something that would bring me warmth and comfort, and I thought if I enjoyed it, others would too. Now that we’re through the hard winter, I’m excited to expand that vision.”

Alpha Bravo Ramen Bar opened in November 2024 in the back room of the Artist Block Quonset hut, known as the Q-Hut, which serves as the winery’s second location after its Dundee tasting room.

“It surprises me every day to see such a broad array of people coming through the door,” Sweet said. “It’s really exciting to meet all of our neighbors and people who otherwise wouldn’t necessarily go wine tasting. And we’ve been hearing more from them about what they think might work around here.”

Sweet said the ramen bar performed well through the winter, and with the busy tourism season approaching, she saw an opportunity to evolve the concept. The new plan includes the Artist Block Wine Lounge and Cocktail Bar in the front and Alpha Bravo’s speakeasy-style restaurant in the back, all under the name Alpha Bravo Bar and Restaurant.

The front lounge has been reconfigured with a central bar and a new paint scheme to better align with the speakeasy theme. Sweet hopes the updated decor will create a cohesive experience for the space.

The cocktail lounge will feature local wines alongside a curated cocktail list developed by Artist Block General Manager Jessy Hill. The menu, set to launch in May, will highlight classic cocktails, including the gin-based Army & Navy, a nod to the location’s World War II history, Hill said.

Alpha Bravo’s New Chef: Mason Goucher

Mason Goucher, Alpha Bravo’s new chef, was initially approached for the ramen concept but had prior commitments, including running his wine country catering company, Fumée Foods.

When Sweet reached out again in the new year, Goucher was ready to take on the challenge.

“One of the things I want to bring is a different, modern take to this side of the valley,” Goucher said. “I want to source responsibly from local farms—going and picking the produce myself, like I’ve been doing for the past two years—and setting up a system where we bring people together to connect over food from here.”

Goucher has worked with Artist Block since 2023, creating unique dishes for the winery’s Film Foodie Fridays. Sweet said Goucher’s dedication and creativity made him the perfect fit for the refreshed concept.

“All of the dishes were so beautiful, thoughtful, unique, and delicious,” she said. “I feel like he has so much to give and hasn’t been given the platform to do that yet. I hope this opportunity can showcase his incredible work.”

Goucher’s culinary career began in 2019 after transitioning from a career in information technology. He graduated from the now-closed Oregon Culinary Institute and worked at Portland’s 23 Hoyt, followed by Q Restaurant & Bar. After more than three years at Q, he helped open ōkta in McMinnville before launching his winery-focused catering business.

“My goal is to create a consistent, elevated dining experience that taps into the local community and ingredients, feeding the valley in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Goucher said. “I’m excited to put my own artistic stamp on the menu at Alpha Bravo, pairing local alcohol and produce in ways that surprise and delight diners.”

Alpha Bravo, located at 115 S Washington St., will continue serving ramen until April 30. The restaurant announced it will offer locals 20% off ramen bowls through April. It’s open Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.