Mama Mia Trattoria is located on the corner of Second Avenue and Washington Street in the historical Waldo Building, located at the western foot of the Morrison Bridge: one of the most traveled bridges in Portland, Oregon. Previously this was the location of the Elephant and Castle, an English Pub specializing in fish and chips for over 30 years. The Waldo block was constructed in 1886 in the heart of Portland’s flourishing Chinatown. It’s a fine example of restored “Italianate” cast-iron architecture. The building’s handsome cast-iron pilasters, which were produced by the Honeyman Foundry, boast fine capitals adorned with female heads. The original cornice, previously removed, has been completely restored to its original configuration, and the Washington Street balustrade pediment, bearing the name “Waldo” and the date of construction, was reproduced. Originally the building housed merchants’ National Bank on its main floor and “Leland” lodging rooms on the second and third floors. Later the upper floors were leased to Chinese residents and were the place of Chinese religious and social activities. The building was headquarters for various Chinese societies, among which were the Gee How Oak Tin Association, the Bing Kung Leon Tong, which was the enforcement arm of the association, and another group that was involved with opium and gambling. Indications of gambling and opium smoking were found in the building when renovation was commenced. Despite their long tenancy, the Chinese did not own the building until 1943 when, as a result of World War II, restrictions were relaxed which previously prohibited Chinese ownership of property. The present owner purchased the building from the Chinese heirs of earlier owners. The last evidence today of Chinese tenancy, indeed for all of “old Chinatown”, is the balcony on the third floor at Second Avenue. Judge John Breckenridge Waldo, a son of 1843 wagon train pioneers, a respected Justice of the Oregon State Supreme Court and prosperous merchant, invested in this building. Judge Waldo was a state legislator, and an explorer of Cascade Range; his discoveries included Breitenbush Hot Springs, near Mount Jefferson, and Waldo Lake in 1877. italian, portland, best italian, italian restaurant, homemade, home made, great, italian, Best Italian restaurant, Southern Italian soul food, Great Italian food, Red sauce, Chicken parmesan, Homemade, Homemade ravioli, Lasagna, Fettucini alfredo, Carbonara, Marsala, Veal, Home made mozzarella, mozzarella, Thin-crust pizza, thin, crust, pizza, Meatball, dessert, Tiramisu, Panna cotta, Cannoli, Cheesecake, Italian, Sicily, Sicilian, Tomato sauce, Pomodoro sauce, Garlic, Garlic bread

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