Jake and Kimberly Helfer opened HO3 Speakeasy to bring craft cocktails, shareable bites to Downtown Gresham.

A Downtown Gresham speakeasy wants to become the worst-kept secret in town — craft cocktails and shareable bites, no password required.

Stepping into HO3 transports you to the early 1900s. The décor is an eclectic mix rescued from thrift stores and attics. Several pieces came from a sale by a family hailing from a London castle in the 1800s, boxes of an eighth of an eighth of inheritance that needed a new home.

Light fixtures and a pair of “unbelievably comfortable chairs” were from a Habitat for Humanity Restore. Paintings and vintage artwork were discovered and gifted by friends and family, and the ultimate talking point, “Karen the Mannequin,” has become something of a mascot with her fabulous outfit and penchant for taking visitors by surprise at the entrance.

“We were just in awe of all these pieces we were finding, it fit together like it was meant to be,” said Kimberly Helfer, who owns the speakeasy and upstairs restaurant, Helfer’s on Third, with her husband Jake. “Everywhere you sit you will see something different or special.”

HO3 Speakeasy

What: Date night cocktail bar tucked away beneath sister restaurant Helfer’s on Third

Where: 124 N.E. Third St.

Hours: 4-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday

Entrance: Through upstairs restaurant or side door on Third

HO3 Speakeasy, 124 N.E. Third Street in Downtown Gresham, which opened in late July, is tucked beneath sister restaurant, Helfer’s on Third, at the edge of the Arts Plaza.

Like how predecessor Uly’s Taco Bar operated, with a basement bar that served as a late-night extension of the former Mexican restaurant, both parts of Helfer’s operate in concert.

Upstairs is the family-friendly restaurant that specializes in gourmet hot dogs and burgers. Downstairs is that elegant and cozy speakeasy.

“There is no other speakeasy like this in Gresham — this isn’t your typical, everyday watering hole,” Kimberly said.

The main draw for downstairs, 21-and-over, is the fun atmosphere to enjoy a drink, with all sorts of nooks and comfortable crannies. The cocktail menu was painstakingly curated by Jake.

“We have at least one cocktail recommended for every liquor down here,” he said.

The most popular is the espresso martini, a drink the owners also love, which is why they went through the effort of installing an espresso machine in the speakeasy. Other offerings include an old fashioned, daquiris and martinis, cosmopolitan and lemon drop.

“Jake can be picky when it comes to his drinks, from the beginning he knew exactly what he wanted with the menu,” Kimberly said.

Another important addition was a selection of wine, with an extensive list by the glass or for a bottle to share.

Anyone who gets peckish can either order any of the food from upstairs, or off a special menu for the speakeasy, with small plates designed to share: zucchini fries, Swedish meatballs, calamari, crab Rangoon, tater tots. There are also rotating desserts like cheesecake or tuxedo cake.

“This is a great gathering place, way to meet new people in town,” Kimberly said.

The menu will continue to evolve, as will the décor (and Karen the Mannequin’s outfits). There is a pool table that is free to play, and the plan is to host special events and live music. The space can also be rented for gatherings or parties.

“We are just trying to be that niche here in Gresham,” Kimberly said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Helfer’s on Third’s new menu has customers ‘clucking’

By popular demand, Helfer’s on Third, which sits above the speakeasy, is debuting new menu items.

The biggest addition is a slate of dishes featuring chicken — sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps. There are also new salads and daily specials to enjoy.

“Helfer’s is not just a ‘hot dog place,’” Kimberly said. “Those gourmet dogs are special — like the ‘Mac Attack’ with homemade macaroni, breadcrumbs and bacon bits — and now there is even more to enjoy.”