Savor the Flavors of Sunday Sauce: Experience Authentic Italian American Comfort Food in Portland’s Bridgetown Bites

Exciting news—Sunday Sauce opens this week! Get ready for mouthwatering dishes like chicken parmesan, meatballs, and garlic cheese bread, all topped off with the star of the show: Sunday sauce over pasta. This new Italian American eatery comes from Amanda and Judson Winquist, known for Normandie, nestled in North Portland.

What’s in a name? “Sunday sauce,” also known as “Sunday gravy” or “sugo,” is a rich tomato-meat sauce that’s a staple in NYC and NJ. This restaurant pays homage to Amanda’s childhood in New Jersey, celebrating those big family meals around the dinner table. “It’s a tradition,” Amanda explains. “For many Italian Americans, it’s about family history.”

When I asked Amanda about the term “red sauce joint,” she said she finds it fitting. “It suggests a casual vibe and highlights that we serve American Italian food, not traditional Italian.” The dishes reflect her family’s deep roots and the specific regions of Italy they come from.

The “sauce vs. gravy” debate sparks strong opinions, and Amanda mentions she grew up in a “sauce house.” Yet she recognizes that some family members call it gravy. “It’s more than just sauce; it connects to history and tradition,” she adds.

At Sunday Sauce, expect comforting dishes like:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Served with Momma’s sauce.
• Chooch’s Caesar: A Caesar salad with a twist—loaded with anchovies and olives.
• Eggplant Parm: Crispy eggplant with rich sauce and mozzarella.
• Sunday Sauce: Braised beef and pork in tomato sauce over rigatoni—truly the highlight of the menu.
• Sweet Treats: Desserts like Banana Pudding Tiramisu and Salted Caramel Budino.

Amanda’s favorite? The eggplant parm. “It’s a perfect blend of classic flavors,” she says. “Every dish carries memories, and I want guests to create new ones here.”

As for drinks, co-owner Judson helped craft a retro beverage menu that brings 90s cocktail vibes back to life. Try a Dirty Martini or a Salty Godfather alongside your meal.

The Italian food scene in Portland is thriving. Recent newcomers, including Bistecca and Hey Luigi, are exciting additions. A recent article in Portland Monthly celebrates this growth. Amanda is thrilled to see Italian food gain recognition and hopes Sunday Sauce can contribute to this culinary revival.

Located at the corner of North Killingsworth and North Mississippi Ave, the restaurant offers a cozy space designed to evoke nostalgia, featuring striped curtains and Tiffany-style lighting. With 45 seats and a warm atmosphere, every detail is meant to create a sense of home, blending comfort with modern flair.

As Amanda hopes to create a loving space, she notes, “Eating is a joy, and we want everyone who steps through our doors to feel that warmth.” They plan to open from Wednesday to Sunday, with future plans for a lunch program.

Mark your calendars—Sunday Sauce opens on October 23, 2025. Join Amanda and Judson on this culinary journey, where food, family, and community come together in each comforting bite.

Sunday Sauce
902 N Killingsworth Street, Portland
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