Established in 2004, Portugalia has earned a reputation as one of the best spots in Ocean Beach for dinner with its fine Portuguese food. Yet the restaurant often remains under the radar when it comes to the entertainment it offers. Recently, Portugalia began a series of renovations — including an upgraded sound system — with an aim to raise its profile among music fans. A grand re-opening is set for Friday, Feb. 11. Notably, Portugalia has one of the more eclectic music schedules in the area, with the stage seeing a wide range of performers ranging from belly dancers to jazz, reggae to blues and DJs to tribute groups. Portugalia also has regular comedy and hip-hop events with Tuesdays scheduled for “open mic” nights hosted by Jim Coch and Wednesdays devoted to female-fronted groups. Highlights in February include jazz favorite Pocket (Feb. 19) and Have a Cigar: The Pink Floyd Experience (Feb. 26). The biggest change is likely the new rodizio serving style for the wonderful food. Under this serving style, customers pay a set price, but the dishes keep coming until their appetite has been sated. “We’re not using a menu anymore,” said owner and chef Jason Nascimento. The San Diego native personally cooks every meal that goes out. “In seven years, I haven’t missed a date or a meal yet,” he joked. He notes the new service increases the interaction between customer and kitchen. “With rodizio, it’s family style. I go to the customers, find out what their likes are and try to accommodate them,” Nascimento said. The restaurant also recently expanded its drink selection in November with the addition of a hard-liquor license. Portugalia is also putting in new booths, woodworking and a bar, as well as new windows with seating, so patrons now have a view from above Newport Avenue. “We’re not done yet. We’re still working, but will have it done by the 11th for the grand re-opening party,” Nascimento said. Making the evening more special, it will also be Nascimento’s 36th birthday. The venue has a full night of music planned, hosted by Los Angeles comedy duo Cory & Chad of Identical Entertainment, and featuring Kitten with a Whip, Tori Roze and the Hot Mess, and Angie Evans. The restaurant’s music is booked by Jessica Yuriditsky with Nascimento’s input. While he is open to most any type of entertainment, he said Portugalia does not book techno, gangster rap or punk. He likens the venue’s atmosphere to “a 1920s speakeasy. Musicians always like to come back here because people actually listen to the music when they play. It’s not background noise.” Nascimento said he hopes the changes in 2011 put his establishment in the sights of both diners and music lovers. “I think the new hard-liquor license will make a difference,” he said. “Before, people would come in to eat and watch an artist, but then go to another establishment for drinks. Now they stay in-house.” While there are other areas of town known for their culinary delights, Nascimento considers Ocean Beach to be the perfect spot for Portugalia. “I was born and raised in the Point Loma and Ocean Beach area,” Nascimento said. “I think San Diego is just the best place to live. I’ve been to many places around the United States and I think the jewel of it is [this area]. There are ritzy parts and more ‘down home’ spots, as well as OB’s ‘anything goes’ attitude and the beauty of the beach. It’s a pretty nice place to live.” Portugalia’s grand re-opening takes place Friday, Feb. 11. The restaurant is located at 4839 Newport Ave. For more information, visit www.sdportugalia.com.