Central Eastside
Across the Willamette River from downtown, this area blends industrial Portland with new restaurants, microbreweries and riverside recreation.
Criss-crossed with train tracks and lined with old industrial factories, some of Portland’s favorite restaurants, boutiques and events call the Central Eastside home. Read on for our recommended things to do and see in Portland’s Central Eastside.
Where to Stay in the Central Eastside
Across the Willamette River from downtown, the Central Eastside area blends industrial Portland with new restaurants, microbreweries and riverside recreation and offers easy access to other central-city and eastside districts.
Place to Eat and Drink in the Central Eastside
You’ll want to start early if you’re looking to try Southeast Portland’s Delicious Donuts. Often selling out before closing, this low-key, family-owned doughnut shop sneaks under the radar in Portland’s food scene. With their flagship coffee shop in the Central Eastside, Water Avenue Coffee roasts interesting blends and single-origin coffee beans, making you an excellent cup.
With a year-round patio, live music and DJ, and weekend brunch Produce Row Cafe is a gastro-pub you don’t want to miss. A champion of craft beer in Portland since 1978, pair beer with whiskey and a great meal.
One of the neighborhood’s pioneering restaurants, clarklewis makes the most of its light-filled former-loading-dock location, turning out wood-fired delicacies like oak-grilled rib-eye steak served with local chard, creamed corn and oyster mushrooms.
Kachka brings a little bit of the old world to Portland with traditional Russian cuisine (their dumplings are incredible) and vodka samplers where you can try house-infused vodkas in flavors like horseradish and chamomile. Recently, they’ve opened Lavka, as a market with a deli counter daily, though still continuing their fine-dining by evening — so be sure to make a reservation.
For Italian classics and thin-crust pizza, Nostrana brings complex flavors to simple dishes.
With its own creative take on ramen — think rich, meaty broths with fried chicken, oysters and fresh noodles — Boke Bowl has also earned a devoted following. But despite their meaty servings, vegetarians can get in on the action here too, with Korean fried tofu and eggplant — and everyone loves Boke’s daring miso-butterscotch twinkies for dessert.
Perhaps the most nationally recognized name in the neighborhood, Le Pigeon, turns out French-based dishes with a local twist, like the Paris mushroom carpaccio starter and the entrée of smoked scallops with spaghetti and pig’s ear. Guests sit elbow-to-elbow at communal tables here, packing in for a crack at James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker‘s ever-changing menu.
When night falls, the Central Eastside offers plenty of entertainment. Hipster biker bar White Owl Social Club serves shoestring fries and rave-worthy beet burgers on its expansive patio, where patrons can roast s’mores on tabletop campfires. Housing hundreds of barrels filled with award-winning sour ales, Cascade Brewing Barrel House offers a tart tap list ripe with beers made with berries, apricots and even local coffee.
What to Do in the Central Eastside
The Central Eastside knows how to have fun any time of day. Head to Water Avenue, which runs along the Willamette River, and find shops, restaurants and an old — and renewed — business district (accessible via Portland Streetcar or MAX Orange Line). Tucked under the Marquam Bridge, OMSI promises fun for all ages, with permanent draws like a four-story movie theater, a planetarium, high-profile traveling exhibitions like Body Worlds and Mythbusters, or special exhibits on everything from retro video games to nanotechnology.
Central Eastside Attractions
Explore five of this district’s distinguishing landmarks and places to visit.
And those who love trains shouldn’t miss the nearby Oregon Rail Heritage Center, which features three steam locomotives and other train antiquities.
If you want to spend more time outdoors, Kerr Bikes rents any style of bike, including a surrey that will hold the whole family. With nearby trails to explore, bike along the Springwater Corridor or Eastbank Esplanade.
Pips & Bounce is a palace of ping-pong action. (Yes, ping-pong!) Packed with ten tournament-quality tables, hundreds of paddles and even ball-shaped lights, players can work on their backhand or kick back with vittles like local smoked sausage from Zenner’s. Staffers even scoop up stray balls to help keep the volleys coming. Around the corner, the traditional bowling alley gets a reboot at Grand Central Restaurant & Bowling. Giant projection screens play B movies and music videos to accompany the crashing pins and classic arcade games, air hockey and billiards. Order pub grub and signature mojitos straight from a comfy couch by your lane.
You can sing your heart out at Voicebox, a karaoke bar with private rooms, so even shy crooners can slam the door on stage fright thanks to private, soundproof suites. Confidence-boosting beverages like sake cocktails along with pita pizzas and tater tot nachos help feed the need to belt out “Bohemian Rhapsody” until the wee hours. Singers can even order gummy worms and M&Ms by the half-pound — virtually guaranteeing a sweet note to end on.
If you’re in the mood for live music, Central Eastside has many world-class venues from Doug Fir to Holocene. Bunk Bar on Water Avenue, is an intimate, converted warehouse with eclectic bands, pinball, beer and Bunk sandwiches.
Nightlife in the Central Eastside
This area of Portland is a hub for late-night attractions, including cool bars and dance spots.
Shopping in Central Eastside
Fashion Finds
Look out, downtown — East Burnside is beginning to rival the city center as Portland’s fashion hub. Inside a hip, minimalist space, Machus, a tightly curated boutique for men, carries high-end designers from Saturdays NYC to Naked & Famous. Nearby, Una offers a collection of exotic knickknacks, indie clothing and local housewares sourced by thrift-store whiz Giovanna Parolari.
Check out OKO in its new East Burnside location. This small shop specializes in vintage and antique jewelry. It also sells new jewelry by Portland designers, art, a small selection of magical skincare potions and other antiques and rarities.
Books and Trinkets
With plenty of boutiques and small storefronts, Central Eastside provides trinkets of all kinds. The distinctive 811 E. Burnside building, with exposed iron beams and loads of glass storefronts, is home to a handful of fittingly unique shops. Complete a new look at xobruno, which offers one-of-a-kind leather bags. Coy & Co., the city’s first sustainably certified florist shop, is equipped to handle all your floral design needs. It sells hand-tied bouquets, flower subscriptions, robust arrangements and more.
With apparel for hard-working folks, Red Cloud Collective — a group of artists, designers, musicians, woodworkers, motorcycle mechanics, skateboarders and photographers — is full of locally hand-crafted clothing, leather and products.
Mother Foucault’s is a stunning used bookstore, with old-world charms and occasional readings by local or touring independent authors.
More Central Eastside Events
Get to know the Central Eastside neighborhood at these upcoming events.
Sci-Fi Film Festival
For eight weeks this spring, OMSI’s 2024 Sci-Fi Film Festival will showcase over 40 of science fiction’s most memorable films on the Empirical Theater’s giant four-story screen. From genre classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey to more recent favorites like Everything Everywhere All at Once, the festival’s offerings are sure to appeal to science…
Staying Alive: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom
Learn about the animal kingdom’s coolest methods of self-defense. Every species of animal has evolved some mechanism to protect themselves from attack. Some of these means of self-defense are more obvious than others, but make no mistake, every animal has a strategy. Staying Alive: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom explores how animals use tough armor, powerful venom…
Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family
Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family brings the latest tyrannosaur discoveries to life, overturning preconceptions about these ferocious predators. The exhibition explores the most feared and revered of all dinosaurs in new and different ways. The exhibition’s real and replica specimens are spectacular in scale and form and reveal some of the most significant discoveries…
The Big Sipper
Don't miss the cocktail & spirits tasting event of the year. Your ticket includes samples from local distilleries and spirits companies, tastes of participating craft cocktails made by your favorite bars & restaurants, yummy food, one vote for the People's Choice award for the best cocktail in Portland, photo ops & more.
Train Ride Celebrating Portland's Zoo Railway
Take a scenic springtime train ride in the vintage rail cars along the Willamette River’s picturesque Springwater Corridor. Conjure the magic of bygone years while celebrating the bright future of the beloved Zoo Railway. Join the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for an unforgettable train ride adventure. Secure your seat for this scenic journey and discover how you…
Geoff Tate
As a comedy fan, you’ve probably heard Geoff Tate at some point… Maybe you listen to podcasts. In that case, you probably heard Geoff on WTF with Marc Maron or Your Mom’s House with Tom Segura and Christina P., or maybe it was The Todd Glass Show, or You Made It Weird or BertCast or…
Mission Gibbons
Imago Co-Founder Carol Triffle premieres her newest show, "Mission Gibbons". The time has come to listen to the Cavemen sing. Is humankind moving forward or backward? In Carol Triffle's strangely empowering absurdist comedy, the answer is "both." Three day-tripping hikers find their climb up Mount Plastic reoriented by a trio of Neanderthals who know a thing or…
Samuel J. Comroe
A man who brings swagger and energy to the stage, Samuel J Comroe has flipped any preconceived notions of what it's like to have Tourette's syndrome on their heads. Highly charming and charismatically chatty, Comroe is a story-driven comic with a unique point of view and fast as lightening delivery. Career Highlights: Comedy special "Normal…
Blue Girl and the Burning Bushes
What if the second coming already happened? And She was Blue? Blue Girl and the Burning Bushes is the story of the coming of age of a young orphan — a science prodigy growing up alone in a junkyard — destined to sing the goddess back into the souls of humanity — and save the…
Swan Dive Diva Drag Brunch
Join Portland’s all-star drag queens and burlesque dancers every Saturday and Sunday for a heart-pumping performance complete with acrobatics, live singing, intricate custom-made outfits and sweat-defying artful makeup. Come prepared to tip generously and have a rowdy good time. The ticket price does not include food or alcohol. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the…
Michael Palascak
Michael Palascak was named the '2018 Stand-Up of the Year' by the "Late Nite Last Week" podcast for his set on "The Late Late Show with James Corden." He’s also done stand-up on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "CONAN," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with David Letterman," and Comedy Central's "HALF…
Shannon Fiedler
Shannon Fiedler is a comedian, writer and content creator from NYC. Known for her relatable — albeit exaggerated — social media characters, Shannon distills ordinary situations to their most entertaining essence. A fan favorite is her “city girls” series, taking on regional tropes with an over-the-top and unexpected spin, from the preppy Connecticut Girl to…
Hoodo Hersi
Hoodo Hersi is a NY-based comedian from Toronto who made her late-night stand up debut on Late Night With Seth Meyers. She just wrapped two seasons as a writer on A24/Amazon’s Untitled Ramy Youssef Animated show. Since being selected as a New Face: Canada at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, one of CBC’s…
Danny Lopriore
Danny Lopriore is a podcast host, social media star, musician, & comedian. He’s also known for his time as the co-host on the extremely popular podcast “The Basement Yard” with host Joe Santagato.
OMSI After Dark: Garden Party
Get your cottagecore on as you explore the science of this beautiful planet we call home. OMSI After Dark is for the 21-and-over only crowd, where you can drink beer or wine and roam the museum with no kids around. We have science demos, performances, DJ’s, artisan food and beverage vendors and more.
Jordan Jensen
Jordan Jensen started comedy in upstate NY before moving to Nashville TN, where she spent a year working for clubs and taking her comedy on the road in her pickup truck. Jordan now co hosts the podcast "Bein' Ian with Jordan" with comedian Ian Fidance and her first half hour special, presented by GaS Digital…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Meet some of Portland's best makers and creators. With almost 200 hundred makers, the Night Market offers food carts, drinks, clothing, lifestyle goods, home goods, body care and art. The Portland…
Jordan Mackampa
Born in the Republic of Congo and raised in London, Jordan Mackampa has spent his life straddling identities — a challenge the singer-songwriter addresses right in the title of his debut album, Foreigner. Appropriately enough, Mackampa's music juggles genres as it mashes decades of classic pop with tinges of gospel and lots of dramatic, timeless,…
Screen Printing Workshop and Artist Social
The embroidery hoop and Mod Podge method of screen making, but in a more social environment. This method is perfect for beginners or those who want to try screen printing without investing in expensive equipment. Students can create unique and personalized prints with just a few materials and meet other local artists simultaneously. Masks are…
Alfred Robles
After getting kicked out of the police academy, Alfred Robles became one of the country's hottest young comedians. Two years into his comedy career, Alfred was featured in the hit show "Loco Comedy Jam" and the Latino Laugh Festival. He was the only comedian featured on all three seasons of Stand Up Revolution on Comedy…
OMSI Reel Science: Heceta Bank: Oregon’s Hidden Wonder
With Bill Pearcy, OSU; David Baker, OSU Productions; Annie Lindgren, PSU; Joe Liebezeit, Bird Alliance of Oregon, Kristen Forgrave, PSU; Lisa T. Ballance, OSU Hidden below the surface — 35 miles offshore from Cape Perpetua — there’s a submerged ecosystem that hugely impacts Oregon’s coastal habitats and the wildlife that call the ocean home. Heceta Bank:…
Angelo Colina
Angelo Colina is a Venezuelan comedian who emigrated from Colombia to the United States in 2018. He started doing stand-up at Wiseguys Comedy Club (Salt Lake City, Utah) and now resides in New York, where he co-founded Español Please (the which was part of the New York Comedy Festival 2021) and Gente Funny (the first…
Jamie Lissow
Actor and comedian Jamie Lissow is currently a regular weekly guest on the #1 rated late-night talk show, Gutfeld! on Fox. Jamie is best known for his starring role in two seasons of the Netflix Original Series “Real Rob”, alongside SNL alums Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Norm MacDonald and David Spade; a show Jamie co-wrote…
Borderline
Borderline is set in the cotton fields of Socorro, Texas, where four Latinx teens threatened by a mysterious creature must rely on each other to escape the desert alive. It will take made-up myths, stories of the past, and a rendition of La Llorona to defeat the very real monster stalking children in the borderlands….
Uncle Vanya
During a smoldering summer on a Russian estate in the late 19th-century, Vanya and his niece Sonya toil away, working. When the estate’s owner returns with a much younger wife and intends to sell, an undercurrent of emotion is brought to the surface. Chekhov’s iconic meditation on wasted purpose and unrequited love comes to life this…
Aries Spears
A true comedic heavyweight, "MADtv" standout Aries Spears always comes loaded with the best impressions in the game and a unique take on everything from sports to current events. Spears released his latest special, "Aries Spears: Comedy Blueprint," in 2016.
Steve Mason
Chat to Steve Mason about his fifth solo album – the stirring and stunning Brothers & Sisters— and all musical touchpoints crop up. From Wu-Tang Clan and LTJ Bukem to Adam and The Ants and Public Image Limited by way of Mahalia Jackson and The Cramps, Mason not only knows his musical onions but remains resolutely…
Leave Your Troubles at The Door
Leave Your Troubles at The Door is a completely improvised stand-up comedy showcase where the audience’s problems are the topics of the jokes on stage. Audience members write their problems/troubles down on a piece of paper and put it in a box before the show. Then, many of the best comedians from the Pacific Northwest…
The Transplants
The Transplants welcomes comedians from all over the country for the Rip City Comedy Festival. Catch one of the premiere shows of the fest in an early matinee setting. The Transplants is a unique showcase created by Texas native James Bosquez that features comedians from across the globe currently making Portland their home. In this…
Sunday Funday
Sunday Funday is BACK this May for another round of hysterical improvisational performances. Come and support students — both new and seasoned improvisers — as well as other notable Portland performers as they show you all kinds of talents, skills, and abilities. The show will feature demos and sets from all three levels of classes,…
Trivia Tuesday at White Owl Social Club
Join the fun. Untapped Trivia is free to play every Tuesday at White Owl Social Club. Four rounds of trivia is more than just your typical pub/bar trivia. Voted “Best Trivia” in Portland, Oregon. Topics and themes are different each week. Follow @untappedtrivia on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for specific weekly themes and hints for the night at White…
Conner O'Malley
Conner O'Malley presents new research on Comedy products. He showcases newly developed Comedy technologies, including sustainable comedy technology that will innovate the global digital comedy maker space with new videos, stand-up, and much much more. Conner O'Malley is a comedian originally from Chicago, Illinois. He has written for HBO’s "How to with John Wilson" and…
Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue
Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue beckons you back into the cozy crypt at The Coffin Club for another delightful soiree. Bringing you the best in local and international darkly decadent entertainment among the spirits of the eve… Enter this lush, decadent, and special speakeasy soiree through a hushed bar. You'll descend the staircase…
Brad Upton
Brad Upton is Dry Bar Comedy’s most popular act with over 160 million views. He used to tour with the late, great Joan Rivers and is a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Don’t miss this show!!!
OMSI After Dark: Dinos
Straight out of the Cretaceous, come dig in at OMSI and check out dinosaurs, fossils, and more. OMSI After Dark is for the 21-and-over only crowd, where you can drink beer or wine and roam the museum with no kids around. We have science demos, performances, DJ’s, artisan food and beverage vendors and more.
Martin Amini
Martin Amini is a stand-up comic based in Los Angeles, California, born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Martin’s stand-up material touches on what its like growing up mixed in America coming from a Bolivian and Iranian background. After making his tv debut on Laff Tracks on TruTv, Martin filmed his stand up special “Son…
Josh Wolf
Josh Wolf is a comedian, actor, and NY Times Bestselling author best known for his work as a round table guest and writer on E!’s “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately.” Throughout 2013-2014, Wolf hosted “Shark After Dark” which aired during the ultra-popular “Shark Week” on The Discovery Channel. Josh was then cast as the host…
OMSI After Dark: Blown Away
Explore all things explosive as OMSI blow the lid off the science behind blasts. OMSI After Dark is for the 21-and-over only crowd, where you can drink beer or wine and roam the museum with no kids around. We have science demos, performances, DJ’s, artisan food and beverage vendors and more.
Taste of Thailand
Experience Portland's first-ever Taste of Thailand Food Festival, which offers authentic dishes from northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions of Thailand. The festival showcases well-known local restaurants, including Nong Kao Man Gai, Khao Moo Dang, Farmhouse Kitchen, Kati Thai Vegan, Somtum Thai Kitchen, BKK PadThai and many more. The event celebrates Thai culture and is…
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology will screen over 110 films and animations from 23 countries. The event will include parties, panel presentations, and Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers. Taking place in-person at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The festival embraces cutting-edge technology and its role in modern filmmaking.
Rafi Bastos
Rafi Bastos is a 6’7” tall Jewish-Brazilian comedian with an accent like Dracula and a rapidly growing social media presence of stand-up clips in English, mostly filmed from the prestigious Comedy Cellar in New York. In his home country of Brazil, Rafi is a trailblazer in comedy and is one of the first comedians to…
Portland's Central City
There's a lot more to Portland's urban core than Downtown, a center for retail, restaurants and cultural attractions. Goose Hollow is home to Providence Park soccer stadium, while the Pearl District is famous for upscale bars, boutiques and galleries. Old Town Chinatown offers streetwear shops, Saturday Market and Lan Su Chinese Garden and Northwest/Nob Hill boasts shopping, dining and access to Forest Park and the historic Pittock Mansion. East of the Willamette River, the Central Eastside offers family-friendly attractions, shopping and nightlife, while Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Trail Blazers.
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