Search 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.
Central Eastside Attractions
Explore five of this district’s distinguishing landmarks and places to visit.
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, and planetarium, high-profile traveling exhibitions like Body Worlds and Mythbusters, or special exhibits on everything from retro video games to nanotechnology.
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.
Central Eastside Gems
Discover the historic, reconstructed Southeast Industrial blocks.
Portland’s Distillery Row
The epicenter of the emerging craft distillery movement, Distillery Row is home to independent, small-batch distillers who have put Portland on the spirits map.
Central Eastside Brewery Tour
With its myriad breweries and beer bars, Portland's bustling Central Eastside practically overflows with award-winning suds — this guide to local favorites will help you build your own brewpub crawl.
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.
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Swan Dive
Modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K., Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100…
Emmy Blotnick
Emmy Blotnick is a stand-up/actress/writer based in NY. She is coming from the release of her debut comedy album, "Party Nights." She has appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," where she was also a staff writer. Emmy was featured in the New York Times as a “Savvy Comic” who shines, and her Comedy…
Small Batch Trivia at Cascade Brewing
If you want a light, laid-back live trivia experience, get it from the pub quiz industry leaders. It's Small Batch Trivia from Geeks Who Drink. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Each quiz consists of five rounds of questions…
Felipe Esparza
Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor. He is known for his stand-up special, "They're Not Gonna Laugh at You," his recurring roles on "Superstore," and "The Eric Andre Show," winning "Last Comic Standing" in 2010, "World's Dumbest…," his podcast "What's Up Fool?" on the All Things Comedy Network, and his newest stand-up special, "Translate…
Holiday Express
Join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind the 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive. Decorated in festive cheer, the heated vintage rail cars transport you along the Willamette River in the heart of the city. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to embark on their 18th annual event beginning right after…
Whiskey Class
Have you ever wondered about the history of whiskey? Can you explain the differences between whisk(e)y types? Have you taken other Westward classes? In this all-whiskey course, attendees will drink their way through the history and sciences of the world's most beloved dark drink.
The Holding Project presents: precious cargo (always the point)
precious cargo (always the point) is the second installation in The Holding Project's 'precious cargo' performance series, following the 2022 premiere of precious cargo (days of old). This evening-length dance performance takes place in the round and is one of the newest and most personal works by Artistic Director Amy Leona Havin. Choreographed and produced…
Holiday Extravaganza
Celebrate the holiday season with Clarklewis. In the heart of the Central Eastside, Clarklwes is proud to ramp up the vintage nostalgia of the holiday season with a Holiday Extravaganza. Enjoy breakfast with Santa and a lively holiday drag show featuring your host, Donatella Nobody and DJ Aurora. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit surrounded…
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…
Phil Hanley
Originally from Vancouver, Phil Hanley is a stand-up actor, and writer who's a regular at NYC’s renowned Comedy Cellar. He has performed stand-up on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show, The Pete Holmes Show, and John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show on Comedy Central. His half-hour…
Cocktail and Whiskey Class
Have you ever wondered about the history of whiskey? Can you explain the differences between whiskey types? Do you want to learn more about how the highest-rated American single malt is made? You’re invited to join this popular introductory course.
The Moth StorySlam
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night's theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show. The show's theme is… HOME: Prepare a five-minute story about where the heart is. Where you're from……
Jeff Dye
Jeff Dye is a nationally touring comedian, actor, host, prankster, and Bigfoot enthusiast. He stars in NBC's new comedy adventure series "Better Late Than Never." This exciting project follows the travels of Henry Winkler, William Shatner, Terry Bradshaw, and George Foreman, as Jeff creates the adventure of a lifetime for them. NBC has fast-tracked season…
Charli XCX Dance Night
VROOM VROOM: A Charli XCX Dance Night is returned by popular demand. A dance party exploring the music of Charli XCX, her collaborators, producers, and related artists, as well as the hyperpop, PC Music and experimental avant-garde dance/pop realms. (Think artists like Shygirl, A.G. Cook, Caroline Poloachek, Kero Kero Bonito, Lady Gaga, Sophie, Doss, Christine…
Old Fashioned Social
Join Westward Whiskey at the distillery for a late-night drink featuring some of their best friends and partners. Expect exclusive full-sized cocktails, food, and featured guests. The ticket price includes the special drink of the night. September 9 features Westward Whiskey x Blue Star Donuts pairing benefiting the Pixie Project.
Bearracuda Portland New Year's Eve
Join the FIRST EVER Bearracuda New Year's Eve in Portland. Countdown to 2024 and DANCE TILL 3 a.m. at Bearracuda. With a midnight countdown with 650 friends on Sunday, December 31st. Very special guest DJ from Sydney, Australia: Paul Goodyear (Portland debut) provides the soundtrack to the final hours of the year. Hot GoGos, Visuals…
¡HUELGA!
This “Super Acto”, inspired by Teatro Campesino, will travel back in time to 1962 with Dolores Huerta to the farmworkers movement and share her co-founding of the UFW with Cesar Chavez. There will be Social Justice theater workshops that will inspire students to become more involved in helping their communities. The Dolores Huerta Foundation has…
Piano Concert by Elijah Bossenbroek
Elijah Bossenbroek is a piano composer who enjoys dabbling in electronic sounds and finding new and creative ways to make music come alive. Elijah Bossenbroek was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He started taking piano lessons at age six but wasn't a typical piano student. He often hated the dull repetition behind learning…
Welcome to Night Vale
WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE is a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events. Turn on your radio and hide.
Portland Opera presents Enchanted Woods: Shakespeare & Song
Enter Shakespeare’s forest: a place of magic, love and transformation. Here, to honor Shakespeare’s first folio, be immersed in an evening of story and song inspired by 20th-century adaptations of his enduring works. Through sweet melody and poignant poetry, celebrate the natural magic of the bard — to honor that which is still enchanting four…
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…
Verónica Princesa
Verónica is a pre-adolescent who, faced with traditional tales, questions the roles of different "princesses" as she learns to put herself in the shoes of others, especially those of her mother. Workshops will focus on celebrating family through personal interviews with inspiring role models, and students will create their own modern-day fairy tales. Community events…
Keyon Harrold
Musically, Harrold lives by the notion that the only thing identifying a genre is its beat. That belief has allowed Harrold to tear down the walls of the genre to roam music freely. Keyon’s career is a spectrum of greatness in terms of collaboration and as a solo artist. He is a once-in-a-generation type of…
Theo Croker + Kassa Overall
Theo Croker is a storyteller who speaks through his trumpet. A Grammy-nominated artist, composer, producer, thought leader, and influencer, he is a creative who rejects boundaries and lets his voice ring through the music. Kassa Overall is a Grammy-nominated musician, emcee, singer, producer and drummer who melds avant-garde experimentation with hip-hop production techniques to tilt…
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,…
Borderline
Borderline is set in the cotton fields of Socorro, Texas, where four Latino 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….
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…
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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