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The marquee at Northeast Portland’s historic Hollywood Theater is a beloved neighborhood landmark.
Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

Sandy Boulevard

This busy street on Portland’s east side is a thoroughfare of delicious food and great shopping.

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The marquee at Northeast Portland’s historic Hollywood Theater is a beloved neighborhood landmark.
Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

As Portland’s urban grid rule-breaker, Sandy Boulevard stretches diagonally across the east side of the city, from the Central Eastside to Portland International Airport. What was once a stretch of auto shops and warehouses has become a destination for dining, drinking and entertainment. Check out our round-up of the best spots to try on Sandy.

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Case Study Coffee

Start your day with plenty of caffeine at this respected hometown roaster. Case Study takes its craft seriously, transforming responsibly sourced, direct-trade beans into expertly made espresso beverages.

Bakeshop

If it’s a lighter breakfast you crave, get your coffee at Case Study and head next door to this compact but bright bakery. The James Beard Award semifinalist specializes in a wide range of baked goods made with whole-grain flours. Don’t leave without a figgy buckwheat scone.

Cameo Cafe

A long-time neighborhood spot, this quirky café full of kooky grandma decor puts a Korean twist on the greasy spoon, serving brunch classics like the 14-inch (36 cm) Acre Pancakes alongside more international diner fare. Try Sue Gee’s Pindaettok, a Korean-style pancake packed with veggies, beans and rice — with a side of kimchi, of course.

The Grotto

This one-of-a-kind sanctuary provides 68 acres (27.5 hectares) of gardens and peaceful respite for the spiritual and secular alike. Created as a Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto is anchored by a cave in the cliff wall featuring a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture. Be sure to take the elevator to the top of the 110-foot (33.5 m) cliff to find more glorious gardens and stunning views of the city.

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.

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Hollywood Vintage

This funky vintage warehouse is a wonderland for lovers of old-fashioned apparel and outrageous costumes. Peruse their sharp collection of vintage chapeaux and retro glasses or play dress-up with ball gowns and cowboy boots.

Sandy Hut

One of the older dive bars in Portland, Sandy Hut opened in 1923. Though it’s had a facelift since then, find a great juke box playing everything from doom metal to classic rock and you may even stumble in to live music. Belly up to the bar and order the house specials -jello shots- though they have a full bar and a fun twist on the standard bar fare. Cram into a horseshoe booth with friends, this rowdy dive will keep you entertained all night.

5 To Try

Stops on Sandy Boulevard

Stretching for over ninety blocks here are some highlights on Sandy Boulevard.

  • Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant & Bar

    This steak house in Northeast Portland’s Hollywood District serves up their signature slow-roasted prime rib, tender steaks, fresh seafood and more inside their cozy, old-fashioned restaurant. With red velvet booths and live music most nights.

  • Church

    Church is a cocktail bar that also offers affordable pub fare, DJ sets and trivia nights. Abundant vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

  • Doe Donuts

    Doe Donuts is a dedicated vegan doughnut shop — their artisanal creations are made from local, consciously sourced ingredients. Offerings run the gamut from simple flavors to seasonal options to elaborate showstoppers.

  • Pizzeria Otto

    Coining the term “Northwest Neapolitan”, with soft, foldable crust topped lightly, with more sauce than cheese, and always served with fresh, local ingredients Pizzeria Otto brings a slice of Naples to Portland.

  • Kate’s Ice Cream

    Kate’s Ice Cream uses coconut and cashew milk to make plant-based and gluten-free “ice cream for everybody.” Get pints to-go or treat yourself to a scoop of your favorite flavor on a gluten-free waffle cone.

The Zipper

You’ll find many dining options at the Zipper, a micro restaurant pod with a shared dining space, food court-style. Get crispy fried chicken and Kool-Aid soft serve at Basilisk and whiskey (from the all-day happy hour menu!) at Paydirt. From tacos to bibimbap, the Zipper has something to please everyone in your group.

Hollywood Theatre

The historic Hollywood Theater started showing films in the silent era and hasn’t stopped since. It remains an icon of Sandy Boulevard, thanks to its placement on the National Register of Historic Places, nonprofit status and plenty of community love. In addition to independent films and brand new blockbusters, film buffs will appreciate reoccurring events like “B Movie Bingo” and Hecklevision.

Fun on the Sandy Strip

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Providore Fine Foods

A welcoming mélange of Europe and the Pacific Northwest, Providore Fine Foods offers high-quality provisions from near and far. Local goods like fresh Pastaworks ravioli, sustainably harvested Netarts Bay oysters and local berries share space with imported candies and international wines. Toss back oysters at the on-site Flying Fish Oyster Bar or nosh on Italian-style rotisserie chicken at Arrosto. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or stopping in for a meal, Providore is a delightful one-stop-shop.

Han Oak

Hidden behind a nondescript door in a parking lot is the laid-back private yard and the airy minimalist beauty of Han Oak. On Fridays and Saturdays, reservation-only Han Oak serves prix fixe Korean dinners featuring thoughtful dishes and fresh ingredients, like koji salt-baked pork belly bossam. Visit on Sunday mornings for a one-of-a-kind brunch.

Northeast Portland

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. It’s also home to many popular neighborhoods, noteworthy sights and attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars.

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The Ocean

Han Oak is part of Sandy Boulevard’s second micro restaurant pod, the Ocean. Enjoy your selection at one of the plentiful outdoor tables, grab a cocktail from Tropicale, and finish with a brown butter pecan or bourbon peach pie hole (a tasty cupcake-sized pie) at Pie Spot.

Rum Club

For a tropical end to the evening, head to Rum Club for elaborate cocktails without the fuss. The understated island atmosphere and friendly staff make for a laid-back evening sipping classics like the Rum Club Daiquiri or house favorites like the Million Dollar Mermaid.

Illustration by Subin Yang

Northeast Portland Neighborhoods

Located east of Williams Ave. and north Burnside Street, Northeast Portland contains popular visitor destinations like the Alberta Arts District and The Grotto. Portland International Airport is in outer Northeast.