Street Spotlight: Upper Hawthorne
Spend a day exploring the many colorful attractions of this Southeast Portland street, from 33rd Avenue east.
Hip fashion, healthy brunch, home & garden books and Hollywood flicks — this bohemian boulevard has got it all. Here’s how to have a perfect day on the upper (or eastern) end of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.
Kure Juice Bar
Start your morning with a nutritious snack at the flagship location of Portland’s premier juice bar, an unassuming tin shed that specializes in heavenly acai bowls, green juices and superfood smoothies.
The Waffle Window
Only in Portland would a family-owned café transform an unused service window into an iconic brunch destination. Step up to the curb to order fluffy Liege sugar waffles topped with accouterments that can be sweet (like blueberry cheesecake) or savory (think bacon cheddar jalapeno).
House of Vintage
Dig through over 13,000 square feet (1200 sq m) of retro finds at Portland’s largest vintage superstore, which features collections of clothing, art and furniture curated by more than 60 independent dealers.
Mt. Tabor Park
Squeeze in a quick morning sweat-sesh by hiking, biking or jogging to the top of Portland’s urban volcano, located 10 blocks east of Hawthorne’s eastern terminus. The dormant cinder cone is dotted with trees, playgrounds, open-air reservoirs and shady benches, perfect for admiring sweeping views of the city.
Tender Loving Empire
Tender Loving Empire began as a local indie record label representing the likes of Typhoon, Radiation City and Y La Bamba. These days, the quirky gift shop offers a selection of handmade cards, posters, children’s toys, apothecary goods and even s’mores kits (in addition to records and band tees).
Harlow
Looking to increase your veggie intake? This health-food haven offers bowls brimming with beans, greens, grains and smoky tempeh, as well as a broad range of juices and smoothies and even a delicious gluten-free vegan mac and cheese.
Powell’s Books on Hawthorne
While not quite as gigantic as the downtown’s City of Books, Powell’s Books on Hawthorne boasts more than 200,000 new and used tomes — and that’s not including the Home and Garden annex filled with guides to knitting, decorating, cooking and landscaping.
Communion
Put the finishing touches on your perfect Portland outfit by browsing Bridge & Burn jackets, Neuw jeans, Brixton hats and Stance socks at this chic all-gender boutique.
Apizza Scholls
Named one of the best pizzerias in America by Food & Wine, this Portland stalwart takes pizza seriously. The ciabatta-like dough is lovingly made in house each day before being adorned with a few choice toppings (including Olympia Provisions Capicola and truffle oil) and baked to char-speckled perfection.
Portland Cider House
Founded by a family of British expats, this local cider-maker uses traditional English techniques to turn fresh-pressed Northwest apples and pears into tasty hard ciders. Craft your own flight from among 28 varieties at the company’s flagship taproom.
McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub
Built in 1927, this historic movie palace invites patrons to relax in comfy rocker seats and watch first-run flicks in true Golden Age splendor. Pick a seat in the balcony and order pizza and Hammerhead Ale delivered directly to your seat.
Close Neighborhoods to Explore
Street Spotlight: Division
Perhaps the city’s hottest dining destination, Southeast Division Street features restaurants, shops, boutiques, wine bars and other attractions.
Street Spotlight: Lower Hawthorne
Whether you’re in the mood for skateboarding, comic books, a 20-course meal or late-night pizza, lower Southeast Hawthorne can hook you up.
Belmont
Located a few blocks from Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, Belmont boasts its own mix of vintage and indie shops, coffee houses, bars and food carts.