Search Woodlawn
Though less well-known than famous Portland neighborhoods like downtown and the Pearl, Woodlawn has a charm all its own, offering terrific eateries, great spots to grab a beer, a kid-friendly park and more.
Find the Woodlawn neighborhood tucked away in Northeast Portland, east of Williams and north of the Alberta Arts District. It’s located 5 miles (8 km) north of the central city and handy to Interstate 5, Portland International Airport (PDX), the Portland Expo Center and other attractions.
Woodlawn History
In the 1800s, Woodlawn was a quiet rural area dotted with farms. That changed near the end of the century when a train station was built at the intersection of Northeast Dekum Street and Durham Avenue, drawing more people and businesses to the area (and creating the quirky angled streets that remain to this day). In the early 1900s, Woodlawn sat on the northern edge of the Albina district, an area with a rich history that was home to much of Portland’s Black population. Woodlawn remains a relatively diverse part of the city today, though the neighborhood has undergone gentrification in recent years.
Northeast Portland Neighborhoods
Find more unforgettable places to explore in Portland's largest quadrant.
Where to Eat and Drink in Woodlawn
Today, visitors to Woodlawn will find a laid-back neighborhood that’s easy to explore on foot, including a unique central section with funky angled streets, an echo of Woodlawn’s streetcar depot days (and a bit like a northeastern counterpart to Southeast Portland’s iconic Ladd’s Addition). Leafy residential areas surround a large central park and a small but lively business district centered on Northeast Dekum Street, home to no shortage of great spots to grab a bite or a beer.
At Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry, you can get your visit started right with an espresso drink or a house-baked pastry in cozy coffeehouse environs — they also offer a brunch menu featuring heartier fare like buttermilk biscuit sandwiches and vegan scrambles with seasonal veggies. For lunch, plan a stop at Tamale Boy Dekum, a long-running Portland favorite specializing in seasonal, diverse Mexican cuisine, including — you guessed it — awesome tamales. Another tempting option is P’s & Q’s Market; in addition to offering a curated selection of high-quality beer, wine and provisions, they’re also a full-service restaurant known for excellent sandwiches, salads, bowls and more made with locally sourced ingredients.
For a compact, cozy neighborhood, Woodlawn has an impressive selection of Italian restaurants — a perfect choice for dinner. With its hand-made pasta, house-made desserts and all-Italian wine list, Campana is a star in the Portland food scene, popping up on best-of lists from the likes of Eater Portland, The Oregonian and Portland Monthly. Long-running Firehouse has been serving up wood-fired pizza and authentic Italian pasta since 2008, but its history reaches back even further: It’s housed in a historic firehouse that was built in 1913, and the Italian Renaissance architecture makes for a unique, colorful dining experience today. If deep-dish is more your style, pay a visit to Ranch Pizza, where influences for the pies are a little bit Sicilian and a little bit Detroit (and all the way delicious).
Ready for a drink? Woodlawn is home to the flagship location of employee-owned Breakside Brewing, one of Oregon’s top breweries. Stop by the brewpub for a pint or a flight of their innovative, award-winning beers — the elevated American pub fare is also well worth a try. If you’d prefer a cocktail, try the creative creations at Tough Luck, a modern, easygoing bar with a huge patio and an awesome happy hour (don’t worry — they serve beer, too!).
More Woodlawn Eateries
From pizzerias to food carts to bars and cafés, find more great spots for a bite or a beverage.
What to Do in Woodlawn
When the weather’s right (or even if it’s not — this is the Northwest, after all), pay a visit to Woodlawn City Park, where you’ll find fresh air and room to play in the heart of the neighborhood. Amenities include paved paths, a community garden, sports fields, a playground and a splash pad, making it a hit with kids. Accessibility features include an accessible picnic table, restroom and spray feature; a transfer station; and a ramp into the play area. For more fun outdoors, check out the Woodlawn Farmers Market every Saturday June through October. Vendors range from local farms to bakeries to makers and jewelers, so you’re sure to find a treasure or two.
Housed in a historic silent movie house and recently thoughtfully restored, Dekum Street Theater is a 100-seat performance space in the center of Woodlawn’s charming business district. Keep an eye on their events calendar and social media accounts for occasional shows and other events. For gamers, nostalgic ‘80s and ‘90s kids, and anyone else enticed by digital fun, Retro Game Bar is a must-visit Northeast Portland destination. Enjoy their 1,000+ collection of old-school video games, clever cocktails (alongside beer and wine), Asian-inspired eats and more, all affordably priced in a friendly, fun environment.
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.
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