By Sally Tansill, September 26, 2023
I LOVE my neighborhood! For many reasons including Diversity, Last Thursday street fairs, musicians, food carts, and more. Living in Brooklyn for many years my top priority when I moved to Portland many years ago was walkability and access to shops, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. For the sake of brevity, I will limit my list to a TOP 5, but there is so much more I could highlight.
BEST FOOD CART: Mole Mole
Located on Alberta Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenues, Mole Mole this food cart offers amazing Mexican cuisine especially the Tres Mole special which is addictive. If you dine in the dishes are served on beautiful plates all the food is flavor-packed. The cart is in a pod and is adjacent to Baerlic Brewing so you can grab a cold beer and enjoy your food at one of the tables in the outdoor seating area.
BEST TOY STORE: Grasshopper Boutique
Grasshopper is a toy store that makes me want to have small children again because the temptation is STRONG! The amazing prints, curated stuffed animals and all-around amazing feeling make this shop one of the best. I never mind spending money here for birthday party gifts as I am happy to support a business that puts so much thought into the offerings. As an aside, it is located next to a clothing boutique Tumbleweed (same owners) for the older child in you.
BEST DINNER/DESSERT DESTINATION: Boxer Ramen/Kinnamons
Boxer Ramen opened in a new location on Alberta Street in a cool new development that used to be the old Appliance Hospital. With some ingenuity and creative thinking they have built a space for two new restaurants, Boxer Ramen and Bae’s Friend Chicken. The bonus feature is a sweet soft-serve/cinnamon roll place Kinnamons for an easy dessert afterward.
BEST COCKTAIL BAR: Bar Cala
Bar Cala is billed as a Latin cocktail and Tapas bar and delivers atmosphere and fun. While Portland is known for its laid-back nature, it is nice to have a destination that raises the bar on your more traditional watering hole. Palm trees, umbrellas in drinks, and good food.
BEST HOME STORE: Eco Vibe
My favorite thing about Eco Vibe Home is the amazing ornament selection at Christmas time, but that is a personal reflection. Eco Vibe is full of great gifts, plants, cards, jewelry, and so many other little inspirations. There are just those stores that you want to linger in and this is one of them.
Sally Tansill
Broker | ABR® | HFR | OR
She/Her
Sally moved to Portland with her family in 2012 from Brooklyn, NY, seeking an improved quality of life and a change of pace from her busy career in the sports industry...
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- T: 917-797-2776
- sally@livingroomre.com
