Alberta Street would be the only outing I had on my two week visit to Portland that I felt whole and with energy. Or could even think about taking a photograph. I was unlucky enough on the trip to catch a miserable cough and cold. Just before leaving Portland I had a surge of energy and we chose Alberta Street to have lunch and to explore.
For several years when I lived in Portland, I worked near Alberta and was a frequent visitor to its restaurants and businesses. Over the years I watched it grow into a vibrant neighborhood with many good restaurants, shops and night life. I was able to watch it come together in the Alberta Street spirit and style. So naturally, I looked forward to a visit. A leisurely walk down streets that I watched grow and are vibrant with life was cause for excitement.
On Foot through Alberta
Other than having lunch and exploring, there was no other plan and at times that’s the best way to go. Cruising down the street of Alberta, we passed the restaurant Petite Provence on a corner. Where we were going to eat was settled. And a good choice, although Alberta Street is known for a number of great places to eat.
I wasn’t the only one out and taking street photos that afternoon:
In the photo below on the left there is a large red marker. This is a Black Heritage Marker. You can find these on the sidewalks of Alberta between 11th and 24th Avenue. They honor and document the history of the African American community in the area of Alberta Street.
The photo on the right, if you look closely, has a young girl in the window working on her own ceramic. The tiles in front were made by other little visitors to the shop.
Enjoy the following photos that I took as we rambled through Alberta Street. I’ll tell you about more great things to do here. Because, after all, there is more going on in the Alberta Street district than shopping and eating. Although I must say, that made for a great afternoon. Here are other things that Alberta is known and visited for:
Last Thursday
A long standing extravaganza in Portland is First Thursday. All the galleries open at night in downtown Portland and the streets are flooded with people.
Instead of First Thursday is Alberta’s own take… the Alberta style street fair which is every last Thursday of the month. In the summer Alberta closes the streets. The only traffic is from the crowds that pour in. Artists, musicians, creatives, performers are there. The restaurants, bars and art galleries join in for the fun. In August there is the Alberta Street Fair with live music. The beer garden is open and there are activities for the little ones. Worth it to keep this in mind if you plan on being in the Portland area on a last Thursday of the week. https://www.lastthursdayportland.org/
Alberta Rose Theatre
This is an historic 1927 movie theatre that is revived and going strong. There is always something going on here: music, comedy or in- house films.
Alberta Street Pub
Stop in any night for live music. In the summer enjoy their large outdoor patio. https://www.albertastreetpub.com/
Tiny House Hotel
Check out the Tiny House Hotel if you are looking for a place to stay that is true to the character of Alberta.
Random Order Pie Bar
I have to tell the truth. If I could do it all over (and some day I might), I would definitely go to the Ramdon Order Pie Bar on Alberta for lunch. Or coffee, at least. That’s because they make their own pies on sight. And this being Oregon, you get the best pies in the world. And also because the blueberries or apples and peaches are no dought brought in from a farm not too far down the road. Don’t make the mistake I did and walk on by: 1800 NE Alberta
I will definitely continue to visit the neighborhoods of Portland and do additional posts. They are such a vital part of what Portland is as a whole. In the meantime you can check out my post on Division Street neighborhood here: https://roadtosuchness.compdx-neighborhoods-division/
