Hawthorne Neighborhood

Out of all Portland neighborhoods, Hawthorne thoroughly exhibits the vibrant culture Portland has become known for in recent years. With shopping, movie theaters, food, and much more it is a haven for visitors and Portland residents looking for a fun time.

All cities have their counter culture corner. San Francisco’s Haight Street and Seattle’s Broadway both come to mind. Hawthorne is Portland’s alternative district du jour, except lacking the over commercialization as has happened in cities. In Hawthorne, you will still find plenty of local businesses in order  to taste what life in Portland is like if this is your first visit.

Hawthorne is ground zero for vintage and antique shoppers. Up and down Hawthorne, many shops offer great deals on clothes, records, and antique furniture. Hawthorne Vintage has a stunning inventory of furniture and household items. While some can be pricey, you are sure to find a good deal. It is a great choice for those looking to spice up their home or apartment.

The Red Light is a must-stop is you wear vintage clothes or need to pick up a gift. You can choose from a variety of different clothes, sure to fit everyone’s style. Further down Hawthorne, House of Vintage describes themselves as a “wonderland,” filled with clothes, artifacts, and furniture from decades ago.

At the heart of Hawthorne is the Bagdad Pub. It serves both great food and second-run movies. A fitting choice on a rainy day. Across the street is the east branch of Powell’s books. You can get lost searching for your next read or discover your next favorite book. Prices are very reasonable as they have a large selection of used books.

Hawthorne is also known for their variety of food. There are plenty of quality restaurants to choose from. For Asian cuisine, the My Thai Bistro and Pho Van are affordable destinations for people looking for a good meal. For breakfast, try a local favorite, the Cup & Saucer Cafe.

To get the true taste of Hawthorne, get a meal on a weekend afternoon at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating. You can catch the sights and sounds of the neighborhood with still enjoying a fun, affordable meal.

HelloPortland Tip: Want a slice of quality pizza? Try the Anthony  Bourdain-approved Apizza Scholls, located at the northern edge of Hawthorne.

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.