Portland can feel like a city of thoroughfares rather than blocks. Portland’s Hawthorne District is built around one street — Hawthorne Boulevard. The core of the Alberta Arts District is Alberta Street.
And the trendy neighborhoods of Boise-Eliot and Nob Hill are often referred to as their best-known avenues: North Mississippi and Northwest 23rd, respectively. The appeal of Northwest 23rd Avenue is obvious. It’s on the west side, within walking distance of iconic Portland landmarks like Powell’s City of Books , Pioneer Square and Oldtown.
Despite its proximity to Portland’s downtown, it resembles the cute main street of a nice, quiet neighborhood. It’s lined with trees, boutiques, cute coffeeshops and an abundance of nice restaurants, many of which are housed in elegant old houses. While Northwest 23rd’s charm is undeniable, some of us crave the complete inverse of swanky boutiques among single family homes.
Luckily, you will find the perfect counter, and a street equally worth visiting, if you walk just 10 blocks east. Completed in 1906, the Gadsby Building on Northwest 13th Avenue is one of many historic buildings on the Portland street. The industrial, brick buildings along Northwest 13th Avenue are relics of the street’s manufacturing history.
Twenty of these former warehouses are on the National Register of Historic Places. The street can seem sunken between the brick buildings because building entrances stand a good 6 feet above street level, built for loading goods onto trains. Therefore, the avenue lacks sidewalks, in the traditional sense of the word, and may not appear particularly pedestrian friendly.
But Northwest 13th’s looks can be deceiving. The city has made efforts to curb automobile control of the street. Warehouse loading docks are now walkways that allow pedestrians to traverse the avenue 5 feet above the cars.
Cars are allowed on most sections of 13th, but multiple blocks have closed at least one end to cars. Since it’s no longer a thoroughfare, cars don’t speed through the street — at least not as fast as they zip down thru streets. Unlike so many “bar patios” (wooden shelters constructed right next to traffic) bars and restaurants have patios that sprawl into the street, unbothered by vehicles.
Teetotalers and penny-pinchers need not fret: Those reluctant to buy a drink can find free public seating. Picnic tables are scattered between Flanders and Hoyt, open to all. Traffic is limited on Northwest 13th Avenue in Portland.
Unlike so many bar patios constructed right next to traffic) the district's bars and restaurants have patios that sprawl into the street unbothered by vehicles. For those seeking action, Northwest 13th gets particularly lively (sometimes even rowdy) during the First Thursday Street Gallery, organized by Urban Art Network . Between April and October, six blocks are shut down to make room for local artists selling handmade art.
Vendors sell paintings, ironwork, jewelry, clothing, and Portlanders flock to Northwest 13th’s bars to enjoy the avenue free of cars. While First Thursday is winding down for the season, there are two more left in 2024: Sept. 5 and Oct.
3. Column: The truth and beauty of a cat named Virtute An exhaustive list of NW 13th’s highlights is difficult, and the avenue is best enjoyed on foot by people who appreciate old warehouses. Jojo has been serving some of the city’s best chicken and fried potato wedges, better known as jojos in the Pacific Northwest, since their first food truck opened in 2018.
The Portland staple’s brick and mortar location is remarkably stylish for a place slinging greasy burgers and fried chicken. Burnt orange, wooden booths line the perimeter and disco balls hang from the high ceilings. The ‘70s aesthetic is softened by the greenery of plants, filling any empty spaces on the ceiling or behind booths.
Andina, an upscale Peruvian restaurant, has a lounge perfect for special occasions and romantic date nights. The inside is beautiful, but those seeking a more casual experience should visit on a Thursday. Andina’s weekly patio pop-up focuses on Peruvian street food, cooked over a grill set up on NW 13th.
Diners can enjoy picarones (sweet potato donuts), anticuchos (grilled meat skewers) and choclo de la calle (street corn) on the lush, elegant patio. The pop up is every Thursday until the 1st week of October. Keen footwear is mainly sold by other retailers and the company has only a few dedicated storefronts, dubbed “Keen Garages.
” There are only three in the U.S., one of which is housed in a historic industrial building on Northwest 13th Avenue in Portland.
Keen is mainly sold by other retailers and has few dedicated storefronts, dubbed “Keen Garages.” There are only three in the U.S.
, one of which is housed in a historic industrial building on NW 13th. The airy shoe store, adjacent to Keen headquarters, offers a unique opportunity to browse the outdoor brand’s extensive catalog in person. While some walkways are concrete and feature ramps, others are made of wood and require the use of stairs.
Some walkways may be difficult to traverse with mobility aids or strollers. While most businesses are accessible, exploring NW 13th will be easiest for those comfortable going up and down stairs..
