With its spirited culture proudly on display at every turn, the Alberta Arts District in Northeast Portland is an excellent base camp for visitors interested in art, history and local dining experiences. As one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods, the Alberta area’s storied past and vibrant present are apparent in each of its locally owned boutiques, thoughtfully curated galleries and one-of-a-kind eateries. It’s hard not to wander its streets without feeling like you’ve stumbled across something special. Here’s how to spend two days experiencing this delightful slice of Portland.
Day 1: Get a Taste of Portland’s Black Roots
The abundance of brightly colored murals depicting historical Black figures makes for an exceptional introduction to the Alberta Arts District. Near the corner of Northeast Alberta Street and 17th Avenue, you’ll find a stoic depiction of Malcolm X across the street from vignettes of Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr. and other changemakers. Early-1900s zoning laws pushed Black families and businesses to North and Northeast Portland, and today Northeast Alberta Street is a hub for Black business and culture. Dive deeper into how the area is shaped by its past and how it is forging a powerful future by visiting the Black Heritage Markers, which run along Northeast Alberta Street between 11th and 24th avenues.
When it’s time for lunch, stop into one of Portland’s staples, Black-owned Cason’s Fine Meats. Known for its excellent cuts of beef, pork and chicken, the butcher’s shop also serves a rotating menu of hot food items Wednesday through Sunday. Its from-scratch rubs make a great gift or savory memento of your trip. Another great option is renowned food cart Kabba’s Kitchen, featuring dishes that showcase the African diaspora in every flavorful bite. Order the lemony Yassa fish or spicy Ndambe bean sandwich and enjoy your feast at an outdoor table.
Afterward, take a short drive south to N Flint and N Vancouver follow the Albina Soul Walk. This self-guided audio tour takes you on a 1-mile journey to some of Portland’s prominent former music hubs while chronicling the impact of local gospel, jazz, blues, disco and R&B musicians.
Evening: Experience Alberta’s Electric Nightlife
As much fun as it is during the day, Alberta comes to life in a different way at night. There’s usually a line spilling out the door of Salt & Straw, one of the city’s most beloved ice cream shops. While you might find eyebrow-raising ingredients like sea urchin and crickets, you can also enjoy more classic options like Chocolate Gooey Brownie and Sea Salt With Caramel Ribbon. Or pop into Bar Nina, a cozy bar owned by local winemakers, where you can sample a selection of cellared wines from Oregon and elsewhere. Or head upstairs to Big Salt Bar, a seasonal outdoor patio with plenty of chilled white, orange and rose wines.
Just don’t have so much fun you miss showtime. Originally opening in 1927 as a motion-picture house, the Alberta Rose Theatre hosts a variety of acts including music, comedy, film, circus and other live performances. Alberta Abbey, located on the east side of the district, is a nonprofit created out of a need for affordable art space for Black and underrepresented communities. Its eclectic lineup of events has featured cover-band performances, burlesque shows and sound-bath yoga sessions.
After a long day of fun, rest your head at one of Portland’s exceptional nearby lodging options. Just north of Alberta, McMenamins Kennedy School is a quirky hotel fashioned from an abandoned 1915 elementary school with an on-site soaking pool, a movie theater and hidden bars. A short jaunt south of Alberta in the Lloyd District is Hotel Eastlund, a boutique hotel that wins guests over with its floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop bar. Small groups can stick together at the Alberta Petite Hotel, which offers 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 5-bedroom rental configurations. Cascada, which will open on Alberta by the end of 2024, offers a unique subterranean soaking experience inspired by natural hot springs plus and wellness-focused lodgings.
Day 2: Shop Local at these Boutique Shops
One of the best ways to experience the Alberta Arts District is to stroll the rows of boutique shops and art galleries showcasing the city’s most creative makers. Before you begin, fuel up with a pesto scramble, sourdough French toast or homemade buttermilk biscuits at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe, an Alberta Street fixture with an expansive pup-friendly patio and a hipster vibe.
See the work of more than 30 local artists and interact with the makers themselves at Alberta Street Gallery, an artist collective that showcases work in a variety of mediums. You can find tapestry, painting and glasswork at Guardino Gallery. Antler Gallery specializes in nature-inspired work, and Nucleus shows the work of local and international artists. Shop for the minimalist jewelry of your dreams at the woman-owned, sustainably sourced Grayling Jewelry.
Unique finds are readily available at Citizen Ruth, which stocks handmade work from more than 250 marginalized artists from around the world. If adorable kids’ clothing and fun toys are more what you’re after, stop in to Grasshopper. Sports fans will love to peruse the aisles of Laundry, which specializes in vintage jerseys and other memorabilia.
