We’ve been spending a lot of weekends exploring the Alberta neighborhood in Portland in search of colorful murals to brighten up these chilly autumn days. Whenever I have a spare weekend for exploring, I don’t fight the gravitational pull that leads directly to the Alberta Arts District.
I mean, what’s not to love about the area? The artsy neighborhood has everything – delicious food, one of my favorite brunch spots, cute local shops galore and some of the best murals the city has to offer. If you find yourself visiting the Alberta neighborhood in Portland, make sure to check out the following places:
Things to Do in the Alberta Neighborhood
(Click here for the table of contents)
Visiting Alberta Portland, Oregon
- Things to Do in the Alberta Neighborhood
- Visit McMenamins Kennedy School
- Admire the Famous Murals
- Learn About the Last Thursday Art Walk (Summer)
- Enjoy a Pint at Oakshire Beer Hall
- Have Brunch at Pine State Biscuits
- Go Shopping on Alberta
- Catch a Show at the Alberta Rose Theatre
- Order the Seasonal Ice Cream at Salt & Straw
- Pop Into Case Study Coffee
- Where to Eat in Alberta
- Alberta Neighborhood Guide (Overview)
Visit McMenamins Kennedy School
Visiting the McMenamins Kennedy School is one of my favorite things to do in the Alberta neighborhood. This historic elementary school has been converted into an eclectic hotel and whimsical entertainment space, full of restaurants, bars, game rooms and outdoor patios.
Preserving elements of the school’s past, the two masterminds behind the operation (brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin), have transformed the boiler room into a restaurant and the detention into a bar. The gym was converted into a movie theater with cozy couches and pub fare delivered during the show.
This is one of my favorite spots to take out-of-town visitors because it’s such a unique Portland experience. You can easily spend a full afternoon enjoying yourself here while visiting Alberta.
Local’s Advice: Take it a step further and stay the night in one of the classrooms-turned-hotel rooms. You’ll get access to the soaking pool, a perk that can’t be overstated.
Admire the Famous Murals
The murals in Alberta are a vibrant expressions of the creative community that calls the area home. The streets are transformed into open-air galleries that have become a draw in their own right (they don’t call this the Alberta Art’s District for nothing).
You couldn’t miss them if you tried since so many business right off the main street are decked out in murals. Many of the murals depict themes of social justice and environmentalism, reflecting Portland’s progressive ideals. Admiring the murals in the area is one of the most iconic things to do in Alberta, don’t miss it!
Learn About the Last Thursday Art Walk (Summer)
Dating back to 1997, the Last Thursday Art Walk is one of the most popular attractions in the Alberta neighborhood. This monthly street festival is held the last Thursday of every month along Northeast Alberta Street.
What started as an informal gathering of neighborhood artists has expanded into a full-fledged fair featuring talented local artists, musicians, and food vendors. Wandering through is a very fun way to spend the evening while visiting Alberta.
Enjoy a Pint at Oakshire Beer Hall
Oakshire is a small-batch brewery that hails from Eugene, Oregon and the newly-opened Portland outpost is no stranger to crowds. The spacious indoor area is the only place to be when the mood for good beer strikes. You’ll fine a rotating selection of 20+ brews on tap, many award winners. Slow down with a pint or call a friend and catch up, the adventure is up to you!
Have Brunch at Pine State Biscuits
Pine State Biscuits is a Portland staple that graces most “top places to eat in Portland” lists. This brunch spot has a cult following for a reason – their biscuits are arguably the best in Portland.
Pine State Biscuit is a perfect example of mastering one thing rather than focusing on a range of dishes. The best options on the menu are obviously biscuit-centered, with the breakfast sandwiches stealing the show.
Having brunch at Pine State Biscuits is one of the most popular things to do in Alberta. It’s not uncommon for the line to wrap the block during weekends. Try to get there at opening to avoid the wait or visit during the week. Regardless, these biscuits are worth the wait.
Big on brunch? Me too. Read my guide on the BEST Portland brunch spots.
Go Shopping on Alberta
One of my favorite things about the Alberta neighborhood is the area’s walkability. The main street is full of restaurants, cafes and local shops, there’s seldom a reason to leave the area. That’s why Alberta is high on my list of places to buy a home when the time comes.
So, if you’re in a shopping mood while visiting Alberta, I suggest taking a little stroll down Alberta Street and popping into any shop that catches your eye.
Some of my favorite shops are Nucleus (art gallery), Crafty Wonderland (for souvenirs), Monograph Bookwerks (rare book store) and Grayling Jewelry. Plus, there’s a few vintage shops along the street, if that’s more your speed.
Catch a Show at the Alberta Rose Theatre
The Alberta Rose Theatre is a historic venue that dates back to 1926, when it served as the neighborhood’s movie theater. Since then, the venue has been loving restored and re-opened as a live entertainment venue in 2008. You can catch comedy shows, live music and film screenings here.
The Art Deco architecture is a nice touch (it’s very pretty inside), here’s the current calendar of upcoming events. If anyone piques your curiosity, grab some tickets and make a night of it! Enjoying a performance at the historic Alberta Rose Theatre is one of the best things to do in Alberta.
Order the Seasonal Ice Cream at Salt & Straw
It seems that the more popular and “mainstream” a place gets, the harder it is for locals to vouch for it, but Salt & Straw is the exception. This is some of the best ice cream in Portland, and it’s a hill I will die on.
It was founded in 2011 by Kim and Tyler Malek with a simple mission in mind: make the city’s best ice cream using local ingredients. The flavors span the gamut, from tried-and-true classics like lavender honey to wild cards like bone marrow (a retired seasonal flavor).
One of my favorite things about this local ice cream shop is the seasonal menu. Every month you can expect to find a batch of unique flavors crafted using seasonal ingredients, here’s a roundup of the current seasonal line up.
Pop Into Case Study Coffee
If you need a little pick-me-up while visiting Alberta, Case Study Coffee should fit the bill. This charming cafe is one of my favorite spots in town for good coffee (it always hits the spot). The Alberta location is especially cozy, with a relaxing outdoor patio and industrial loft perfect for getting some work done.
Where to Eat in Alberta
Proud Mary Coffee
One of my top 5 favorite brunch spots in Portland. Proud Mary hails from Australia and chose to make Portland its first US destination, how lucky can one city be? I’m a sucker for the pancakes but Will loves the avocado toast. You can’t go wrong with either, just make sure to order coffee as well. The barista’s coffee knowledge is unparalleled.
Bollywood Theater
A super hip Indian restaurant with a fun modern twist. Think of this as the tapas of Indian food. We visited with a group of friends for a birthday celebration and tried about 15 small plates– all were big hits! Between the food and vibes, we all had a great time.
Petite Provence
This is my mom’s favorite brunch spot in Portland. I can see why; it feels like stepping into a corner of Paris. We visit often. The croissants are so good (especially when warm) and brunch portions are generous. But the real star of the show is the pastry case near the front door – do NOT pass!
Alberta Neighborhood Guide (Overview)
Here’s a roundup of fun things to do in the Alberta Arts District in Portland.
- Visit McMenamins Kennedy School
- Admire the Famous Murals
- Learn About the Last Thursday Art Walk (Summer)
- Enjoy a Pint at Oakshire Beer Hall
- Catch a Show at the Alberta Rose Theatre
- Have Brunch at Pine State Biscuits
- Go Shopping on Alberta
- Order the Seasonal Ice Cream at Salt & Straw
- Pop Into Case Study Coffee
- Drinks at Bonne Chance
I hope you enjoyed this little mini guide to the Alberta Arts District! Per usual, if you have any questions or comments, let me know below!
Until next time,
Antonina
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