Portland really is a city of neighborhoods grouped together, each one with their own distinct flavor. The Mississippi District in North Portland has the Bohemian, hipster vibe that visitors usually attribute to Portland. In the spirit of Keeping Portland Weird, the city is divided into quadrants – five of them. North Portland juts out from Northeast, and Mississippi Street is one of the most adorable parts of the quadrant.
The district is readily accessible from downtown on the #4 TriMet bus; disembark at about Mississippi and Beech. Stroll down the street and enjoy the independently-owned shops, diverse eateries and uber-Portland bar scene. You will get the true Portland experience! This is where the locals hang out.
The boutique shopping scene can’t be beat, with a slightly more eclectic vibe than Portland’s trendy Nob Hill or the Pearl District. Score some tax-free treasures to take home from Gumbo Gifts (family-friendly curios, etc.). You can find all your favorite books at Another Read Through. Or talk to the owners of Sunlan Lighting about the best bulbs for your house/business. Deck yourself out with fashions from Gypsy Chic, Animal Traffic, Jennyfer’s Boutique or Flutter. You will feel instantly relaxed at Stash Tea (try some samples, or sit and enjoy a mug full). And, of course, don’t forget to connect with Portland’s famed biking scene at Bikeworks.
The Mississippi District boasts a vibrant dining scene, as well, with many eateries offering both indoor and outdoor seating. There are so many choices, and they are all delicious. North Light offers sophisticated comfort food (check out their vegan and gluten-free Huevos Rancheros!). Try delicious sandwiches made from locally sourced meats with house-made pickled vegetables and cookies at Oregon Deli Company. There is always a line outside for scrumptious Mexican food at ¿Por Que No?, and you can find vegetarian and traditional Biscuits and Gravy at, well, Gravy. Enjoy Japanese food from Uchu Sushi or dig into (well, you know) Mac! at Mac and Cheesery. Or snag an ice cream sandwich at Ruby Jewel or THE BEST donuts at Blue Star Donuts! Lastly, Mississippi Avenue has several abundant food cart pods, complete with picnic tables and the trademark Portland vibe.
Mississippi is a great place to enjoy an adult beverage. Enjoy the outdoor patio and some microbrews at Stormbreaker Brewing. Bar Bar is a Portland favorite. Miss Delta serves up tasty cocktails in those mason jars that everyone loves (along with amazing Cajun/Creole food and barbeque!). Try the whiskey at Sidecar 11 and the Kamikazes with fresh muddled juices at Crow Bar.
Art Walk and Mississippi Street Fair
Every Second Thursday is the Art Walk in the neighborhood, and once a year the strip hosts the best party in town, the Mississippi Street Fair, with 200 local vendors, six entertainment stages, a kid’s corner and a beer/wine garden. This year it’ll be on Saturday, July 9th. See you there!
Rick
9 years agoMississippi is wonderful part of PDX to hang out in that's never the same twice. Thanks for posting about it, Merlin!
Rick
9 years agoThanks for sharing the awesome pics, too! :)