ALBERTA ARTS DISTRICT

The Alberta Arts District is a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon that stretches from Williams Ave to 33rd Ave. Since it is one of the oldest sections of Portland, it’s extremely independent and diverse. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. There is something for everyone! Walking down the street, you’ll see murals everywhere making this neighborhood colorful and vibrant. My favorite section is from 14th to 23rd! The following is my guide to Alberta Street that I have compiled with all of my favorite spots.

COFFEE

Case Study Coffee

Case Study Coffee is the perfect place to start your Alberta Arts District tour! You can stop by for your favorite coffee drink right after eating breakfast at Tin Shed. There is seating on the main level of Case Study, but they also have a really cool loft area up the stairs where a lot of people sit and work on their laptops. Their lattes (my drink of choice) are delicious. The interiors are beautiful with a mid-century modern aesthetic. Fun fact: light fixture hanging from the ceiling is in the shape of a caffeine molecule!

SHOPS

Grayling Jewelry

Looking for beautiful and unique jewelry pieces to add to your collection? Then you must stop at Grayling Jewelry! They have a range of styles for every occasion from simple necklaces and studs to larger statement pieces. As a designer, I appreciate the beautifully styled interiors at Grayling. The marble island in the center of the shop is stunning. I love the fact that their jewelry is nickel free for those like myself with sensitive skin. Be sure to open the drawers of the displays mounted on the walls for more goodies!

Tumbleweed

If you love to shop for unique pieces in trendy boutiques then you will love Tumbleweed! Tumbleweed sells independent label women’s clothing and home decor. You can even shop from a selection of the owner’s own designs. This cute shop is spacious with tons of racks and tables to shop browse. I love all of the dresses and tops for the Spring collection. You are bound to find that one-of-a-kind piece for your closet here!

Musique Plastique

Musique Plastique is also located in the Alberta Studios building, a few shops down from Stustustudios. I love the bright and modern aesthetic in this record store! I also really like that it’s smaller with a really well curated selection of vinyls. I found a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Soundtrack in the dollar bin and it is now one of my favorite vinyls. It was in great condition; no scratches. The owner let me test it out before I bought it too. This record store is definitely a gem!

Red Sail

Red Sail is a bold and funky shop with bright teal walls displaying home decor, lighting, bags, jewelry, cards blankets, and pottery. You name it, they got it. There are tons of fun items at reasonable prices that would make great gifts for friends and family (or yourself!) I love their home decor, but my favorite thing in the store is the wall of cards on display. I’m a sucker for cute cards! Red Sail is a really great store to browse.

RESTAURANTS

Tin Shed

The Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a Portland favorite and has been featured on the popular Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”. The dog friendly restaurant is small, but there is a covered outdoor area attached to the main restaurant with plenty of seating. At any time of day, you are likely to find a long line of hungry people! I recommend going in the later afternoon to avoid the brunch rush. My sister and my boyfriend both had a Build A Bridge Burger and they loved it. I had the Salmon and Spice and Everything Nice Burger and boy was it good! I usually don’t like spicy foods but this burger had a subtle spiciness and not too overpowering.

Pine State Biscuits

Another Portland favorite, Pine State Biscuits, has also been featured on “Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives”. Pine State is known for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from farms in Oregon. They serve traditional, Carolina buttermilk biscuits that melt in your mouth! They started out with a booth at the Farmer’s Market in 2006 and now have three locations all across Portland. Fan favorites are the Reggie or the Reggie Deluxe. I have yet to try one of their famous biscuits; every time I have stopped by one of their locations the line has been insanely long. It must be worth it!

Cruz Room

Cruz Room is a bar with an amazing outdoor space serving drinks and tacos (the perfect combo). I have not gotten the chance to eat here myself but I’ve heard their tacos are pretty incredible! What makes their outdoor space so amazing are the beautifully painted asian inspired murals on the surrounding buildings. This looks like a super fun spot for a night out with friends.

TREATS

Salt & Straw

Another local favorite, Salt and Straw has the yummiest flavors! They offer a wide range of flavors with unique combinations of ingredients like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Pear and Blue Cheese. I like to get a split scoop of the Freckled Woodblock Chocolate and the Cinnamon Snicker doodle. I will occasionally switch it up, but that combo is just too good!

Cupcake Jones

Cupcake Jones offers gourmet cupcakes made with great quality, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients. Their cupcakes are made from scratch everyday at the Pearl District Bakery. They recently opened the Alberta Street location; a great addition to the neighborhood! My favorite’s are the Velvet Painting and the Birthday Cake. The frosting is deliciously thick and creamy and the cake is moist and perfect. I’m a fan!

GALLERIES

StuStuStudio

StuStuStudio is an adorable little gallery and work space inside the Alberta Studios building. They feature a curated selection of goods from local artisans in Portland and feature the work of three residents. You can find a range of treasures here like art prints, adorable cards, and hanging plant baskets. If you are looking for a unique gift, you are sure to find it here!

Screaming Sky

Screaming Sky is a unique gallery on Alberta Street just a few doors down from Salt & Straw. The gallery features art from around the world in several different medias. The first time I visited Screaming Sky, they had this really cool collection displayed of animal heads depicted on human bodies wearing tuxedos. The details and realistic quality of the paintings are impeccable! I have never seen a display I didn’t like at Screaming Sky. If art galleries aren’t your thing, they also sell collectible vinyls and toys.

STREET ART