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Alberta Street - Alberta Arts Neighborhood GuideThe Alberta Arts District in Northeast Portland is located along NE Alberta Street. It is actually located in the Vernon, Concordia and King neighborhoods. "Alberta" by name, is not technically recognized as a standalone neighborhood, so check the surrounding neighborhood web pages for additional information. Concordia is bordered by the Alameda, Sabin, King, Vernon, Woodlawn, Sunderland, Cully and Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhoods. FeaturesThe Alberta neighborhood in Portland can probably best be described as funky and fun. The residential area is caught in the mixed controversy of gentrification, with many of the older houses spiffed up inside and out, and property values have been rising on a sharp upward curve. Many homes express a unique and artistic flair that suits the neighborhood's nickname, The Alberta Arts District. Alberta folks seem to prize their individuality, and you'll find a multi-cultural demographics mix of locals and visitors. Alberta Community Photo Album - Come Upload Your Alberta Photos! Alberta Street RestaurantsAlberta Street, the main drag through the neighborhood, has many newly renovated retail storefronts and restaurant space. These are mixed in with older businesses that have been there forever. The shopping area can now only be considered trendy. There is a strong focus on indie designers, handcrafted items, and boutique shops. Most of the shops lining Alberta Street highlight handmade local designer clothing, paper mache' lamps, and imported gifts from afar. Alberta art galleries and shops showcase some fine local work. Smattered throughout are the requisite Portland coffee houses, seemingly one for each counter culture--there are no rules in Portland about having too many coffee shops on one street, and Alberta is no exception. You won't find a Starbucks on Alberta, though, as it just wouldn't seem to fit into the quirky individuality of the place. At first glance, the name “Alberta Arts District” may seem a little overstated when taking into account the number of galleries on the street. But when one discovers that nearly every business - from restaurants and bars to the finest in dress shops, with very little exception - functions as a gallery with a rotating roster of artists represented on their walls, one begins to understand the full nature of this community’s devotion to art. And Last Thursday, as it is simply called, is the designation given to the ever-growing event occurring on the last Thursday of each month when each of these establishments is open late and essentially transformed into the artists’ opening night reception. Regardless of its moniker, Portland’s Alberta Arts District remains a locus of high-octane change. It’s morphing at a rate you can almost hear. There yet remain forces that attempt to counter the growth, but one gets the sense that the gang tagging and intermittent vandalism that occurs resembles flailing death throes more than any real threat to the impending gentrification takeover. Many of the area’s proprietors are also its neighbors and have a vested stake in making this district work. hey are aware of their role as settlers claiming what was once wild country. And they know that success in adventure comes with strength in numbers, so they take care of one another. They are patrons in one another’s establishments. They recommend one another. In Portland’s Alberta neighborhood, businesses clustered together mean the opportunity to thrive, not cut throats. Fuel
“…For the body, mind, and spirit.” Offering a holistic approach to keeping your engine running, Fuel fires up dishes with an emphasis on nutrition and no artificial preservatives as well as several vegan friendly options. Their entire coffee inventory is 100% organic, fair trade, and locally sourced. Fuel’s also got books, chess boards, two computers for public use, and WI-FI for all those other cylinders you might be running on. Fuel 1452 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 335-FUEL Halibuts
Like they need the press, right? But there’s a reason. If you like fish and chips – nay, if you don’t like fish and chips – you’ll love Halibuts. They just do it right. Anita in the kitchen will make sure the breading is crispy, and the fish is succulent. Don’t know how, but the important thing is Anita does, and she’ll do it with a side of smiles – a shortage of which you absolutely will not find at Halibuts. Uber-friendly and unbelievably approachable owner David Mackay runs his ship with a laidback – and grateful – manner that is palpable. And within the few years he’s been open for biz, he’s seen his operation go from a small fish/chips and chowder restaurant to an Alberta institution. It’s so popular and has won so many awards and accolades in its short tenure that David added Halibut’s II next door with a full bar and live music six nights a week. Why? Like their menu says, “Just for the halibut.” Halibuts 2525 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 808-9600 LoloWelcome a little Spanish flair to the cuisine of the street. Lolo is a great local restaurant and bar that serves delicious and unique tapas (small plates), raciones (larger entrees), and of course postres (dessert!). Some of the popular tapas offerings include house made potato chips with sea salt and rosemary, serrano ham and manchego cheese croquettes, octopus with piquillo pepper, farga olives and shaved celery, and salt cod brandade with crisp potato and manchego. For a main dish, try the Carlton pinchito roast pork with cumin potatoes, spicy calamari, or the cascade natural hanger steak with lentils, chorizo and piperade--among many other delicious selections. Also, be sure to try the specials posted on the blackboard. Enjoy dinner while relaxing in a cushy comfy dining room chair, and soaking up the Alberta Street vibe. Lolo serves wine, beer and cocktails, and dinner is about $30 per person. Lolo 2940 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 288-3400 Taqueria Don PanchoYou walk in, and your mouth starts to water. This place screams authentic. So, if you’re looking for the corporate-Mexican-by-numbers, balloon-guy-for-the-kids, scream-over-the-mariachis, pass-the-ranch-dressing kinda “taste of Mexico ” – walk on by rapidamente. But if you’re looking for a menu so authentic it has to be written in pictures ‘cause not everyone there is speaking the same language, try Taqueria Don Poncho. Sharing the building with its sister carniceria/grocery store, Don Poncho serves such traditional fare as Mojarra and Sopes as well as gringo hits like fajitas and nachos that are available for dine-in or take out. Taqueria Don Pancho 2000 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 459-4247 The Know
To be in The Know means to hang out in a space where live music, beer, and wine are on tap seven days a week. The music venue portion of the bill appears to be the star though the barstools are filled all afternoon long before the musicians show up. Owned and operated for the last two and a half years by Ryan, Sarah, and Sandwich , The Know does not offer food, but, once again, Vepadoe’s Deli around the corner comes to the rescue. Honoring yet another symbiotic relationship on Alberta , Vepadoe’s will serve you that tasty sandwich or snack plate to go with your beer at The Know. No problem. The Know2026 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 473-8729 Every Day Wine
What a great neighborhood wine bar! Come in and say "hi" to proprietor Beth Boston. Of course, you must also greet Porter the shop dog, who sort of rules the place. This is a casual "come as you are" wine bar with a nice comfortable, down-to-earth atmosphere. Kick back with the locals and relax while sampling any one of 400 or so bottles of wine. There's no formal wine list or menu, just browse and pick a bottle from the varied selection lining the shelves, arranged in order by region. Of course you don't have to be a wine expert to find a nice bottle--Beth is happy to supply you with more information or assistance on making your selection. Most bottles are priced in a very reasonable 'every day wine' price range of say $9-15. Insider's Tip - the shop doesn't sell any food....in order to keep her shop dog-friendly, there is no kitchen. But not to worry--bring your own yummies from any one of the amazing restaurants lining Alberta St., or better yet, do what I did. Right around the corner from Every Day Wine, just a couple doors down is the Vepadoe's Deli and Catering shop. Vepadoe's and Every Day have sort of a symbiotic business relationship--Vepadoe's will make you up a nice deli sandwich or a fine snack plate (bread, cheese, meats and olives) and deliver it right to the wine shop for you! Friendly people, great service, tasty food, fine wine--and all right here in one of my favorite Portland neighborhoods. What more could I ask for at the end of a long day at work? I'll be back for more! Be sure to sample some new wines at Beth's "Friday Night Flights", usually every Friday night from 5-9pm. Or, plan your next party at Every Day Wine. They hold up to 50 people, just call ahead to plan and schedule your next event. Every Day Wine1520 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 331-7119 Alberta Street BusinessesAlberta Cooperative Grocery
Clearing shelves of big brands and paving the way for a well-nourished neighborhood, Alberta Co-op Grocery is meticulous about their inventory. If a smaller brand is bought out by its larger competitor, it’s outta there. If a soda contains high-fructose syrup, it’s not allowed to darken the doorway.Stocking “high quality, affordable, and responsibly-produced food,” Alberta Co-op cares about what they sell because they are, “owned by our neighbors,” and are, “serving our neighbors.” Alberta Cooperative Grocery 1500 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211 (503) 287-4333
ParksThere are several local parks nearby. The sixteen acre Alberta Park features a basketball court, an off-leash dog area, paths, picnic tables and playground, as well as a softball field, tennis court and water feature. More Alberta Area Parks: Alberta Street GalleriesYou just can't miss Alberta's "Last Thursday", which seems a combination art gallery "hop" and neighborhood street fair all rolled into one. It is every last Thursday of the month during the summer. If nothing else, enjoy the swarming crowds, and have fun people watching. You'll also have the opportunity to pick up some local arts (and crafts) work at great prices. Support your neighborhood arts! Don't forget to check our Portland Arts page for the latest event, exhibits, and more information. Community Resources
Watch our video of the Alberta Street shopping area, and enjoy the quirky, artsy, and fun feel of this fantastic Portland Street! Alberta Community Photo Album - Come Upload Your Alberta Photos!
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