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Guide to Eliot Neighborhood
LocationEliot is located on the East side of the Willamette River. It is bordered by the Boise, King, Irvington and Lloyd neighborhoods, and the Willamette River. Eliot is in a fantastic location for both commuting, as well as getting to many other great Portland neighborhoods. Major freeway ramps located near Eliot include I-84 and I-5. Portland’s Tri Met runs bus schedules, and the MAX light rail train is less than a mile away from Eliot’s southernmost boundary, at Lloyd Center Mall. Drive West over the Broadway bridge to get downtown or to the Pearl District in mere minutes, or head Northeast to Alberta or Beaumont-Wilshire, Northwest to the Boise and Historic Mississippi Avenue neighborhoods, or Southeast to get to the Belmont and Hawthorne neighborhoods. Eliot
can be located on page 596 of The
Thomas Guide - Portland Oregon Street Guide.
Homes
Eliot is located close-in on the East side of the Willamette across the river from the Pearl District. Eliot is an urban neighborhood with cultural diversity. A recent RMLS home search in the Eliot area showed homes from sale from as low as $189,900 up to $550,000. Home styles in this area consist of older Victorian cottages and other older East Portland styles that have historic charm and character you just can't find in the newer 'burbs. Here you will still find the early 1900s sidewalks imprinted with the names of the original craftsmen, with metal curb rings for tethering horses along the streets. If you are looking for information on buying or selling a home in Eliot, including mortgage rates, loan calculators, home appraisers, school report cards, and crime reports, please see the Portland Real Estate page.
Hot EatsThe Eliot neighborhood's favorite coffee house is Gold Rush Coffee Bar (2601 NE M L King Blvd) on the corner of Russell and MLK. They serve divine Illy brand coffee, and yes, they have Wi-Fi! Check out the new coffee house on 2031 NE MLK, Tiny’s, for some delicious Stumptown coffee in a fun and eclectic hangout. If you get the coffee cup with an alien imprinted on it, your drink is free! Tiny's has Wi-Fi, and even a game room in the back. The locals know that for a great breakfast, you should try Bridges Cafe on MLK. I love to go to the Eliot e-Mat Cafe which is a combination of laundromat, and internet cafe. I always get a yummy enormous sub...dirt cheap. Echo hasn't been around long, but I've noticed the tables are always full at night, a good sign for a relatively new restaurant along MLK. The Russell Street Bar-B-Que has reopened after a renovation...tasty BBQ ribs with all the fixins' are sure to please. For some more exotic Ethiopian Cuisine, try the popular Queen of Sheba. Popular bars in the area include "Portland's Best Dive Bar", Billy Ray's on MLK--this brick-red bar is identifiable only by the neon "R" and "Tavern" signs out front. McMenamin's White Eagle Saloon is reputedly haunted with ghosts from the old brothel they used in run back in Portland's early days. Also nearby in the old Albina area is the Widmer brewery, Gasthaus, for German fare and your favorite local brewskies. For an excellent cocktail along with a Nuevo Latino meal in an elegant setting, try Mint. Or, if you're just in the mood for excellent cocktails, either indoors or on the private patio, try Mint's sister bar "820". The "Bella" cocktail, mixed with blackberry puree, is divine... Wonder Ballroom - This beautiful old historic Hibernian lodge has been revamped into an events hall, with a cafe. The Wonder Cafe and bar is cozy, friendly, and they serve the best french fries in town! Also, don't forget to check out the Mark Woolley gallery located behind the Wonder Cafe. Read more about the gallery and check information on the latest exhibits on our Portland Arts page! Focus On...Toro BravoThe newest place getting buzz in Eliot is the amazing Toro Bravo restaurant, located right next door to Wonder Ballroom. Folks, this is my favorite new restaurant in Portland and that's saying something, because Portland is a food lover's paradise of great places to eat. It didn't take long for the word to get out either--Toro Bravo was recently featured in both Willamette Week and Portland Monthly as one of Portland's top restaurants. Toro Bravo features Spanish tapas (small plates) which is one of the reasons I love the place so much--I've always been a person who wants to try one of everything on the menu, and now I get to do just that. Every single dish that I have tried is divine and I can't even recommend just a few dishes, because so far I love them all! Although still young, Toro Bravo is already very popular, and even on a weeknight you might have to wait for a table outside or at the bar (note, the Wonder Cafe bar is right next door, so if Toro Bravo is standing room only, go have a cocktail and relax while waiting for your dinner at Toro Bravo).
Also located right in my own backyard of Eliot is another secret gem of a place, Akasu Hair Studio and Spa. Portland is full of "big box" salon/spas, but that is not what you'll find here. True to the unique individuality of Portland, and fitting right into the older neighborhood of Eliot, Akasu is a unique little gem! Akasu Hair Studio and SpaCome relax and rejuvenate in one of Portland's best spas, and discover one of Northeast Portland's best kept secrets! Housed in an old sunny Victorian house with warm bamboo floors and a super-friendly staff, you will feel right at home at Akasu Hair Studio and Spa. Akasu has quickly become my favorite haunt when I need a little pampering. Insider's already know the secret--Akasu has been steadily building a staff of dedicated professionals who love the art of making you look and feel your best. Here are a few of my personal recommendations: If you have a Mt. Hood-sized knot of tension on your shoulder, then Sara Petersen is the massage therapist for you! When you trust your body to her skilled hands (of steel), you're guaranteed to feel better fast. If it's skincare, waxing, or nails you're looking for, then make an appointment with Heather Goodwin-O'Brien. Heather will give you lots of TLC, and you'll leave Akasu looking and feeling like a princess. Offering a wide range of services including hair cut/color and style, and a selection of spa treatments including waxing, facials, skin and body treatments, and several massage modalities from relaxation to sports massage (visit their website for menu of services). Located about three blocks North of Broadway, West of MLK, on Williams Avenue (just look for the cute Victorian).
Eliot - More InformationIf you would like to share your experiences of living or working in Eliot, please contact us!
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