The Alberta Arts District embodies a lot of Portland phenomenon: it’s artsy, naturally, but it’s also got a that laid back, DIY vibe that Portland has become known for. It’s the kind of place where you can ride your tall bike to the local co-op for some organic salad greens or spend your weekends making mixed media art at any one of many galleries and studios offering classes. No matter what you’re “into” chances are there’s a place for that on Alberta Street.
Grab a fresh baguette to go with dinner or have an indulgent brunch at Petit Provence French Bistro and Bakery. Like just about everywhere in Portland, they’ve got your espresso fix, but unlike other coffee shops, you can grab a delicious meringue cookie shaped like a horse to go with your Americano. Perfecto!
Just up the road, you’ll find the Random Order Coffeehouse and Bakery. The specialty here is pie in all its glorious incarnations. You’ll find sweet pies and savory pies; cream pies and fruit pies. All made by hand, of course, and featuring local, seasonal ingredients. If pie isn’t your thing (what?!) there are muffins, cookies and bars to fit the most eclectic taste.
Alberta’s art and soul merge at Zilla Sake House. Drop in for sushi rolls made from sustainably caught wild fish or select from over 70 different sake choices. While you’re there, soak up the fusion of local art and Japanese culture mingling all around you.
Brunch is a Portland institution, and if you’re a devoted fan, you’ll want to check out Helser’s On Alberta. With a diverse menu that covers all your comfort food favorites like Biscuits and Mushroom Gravy, they also offer unique tastes like the Pear and Havarti Pie. With a kid’s menu of six choices for under $3, Helser’s is a great place to bring the whole family.
Shopping
The exterior display at Digs will catch your eye from across the street like a page torn from a magazine and brought to life before your eyes. Full of color and texture, and featuring brilliantly designed goods for inside and outside the home, you’ll want one of everything. If you’re not sure where to start, they also offer design and color consultations.
Local Discoveries is the upscale boutique version of a neighborhood flea market. Local vendors and artisans put their wares on display under one roof to create a one-stop shop for eco-friendly and locally made candles, soaps, accessories and more.
Green Bean Books could possibly be the cutest kid’s bookstore in the world. Colorful and cozy inside, this shop offers books for all ages and fun at every turn. Vintage vending machines that dispense finger puppets and fake facial hair? Yup, they’ve got that too. For budding artisans, they offer bookmaking classes. They have story time events in multiple languages and an outdoor deck for relax and reading on a sunny day.
Tumbleweed and Grasshopper boutiques offer a perfect shopping opportunity for fashionable moms. For mom, Tumbleweed offers a selection of clothing and home goods with an eye to practicality and quality. Next door at Grasshopper, you’ll find books, toys, and clothes selected to nurture and inspire a young imagination.
Design rules at Red Sail. Looking for that perfect accent piece for your home, or a eye-catching scarf? Red Sail has you covered. It’s a clever shop with a mission to keep inventory useful and beautiful with prices that will keep you coming back.
Art
On Alberta, beauty and art are everywhere you look. The Noble Architect, by artists Ruth Greenberg and Dave Laubentha, looks up the street as if to say, “keep an eye out for art all around you.”
Explore the artist within you with art supplies and classes at Collage. Classes cover everything from line drawing to printmaking, stitching and soldering. With classes that cost as little as $5, there’s no reason you can’t try them all!
For a beautiful and unique gift, Mimosa Studios offers everything you need to create your own custom pottery piece. They also host birthday parties for crafty kids!
Ready to get your art on? Let’s chat about finding an artist’s haven for you!
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