"Bagdad Theater & Pub, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. The McMenamin brothers were pioneers of the brew pub culture in Portland in the 80’s. Since then, they have perfected their formula of taking historic properties and turning them into quirky, charming, and multifaceted venues, with locations all over Oregon and Washington. Bagdad Theatre & Pub, styled with a Mediterranean motif throughout, is a star of the enterprise. At the center is a huge first-run movie theater, recently renovated with a larger screen, and better sound and seats. But the building also hosts a pub with sidewalk seating, a cozy cigar bar, and a cavernous backstage bar. If they served breakfast, you could spend all day here, and never be bored."

"Bagdad Theater & Pub, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. The McMenamin brothers were pioneers of the brew pub culture in Portland in the 80’s. Since then, they have perfected their formula of taking historic properties and turning them into quirky, charming, and multifaceted venues, with locations all over Oregon and Washington. Bagdad Theatre & Pub, styled with a Mediterranean motif throughout, is a star of the enterprise. At the center is a huge first-run movie theater, recently renovated with a larger screen, and better sound and seats. But the building also hosts a pub with sidewalk seating, a cozy cigar bar, and a cavernous backstage bar. If they served breakfast, you could spend all day here, and never be bored."

"Naked City, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. There’s some serious attitude to be found here, a shop that looks like it’s decorated for Halloween, all year long. In a good way, not like Spencers or Hot Topic. The clothes, shoes, and accessories here, mostly for women, have a lot more vintage funk than mall teen angst. Go punk, retro, rockabilly, or pick up some fun lingerie. Or come back around for Halloween and get set up with a great costume."

"Naked City, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. There’s some serious attitude to be found here, a shop that looks like it’s decorated for Halloween, all year long. In a good way, not like Spencers or Hot Topic. The clothes, shoes, and accessories here, mostly for women, have a lot more vintage funk than mall teen angst. Go punk, retro, rockabilly, or pick up some fun lingerie. Or come back around for Halloween and get set up with a great costume."

"Powell's Books, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Powell’s City of Books downtown may get the spotlight, and all the tourists, but don’t sleep on the independent bookseller’s Hawthorne location. It’s much bigger than it looks from the storefront, with over 200,000 new and used books, plus games and gifts. Handwritten staff recommendations dot the shelves, great for finding a new favorite author or two. And a book store wouldn’t be complete without a coffee corner, a little reading space."

"Powell's Books, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Powell’s City of Books downtown may get the spotlight, and all the tourists, but don’t sleep on the independent bookseller’s Hawthorne location. It’s much bigger than it looks from the storefront, with over 200,000 new and used books, plus games and gifts. Handwritten staff recommendations dot the shelves, great for finding a new favorite author or two. And a book store wouldn’t be complete without a coffee corner, a little reading space."

"Jackpot Records, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Yes, people still buy music in stores. But it's specific people, and specific music; Jackpot is smart to focus mostly on the vinyl variety. The small storefront offers a surprisingly large selection of new and used records, including some rare albums. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s a turntable on the counter for you to listen to any used album before buying, too."

"Jackpot Records, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Yes, people still buy music in stores. But it's specific people, and specific music; Jackpot is smart to focus mostly on the vinyl variety. The small storefront offers a surprisingly large selection of new and used records, including some rare albums. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s a turntable on the counter for you to listen to any used album before buying, too."

"Kids at Heart Toys, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. There are a few toys here that use batteries or plug in to the wall, and a few big brands like Lego and Playmobil, but they’re in the minority. Most of what you’ll find at this independent toy store are unique toys, games, and books meant to let kids’ imaginations run wild and minds grow. Costumes abound, and there’s a whole wall of stuffed animals. Play on."

"Kids at Heart Toys, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. There are a few toys here that use batteries or plug in to the wall, and a few big brands like Lego and Playmobil, but they’re in the minority. Most of what you’ll find at this independent toy store are unique toys, games, and books meant to let kids’ imaginations run wild and minds grow. Costumes abound, and there’s a whole wall of stuffed animals. Play on."

"House of Vintage, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. “House” is a bit of an understatement. All told, there are more than thirty different vendors under this one roof, in a sprawling maze of rooms full of vintage clothes, furniture, and knick-knacks. It really has a funhouse vibe to it, you could wind your way through the racks and shelves more just to see what's around the corner than to actually buy anything. But if you do need a great track jacket, poodle skirt, pop art print, or lava lamp, House of Vintage has you covered."

"House of Vintage, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. “House” is a bit of an understatement. All told, there are more than thirty different vendors under this one roof, in a sprawling maze of rooms full of vintage clothes, furniture, and knick-knacks. It really has a funhouse vibe to it, you could wind your way through the racks and shelves more just to see what's around the corner than to actually buy anything. But if you do need a great track jacket, poodle skirt, pop art print, or lava lamp, House of Vintage has you covered."

"Hot Lips Pizza, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. One of six locations in Portland, this local chain offers seriously tasty pies. They tout that the ingredients are local, and this is cool, but mostly it’s the variety that sets Hot Lips above other pizza slingers. Pulled pork. Blue cheese, apple, and walnuts. Vegan cheese. Definitely a good option for vegans and vegetarians looking for more than a basic pizza. Oh, and they make their own sodas, in flavors like Marionberry and Hawaiian Ginger Ale."

"Hot Lips Pizza, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. One of six locations in Portland, this local chain offers seriously tasty pies. They tout that the ingredients are local, and this is cool, but mostly it’s the variety that sets Hot Lips above other pizza slingers. Pulled pork. Blue cheese, apple, and walnuts. Vegan cheese. Definitely a good option for vegans and vegetarians looking for more than a basic pizza. Oh, and they make their own sodas, in flavors like Marionberry and Hawaiian Ginger Ale."

"Palio Dessert & Espresso House, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Palio may not be right on Hawthorne, but it’s worth the detour into the unique old Ladd’s Addition neighborhood, which huddles around a charming little circular park and roundabout. Palio is perched just across the street, a cozy and quiet location to sip a cappuccino while studying, or to bring a date for a shared slice of chocolate cake. Either way, you can easily disappear for awhile here."

"Palio Dessert & Espresso House, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Palio may not be right on Hawthorne, but it’s worth the detour into the unique old Ladd’s Addition neighborhood, which huddles around a charming little circular park and roundabout. Palio is perched just across the street, a cozy and quiet location to sip a cappuccino while studying, or to bring a date for a shared slice of chocolate cake. Either way, you can easily disappear for awhile here."

"Lardo, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Not for herbivores. Lardo, which recently scaled up from a lauded food cart into two permanent locations on either side of the Willamette, is all about advancing the art of the meaty sandwich. Mosey on up and order a meatball banh mi, or charred pork belly, or griddled mortadella (a richly fatty Italian salami) sandwich, then grab a microbrew beer and head out to the patio to enjoy the tasty excess in the sun."

"Lardo, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Not for herbivores. Lardo, which recently scaled up from a lauded food cart into two permanent locations on either side of the Willamette, is all about advancing the art of the meaty sandwich. Mosey on up and order a meatball banh mi, or charred pork belly, or griddled mortadella (a richly fatty Italian salami) sandwich, then grab a microbrew beer and head out to the patio to enjoy the tasty excess in the sun."

"Clever Cycles, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. The bikes available at Clever Cycles come with the usual setup: two wheels, pedals, gears, handlebars, etc. It’s just that the compositions of each are not always what you’d expect. They have standard commuter bikes, sure, but also folding bikes, electric bikes, bikes for hauling cargo, bikes for hauling small family members. There’s also all the gear you’ll need to keep rolling through any season. Plus, you can also rent a bike to tour the city, and it’s only a short hop to the riverside trail."

"Clever Cycles, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. The bikes available at Clever Cycles come with the usual setup: two wheels, pedals, gears, handlebars, etc. It’s just that the compositions of each are not always what you’d expect. They have standard commuter bikes, sure, but also folding bikes, electric bikes, bikes for hauling cargo, bikes for hauling small family members. There’s also all the gear you’ll need to keep rolling through any season. Plus, you can also rent a bike to tour the city, and it’s only a short hop to the riverside trail."

"Hat Yai, Concordia by OMFGCO. Named after the southern Thai city known for fried chicken, Hat Yai delivers on the namesake. Order the Hat Yai combo and dip your spice-breaded and fried chicken in a bowl of gravy-like curry. Plenty of vegetarian options and a walk-up counter make this spot easy for last minute drop-ins and small groups. Grab a bottle of wine at Prospect Bottle Shop next door or opt for one of their in-house tropical cocktails."

"Les Caves, Concordia by OMFGCO. Les Caves is one of those places that no matter where it’s written up or how many people are there, you feel like an insider once you enter the room. The wine bar, run by local wine makers and sommeliers, is set in a cozy basement that seats about 20. You’ll have the attention of whomever is working that night, and they’ll be happy to share their knowledge with you by the glass. Pair your drinks with some of (local favorite) Olympia Provision’s aged meats."

"Wilder, Concordia by OMFGCO. Wilder is right on the corner of one of Concordia’s best pockets. It’s surrounded by some of Portland’s buzzier spots like Dame, Expatriate, and Beast. Stop in for a craft cocktail while you wait for dinner, or if you’re looking for a solid burger with your drink. The twinkling, wood-clad space feels considered but not over-designed, and the cocktail menu is thoughtfully designedby the owner and lead bartender. Wilder is so cozy, the reservation you made next door may become a distant memory."

"Case Study, Concordia by OMFGCO. There are plenty of coffee shops on Alberta, but Case Study is our favorite. With house-roasted beans and a selection of Roman Candle pastries (some of the best in town! it’s the perfect spot to hunker down and get some work done. The space is full of light and beautiful wood details, and a mezzanine up top so you can do some people watching while you procrastinate. Check their blog for community events!"

"Monograph Bookwerks, Concordia by OMFGCO. One of the best curated bookstores in town, Monograph is filled with beautiful new and used books about art, design, and architecture. In addition to books, there is also a stock of vintage political and counter-culture ephemera for sale, as well as found drawings, objects, and art. Although it’s small, one could spend hours browsing the collection. An essential stop."

"Ampersand, Concordia by OMFGCO. At first glance, Ampersand is a cool book shop with a tastefulcollection of titles on photography, design, art, and the like. Look around a bit, and you’ll notice the shop walls serve as an art gallery showing work by contemporary artists. Look even further, and you’ll find books by Ampersand Editions, a small press that publishes books about the shows on the wall by the artists themselves. It’s right down the street from Monograph Bookwerks, making this section of Alberta excellent for book shopping. Make sure to stop by their sister shop, Cord, next door!"

"Sip Juice Cart, Concordia by OMFGCO. Sister to Southeast’s Canteen, Sip serves organic juices, smoothies, and a few small bowls. It’s a great spot for a quick and healthy breakfast or afternoon snack. Get it to go, or dine at a picnic table in the small garden (right behind Thicket, a great little plant shop.) The Greensicle and the granola bowls are our favorites!"

"Zig Zag Wanderer, Concordia by OMFGCO. If you don’t look carefully, you could almost miss Zig Zag. Nestled next to one of Alberta’s busiest brunch spots, it’s a small vintage store full of eclectic treasures. The clothes are thoughtfully curated but not exorbitantly priced, and complemented by locally-crafted jewelry and a dreamy collection of consigned rugs. Plus, it smells really good in there. The greatest folky garment hits from the 60s through the 90s."

"Red Sail, Concordia by OMFGCO. Red Sail is a thoughtfully curated shop of home goods and accessories. Each piece feels considered, but not precious. We’re particularly fond of the collection of ceramics and vegan leather goods from Matt & Nat. Red Sail is next to one of our favorite upscale spots on Alberta, Aviary. It’s a Portland staple, and on weekdays you can usually nab a spot by just walking in."

"Bollywood Theater, Division by Factory North. This location is bright, open, filled with character and even has a little market inside so you can pick up hard-to-find Indian ingredients. Their take on Indian street food still tastes true to it's roots with an injection of local Portland farm-fresh ingredients. They capture the right combination of green herbs, spices, creamy, sour, and heat in a variety of dishes easy to share. Portland needed this place."

"Salt & Straw, Division by Factory North. There are plenty of other specialty ice cream shops out there, but in my opinion, there is no other like Salt & Straw. Their thoughtfully creative flavors, often drawing inspiration from chefs, notables, and locally made products are created with the intention to taste curiously delicious and not just to shock your palate. Their Classic flavors (like Arbequina Olive Oil and Blue Cheese & Pear) are worth the visit, but the monthly changing Seasonal line-up always steals the show. I recommend having the helpful cheery staff guide you through tasting every seasonal flavor. They encourage it! Then order a split scoop of two because you will have a hard time narrowing down your choices."

"Scottie's Pizza Parlour, Division by Factory North. The sourdough crust. Scottie's serves a delicious straight-forward chewy crust pizza. Those big slices that you can fold, if you so choose. Best to be picked up and taken home to watch the game or a good movie."

"Wong's King, Division by Factory North. Let’s get one thing straight: Portland isn’t the best city for dim sum. You need to go to Vancouver BC or San Francisco or even Seattle. But, when the craving hits, WK (and HK Cafe) are the only places you should go in Portland for the real thing. On the weekend, my advise is to try to hit the sweet spot of not being so early that you miss out on the variety of carts, but still early enough that you aren’t waiting two hours for a table. Order lots, it’s cheap and don’t let them convince you to get the chicken feet!"

"Portland Nursery, Division by Factory North. This is plant heaven. You can spend hours roaming the well-organized greenhouses mulling over what tropical houseplants and cacti treasures to bring home. The staff is extremely helpful to lead you to the right choices or help you problem-solve with your existing plants. You can even have them pot your new ones, so you don't even have to do any work if you don't want to!"

"Lauretta Jean's, Division by Factory North. Of course you go for the pie, but they have so much more deliciousness, like brunch and even cocktails. Whenever you connect with the Lauretta Jean's crew, whether it be here or the Farmers Market or a music festival, they just want you to be happy. The space is cozy diner meets Grandma's kitchen and that solidifies Kate's homage to her shop's namesake. And always, always butter for those flakey layers of biscuits and pie crust, that makes all the difference!"

"Dapper & Wise, Division by Factory North. Most of Division is serving Stumptown Roasters coffee, which is good, but sometimes you want something different. Here at D&W they are roasting their own beans in small batches sourced responsibly and thoughtfully. The attention to detail in the brand and interior add to the quality experience."

"The Woodsman Tavern, Division by Factory North. This is not your typical tavern. Although, nothing that Duane Sorenson (original Stumptown Roasters founder) does is typical. Every detail in this space has a specific role in carrying out this perfectly attentive dining experience with a low-brow casual attitude. You're guaranteed to feel as comfortable at the bar with a cheeseburger and a pickle-back as you are on a date sharing oysters and rosé."

"Pok Pok, Division by Factory North. I love that Andy Ricker is unapologetically replicating authentic dishes from Chiang Mai, even working directly with the source to make sure he is executing them properly. He is being true to the ingredient combinations that produce the punchy flavors of what you want out of great Thai food: sweet, charred, sour, hot, even sometimes funky. Opened in 2006, it's arguably the cornerstone of this now bustling food street destination and really the launch of Portland as a food city. The restaurant's eclectic ephemera and indoor/outdoor/upstairs/downstairs style pays homage to the street food stalls in Thailand. If you can't get in, or you are waiting on your table, visit Whiskey Soda Lounge across the street for a mini version of the Pok Pok experience in drinking lounge form."

"Victory Bar, Division by Factory North. Victory is one of the original establishments on Division, when Pok Pok was still a chicken shack and there were no condo high-rises. The layers of Propaganda art here makes me feel like I stepped into a film, a weird film and I love that on a night out. This gastropub has really settled into the neighborhood with on-another-level comfort dishes, twists on classic cocktails, and an impressive beer list. The layout here lends itself to tuck away in a corner for romantic snuggling or join a group of boisterous friends or even having a solo night sidled up to the bar."

"Ava Gene's, Division by Factory North. Sure, a lot of Portland restaurants take advantage of the abundance of local producers putting out quality ingredients, but Chef Joshua McFadden really lets these amazing ingredients steer the ship. His ever-changing menu is filled with dishes composed of layers of flavors you've never experienced before. Their modern point of view on Italian food still pays homage to classic traditions in cheese, cured meats, and the pasta itself, but, the Garden dishes are where they really shine. This selection of vegetables is full of surprise with delightfully beautiful colors, textures, and new flavors. The staff is perfectly attentive throughout your entire visit and so helpful in guiding you through the unfamiliar vocabulary of the menu or picking the perfect wine from their extensive yet, thoughtful list."

"Reel 'M Inn, Division by Factory North. Reel 'M Inn is the quintessential dive bar with the bonus of delicious fried chicken. The space is cozy and dark and the drinks are cheap & stiff, like a good dive bar should deliver on. This unassuming, rough around the edges gem is a nice break from all the shiny new businesses up and down Division Street. There's not much to show about this place and that's what makes it so great."

"Pine State Biscuits, Division by Factory North. This popular food cart turned brick & mortar is a definite tourist destination. Normally I would avoid someplace with a line wrapped around the corner - and some mornings I will absolutely do just that, because there are plenty of delicious breakfast joints in this town. On a morning that I can be leisurely, I will gladly wait in that line for a stacked-high delicious fried chicken biscuit sandwich. And the line doesn’t really take THAT long."

"Maru, Division by Factory North. A true Japan transplant, this restaurant specializes in pub-style food, so that is what you should order here. Think takoyaki, agedashi tofu, yakitori, sushi, and ice cold Japanese beer. The eclectic style and friendly staff make it comfortable for you to linger and snack and drink and repeat...."

"Presents of Mind, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. A cornucopia of unique gifts and cards, with a lot of love given to Portland and Oregon. You’d think that everything would have a bird on it, but Presents of Mind shakes the cliche. Instead, there is jewelry, knick-knacks, clothing, and a fun selection of books to guide the crafting of even more funky gifts. Hard to go wrong here for birthday or holiday shopping."

"Presents of Mind, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. A cornucopia of unique gifts and cards, with a lot of love given to Portland and Oregon. You’d think that everything would have a bird on it, but Presents of Mind shakes the cliche. Instead, there is jewelry, knick-knacks, clothing, and a fun selection of books to guide the crafting of even more funky gifts. Hard to go wrong here for birthday or holiday shopping."

"Grand Central Bakery, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Two words: monkey muffins. While Grand Central offers many fine breads, pastries, and sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, the monkey muffins -- handheld servings of simultaneously chewy and crisp monkey bread -- will keep you coming back. Grand Central is the perfect spot to start a day out and about. Grab a cup of coffee, a savory breakfast biscuit sandwich or one of the aforementioned muffins, and you're set to hit the road."

"Grand Central Bakery, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Two words: monkey muffins. While Grand Central offers many fine breads, pastries, and sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, the monkey muffins -- handheld servings of simultaneously chewy and crisp monkey bread -- will keep you coming back. Grand Central is the perfect spot to start a day out and about. Grab a cup of coffee, a savory breakfast biscuit sandwich or one of the aforementioned muffins, and you're set to hit the road."

"Jam, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Portland, a city of brunch-lovers, has short-listed Jam as a desired destination for late mornings on the weekend, and it’s worth the wait to get in. In this funky, open space, they bring the goods. It’s hearty stuff, big breakfast scrambles, or hashbrowns with corned beef or smoked salmon. They don’t mess around with the Bloody Marys, either."

"Jam, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Portland, a city of brunch-lovers, has short-listed Jam as a desired destination for late mornings on the weekend, and it’s worth the wait to get in. In this funky, open space, they bring the goods. It’s hearty stuff, big breakfast scrambles, or hashbrowns with corned beef or smoked salmon. They don’t mess around with the Bloody Marys, either."

"Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Whether you’ve got two legs or four, Lucky Lab is a great place to relax over a pint. The Hawthorne location -- the original Lucky Lab, now one of four in Portland -- is roomy and cool, with a rustic vibe, housed in an old warehouse. There’s a beer style for everyone, with frequently rotating taps, and the sandwiches (try the Northwest Pesto Melt) don’t disappoint. Pups more than welcome on the big covered patio out back."

"Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, Hawthorne by Kevin M. Fitzgerald. Whether you’ve got two legs or four, Lucky Lab is a great place to relax over a pint. The Hawthorne location -- the original Lucky Lab, now one of four in Portland -- is roomy and cool, with a rustic vibe, housed in an old warehouse. There’s a beer style for everyone, with frequently rotating taps, and the sandwiches (try the Northwest Pesto Melt) don’t disappoint. Pups more than welcome on the big covered patio out back."

"Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry, Woodlawn by Matthew Anderson. In many ways this cafe is the heart of the Woodlawn Triangle. Thanks to not just its espresso and pastries, but also to the soul of the place, there is no better cafe in Portland to begin an early morning. Like its sister, Firehouse Restaurant, across the street, Woodlawn exudes quality and deserves multiple visits."

"Tamale Boy, Woodlawn by Matthew Anderson. As the stationary version of their well-known mobile food truck, Tamale Boy sits on the quiet corner of 18th and Dekum. Though it doesn’t offer much in terms of atmosphere, its food is worth a visit, especially in summer, what with its spacious outdoor patio shared with Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead."

"Oregon Public House, Woodlawn by Matthew Anderson. Located in the heart of the Dekum triangle, the Oregon Public House is the world’s first bar to be classified as a Public Benefit Nonprofit. Run entirely by volunteers, all income is donated to a short list of local charities. The pub itself boasts a “family friendly” space, a wide list of beers (several brewed on site), and food that ventures beyond just pub fare."

"Firehouse Restaurant, Woodlawn by Matthew Anderson. In case pizza had you thinking of slices and casual vibes, let’s set the record straight. We think it’s safe to say that Firehouse is one of — if not the only — fine dining establishment in Woodlawn. Housed in a historically rich building (yes, an old firehouse), it is a restaurant with an air of class and menu rich with southern Italian fare. It’s the perfect place for date night, good conversation, or just a dependably quality meal."

"P’s & Q’s Market, Woodlawn by Matthew Anderson. Honestly, this is one of those venues we weren’t sure we wanted to share. But we’re all friends here, right? Thanks to its teacherly nom de plume, this spot is publicly known as market. In all reality, though, P’s & Q’s is a community hub, hosted by an inviting and subtly stylish atmosphere and a week-long menu of local and house-made fare. Weekend brunch here is some of the tastiest in the area."