The Hawthorne District in Portland

By
Nancy Levenson
Nancy Levenson is a Portland-based travel and leisure writer who has contributed to "Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest" and Portland Monthly Magazine.
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Nancy Levenson

Updated 07/18/19

Bagdad Theater, Portland, Oregon

LICreate / Getty Images

In Portland, Oregon, the most concentrated commercial area along SE Hawthorne is between 34th Street and 38th Street, but there’s plenty to see in other parts of the street, too. SE Hawthorne Boulevard is located in SE Portland. It’s south of Belmont Street and north of Divison Street.

Best Known For

  • It's a laid-back culture. People like to say it’s Portland’s version of San Francisco's Haight Street, but it’s getting more and more sophisticated every year.
  • The Bagdad Theater, a Portland landmark was restored by the McMenamin Brothers.
  • Well-known are its funky coffee shops, locally-owned restaurants and boutiques, and great used clothing stores.
  • Casual restaurants and brewpubs.

Getting There

By car

  • From downtown, take the Hawthorne Bridge.
  • From I-5, get off at exit 300B (the OMSI exit).
  • Stay left at the fork on the exit ramp.
  • Head straight onto Belmont St. Take Belmont to 11th Ave., and turn right.
  • Follow 11th until you reach Hawthorne Blvd. and then turn left.

By bus

  • take #14 from downtown to Hawthorne.

Essentials

  • Zipcode: 97214
  • Nearest post office: 1020 SE 7th Ave.

Grocery Stores

  • New Seasons Market at SE 40th/Hawthorne
  • Fred Meyer at SE 39th/Hawthorne
  • Safeway at SE 28th/Hawthorne

Pharmacies

  • Safeway at SE 28th/Hawthorne
  • Fred Meyer at SE 39th/Hawthorne

Nearby Schools

  • Elementary schools: Abernathy Elementary School and Glencoe Elementary School
  • Middle schools: Hosford Middle School and Mt. Tabor Middle School
  • High schools: Cleveland High School and Franklin High School

Best Shopping

  • Red Light, 3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd.—the Disneyland of used clothing and accessories for men and women.
  • Presents of Mind, 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd.—has cool cards, jewelry, and gifts galore.
  • Imelda’s and Louie’s Shoes, 3426 SE Hawthorne Blvd.—stocks beautiful shoes and bags for the style-conscious.
  • Powell's Bookstore for Cooks and Gardeners, 3747 SE Hawthorne Blvd.—the cookbook section at the downtown Powell's store is vast, but there's nothing like shopping in a store that specializes in your hobbies of choice. 

Best Restaurants

  • Apizza Scholls, 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd.—the best thin-crust pizza in the city.
  • Mio Sushi, 3962 Hawthorne Blvd.—fresh fish in a friendly, upscale setting.
  • 3 Doors Down, 1429 SE 37th Ave.—innovative Italian cuisine and great service.
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