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Everything You Need to Know about Humboldt in Portland
- Where is Humboldt?
- What is the main street in Humboldt?
- How to Get to Humboldt?
- Best Time to Go to Humboldt
- What to Do and See in Humboldt
- Enjoy good music at Polaris Hall
- Be amazed by the art at Ambiente Art Glass
- Immerse with the locals at Turn! Turn! Turn!
- Where to Eat and Drink in Humboldt
- Enat Kitchen Restaurant
- Saraveza
- Coco Donuts & Coffee
- Where to Shop in Humboldt
- ReClaim It
- The Portland Game Store
- Solabee Flowers & Botanicals
- Where to Stay in Humboldt
- Piedmont Vacation Rental
- The Palms Motor Hotel
- McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel
- FAQ
Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood is full of secret gems. From the vibrant historic homes, cozy cafés where the barista knows your order, and murals that tell the community’s story.
Explore eclectic shops, street fairs, and local eats, or unwind in lush parks tucked between the city buzz. Humboldt feels like a well-kept secret—ripe for discovery.
Let this guide lead you to its unique charm and endless surprises!
Where is Humboldt?
Humboldt neighborhood is located in Northeast Portland, Oregon. It’s bordered by the Williams and MLK Jr. Boulevards to the west and east, respectively, and stretches from Broadway to the north down to Killingworth Street to the south.
What is the main street in Humboldt?
The main street of the Humboldt neighborhood is North Killingsworth Street. It’s where you’ll find a mix of local shops, cafes, and eateries that give the area its unique vibe.
How to Get to Humboldt?
Bus: The TriMet bus route 75 (Cesar Chavez/Lombard) is the most direct way to reach Humboldt. You can get off at NE 42nd Ave & Killingsworth St.
Alternatively, consider NE 42nd Ave & Sandy Blvd. Both stops place you right in the heart of Humboldt, within walking distance of its main attractions.
MAX Light Rail: If you’re coming from farther away, take the MAX to the Interstate/Rose Quarter station. From there, it’s a short bus ride on the 75 or a quick bike ride to reach the neighborhood.
Best Time to Go to Humboldt
The best time to visit the neighborhood is in February when the annual Mardi Gras Parade takes place.
The parade runs along North Mississippi Avenue, starting near Humboldt and continuing to Cook Street. Expect a fun-filled celebration featuring colorful floats, live music, and local vendors contributing to a festive and lively atmosphere.
What to Do and See in Humboldt
1. Enjoy good music at Polaris Hall
Media credit: polarishallpdx
Address: 635 N Killingsworth Ct
Phone: (503) 240-6088
Pricing: $
Operating hours: By scheduled event
Website
If you’re exploring the Humboldt neighborhood in Portland, Polaris Hall is a must-visit spot. It belongs to the Mississippi Studios group and sponsors various events, including concerts, comedy, and theater.
What makes it special is its deep connection to the local arts scene. It’s a space where rising stars and seasoned performers alike get to shine.
Beyond just entertainment, Polaris Hall is all about bringing the community together, making it a vibrant cultural hub that perfectly captures Humboldt’s creative spirit.
2. Be amazed by the art at Ambiente Art Glass
Media credit: ambientearts
Address: 5529 N Vancouver Ave
Phone: (503) 946-8727
Pricing: $
Operating hours: By appointment
Website
Ambiente Art Glass is a longstanding presence in Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood, known for its stained glass and kiln-formed glass art.
Founded over 40 years ago by local artists Jane Godfrey and Sondra Radcliffe, the studio has focused on the craft of glassmaking and creative expression. Visitors can explore a variety of unique pieces and occasional community projects that highlight the art form.
The studio also emphasizes education and sharing knowledge, adding to its role as a space for both art and connection.
3. Immerse with the locals at Turn! Turn! Turn!
Media credit: turnturnturnpdx
Address: 8 NE Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 284-6019
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Turn! Turn! Turn! is one of those hidden gems in the Humboldt neighborhood where you can kick back and soak in the local vibe. It’s a small, cozy spot that brings live music, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere together under one roof.
The lineup is always a mix—folk, indie rock, and more—which keeps things interesting.
If you’re looking for a chill night out with a side of local culture, this is worth checking out.
Where to Eat and Drink in Humboldt
1. Enat Kitchen Restaurant
Media credit: enat_kitchen
Address: 300 N Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 285-4867
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Good to know: Best spot for authentic Ethiopian cuisine
Website
In Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood, Enat Kitchen is a go-to spot for Ethiopian cuisine. Dishes here are served on injera, a tangy and spongy flatbread that makes sharing easy.
The lamb tibs are often mentioned for their bold flavors, with spices like cinnamon and cardamom adding depth. The family combo is another popular option, offering a mix of five meat and vegetable dishes that highlight traditional Ethiopian flavors.
For drinks, Ethiopian beers like Meta export lager are a common pairing, offering a refreshing balance to the spices.
2. Saraveza
Media credit: saintsimoncoffee
Address: 1004 N Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 206-4252
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Good to know: Ideal for beer lovers and good American comfort foods
Website
Saraveza is a must-visit in Humboldt for anyone craving comfort food and great craft beer. Their deep-fried cheese curds are legendary—crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re the perfect match for their extensive beer selection.
The menu features classic American dishes, but it’s the fried oyster po’boys and lamb meatballs with yogurt that stand out.
Beer enthusiasts love Saraveza for its curated list, offering local brews and seasonal picks. With its relaxed, inviting ambiance, it’s no surprise that both residents and visitors return.
3. Coco Donuts & Coffee
Media credit: cocodonuts
Address: 33 N Skidmore St
Phone: (971) 279-4858
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Good to know: Ideal for donut lovers
Website
Coco Donuts & Coffee is a go-to spot in Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood for anyone craving fresh, delicious treats. Their apple fritters are a standout, loved for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The menu offers a variety of donuts, with seasonal options that keep things exciting. Alongside these baked goodies, the coffee is a perfect match, making it an ideal spot for a light breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
While opinions on the sweetness level can vary, the freshness and quality of the donuts are consistently praised, making it a must-try for donut lovers.
Where to Shop in Humboldt
1. ReClaim It
Media credit: reclaimitpdx
Address: 1 N Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 866-7855
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
ReClaim It is a spot in the Humboldt neighborhood that offers a creative twist on shopping. This nonprofit arts and reuse shop focuses on reducing waste by salvaging materials from the Metro Central Transfer Station.
It’s a great spot for artists, homeowners, and DIYers looking to find unique and sustainable resources. It offers a mix of art supplies, vintage treasures, and DIY project materials.
ReClaim It also fosters a strong sense of community, hosting events like art shows and artist collaborations that bring people together to celebrate creativity.
2. The Portland Game Store
Media credit: theportlandgamestore
Address: 922 N Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 289-6373
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
If you’re into gaming, The Portland Game Store is the place to check out. They’ve got a solid selection of trading card games, board games, and tabletop games. They also have all the gaming accessories you could need.
It’s a great spot whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned player, and the vibe is all about community. You can hang out, play games, and connect with others, making the experience more than just shopping.
3. Solabee Flowers & Botanicals
Media credit: solabeeflowers
Address: 801 N Killingsworth St
Phone: (503) 307-2758
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Solabee Flowers & Botanicals is a charming floral studio and plant shop that’s all about unique, handpicked botanicals. They’ve got a variety of fresh flowers and indoor plants, so there’s something for every taste.
What makes Solabee stick out is their focus on local sourcing and seasonal designs, which means their arrangements always feel connected to the local vibe.
They also carry a collection of locally crafted goods and art. Plus, if you’re planning an event, they can transform any space with lush greenery and beautiful designs.
Where to Stay in Humboldt
1. Piedmont Vacation Rental
Media credit: portlandpiedmontguesthouse
Address: 5933 NE Garfield Ave.
Distance from Humboldt: 2 minutes away
Phone: (971) 570-8058
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 5:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM
Piedmont Vacation Rental offers a cozy guest house experience right in Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood. With perks like central air-conditioning and free parking, it’s all about comfort. Each room comes with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers for added convenience.
For entertainment, you’ve got flat-screen HDTVs, Blu-ray, and DVD players in several rooms. Plus, bike and car rentals are available, making it easy to check out local spots at your own pace.
If you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, this rental is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the lively vibe of the Humboldt community.
2. The Palms Motor Hotel
Media credit: wacky_tacky
Address: 3801 N Interstate Ave
Distance from Humboldt: 4 minutes away
Phone: (503) 287-5788
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
The Palms Motor Hotel is a budget-friendly spot just a short drive from downtown Portland. With newly renovated rooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, it’s got all the basics covered.
Each room also has a fridge, microwave, and cable TV, making it a comfortable place to crash. Families will appreciate the motel’s kid-friendly policy—kids under five stay free.
Its close location to local attractions and focus on comfort make it a solid choice for travelers looking to relax on a budget.
3. McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel
Media credit: mcmenamins
Address: 836 N Russell St
Distance from Humboldt: 6 minutes away
Phone: (503) 282-6810
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
If you’re after something a little different, McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel is a cool spot that mixes great hospitality with live music in a historic setting. The rooms are simple but cozy, with free Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
The saloon adds to the fun with live performances that keep the place buzzing. While the hotel has shared bathrooms and no in-room air conditioning (but don’t worry, fans are available), it’s perfect for anyone who loves a lively vibe.
Plus, they’re pet-friendly in certain rooms for a small extra fee. It’s a fun choice for those who want to experience Portland’s nightlife while staying close to local attractions.
