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Everything You Need to Know about King in Portland
- Where is King?
- What is the main street in King?
- How to Get to King?
- What to Do and See in King
- Discover dazzling talents at the Alberta Abbey
- Have a good laugh at Curious Comedy Theatre
- Calm your mind at Hidden Oasis
- Where to Eat and Drink in King
- Poa Cafe
- Eem Thai BBQ PDX
- Cafe Olli
- Where to Shop in King
- Barrow PDX
- Estate Store Community Center
- Vesper Mushrooms
- Where to Stay in King
- Piedmont Vacation Rental
- Shift Vacation Rentals
- McMenamins Kennedy School
- FAQs
The King neighborhood in Portland is a unique mix of culture, art, and community. Named after Martin Luther King Jr., it honors his legacy through its diverse residents and thriving creative culture.
Home to celebrated public art, local dining gems, and lively events, King offers an authentic Portland experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to find out about this lively and crafty neighborhood in this guide.
Where is King?

King is in Northeast Portland, Oregon. It’s bordered by other neighborhoods like Boise-Eliot, Humboldt, Piedmont, and Irvington.
What is the main street in King?
The main street in the King neighborhood is Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It’s a central hub for the area that’s lined with various shops, restaurants, and community spots.
How to Get to King?
Bus routes: You can take bus 6 and get off at stops along MLK to explore the area. Alternatively, you can take bus 75, which connects to the neighborhood. Just look for stops on NE Killingsworth or NE Alberta Street.
You can also take the bus 72 route and check for the nearest stops along NE 42nd Ave or NE Alberta Street.
MAX Light rail: You can choose between the Yellow Line or the Red Line.
For the Yellow Line, get off at the N/NE Alberta St. station near the King neighborhood’s southern edge. For the Red Line, exit at the N/NE 7th Ave. station, and then walk or transfer to a bus to get further into the neighborhood.
What to Do and See in King
1. Discover dazzling talents at the Alberta Abbey
Media credit: albertaabbeypdx
Address: 126 NE Alberta St
Contact: [email protected]
Pricing: $
Operating hours: By scheduled event
Website
Alberta Abbey is a vibrant arts space with a rich history. Once a church, it’s now a hub for performances, art exhibits, and community gatherings. It focuses especially on supporting Black and underrepresented artists.
From live shows to visual arts, the venue offers a wide range of creative experiences. With its spacious auditorium and ballroom, it’s not only a cultural hotspot but also a spot for affordable event rentals.
2. Have a good laugh at Curious Comedy Theatre
Media credit: curiouscomedy
Address: 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Phone: (503) 477-9477
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:45 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 6:45 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Curious Comedy Theatre, founded in 2008, is a must-visit for comedy lovers. It presents a mix of stand-up, improvisation, and other shows to suit every mood.
The theatre also offers a range of classes, from beginner to advanced, for aspiring comedians. It also hosts events like Open Court, where local improvisers can get on stage and collaborate.
If you’re into comedy or just looking to join a fun and creative community, Curious Comedy Theatre has something for everyone.
3. Calm your mind at Hidden Oasis
Media credit: hiddenoasis.space
Address: 4946 NE 13th Ave
Phone: (503) 505-9895
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website
Hidden Oasis is a peaceful getaway from the city’s chaos, perfect for unwinding and recharging.
This contactless relaxation spot has individual rooms with top-notch massage chairs, calming lights, and a tea bar to help you relax.
While it’s designed with the needs of individuals with autism in mind, it’s a serene space for anyone looking to reset and relax.
Where to Eat and Drink in King
1. Poa Cafe
Media credit: poa_cafe
Address: 4025 N Williams Ave
Phone: (503) 954-1243
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good to know: Best spot for healthy eats and drinks
Website
Poa Cafe in Portland’s King neighborhood serves up healthy breakfast and lunch options with something for everyone.
Their avocado toast with poached egg is a crowd favorite, thanks to its creamy avocado and perfectly cooked eggs—a simple yet satisfying brunch pick.
The brunch bowl also stands out. It offers a mix of fresh, flavorful ingredients that are a hit with health-conscious diners. It’s a go-to spot for anyone craving tasty, wholesome eats.
2. Eem Thai BBQ PDX
Media credit: eempdx
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave #127
Phone: (971) 295-1645
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Good to know: Ideal for hearty lunch and dinner
Website
Eem Thai BBQ PDX combines strong Texas-style spices with Thai-inspired foods to create a creative take on Thai barbecue.
The white curry with brisket burnt ends stands out. It comes with smoky, tender brisket in a rich, spiced curry that balances barbecue’s punch with Thai complexity.
The restaurant also offers a range of impressive cocktails. Among our favorites is the Joan Wilder, which is a mix of overproof gin and fruity notes. It adds a refreshing touch to the vibrant dining vibe.
3. Cafe Olli
Media credit: cafeolli
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave
Phone: (971) 888-5043
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Friday:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (pastries & breakfast);
- 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (all-day menu);
- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (evening special)
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (brunch); 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (all-day menu)
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (brunch)
Good to know: Best spot for brunch and ideal for pizza lovers
Website
Cafe Olli has built a solid reputation for its standout brunches and wood-fired pizzas.
The Pomodoro pizza is a crowd favorite. It comes with a tangy sourdough crust topped with garlicky tomato sauce and creamy stracciatella that melts right in.
On the drink side, their specialty coffees pair perfectly with everything from baked treats to savory plates.
Where to Shop in King
1. Barrow PDX
Media credit: barrowpdx
Address: 323 NE Wygant St Suite 201
Contact: www.barrowpdx.com
Pricing: $
Operating hours: By appointment
Website
Barrow PDX is a jewelry and accessory shop that focuses on handmade craftsmanship and unique designs—not mass production. Their collection is constantly changing, with subtle variations in each piece, so nothing feels cookie-cutter.
They’re also big on custom creations, letting you work with them to design something personal and completely your own. This mix of artistry and personalization has made Barrow PDX a go-to for anyone looking for truly one-of-a-kind accessories or gifts.
2. Estate Store Community Center
Media credit: estatestore
Address: 3969 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Phone: (503) 235-8786
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website
The Estate Store Community Center is a nonprofit gem offering a mix of vintage and modern home goods at affordable prices. It helps support Community Warehouse, a local furniture bank that assists people facing challenges like homelessness.
Shopping here means scoring unique décor while also supporting a great cause that furnishes homes for those in need. From vintage furniture to various household treasures, it’s a must-visit for bargain hunters and anyone into sustainable shopping.
3. Vesper Mushrooms
Media credit: vespermushrooms
Address: 5126 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Phone: (971) 801-2607
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Vesper Mushrooms offers a range of functional mushroom extracts for different wellness needs, from Lion’s Mane for focus to Reishi for better sleep and Chaga for inflammation.
They handle the entire process in-house, ensuring top quality and potency. Using organic mushrooms and sustainable practices, Vesper is a solid option for those seeking natural health benefits.
Where to Stay in King
1. Piedmont Vacation Rental
Media credit: portlandpiedmontguesthouse
Address: 5933 NE Garfield Ave.
Phone: (971) 570-8058
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 5:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM
Piedmont Vacation Rental is a bungalow-style home that offers a comfortable lodging experience. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, two private bathrooms, and a cozy living area ideal for gatherings.
It also provides free parking and central air conditioning. The home is known for its cleanliness and tasteful decor and is conveniently located near local attractions.
2. Shift Vacation Rentals
Media credit: shiftvacationrentals
Address: 1421 NE Alberta St
Phone: (503) 208-2581
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
Shift Vacation Rentals are located in Portland’s King neighborhood, specifically within the Alberta Arts District and the Mississippi Neighborhood.
These eco-friendly, modern homes combine contemporary design with comfort. It offers a convenient base for exploring the area. Visitors will find a variety of local eateries, cafés, and boutique shops nearby.
3. McMenamins Kennedy School
Media credit: portlandpiedmontguesthouse
Address: 5736 NE 33rd Ave
Distance from King: 5 minutes away
Phone: (503) 249-3983
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
McMenamins Kennedy School offers a one-of-a-kind stay in a former 1915 school building, blending history with modern fun. The property has a lot to offer, from an on-site brewery and movie theater to bars and a saltwater-soaking pool.
There are also meeting rooms, making it a solid choice for both business and leisure trips.
The hotel stands out for its quirky decor, original artwork, and its laid-back yet vibrant vibe. Plus, it’s close to Portland’s must-see spots, making it a memorable experience for any traveler.