Categories > Guides and Tips
The Top Things to Do in Multnomah
- Have coffee and pastries at Grand Central Bakery
- Have brunch in style at Marcos Cafe & Espresso Bar
- Go to The Ship Tavern for nautical themed brews
- Take your furry friend to Gabriel Park
- Browse the food carts at The French Quarter
- Get lost in books at Annie Bloom’s Books
- Take the kids to Thinker Toys
- Shop for beer and wine at John’s Marketplace
- Find colorful fits at Switch Shoes
- Go to the oldest yarn store, Northwest Wools
- Take a trip to Multnomah Falls
Multnomah, with its tree-lined streets, quaint shops, and community-oriented vibe, offers an authentic slice of Portland life just waiting to be discovered. This neighborhood is a treasure trove of experiences.
We wanted to list all of our favorites, so our team voted on the best ones. Without further ado, here are the top things to do in Multnomah, according to our staff!
Have coffee and pastries at Grand Central Bakery
Website: Grand Central Bakery
Address: 3425 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +15039772024
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Every cup of coffee here at Grand Central Bakery tells a story of locally sourced beans, meticulously roasted to bring out their best flavors. And their pastries! From flaky, buttery croissants to delicious muffins, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
| Pro Tip Give their raspberry scones a try! Pair one with a steaming cup of their house-blend coffee and you’ll be in heaven. |
Have brunch in style at Marcos Cafe & Espresso Bar
Website: Marcos Cafe & Espresso Bar
Address: 7910 SW 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +15032450199
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Marco’s Cafe offers a brunch experience that’s as authentic as it’s delicious. Whether you’re craving a stack of fluffy pancakes, Marco’s Burrito, or something more adventurous like Ruth’s Cheese Blintzes, Marco’s Cafe has you covered.
| Pro Tip Don’t forget about their espresso bar. Their Boss’s Favorite, in particular, is a crowd favorite – creamy from the coconut milk, rich from the chocolate espresso blend, and served with a side of beautiful latte art. |
Go to The Ship Tavern for nautical themed brews
Website: The Ship Tavern
Address: 7827 SW 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +15032447345
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
The Ship Tavern transports you to the heart of the sea with their extensive selection of nautical brews. From local craft beers to international favorites, the tavern offers a drink for every taste.
Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a rich stout, or a refreshing lager, you’ll find it on their menu.
| Pro Tip For a night of fun, go during one of their regular trivia nights or catch one of their live music performances. |
Take your furry friend to Gabriel Park
Address: SW 45th Ave & Vermont Street, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-823-7529
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 12 AM
Gabriel Park is a paradise for both pets and their owners. Its off-leash dog area spans 1.5 acres, allowing your furry friends to freely run, play, and interact with other canine companions.
It doesn’t matter if your pet loves chasing balls, making new friends, or simply enjoying the freedom of being off-leash. They’re sure to have a blast here.
| Pro Tip If you want to get acquainted with more people in town, you can do so at their community center. And for the skaters amongst us, check out the skate park! Regardless if you have your furry friend with you or not. |
Browse the food carts at The French Quarter
Website: The French Quarter
Address: 3518 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – Closed
The French Quarter—a bustling food cart pod that offers a slice of New Orleans right here in Portland.
From authentic Creole cuisine to contemporary fusion dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. You’ll find a range of other food carts offering everything from gourmet burgers to vegan delights, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
| Pro Tip Don’t skip out on some classic jambalaya or gumbo. For seafood lovers, the crawfish étouffée and the shrimp po’ boys are absolute must-tries. And let’s not forget about the beignets—these fluffy, sugar-dusted pastries are the perfect way to round off your meal. |
Get lost in books at Annie Bloom’s Books
Website: Annie Bloom’s Books
Address: 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-246-0053
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Annie Bloom’s Books is a shrine to literature, a haven for book lovers. Soak in the aroma of books—ink, paper, and boundless stories waiting to be discovered.
They have an impressive selection of books, with shelves lined with titles from every genre imaginable. Gripping thrillers, sweeping historical fiction, thought-provoking non-fiction, enchanting children’s books, and so much more.
| Pro Tip To make your trip extra special, try to time your visit during an author reading, a book launch, or storytime for the little ones. |
Take the kids to Thinker Toys
Website: Thinker Toys
Address: 7784 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-245-3936
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Thinker Toys is a wonderland of creativity and fun for children and adults alike. From floor to ceiling, the store is packed with a wide array of toys, games, and puzzles designed to spark curiosity and foster learning.
They have it all: building blocks, action figures, science kits, board games, arts and crafts, and more.
| Pro Tip Check out one of their Multnomah Days where you can engage in puzzle competitions, toy demonstrations and more for a hands-on experience. |
Shop for beer and wine at John’s Marketplace
Website: John’s Marketplace
Address: 3535 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-244-2617
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
John’s Marketplace is a veritable treasure trove for anyone who appreciates craft beers and fine wines. With a vast selection of beverages from around the globe, this marketplace offers an immersive experience that goes beyond mere shopping.
You’ll also find an impressive array of Oregon-made products, making it the perfect place to discover new favorites and support local businesses.
| Pro Tip Make sure you inquire about tastings, brewery visits, and their launch parties if you want to learn more about the world of beer and wine. |
Find colorful fits at Switch Shoes
Website: Switch Shoes
Address: 7871 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-445-4585
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Friday & – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Switch Shoes selection of footwear and apparel is as colorful and diverse as the city itself. This boutique is a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of Portland flair to their wardrobe.
You’ll find a wide range of footwear, from chic boots and stylish sandals to comfy sneakers and elegant flats.
| Pro Tip Don’t miss out on their curated selection of clothing and accessories, all chosen with an eye for fashion-forward, sustainable designs. |
Go to the oldest yarn store, Northwest Wools
Website: Northwest Wools
Address: 3524 SW Troy St, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Contact Info: +1 503-244-5024
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
Northwest Wools is a piece of Portland’s history, proudly serving the fiber community for over 35 years.
They have an array of yarns and fibers—from traditional wools to exotic blends. The store also provides kits, patterns, and tools, making it a one-stop shop for all your knitting and crocheting needs.
| Pro Tip Try to catch one of their regular events, like their unique trunk shows and First Friday celebrations. |
Take a trip to Multnomah Falls
At Multnomah Falls take the trail that leads to Benson Bridge. This iconic footbridge offers an up-close view of the falls and a perfect photo-op.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the trail continues up to a top viewing platform, providing a bird’s eye view of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
| Pro Tip Check out the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge that sits at the base of the falls. Here, you can learn about the history and geology of the falls, grab a bite to eat, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs. |
