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Everything You Need to Know about Alberta in Portland
- Where is Alberta?
- What is the main street in Alberta?
- How to Get to Alberta?
- Best Time to Go to Alberta
- What to Do and See in Alberta
- Appreciate the vibrant street art and murals
- Enjoy some live music at Alberta Street Pub
- Participate in the Last Thursday Arts Walk
- Where to Eat and Drink in Alberta
- Tin Shed Garden Cafe
- Radio Room
- Bole Ethiopian Restaurant
- Where to Shop in Alberta
- Laundry
- Frock Boutique
- Citizen Ruth
- Where to Stay in Alberta
- The Alberta Petite Hotel
- McMenamins Kennedy School
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
- FAQs about Alberta, Portland
Alberta is a funky, eclectic neighborhood in Northeast Portland that’s really come into its own. The area has a strong community vibe, often hosting street fairs and art walks.
The neighborhood’s thriving art scene, highlighted by striking public art installations and showcases of local talent, infuses Alberta with a unique and dynamic energy that sets it apart.
Where is Alberta?
Alberta is located in Northeast Portland, Oregon, primarily along NE Alberta Street. It is not officially recognized as a standalone neighborhood but is part of the Vernon, Concordia, and King neighborhoods.
What is the main street in Alberta?
The main street in Alberta is The Alberta Arts District, which runs along NE Alberta Street between NE 14th and NE 31st Avenues. It’s lined with art galleries, boutiques, and bars that attract visitors from all over the city.
How to Get to Alberta?
Closest bus stop: To get to Alberta via public transit, you can take several TriMet bus routes. The main east-west road is NE Alberta Street, where multiple bus lines operate, including Bus 70 (12th/NE 33rd Ave) and Bus 19 (Woodstock/Glisan).
If you’re coming from Downtown Portland, you can also use the MAX Yellow Line. The closest station is the N Killingsworth St, just a few blocks from the Alberta Arts District.
Best Time to Go to Alberta
The best time to go to Alberta in Portland is during the summer, from June to August.
During these months, you can enjoy Last Thursday, a lively monthly event featuring local artists and performers. There’s also an Alberta Street Fair, an annual August festival with live music, food vendors, and community celebrations.
What to Do and See in Alberta
1. Appreciate the vibrant street art and murals
Media from: wanderwhites
The Alberta Arts District in Portland is famous for its lively street art and murals. They cover the walls of buildings along Alberta Street. This colorful collection of artworks reflects the district’s rich cultural diversity and artistic flair.
You’ll find everything from large-scale murals and intricate graffiti to smaller, eye-catching pieces. Each of them contributes to a dynamic visual landscape.
The art often features themes that celebrate local heritage, social issues, and creative expression, making Alberta Street a continually evolving outdoor gallery.
2. Enjoy some live music at Alberta Street Pub
Media from: albertastreetpub
Address: 1036 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-284-7665
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Friday: 12 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Alberta Street Pub has been a staple in the Alberta Arts District for over 30 years. Known for its relaxed vibe, this spot has been called Love Train and Alberta Street Public House in the past. It offers live local music, tasty food, and a solid drink selection.
The pub has a cozy, casual atmosphere with a covered outdoor patio that’s perfect for hanging out and catching live performances. Inside, there’s a small music venue where local artists regularly play.
Perfect for a night out with friends, Alberta Street Pub also offers a great range of craft beers and cocktails.
3. Participate in the Last Thursday Arts Walk
Media from: portlandecohouse
Pricing: Free
Operating hours: Thursday: 6 PM – 9 PM
Last Thursday Arts Walk, held every last Thursday of the month, turns the area into a vibrant street fair. The event features local artists, musicians, and performers. It spans 15 blocks between NE 15th and NE 30th Avenues.
From June to August, the street really comes alive with outdoor vendors and performances because it’s closed to traffic. You can enjoy gallery openings, live music, theater, and booths with handmade goods.
The event is free for all ages. It’s a fantastic way to support and enjoy the local community.
Where to Eat and Drink in Alberta
1. Tin Shed Garden Cafe
Media from: tinshedgardencafe
Address: 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-288-6966
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM
Good to know: Dog-friendly cafe
Website
Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a beloved brunch spot that’s LGBTQ, women, and veteran-owned. It serves up American fare with a focus on sustainability.
The cafe has a warm and rustic charm. It has an outdoor area, a stone fireplace, and an herb garden. It’s also dog-friendly!
Their menu features creative takes on classic breakfast dishes, like the Everything Naughty (biscuits and gravy with chicken apple sausage), French Toast, and Eggs Benedict. They also have vegan options, a menu for dogs, and unique coffee and tea drinks.
2. Radio Room
Media from: radioroompdx
Address: 1101 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-287-2346
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 9 AM – 1 AM
Good to know: It has a funky and retro ambiance
Website
Radio Room is a funky spot with affordable food and drinks, open daily from breakfast through late night.
The menu offers classic American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and bar bites, with favorites such as Pulled Pork Tostada and Fried Chicken. They have a full bar, serve brunch daily until 3 pm, and feature happy hour specials.
Radio Room also has heated patios, vinyl records playing in-house, and live jazz on Sundays.
3. Bole Ethiopian Restaurant
Media from: pdxvegchallenge
Address: 915 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-719-6200
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday, Sunday: Closed
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Good to know: Specializes in Ethiopian dishes
Bole Ethiopian Restaurant is a compact, family-owned gem that serves traditional Ethiopian meals and vegetarian fare in a friendly, welcoming setting.
The menu includes popular dishes like the Veggie Combo, which features a variety of vegetarian options on injera, the classic spongy flatbread.
With both mild and spicy options available, you can customize your meal to your taste.
Where to Shop in Alberta
1. Laundry
Media from: laundrypdx
Address: 1723 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-893-5937
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Laundry is a go-to spot for vintage clothing. They specialize in retro sports jerseys, streetwear, and apparel from the ’80s and ’90s. They feature brands like Champion, Nike, and Tommy Hilfiger.
The store’s nostalgic vibe, created by its collection of vintage sports gear and streetwear, makes a fun trip down memory lane. You’ll find everything from basketball jerseys and Starter jackets to band tees and snapbacks.
2. Frock Boutique
Address: 1439 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-595-0379
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Frock Boutique is a charming spot for fashion lovers. The boutique offers a curated selection of clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids.
Known for its stylish and welcoming vibe, everything here is made by local and independent designers. It’s the perfect place to be if you want to support local artists or are looking for something unique.
3. Citizen Ruth
Media from: citizenruthpdx
Address: 1416 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-946-8654
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Citizen Ruth is a lively retail spot known for its unique and eclectic products, which are made by over 200 artists and makers worldwide.
The store’s creative vibe reflects the artistic spirit of the Alberta Arts District. It offers a range of items, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more.
Famous for its quality and originality, Citizen Ruth is perfect for finding distinctive items that stand out. It’s also deeply involved in the community, hosting events and collaborating with local artists.
Where to Stay in Alberta
1. The Alberta Petite Hotel
Media from: thealbertapetitehotel
Address: 2426 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-894-6098
Pricing: $$
Website
The Alberta Petite Hotel is a charming boutique spot right in the Alberta Arts District of Northeast Portland. With just three rooms and shared accommodations, it offers a cozy, bed-and-breakfast vibe.
The hotel’s prime location makes it easy to walk to local shops, bars, and restaurants.
Despite its small size, it’s comfortable and well-equipped, with amenities like air conditioning for those hot Portland days. It’s also designed with eco-friendly choices and stylish décor, thanks to owner Robin.
2. McMenamins Kennedy School
Media from: mcmenaminskennedyschool
Address: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: +1 503-249-3983
Pricing: $$
Website
The McMenamins Kennedy School, just a short drive from the Alberta Arts District, is a one-of-a-kind hotel in a historic 1915 elementary school. The McMenamin brothers renovated it into a unique lodging, dining, and entertainment spot.
The hotel has guest rooms in the original school building, featuring old classrooms with vintage chalkboards and cloakrooms. There are also literature-themed rooms in the newer English Wing.
Notable amenities include three restaurants, multiple bars, and a movie theater with cozy seating and free admission for guests.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
Media from: doubletree
Address: 1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232, United States
Phone: +1 503-281-6111
Pricing: $$$
Website
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland is a solid choice in the Lloyd District, about 1.5 miles from the Alberta Arts District. It’s a popular spot for both business and leisure travelers, offering a mix of modern comforts and a great location.
The hotel has 477 rooms, including suites and family-friendly options. Rooms are spacious and come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Many of them also have balconies with city views.
Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants plus a coffee shop for quick bites. The hotel also features an outdoor seasonal pool, a fitness center, and easy access to nearby hiking and golf.
