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Portland's Best Neighborhood for Sausage and Ice Cream

Posted on November 15, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

Rachel Monahan

Neon sign that reads Lutz Tavern outside a reddish building

Lutz Tavern on Southeast Woodstock Avenue, Portland, Ore. (Rachel Monahan / City Cast Portland)

Named for a Walter Scott novel, Woodstock is a classic walkable Portland neighborhood. It has a small-town feel — for a reason. It had its own postal address from 1891 to 1912. You can cover most of your essential needs along Southeast Woodstock Avenue: There’s a library, a surprising number of grocery stores, a hardware store, and of course vintage clothing shops. (There are also two neighborhood schools: Woodstock Elementary School, which has one of the city’s Mandarin immersion programs, and Lewis Elementary School.) The neighborhood is more affordable than closer-in eastside neighborhoods.

One notable feature of the neighborhood: Woodstock has unusual boundaries; it’s shaped like a flag or the letter “P,” as in Portland — take your pick.

What to Eat 🍴

The restaurant advertises itself as a cozy French bistro. It has tasty yet approachable food for a special occasion. And yes, don’t miss the escargot and duck.

This family-owned meat market has been at this location since 1938. It’s a neighborhood institution and a favorite for Portlanders both near and far.

Home of the “uni-cone” (a sprinkle-covered cone), this shop recently made the list of the country’s best ice cream, in part for its unique and tasty flavors. (Bonus: Vegan options are available too!)

Where to Drink ☕

The cafe has homespun charm, great coffee, and excellent pastries.

The bar is famous in some quarters for making PBRs cool again. The historic tavern attracts locals as well as students from nearby Reed College. And they have a good burger.

Where to Shop

This antique and vintage shopping mall has dozens of vendors to outfit yourself or furnish your home.

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