Old Town Chinatown is perhaps Portland’s most misunderstood neighborhood.
The Portland Mercury’s Suzette Smith, who lived there for over seven years, busts the myths. For one, she says the neighborhood has a lot to offer: “There's good restaurants; there's weird bars; there's super unique everything,” says Smith. “Even the garbage is interesting.”
🗺️ Geography
Open to debate, but according to the expert: the Park Blocks to the river, the train station to Burnside — with a half dozen blocks south of Burnside.
🥇 Perks of the Neighborhood
There’s easy access to public transportation, including from the bus mall. “One of the best things about living in Old Town is you can get to the rest of the city really easily,” says Smith. (It also means you can visit the neighborhood from wherever you live by bus or train.)
🍣 Where to Take Visitors
Smith says there’s good food, must-see bars, and of course the Chinese garden.
- Sushi Ichiban. It’s sushi served conveyor-belt style, though it’s actually a small train that carries your dinner options.
- Darcelle XV Showplace. Named for the late great icon, it has drag show cabaret — and a new owner (see the news story above).
- Kingsland Kitchen. It has a full English breakfast on weekends and “baller avocado toast.” Insider tip: Show up early to avoid a wait.
- Little Peacock. It’s Thai food that’s ready super quick.
- Hallway PDX. Go visit the “Shining”-themed bar and karaoke.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden. Tip: their lantern festival is a particularly beautiful time to visit and is happening now.
☕ Where to Hang Out With the Locals
You can start with the coffee shops:
- Deadstock Coffee. This Black-owned business has excellent coffee and is run by “very down dudes” who care a lot about sneakers.
- Café UNITED. The shop, which bought out Floyd’s and is also Black-owned, hosts art exhibits and other community events.
- Stumptown. You probably know this coffee shop, but a tip from Smith: They have good, quick breakfast sandwiches.
- Buranko Cafe. The Thai restaurant has a limited menu. “But they have these weird hanging chairs in the window that you can sit in if you dare,” says Smith.
What are your favorite spots in Old Town Chinatown? What did we miss?
For more: Smith shared details about what people misunderstand about the neighborhood on the City Cast Portland podcast.
