The Beautiful Scrappiness of Old Town Chinatown
As we all come down from the high of this weekend’s 503 Day block party (thank you to everyone who attended), we wanted to spend a bit more time in the neighborhood by revisiting our guide to Old Town Chinatown. Portland Mercury culture editor Suzette Smith lived in Old Town for nearly a decade and has plenty of reasons why many people have pegged the district all wrong.
This conversation first aired on April 30, 2024
Places mentioned in this episode:
- Karaoke From Hell at Dante’s
- Sushi Ichiban
- Darcelle XV Showplace
- Kingsland Kitchen
- Little Peacock
- Hallway PDX
- Deadstock Coffee
- Cafe United
- Stumptown
- Kells Irish Pub
- Buranko Cafe
- The Society Hotel
- The Hoxton
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Voodoo Doughnut
- Pine Street Market
Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 5th episode:
- D'Amore Law
- League of Women's Voters
- St. Johns Bizarre
- Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
- Rose City Comic Con
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?
In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up
Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season
We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients
We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland
Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

Controversial Arts Tax Goes up, Progressive City Councilor Accused of Discrimination, and Budget Drama Continues
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about our city's arts tax increasing for the first time in over a decade, a discrimination com...

Possible State Ban on Fishing and Hunting? Plus, Renaming Cesar Chavez Blvd and Mailbag!
We’re talking about the new name being considered to replace Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard as well as the ballot initiative aiming to ban hun...

Oregon’s Push For Universal Healthcare and a Controversial Parks Plan. Plus, Are Portlanders Really Doing OK?
We’re talking about whether Oregon is ready for universal healthcare, what it might take to save the city's parks system, and how Portlan...

Portland’s New Italian Delis To Try Right Now, a Moderated Food Fight, and Tiny Home, Big Smell
We're talking about nightmare neighbors, the trend of recent deli and sandwich spots opening up in Portland, plus local food reporters Al...

