Alberta Arts District
The Alberta Arts District [Portland Zip Code 97211] is a residential dining, shopping and arts district centered on and around Northeast Alberta Street in Portland, OR. On the last Thursday of every month, a street fair is held in which neighborhood artists and businesses display and sell their unique local products. The neighborhood is known for its fiercely independent vibe, look and sensibility. Street performers and food carts are staples of this uniquely Portland event. The neighborhood is a bit controversial in that it has become a sort of poster child for Portland gentrification, with property costs rising faster than the speed of light, leading to both foreclosures and higher rent. On the other hand, a once disheveled and run-down neighborhood has been cleaned up and made safer by the influx of new, wealthier residents.
Alberta District Food
There are a slew of good eateries to choose from along Alberta Street, with new ones opening on a seemingly weekly basis. One Alberta staple is Thai Noon (2635 NE Alberta St.) which offers an affordable and healthy menu of authentic (and organic) Thai food. For Mexican, a favorite is La Sirenita (2817 NE Alberta St). This dive-y little taqueria is serving up huge burritos to the scruffy local bohemians every day from 10am-10pm. For breakfast or brunch, look no further than the hugely popular Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1438 NE Alberta), featuring their near-legendary potato cakes.
Alberta District Fun
There is no shortage of bars, galleries and cafés in the Alberta Arts District. If libations are what you’re after, stop into any number of Alberta St. bars, taverns or pubs. For the rock-and-roll-dive savvy, enter the unassuming enclave of The Know (2927 NE Alberta), where you are likely feel at home amongst the humble cheap-beer-swilling hipsters. If local beer is your thing, slip into Mash Tun Brew Pub (2204 NE Alberta St), where they are making some exceptional Portland microbrews. And for a more high-brow experience (or if you are trying to impress a date), come sip a martini and bask in the arty opulence of Zaytoon (2236 NE Alberta St.).
Many Alberta bars serve up live music along with their drinks. The Alberta Public House (1036 NE Alberta) features acoustic and world music just about every night of the week. Aforementioned, The Know offers live rock music, free of charge, most every Friday and Saturday night (just be sure to get there early, as the music must stop by 10pm). The Nest (1801 NE Alberta St.) also has rock bands every Wednesday from 8-10.
Alberta District Shopping
Alberta is riddled with boutique shops and galleries. And there is something for everyone. For funky and unique office stationary and accessories, check out Office (2204 NE Alberta St.) It’s easy to drop a chunk of your paycheck at Everyday Wines (1520 NE Alberta St.), where they offer a great selection of local and international wines, as well as expert advice on things like regional characteristics, vintages and food pairings. And if you want your kid to stand out on the playground, look no further than Grasshopper (1908 NE Alberta) where they specialize in high-end children’s apparel. All you want-to-be cowgirls out there must check out Tumbleweed (1804 NE Alberta), where they make dresses specifically designed to compliment cowboy boots.
Alberta District Real Estate
Portland’s Alberta neighborhood is known for its modest one and two story houses. Interest in Alberta Arts District real estate has seen a huge increase over the last three or four years. Home prices have gone up significantly as the neighborhood has become a hotbed for small business, arts and culture. Small to mid-sized Craftsman style Bungalows and Cottages are common to this Portland zip code. In April 2008, the average home price in the Alberta neighborhood was $276,525. Properties in the Alberta neighborhood are known for their creative landscaping, beautiful gardens and funky yard art.
Alberta District Schools
The Alberta neighborhood is home to a number of schools: Vernon Elementary School, Faubion Elementary School, Tubman Middle School and Jefferson High School.
Alberta District History
Alberta Street’s history begins in 1872, when the town of Albina was plotted by Edwin Russell and William W. Page. It has been speculated that the name Alberta might have been suggested by Page’s wife, who was Canadian, as either a tribute to England’s Princess Alberta or the Canadian province named after her. Alberta Street officially became a part of Portland when, in 1891, Albina was consolidated into the city. Like any street, Alberta’s history has been shaped and influenced by the people who’ve lived and worked in the neighborhood.
Alberta District on Portland Octopus
Alberta Photo Gallery
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