Nob Hill
Nob Hill [Portland Zip Code 97209] is an historic neighborhood in Northwest Portland, OR nestled comfortably between the city’s west hills and the Pearl District. The neighborhood is a shopping and dining destination virtually unmatched in Portland and features some of the finest Victorian architecture this side of San Fransisco. The strips of NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenue flourish all year round, but especially during the holiday season. Finding a parking spot this time of year is not a task for the faint of heart. Nob Hill is a delicate balance of residential and commercial space, at times stirring animosity between the neighborhood businesses and homeowners. But mostly it is a thriving consumer ecosystem which benefits the city.
Nob Hill Food
Nob Hill lays claim to some of the most successful and popular restaurants in the city. One of Portland’s best Italian restaurants, Serrato (2112 NW Kearney), is located in Nob Hill. Here you will find an expertly curated (and reasonably priced) Italian wine list, some unique standout dishes (such as the Wild Boar Tagliatelle), and a fine dining atmosphere. For one of Portland’s best Thai food experiences, visit Typhoon! (2310 NW Everett) where they serve up both traditional and unique twists on Southeast Asian cuisine, such as their pumpkin curry. If you are looking for the classic dark and cavernous steakhouse experience, you will want to check out Ringside (2165 W. Burnside), open since 1944 and firing up prime steaks and seafood every night of the week. A relatively new entry into the Nob Hill dining directory is Cha Taqueria & Bar (305 NW 21st Ave.), which offers up fresh upscale Mexican food along with outstanding specialty cocktails and tequila. Some standout dishes are the Lomo de Puerco and the Ceviche flight. Cha also has an excellent happy hour, with a tapas style menu and discounted margaritas. Across the street from Cha you will find one of the finest bakeries and coffee shops in the city, Ken’s Artisan Bakery (338 NW 21st Ave.). Ken’s is always packed, due to its fresh Stumptown coffee and delicious homemade bread and pastries. There are also plenty of great lunch spots like the charming Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Sultan Cafe (1500 NW 18th). And for wonderful gelato and a hip, friendly environment, visit Alotto Gelato (931 NW 23rd).
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Nob Hill Fun
Portland’s Nob Hill neighborhood is home to a bustling night life scene. Due to the large number of service industry people working, and often living, in Nob Hill, there are many bars and clubs that stay open ’til 2:30. Bar/restaurants like Muu-Muu’s (612 NW 21st) and North 45 (517 NW 21st) pack them in night after night, along with dive bar institutions like the Gypsy Lounge (625 NW 21st). Nob Hill’s premier rock club is the up-and-coming Slabtown (1033 NW 16th) where the drinks are stiff and garage rock is king. One of Portland’s best microbrewers recently opened a new brewing facility and pub in Nob Hill, the Lucky Lab Beer Hall (1945 NW Quimby). The neighborhood also boast two movie theaters. For budget movies and concerts, check out the beautifully restored Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan). And if independent, international or art house flicks are your thing, then you will love Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st).
Nob Hill Shopping
Nob Hill is perhaps best known for its shopping. From friendly little independent businesses like City Market Northwest (735 NW 21st), a cooperative specialty food and wine market, to larger corporate destinations like Urban Outfitters (2320 NW Westover Rd.) or the Levis Store (2307 NW Westover Rd), Nob Hill has something for everyone. For high-end jewelry from national and local designers, check our Twist (30 NW 21st Place).
Nob Hill Real Estate
The Nob Hill neighborhood real estate market, while increasingly expensive, is a highly popular spot to buy a property. It attracts younger upwardly-mobile couples as well as middle-aged urban-minded couples and families. With a variety of homes, apartments and condos to choose from, Nob Hill is one of the most diverse and exciting Portland zip codes. What makes the Nob Hill neighborhood so unique is its proximity to downtown, its immaculately restored Victorian and Craftsman homes and its wealth of small and large businesses offering shopping, food, entertainment and more. It’s also an extremely walkable, green and pet-friendly neighborhood. In April 2008, the average home price in the Nob Hill neighborhood was $321,915.
Nob Hill History
The NW Portland area, which contains Nob Hill, was originally home to much of Portland’s poor and struggling working class. Because many residents couldn’t afford properly cut firewood, they had to use cheap slabs of wood from the local sawmills, which led to the area being dubbed Slabtown.
Nob Hill on Portland Octopus
Nob Hill Photo Gallery
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Northwest Neighborhood Facts
Association - Northwest District Association
Coalition - Neighbors West/Northwest
Area - 3.44 km²
Population - 11455 (density 3330/km²)
Households - 7567 (94% occupied)
Owned - 1137 (15%)
Rented - 6430 (85%)
Size - 1.51 persons (average)
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