Home to popular parks, timeless architecture, and incredible restaurants, the Mississippi and Alberta neighborhoods are two of the most vibrant neighborhoods within the Portland area. There is simply nowhere as quintessentially Portland!
We’ve created this guide to introduce you to the best of this North Portland treasure. Read on to see what makes it one of the most special places in all of Portland!
Location
The Mississippi and Alberta neighborhoods lie within the North and Northeast quadrants of Portland, respectively.
Both offer excellent access to I-5 and other main thoroughfares of the city, including Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.. Getting downtown is a breeze, with the MAX Yellow line running right through the heart of the neighborhood. It even includes some of the most popular bicycle highways in the city, which makes getting around town no problem at all!
Parks
One of the unique aspects of the Alberta and Mississippi neighborhoods is its many parks. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorites.
Overlook Park
Overlook Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Portland. Featuring a breathtaking view of downtown, playing fields, and multiple walking paths, there are activities for everybody! We recommend visiting the park at sunset and taking in Portland’s beautiful skyline as the city descends into darkness.
Peninsula Park
Lying just north of Alberta St., Peninsula Park is a charming community park perfect for a relaxing evening stroll or pre-work run. The park hosts a public pool and community center, making it a top location for kids of all ages. It even includes a beautiful rose garden! Fun fact: The park was initially purchased by the city in 1908 from a local businesswoman known as Liverpool Liz, who previously operated the site as a local roadhouse and horse racing track. 
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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Alberta Park
Located on 22nd Ave and Killingsworth St, Alberta Park is a hot-spot for local parents and their kids. It’s also a great place to bring your dog given its expansive off-leash area. The park is maintained and kept pristine by a volunteer group known as the Friends of the Alberta Park.
Fun Activities
No matter your age, lifestyle, or interests, you are bound to find something to love in the Mississippi and Alberta neighborhoods. Check out some of our favorite things to do below!
Kennedy School
A former elementary school located in the Alberta neighborhood, The McMenamins Kennedy School has something for everyone. The multi-use space includes:
- A hotel featuring 35 guestrooms
- A multi-screen movie theatre
- A fully functioning brewery
- 4 unique bars
There is also a soaking tub on the grounds, which is open to the public until 8 PM nightly. You can even take a beer from one of the bars out to the tub!
Mississippi Studios
Mississippi Studios is one of the west coast’s premiere music venues. Settled in an intimate space on Mississippi Avenue’s main strip, the former church building hosts music events nightly by some of the world’s top artists.
Don’t forget to check out the attached bar, Bar Bar, for some local beer and delicious cheeseburgers!
Last Thursday Art Walk
As local Portlanders know, the Alberta Neighborhood has a rich tradition of artistic endeavors (it is called the Alberta Arts District, after all). In the spirit of that tradition, the street hosts an art walk on the last Thursday of June, July, and August called Last Thursday.
Alberta Street closes for the event, which features art and music from local artists and musicians. The many galleries in the neighborhood will generally hold gallery showings featuring more well-known artists.
Alberta Co-op
Ask anyone in the Alberta or Mississippi neighborhoods where the best place to buy local meats and produce are and they will all say the same thing: The Alberta Cooperative Grocery. Featuring only the best local organic foods from some of the area’s most well-known farms, the Alberta Co-op is a true neighborhood treasure.
Bars and Breweries
The Alberta and Mississippi neighborhoods are known for their bars and breweries. From world-class beer halls, to local funky breweries, North Portland has everything you’ll need to enjoy a night out.
Great Notion
Featuring some of the most buzzworthy beers in the entire Pacific Northwest, Great Notion Brewing is a must-drink spot on Alberta. Great Notion’s specialty is New England style IPA’s featuring easy drinking, juicy ales aged in oak barrels. The brewery itself also features delicious food and a magical backyard porch. Make sure to go and see for yourself why Great Notion is one of America’s top new breweries!
Prost!
Situated on Mississippi, Prost! is Portland’s top German beer bar. Featuring a plethora of German-style beers and food, Prost! is a small bit of Germany is North Portland. All beers are imported from Germany and they have even styled the bar to look like a real German beer hall!
Bye and Bye
A truly unique spot in Portland, the Bye and Bye has been a neighborhood haunt for years and features southern-inspired vegan food, unique cocktails, and awesome decor. The back patio is a special place with bamboo and a water feature giving you a tranquil place to drink your post work beer! We recommend pairing their Bye and Bye cocktail with a BBQ Brussel Bowl for a true North Portland vegan experience.
Restaurants
North Portland is a foodie’s dream. With culinary delights ranging from southern to Asian specialties, there will always be new food to explore just around the corner.
Bollywood Theater
Though named after India’s film industry, Alberta’s Bollywood Theater is more than just an homage to a foreign film hub. Featuring authentic Indian street food, the Theater features delicious food not found at other Indian restaurants, like their Papri Chaat. A Portland classic!
Sweedeedee
Who doesn’t love a delicious brunch on a weekend morning? Sweedeedee on Albina has been a neighborhood favorite for years. Featuring delicious classics like baked eggs and honey pie (our favorite), the cafe is a place to be on Sunday morning. They even have a record player playing jazz and folk classic!
Por Que No
No list of Mississippi and Alberta restaurants would be complete without local favorite Por Que No. Featuring delicious tacos, bowls, and margaritas, there may be no better Mexican food in town. Though lines have been known to get long for the counter service restaurant, try going on off hours to enjoy their delicious food and drink, like their infamous “Bryan’s Bowls” and margaritas.
Housing in the Mississippi and Alberta Neighborhoods
The Alberta and Mississippi neighborhoods offer housing options for every sort of homeowner. From Victorian cottages to Craftsman homes, there is something for everyone.
There has never been a better time to stake your place in one of Portland’s hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods!
Interested in moving to North Portland? Columbia Redevelopment can help you find the perfect place to fit your needs! Contact us today at (503) 200 8730 to see what we have available.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
