Where can you find noteworthy bars + restaurants, family-friendly living, and a network of unique businesses, all wrapped up in a small-town atmosphere, without leaving Portland city limits?
“The village in the heart of Portland” — aka Multnomah Village.
Tucked into the hills of Southwest Portland, the neighborhood sets itself apart from the rest of the city as a self-sufficient community with big-city amenities in a more laid-back package that manages to shrug off suburban stereotypes.
Need to know
Multnomah Village is just far enough from downtown Portland to appease those looking for quieter living without feeling isolated. It’s considered “very walkable,” meaning the approx. 8,300 people who live there (as of 2020) can run most of their errands on foot. But most residents will tell you you need a car to really get around comfortably.
The neighborhood is anchored by the Multnomah Arts Center, a community resource for arts education managed by Portland Parks & Recreation. Although Multnomah Village is technically the business district at the heart of the Multnomah neighborhood, both names are often used interchangeably.
Many Multnomah Village institutions go way back, like Renner’s Grill, photographed here in 1955.
Photo via Portland City Archives
The early days
During the first decade of 1900, the Oregon Electric Railway built a train station named “Multnomah” (in reference to a tribe of Chinookan people from the area) along its route between Portland and Salem.
Today, John’s Marketplace occupies the space where the station was located. The name “Multnomah Village” was coined for the community and businesses that sprung up around the station, many of which remain standing.
Can’t miss
Running short on time? A trip to Multnomah isn’t complete without a perusal of Portland’s “largest selection of beer, wine & cider” at John’s Marketplace, a bite to eat at the Multnomah French Quarter food court, and a walk through picturesque Gabriel Park.
For every $100 you spend on books, Annie Bloom’s will give you a coupon for $5 off your next purchase.
Photo by Annie Bloom’s Books
Shop
Spend an afternoon exploring the eclectic antique shops, art galleries, secondhand boutiques, and cozy book stores sprinkled throughout
Multnomah
Village, many of which are locally owned.
- The story never ends at Annie Bloom’s Books, an independently owned bookstore since 1978, which offers a large selection of new titles.
- Kids will be over the moon when they see the shelves stocked with an array of treasures at Thinker Toys (Willamette Week’s 2024 Best Children Store) — and parents will love the shop’s generous loyalty program.
- Fair trade items from jewelry and clothing to skincare and gifts are available at Sarah J. Handmade, a customer-favorite small business showcasing 30+ local creators.
- Discover a unique, high-quality painting, antique, or piece of furniture at Le Meitour Gallery.
Add Gabriel Park to your list of leaf-peeping locations this fall.
Photo by @darwinsbulldog78
Outdoors
Multnomah is home to two parks that are shining examples of Portland’s commitment to maintaining beautiful public green spaces.
- Gabriel Park is an outdoor sanctuary for people, pets, and wildlife in the upper northwest corner of Multnomah. Within the park’s 90 acres, you’ll find a community center, skate park, sand volleyball court, off-leash dog areas, an orchard, trails, an inclusive playground, and a pollinator patch.
- Toward the opposite end of the neighborhood lies Spring Garden Park. Though far smaller in size than Gabriel Park, it’s still a popular destination for locals looking to enjoy its flower gardens, public art, accessible walking paths, and playground featuring a splash pad, music chimes, and nature-based structures.
- Journey just outside the bounds of the Multnomah neighborhood to explore peaceful trails leading through meadows, trees, and along a creek at the Woods Memorial Natural Area.
Fluffy pancakes with a side of kitschy vibes? Fat City Cafe has you covered.
Photo by Jon R Moore
Eat + Drink
Food lovers aren’t doing themselves any favors if they aren’t venturing into Multnomah Village’s dining scene. Casual + fine dining establishments, as well as quirky coffee shops, will hold the attention of even the most discerning palate.
- Everyone in your group will find something they like at the French Quarter, home to food carts, fresh produce, and shops. Native Frenchman Yves Le Meitour modeled the space after the community-focused plazas of his home country.
- Feast on the French- and Italian-inspired eats with a PNW twist served in an upscale-yet-relaxed setting at Zinc Bistro & Bar.
- For decades, Fat City Cafe has served plates of diner-style breakfast dishes that its regulars just can’t get enough of. It’s worth a visit just to see the license-plate decor and resident Sasquatch statue.
- Local brewery chain Level Beer offers more than a dozen of its own beers on tap, plus a rotating selection of guest brews, at its Multnomah Village location known as Level 2. You won’t find food here, but you will find retro arcade games and pinball machines.
Where to live
If you’re sold and looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market.
- 2710 SW Troy St. | 4 BD, 2 BA | $835,00 | Like something from a fairy tale, this Tudor is surrounded by English gardens, roses, and fruit trees. Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, and original touches that embody happily ever after.
- 7621 SW 30th Dr. | 2 BD, 2 BA | $525,000 | Nestled amid a green oasis, this 1941 cottage is cozy as can be and full of character.
- 8329 SW 24th Ave. | 3 BD, 4 BA | $399,900 | High ceilings and an open layout are just a couple of the many standout features of this Swiss chalet-style townhome.
