The Official Guide to Portland

Pack in stylish shopping, delicious international cuisine and quirky bar hopping in North Portland’s Williams neighborhood. Read on for more of our favorite things to do on North Williams Avenue.

Eat and Drink on Williams

A regular on Eater Portland’s 50 Best Restaurants list and other best-of-Portland features, Eem’s Thai dishes, such as sweet and sour fried chicken and fried egg-topped soy curl stir fry, are all jammed with flavor. Cocktails arrive in over-the-top, photo-worthy Tiki glasses, but the cuisine crafted at Eem remains its star component.

More notable restaurants in the Williams District include the delicious Filipino American diner experience at Sun Rice; vegan-friendly, authentic Japanese ramen at Kayo’s Ramen; and small-batch ice cream, traditional Indian kulfi, ice pops and more from Kulfi.

Migration Brewing on Williams opened in 2021 with a redesigned airy and open interior. Grab a pint of one of their numerous Migration beers on tap and head out to the 2,000 square foot (186 sq m) dog-friendly patio with both covered and uncovered seating. An added bonus for parents, kids eat free every Sunday at Migration with the purchase of an adult meal. Another great place to grab a pint on North Williams Avenue is beer bar AleFire. While you’re there, peruse their highly curated list of hot sauces and take a bottle (or three) for home.

SpielWerk Toys sells new children’s toys, but it transports shoppers to a simpler time. Filled with classic playthings crafted from natural materials, the shop’s simple, kid-powered toys like jump ropes, tea sets, dress-up kits and musical instruments promise timeless fun. Offering ethically sourced clothing made by small-batch designers, Monochromatic is a women-owned business committed to providing pronoun-inclusive, simple designs.

Be sure to stop by Workshop Vintage, where designing duo Audra Santillo and Nate Moore showcase custom-crafted pieces and their love for all things vintage. This quirky boutique is uniquely modern with a rustic interior, boasting both newly created and nostalgic collectibles. Another unique spot on the street, Blackthorn Mercantile specializes in “Essential magick for everyday home & living.” Peruse their curated selection of tarot cards, crystals, beauty and wellness products, and more.

Activities on Williams

Start a stroll down Williams with a visit to The Wishing Tree. Planted in a neighborhood local’s front yard, the humble tree is strung with thousands of handwritten notes, each fastened to strings threaded through the tree’s branches. (Leave your own note by using the pens and paper stashed in mason jars at the base of the tree.)

The popular maker space DIY BAR offers 20+ DIY projects for crafty types, not-so-crafty types, and anyone else who wants to try something new. Make a reservation, then get to work on unique creations like beer koozies, luggage tags, plant hangers and more, all while enjoying affordable beverages.

Across from the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is a small park with a big history. Dawson Park is a 2-acre (1 ha) park that functioned as an unofficial town square for the surrounding Black community and was the epicenter of many political and social movements, including civil rights marches. With a restored 120-year-old gazebo and a splash pad, this park is a great place to enjoy the summer while learning about the history of the surrounding neighborhood.

Mississippi

Enjoy live music, local shops, and popular restaurants and bars on this historic North Portland street.

Kenton

Kenton is a charming North Portland neighborhood that offers plenty of ways to play — from accessible parks to public art and golf courses — plus a historic business district, local restaurants, popular shops, public parks and more.

Alberta Arts District

Spend the day exploring Alberta Street’s eclectic shops, numerous art galleries, lively bars and seemingly never-ending food options.