Northeast
From the colorful Victorians and tidy bungalows of historic Irvington to the ethnic dining on Alberta Street (think hole-in-the-wall noodle places and authentic Greek cafés), Northeast Portland strikes a balance between its upscale and laid-back areas with a leafy, residential vibe. Community spirit reigns in Northeast, where families take pride in renovating their older Craftsman homes, working in community gardens, and shopping the local farmers' market and stores filled with Portland-made goods. Treat the kids to carne asada from Taqueria Nueve, at 28 NE 28th Avenue (you add your own mild or spicy salsa), then head to Wilshire Park, where separate toddler and school-age play areas let little kids have as much fun as their older siblings.
Restaurants
Vita Café
Kids eat for $1 from 5 to 7 P.M. at this haven for vegans and free-range meat lovers alike, which serves up vegetarian Reubens, hormone-free burgers, and great java on the patio next to its bocce court.
3024 NE Alberta St., (503) 335-8233
Kids can doodle on the chalkboard walls and enjoy straight-up chocolate or banana gelato while parents order hazelnut or honey lavender.
232 NE 28th Ave., (503) 231-7100
Go for award-winning organic beers and a play area with wooden train sets.
5115 NE Sandy Blvd., (503) 282-0622
Shops
Mimi & Lena
Moms with double strollers can find Tocca and Diane von Furstenberg here; the staff has been known to hold babies and show toddlers the toy baskets while Mom's in the changing room.
1914 NE Broadway, (503) 224-7736
This valentine to '40s and '50s design sells retro school supplies, Acme laptop bags, and Russell + Hazel notebooks.
2204 NE Alberta St., (503) 282-7200; closed Mondays
A local favorite for the perfect gift, this boutique carries owner Kara Larson's Wild Carrots clothing line, organic baby shirts, and handmade knit animals.
1816 NE Alberta St., (503) 335-3131
Activities
Kennedy School
This theater, brewery, and hip food court was renovated by the McMenamins, a pair of local brothers who update historic buildings (this one was a girls' elementary school). Catch movies without calling a sitter at the Tuesday Mommy Matinees.
5736 NE 33rd Ave., (503) 249-3983
Next Page: Portland Guide: The Pearl District
