Get to Know Irvington
We talked to Karrie Carnes of Women Who Explore for an upcoming episode of the City Cast Portland episode and she told us about how she immediately fell in love with the dreamy homes and giant trees in Irvington when she first moved here:
“It holds a special place in my heart because when I first moved to Portland from Florida in 2015, I just loved the old houses,” Carnes says.
Somewhere to Walk the Dog
- “I walked my dog for miles and we would walk up to Irving Park and just sit on a bench and watch people,” she says.
- Take your dog on a walk through the old houses in the neighborhood and you’ll likely make some new furry friends.
Somewhere to Drink
One of the best things about Irvington is its walkability. Make a night of it and visit these watering holes:
- Capital Bar & Lounge: For when you’re craving fancy cocktails and upscale vibes.
- Free House: Their covered patio is a great place to enjoy a cocktail outside without roasting in the sun.
- Saint Simon Coffee: Grab a morning cappuccino or an afternoon refresher.

Rachel Monahan’s Recommendations
Your Hey Portland newsletter editor wanted me to share her Irvington favorites:
- 🪴 For the gardeners: Garden Fever
- 🍰 Classic old school cake place: Helen Bernhard Bakery
- 🍱 Somewhere to eat: Taste Tickler
More about Neighborhood Guides
Your Guide to Kerns
Your Guide to Oregon City
To Portland, Oregon City may be just a small suburb. (If you don’t even really know where it is, take 99 south past the Goodwill Bins and keep going.) But historically, the city was a big deal for early white settlers: it was the main terminal of the Oregon Trail — and the first official city West of the Rockies. And even before them, the area was important too, as a traditional gathering place and fishing ground for Native peoples. Amy Theberge, an Oregon City resident, offered her suggestions on what to do.

Get To Know South Burlingame
Portland's South Burlingame neighborhood is small, but mighty. From lively cemeteries to neighborhood gems, here's everything you need to know.

