Portland's Best Neighborhood for Sausage and Ice Cream
Named for a Walter Scott novel, Woodstock is a classic walkable Portland neighborhood. It has a small-town feel — for a reason. It had its own postal address from 1891 to 1912. It’s a place where you can cover most of your essential needs along Southeast Woodstock Avenue: There’s a library, a surprising number of grocery stores, a hardware store, and of course vintage clothing shops. (There are also two neighborhood schools: Woodstock Elementary School, which notably has one of the city’s Mandarin immersion programs, and Lewis Elementary School.) The neighborhood is also more affordable than closer-in eastside neighborhoods.

Named for a Walter Scott novel, Woodstock is a classic walkable Portland neighborhood. It has a small-town feel — for a reason. It had its own postal address from 1891 to 1912. You can cover most of your essential needs along Southeast Woodstock Avenue: There’s a library, a surprising number of grocery stores, a hardware store, and of course vintage clothing shops. (There are also two neighborhood schools: Woodstock Elementary School, which has one of the city’s Mandarin immersion programs, and Lewis Elementary School.) The neighborhood is more affordable than closer-in eastside neighborhoods.
One notable feature of the neighborhood: Woodstock has unusual boundaries; it’s shaped like a flag or the letter “P,” as in Portland — take your pick.
What to Eat 🍴
Bergerac
The restaurant advertises itself as a cozy French bistro. It has tasty yet approachable food for a special occasion. And yes, don’t miss the escargot and duck.
Otto's Sausage Kitchen
This family-owned meat market has been at this location since 1938. It’s a neighborhood institution and a favorite for Portlanders both near and far.
- Related: Portland’s ultimate old-school restaurants. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Cloud City Ice Cream
Home of the “uni-cone” (a sprinkle-covered cone), this shop recently made the list of the country’s best ice cream, in part for its unique and tasty flavors. (Bonus: Vegan options are available too!)
Where to Drink ☕
Keeper Coffee
The cafe has homespun charm, great coffee, and excellent pastries.
- Related: The champion barista changing Portland coffee culture. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Lutz Tavern
The bar is famous in some quarters for making PBRs cool again. The historic tavern attracts locals as well as students from nearby Reed College. And they have a good burger.
Where to Shop
Red Fox Vintage
This antique and vintage shopping mall has dozens of vendors to outfit yourself or furnish your home.
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