Much of inner-Northwest Portland’s rich history is buried. The vast wetland containing the 40-acre Couch Lake, Guild’s Lake, gulches, marshes, and smaller lakes was filled in by the beginning of the 20th century. Hard to imagine, right?
“Before Portland’s development changed the landscape,” according to the book Portland’s Slabtown, “at least nine creeks flowed into the area later known as Slabtown.”
The area got its name in the 1870s when a lumber mill opened on Northrup Street. Huge stacks of slab wood, the discarded round edges of logs, dotted the neighborhood and were used by its blue-collar residents for heating and cooking fuel.
Today, you’ll see references to Slabtown’s past throughout the district’s mid-rise condos, apartment buildings, and businesses. But if you want to indulge in the area’s intriguing history, swing by the Northwest branch of the Multnomah Library and peruse its collection of books replete with fascinating stories and photography.
Not a history buff? You’ll enjoy exploring this unique section of Northwest Portland sandwiched between Nob Hill, the Pearl District, and NW Industrial. It’s studded with old homes, courtyard apartments, two shopping strips (NW 23rd north of Lovejoy, Thurman Street) new luxury apartments, and a smattering of unique local businesses, restaurants, and bars throughout the neighborhood.
Slabtown boundaries
In the words of Tanya Lyn March, local historian and owner of Slabtown Tours, the boundaries of Slabtown are best described as “fluid.” Given the dramatic change to the inner-northwest landscape, it’s clear why the boundaries have adjusted over time.
When we reached out to local sources for today’s boundaries, no one had a clear idea of what they are. But March, along with the authors of Portland’s Slabtown, offered a more definitive answer:
“Today’s Slabtown extends from Lovejoy Street north to the Willamette River. Historically, however, it ranged as far south as Glisan Street. On the east/west boundaries, Slabtown originally extended from the Willamette River east to the Tualatin Mountains, known locally as the West Hills. Westover Terrace, Willamette Heights, and Balch Creek are on Slabtown’s western boundaries. Today, Interstate 405 is on the eastern boundary, with parts of the Pearl District and Old Town/Chinatown taking over part of what was once considered Slabtown.”
Slabtown by bus, car, or bike
Slabtown is a quick bike ride from any of Portland’s Central Westside neighborhoods (Downtown, Goose Hollow, Old Town-Chinatown, Pearl District, NW District, and NW Industrial). It’s definitely quick by car, too, but then you have to deal with not-so-quick parking. Blergh. Biking is definitely the mode of transportation we recommend and, like other Portland neighborhoods, there are neighborhood greenways in NW Portland. If you’re visiting Slabtown from the eastside, TriMet Bus #15 meanders through Southeast to Northwest Portland (Slabtowns stops: Lovejoy, Thurman, or Vaughn). The #77 travels east and west on Fremont and travels to NW with four stops in Slabtown (Vaughn, Thurman, Raleigh, Northrup). And if you’re coming from as far out as Troutdale, you can hop on the #77 and make two stops in Slabtown at Thurman and Vaughn.
Who lives and works in Slabtown
Historically, Slabtown was a blue-collar neighborhood that was home to immigrants from all over the world. Today, it’s a much more affluent area with a higher number of renters than homeowners and singles or couples versus families with children.
Where to eat and shop in Slabtown
One of the city’s oldest restaurants that relocated and reinvented itself in the base of Slabtown’s LL Hawkins’ building. It serves up American comfort food for brunch and dinner, seven days a week.
A full-service restaurant serving everything from jalapeno poppers to veggie quinoa bowls in an industrial-chic space with 16 taps of Breakside craft beers.
This unassuming neighborhood favorite is housed next to Parr Lumber, away from the hustle and bustle of upper Slabtown. It offers a delicious daily assortment of fresh house-made pasta, starters, and an always changing selection of easy-to-drink wines.
This spot also flies under the radar—despite its bright blue exterior. If you love vintage beer signage, dark booths, slushy drinks, full bar, and low-key vibe, you’ll dig Paymaster. Be sure to check out its heated patio, game room, and the curated vending machine.
Stylish cafe by day and cocktail bar by night serving up creative small plates and mixed drinks in a dreamy bi-level space. Sometimes, you need a pretty place to unwind.
Feathering your nest? Keep this spot in your weekly rotation for consignment designer furnishings, art, and decor. You never know what treasures will pop up.
Solabee Flowers and Botanicals
This plant shop has serious jungle vibes. You’ll find a mix of houseplants large and small, gorgeous pottery, and a stunning flower stand. Best of all, the talented crew creates magical arrangements and pots up plants so you don’t have to dirty up your digs.
Community events in Slabtown
Be sure to swing by 13th annual Slabtown Festival on September 14, 2019, in the Food Front Co-op parking lot. There’ll be live music, talks, tours, food, drinks, and more to celebrate Slabtown’s community: past, present, and future.
PHOTO GALLERY
Enjoy this visual tour of Portland’s Lower East Burnside neighborhood. Join us on Instagram for more pics from neighborhoods all over the city.
Buy, sell, or rent with Team Arrive
The Portland Oregon real estate market is extremely competitive—whether you’re a local or relocating from afar. With 95 neighborhoods and 45-plus business districts—all with distinctive personalities—finding the best neighborhood for your lifestyle and home for your budget takes diligence and expertise.
As licensed real estate and rental brokers, we can help with your home search and alleviate the stress of buying, selling, and renting in Portland. For 12-plus years, we’ve explored the city’s beautiful neighborhoods and an impressive inventory of homes, apartments, townhouses, and condos. Whether you’re looking for a bungalow in a leafy historic district, a high-rise apartment or condo in the heart of the city, or a duplex on a family friendly block with quick access to your new job at Nike or Intel—we’ve got you covered.
Hiring a rental agent is a cost-effective way to find the best rental home for you as efficiently as possible. Moreover, when you’re ready to sell your current home and/or buy the house of your dreams, we can help you with that too.
Kim Minasian Sparks, principal broker and renter specialist, 503.349.5457