In 1950s Northeast Portland, Sandy Boulevard showed signs of a promising future. Once a Native American road connecting Troutdale and Portland and a 1930s shopping strip lined with grocery stores and delis, Sandy became home to several car dealerships and remained auto row for decades. In the 1980s as dealerships closed, lower Sandy began to resemble a vast wasteland of abandoned buildings. The Hollywood neighborhood was still intact but far from its glory days and not much of a destination. Further east, Roseway became an international district of sorts with Vietnamese and Korean restaurants and businesses opening from 60th to 75th avenues, which was a welcome sign of change but didn’t impact what was happening on other parts of Sandy.
After decades of scant development with no signs of improvement, Sandy Boulevard seems to be experiencing a 21st-century revival. And we couldn’t be more excited. As NE Portland dwellers, we’ve been driving on Sandy for years merely as a means to get home. Sure, we’ve made the occasional stop in Hollywood and Roseway to eat or shop for groceries, but not much else. Sandy owes its renewal in no small part to Kevin Cavenaugh and Geurilla Development. They’re the rock stars who envisioned Sandy to be a thriving hub of activity where other developers couldn’t. Geurilla projects in Kerns and on lower Sandy include The Zipper, New New Crusher Court, and The Shore. All of which have breathed new life and brought commerce to Sandy. Atomic Orchard Experiment, Cavenaugh’s next project on 25th is due to break ground this year and will offer micro retail and housing.
By Bus, Bike, Train or Car
Sandy Boulevard spans east from lower Burnside to Troutdale. If you ride the bus, jump on the #12 and it will take you as far east as the Parkrose Transit Center. Buses come every 15 minutes on Sandy making it easy to jump on and off to explore. If you’re coming from downtown and want to go straight to Hollywood you can ride the blue or red lines to the Hollywood district MAX station. From there walk North a few blocks to Sandy. There are neighboring bike routes but no bike lanes. Experienced riders (and some not so experienced) take the risk of riding on auto-dominated Sandy because it’s the most direct route to get downtown but it’s not ideal. We recommend taking bike routes around Sandy. It will take longer to get to your destination but is safer and a nicer ride in general.
Kerns at Sandy Boulevard
In Portland proper, there are four neighborhoods to check out while exploring Sandy Boulevard. For the full experience start on lower Sandy in Kerns between 22nd and 25th Avenues. The Shore building is home to fine food purveyors Providore Fine Foods. This specialty food hub is an excellent place to grab lunch and groceries. Inside you’ll find Pastaworks and Arrosto. They offer up charcuterie, excellent soup, sandwiches, and salads for grab and go or eating on the spot. If you’re shopping stop in at Rubinette, Flying Fish Co. and Oyster Bar or The Meat Monger to buy some fresh produce, seafood, and meat. After lunch head up a block to New New Crusher Court for a little shopping. Urban Nest Realty (Team Arrive’s home base) is located in NNCC. Stop in and say hi. While you’re here check out our favorite shops, Leeward Northwest Surf & Sea, Project Object (pictured above), Dava Bead & Trade, and Outlet PDX for pop-ups and special events.
Providore Fine Foods in Kerns
For more lower Sandy eating, head to the Zipper. There is some not to be missed micro-restaurants in this urban complex. On nice days the courtyard is fantastic and you barely notice the traffic on Sandy as the building shields the shared indoor and outdoor seating from the noise. We love Chickpea PDX for some PNW inspired falafel. If you’re into fried kale and candied bacon try Wares. It’s sooo good. And we’d be remiss not to mention Basilisk because…fried and hot chicken. Paydirt has a respectable whiskey menu. If coffee is your thing, Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters will take care of you. And if you can get an appointment at Finger Bang, you will experience the coolest manicure in Portland plus walk out with some damn fine nails. Do book in advance though. It’s that busy. Gravy has just opened on Sandy. We’re excited to see a longtime favorite breakfast spot on Mississippi open a second location in NE Portland. Really. Good. Breakfast. All. Day. Long.
Petit Provence is now open in the old Breslin & Wallace building on 33rd and Sandy in Laurelhurst. You can’t miss the teal building and will want to stop by for some pastry.
Hollywood on Sandy Boulevard
In Hollywood on Sandy, get your Sizzle Pie on and check back for Reo’s Ribs for soul food. It will reopen soon. If you love brunch, do yourself a favor and try Vivienne Kitchen & Pantry. They serve brunch and dinner. Try the Turmeric Coconut Bone Broth and savory pie. And take in a movie at the historic Hollywood Theater, a Northeast Portland favorite for independent film.
Rose City Park on Sandy Boulevard
On up Sandy Boulevard head to Case Study Coffee for coffee nirvana. Bakeshop has to die for pastry and for small batch fine chocolate and fresh hot cacao, hit Buddha Chocolate. Du’s grill has Korean teriyaki, giant salads, plus a super sauce that we buy in bulk. Another local’s pizza favorite and bottle shop, not technically on Sandy, but practically, is Hogan’s Goat. Their pies are everything a pizza should be and the atmosphere is homey and inviting. If you go, you’ll want to try the Joe Louis and beet salad.
The Rose City Food Park is home to several food carts. You’ll find Russian cuisine, bagels, beer, Vietnamese and more. And if you’re in need of a bike or gear, the Bike Gallery is right here and has everything you need.
Roseway on Sandy Boulevard
Just when you think you’ve gone too far east at around 57th and are considering heading back down the hill…don’t. You’re in Roseway where you’ll find some old favorites like Chaba Thai, Cameo Cafe (kim chi and pancakes) Pho An and Yen Ha (karaoke) mixed with newcomers Second Profession Brewing for yummy beer, sausage and fondue. Pizzeria Otto, Kainos Coffee, El Burrito Azteca and for affordable bottles Mom and Pop Wine Shop.
Second Profession Brewing in Roseway
For an old-timey afternoon of treats and nostalgia, head to Fairley’s Pharmacy on 72nd and Sandy. They’ve been in business since 1913 and have a classic soda fountain where you can try old-fashioned refreshments like an egg cream or you can stick with one of their killer milkshakes. It’s a neighborhood staple. Afterward, head to Roseway Theater for first-run films in comfortable seats, for slightly less.
No longer just a route to get to I-205, Sandy Boulevard is becoming a destination and while it retains its old-school charm, it still has plenty of new places to explore. A long way from where it was 20 years ago, Sandy has room for growth and there is development on the horizon in every neighborhood. There are vintage apartment buildings, newer buildings and rentals going up, and nearby single-family homes tucked in on either side of Sandy. We’re excited to see some changes happening here and are curious about what is coming next.