Montavilla is one of Portland’s hidden gems. A Sunday kind of neighborhood seemingly tucked away on the east side of Mt. Tabor, Montavilla (once known as Mount Tabor Village and pronounced Villa as in village) is the perfect mix of businesses and single-family homes. The neighborhood spans east from 68th Avenue to I-205 just past 92nd Avenue and South into SE Portland near Division. In 2018, Montavilla is coming into its own as a destination neighborhood with a relaxed vibe. It has everything you need; a farmers market, restaurants and bakeries, great coffee and ice cream (because no Portland neighborhood is official without the presence of ice cream).
By Bus, Bike or Car
While there is no Max line serving Montavilla you can get there by bus, bike or car. By TriMet, you can jump on the #15 bus that takes you through the neighborhood on Washington Street. If traveling North and South, you can catch the #72 on 82nd Avenue. There are bike routes that will get you there. If you’re riding east from downtown or other east side neighborhoods you can ride through hilly Mt. Tabor or find a reasonable route that takes you slightly out of the way.
Who Lives and Works in Montavilla?
Montavilla is a great place to find historic single-family homes and rentals.The neighborhood has seen an influx of new buyers in recent years but there’s a diverse community who have lived here for a while. Stark Street, the center of the neighborhood is located between 76th and 82nd. Many of Portland’s neighborhoods have seen unprecedented development in the last decade and Montavilla has largely been untouched. The Bi-Partisan Cafe, opened in 2004, feels like it’s been there since the 70s but hasn’t. In 2006, the Academy Theater was fully restored to its 1948 glory and remains a destination for movie lovers. At any given time they have a great selection of current movies. And you can enjoy a beer while you watch. Since then, businesses have slowly started coming to Montavilla in a natural and manageable progression.
Hungry Heart Cafe Bakery on SE 80th
Where to Eat and Shop in Montavilla
Montavilla has landed on the national foodie map and for good reason. There are some excellent options here for the gastronome. Flying Pie Pizzeria is a great place for a classic pie (their sausage is excellent). Hungry Heart Bakery has fantastic cupcakes and the French macarons are worth a trip from anywhere in the city. The Bipartisan Cafe has killer pie and a ton of political history on its walls. It’s a great place to go on a rainy afternoon.The Country Cat has your favorite brunch, great cocktails, and a mouthwatering dinner menu. Some of which can be found in their James Beard-nominated cookbook of heritage recipes called Heartlandia. The Observatory is the place for a burger.
If you’re looking for beer try Beer Bunker or Montavilla Brew Works. And of course…ice cream, don’t miss the yummy Cold as Ice for their sundaes and innovative flavors. If you like to shop there are a couple of worthy stops in the neighborhood The Maven Collective has a mix of vintage and new pieces, clothing, books, jewelry plus a lovely plant selection that we can never get enough of. Beanstalk has an excellent selection of gently used clothing and toys for kids. Cactus Records carries vintage vinyl, clothes, jewelry, and gorgeous blankets. It’s a good stop for boots and a Johnny Cash album.
Community Events in Montavilla
Montavilla has some regular events worth checking out. The Montavilla Jazz Festival, in its 5th year, happens in August at Portland Metro Arts.The festival focuses on local arts and originally composed music. And as mentioned, the Montavilla Farmers Market runs from May through November with a couple of stock up markets in the winter. If we haven’t convinced you, check out Montavilla for yourself. It’s a little off the beaten path and worth the trip.