Get to Know: Arbor Lodge
Tucked away in North Portland, the Arbor Lodge neighborhood that has seen most of its development from the Portland real estate surge and local building improvements, within the last few years. Surrounded by other North, and NE Portland neighborhoods like Humboldt, Alberta, Piedmont, Kenton, and more — Arbor Lodge gives easy access to downtown Portland via the Interstate Max Line as well as major freeway ramps to I-5 just on the outskirts of the area.
Aside from the excellent transportation, Arbor Lodge has had growth in its independent businesses and many improvements to its local grocery markets. Within the last decade, a renovated Fred Meyer and brand new New Seasons Market were established that helped improve food accessibility and convenience for Arbor Lodge locals. What gives the area its charm, is the variety of local shops that have emerged and are flourishing. From quaint coffee shops to elegant boutiques, the area has great accessibility for both walking and cycling, in true Portland fashion.
The area itself was established and mostly constructed in the 1910 and the 1930s. It is home to just over six thousand locals and the neighborhood provides a dense suburban feel and home styles that range from midcentury to classic bungalow and contemporary Scandinavian inspired new builds. Excellent schools, bustling restaurants, and green parks are just some of the reasons why Arbor Lodge has been recognized as one of the best parts of Portland to live in.
Our Arbor Lodge Favorites:
First, Food.
It is always difficult to only choose a few of our favorite spots, but after some serious consideration, here are a few mouth-watering spots you must check out:
Nite Hawk Cafe & Lounge - retro diner founded in 1931, serving up some classic comfort food in an all American sports and lounge atmosphere.
Madrona Hill Cafe - “serving exceptional Water Avenue coffee and espresso, a sweet daily selection of scratch-made baked goods and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches each day.”
King Burrito - Look no further for the perfect burrito, this hole-in-the-wall Mexican food joint is everything you’ve been craving, and many claim that these are the best in Portland.
What, and Where, to Drink!
Whether you are looking for a little caffeine to get your morning started or searching for the perfect brew to end your night, these two local spots are sure to not disappoint. Arbor Lodge Coffee Shop “is a mission-based coffee and community space” that works to bring the Arbor Lodge community together not only with a delicious cup of coffee but with easy accessibility to those walking or by bike. This unique coffee shop is also home to a variety of sasquatch themed art and is in close proximity to Peninsula Park. So grab your cup of joe and enjoy some lovely gardens afterward!
Have you ever been interested in making your own beer, wine, or cheese? HomeBrew Exchange challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and give it a try! This one-stop-shop for all things home-brewed will provide you with everything you will need to turn your own kitchen into a brewery. They also provide classes for beginners!
Next, Activities.
After you’ve had your fill of food and drink, there are plenty of activities in Arbor Lodge to work off all those extra calories! Try exploring nearby Smith & Bybee Wetlands. “Take the Interlakes Trail or go by boat to explore one of America’s largest urban wetlands. Either way, you might find beavers, river otters, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles, and Western painted turtles. You’ll also find a water control structure that is restoring this network of sloughs, wetlands, and forests.”
Not a fan of nature? Instead, pop by Artist & Craftsman to pick up some art supplies, or if you are looking for a night on the town, try bar-hopping off of North Killingsworth. No matter what your type of fun is, there is a little bit of everything in Arbor Lodge Neighborhood.
Popo & Archer Take Arbor Lodge
As Portland dogs, we get spoiled, to say the least. There are so many places to which Archer and I get to follow our dads, and we love being a part of the adventure! One of our favorite spots in Arbor Lodge is getting to walk along the Bluffs at Dog Bowl Park. We usually get to make a new friend or two while enjoying the view of the Willamette. Afterward, our dads might take us to Lucky Lab Taproom known for their handcrafted pizza, sandwiches (sometimes we get a bite if we listen really well), and dog-friendly atmosphere!
Did you scroll to the bottom? Here is a quick list of our favorite spots in Arbor Lodge:
Food:
Drink:
Activities:
Dog-Friendly Places:
Dog Bowl Park
We hope that you enjoyed this dive into the Arbor Lodge neighborhood from a local’s perspective! There is something for everyone, and we know you will love the area just as much as we do. If you need any help finding a home in the area, please get in touch! You can also check out our other articles that take a look at other neighborhoods in Portland.
