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A man holds a burger dripping with American cheese while sitting at the food cart Farmer and the Beast
A cheeseburger at Farmer and the Beast
Daniel Barnett / EPDX

16 Quintessential Restaurants and Bars in Slabtown

From classic institutions to hot new spots, these are the places to visit in Northwest Portland’s up-and-coming neighborhood

by Alex Frane and Maya MacEvoy Updated
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A cheeseburger at Farmer and the Beast
| Daniel Barnett / EPDX
by Alex Frane and Maya MacEvoy Updated

A neighborhood that has seen serious growth in recent years, Slabtown is a cozy, charming wedge of Northwest Portland full of vintage homes and industrial lots. It’s also home to a number of stellar places to eat and drink, all (mostly) within walking distance of each other. Whether it’s a decades-old institution like Paley’s Place or a newly founded upstart like Mama Bird, these are 16 restaurants and bars to hit up in the Slabtown neighborhood. Please note some of the great Slabtown locations are temporarily closed and therefore excluded from this list.

The boundaries are a bit nebulous for Slabtown, but for the purposes of this map we’re cutting it off at Nicolai to the north, Lovejoy to the south, 405 to the east, and NW 29th Avenue to the west. For restaurants and bars in the Pearl District, this map may help. As usual, this map is organized geographically, not ranked.

A number of Portland restaurants have resumed onsite dining service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for onsite dining, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID update page. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Hammer & Stitch Brewing Co.

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Veteran former Widmer brewer Ben Dobler, with more than 25 years of experience, opened up Hammer & Stitch last October. The beers are clean and straightforward, including crisp lagers and malt-forward beers. While the beers are the primary draw, Hammer & Stitch also serves quality pub food, such as classic clam strips, vegan sandwiches, burgers, and well-seasoned jojos. The brewery recently expanded its patio, located at the former Clear Creek building. The brewery offers onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

2377 NW Wilson St, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 254-8982
(971) 254-8982

Also featured in:

Farmer And The Beast

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Chefs Jeff Larson and Schuyler Wallace opened food cart Farmer and the Beast, located within the Nob Hill Food Carts pod, last year, nailing both colorful salads and hardcore smash burgers. Farmer and the Beast concentrates on Portland produce from farms like Sauvie Island Growers and Our Table farms, tossed in punchy vinaigrettes with Oregon-grown grains and seasonal meat and fish. The double smash burger has made some of Portland’s best lists; however, the salads, such as the current Peas and Thank you, a meticulous balance of citrus, creaminess, crunch, and sweetness — should not be skipped. Farmer and the Beast offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod, as well as takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 319-0656
(971) 319-0656

Also featured in:

Tehuana Oaxacan Cuisine

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This Oaxacan cart recently opened its second cart in the Nob Hill Food Carts pod, with the original cart parked on North Killingsworth. Tehuana’s layered tlayudas, soft memelitas, and mole-soaked enchiladas are all stunners, as well as plentiful taco options. No matter the order, Tehuana’s smoky and dark morita salsa is great on basically anything out of the cart. Tehuana Oaxacan Cuisine offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod and takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

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Bing Mi

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Another Nob Hill food cart, Bing Mi specializes in jianbing, massive Northern Chinese savory eggy crepes filled with fermented black bean and chili paste, green onions, cilantro, pickled veggies and crispy-fried crackers. Bing Mi’s standard jianbing are flaky, crunchy, and well-balanced in its slathering of sauces, but pros know to add proteins like roast duck, sausage, and bacon. Bing Mi offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod and takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 930-2968
(971) 930-2968

Also featured in:

Chimaek Town

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Located in the former Wild Wasabe space, Chimaek Town is an excellent spot to fulfill Korean fried chicken cravings. The crispy-battered Korean fried chicken comes in either wings and drumsticks or tenders, served in four flavors: honey butter, sweet-and-spicy yangnyeom, soy garlic, and snow cheese. Chimaek Town also serves bubbly and spicy Korean hot pots, alongside standards like beef bulgogi. Chimaek Town is open for takeout, onsite dining, and delivery.

2330 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 242-6404
(503) 242-6404

Also featured in:

Life of Pie

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More than anything, Life of Pie is likely famous for its $7 wood-fired happy hour margherita pizzas. But beyond that, all of Life of Pie’s pizzas are worth the trip, especially one particular pie topped with salami, Mama Lil’s Peppers, goat cheese, and honey — a nuanced blend of spiciness, sweetness, and creaminess on a charred, chewy crust. The modern dining room is especially nice in summer, when it spills out onto the sidewalks of NW 23rd Avenue and onto the patio. Life of Pie is available for takeout, onsite dining, and delivery.

1765 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 820-0083
(503) 820-0083

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Good Coffee

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There are more than a few spots to find Good Coffee’s brand of roasts around town, but the white-tiled Slabtown location is especially spacious, with plenty of room for visitors to hang out indoors or outdoors while sipping lattes and cappuccinos. Good Coffee always lives up to its name, with rich, dark roasts and an assortment of seasonal pastries. Good Coffee is available for onsite dining and takeout.

2175 NW Raleigh St #106, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 282-3388
(971) 282-3388

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G-Love

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G-Love brands itself as a “reverse steakhouse,” but what that really means is that it has a number of hearty vegetable entrees as well as meaty sides. The bright, window-lined restaurant offers creative, upscale New American dining with a seasonal focus; a playful and fun cocktail menu that sources ingredients from the kitchen; and two of the best decorated bathrooms in the city — one is decked in gold, the other verdant green. The ensalata bomba is a highlight, with its light fresh taste of summer. G-Love is currently open for outdoor dining and takeout.

1615 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 229-1043
(971) 229-1043

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St. Jack

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A longstanding member of Eater PDX’s Essential 38, St. Jack has been wowing the Slabtown neighborhood since its move from Clinton Street in 2014. At the elegant, upscale restaurant, chef Aaron Barnett leans deeply into French cuisine while borrowing from Pacific Northwestern sensibilities. The steak frites menu encapsulates this best, coming as a bavette or a dry-aged ribeye. St. Jack also shines with its more casual bar menu where diners can enjoy some killer French wines or cocktails alongside a smash burger or mussels that can be enjoyed onsite or to-go.

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 360-1281
(503) 360-1281

Also featured in:

Mama Bird

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Despite a rocky start in the neighborhood, Mama Bird, from 2017’s Chef of the Year Gabe Pascuzzi is busily churning out its smoky grilled chicken, sauces, salads, and sides to the Slabtown crowd. The bright, cheery venue, which includes a patio, is a charming setting for devouring whole chickens with savory sauces (from chimichurri to Vadouvan curry), along with grilled seasonal vegetables, fruits, and potatoes. Mama Bird is available for takeout, delivery, and onsite dining.

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 384-2064
(503) 384-2064

Also featured in:

Breakside Brewery - NW Slabtown

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In a city with a lot of breweries, it takes considerable presence to stand out. Breakside manages to do so with its exceptional takes on classic Northwestern brews like IPAs, as well as some bolder fruit beers and sours that manage to stay grounded. The busy Slabtown brewpub has pretty standard vibes — spacious and industrial with a large covered patio — and offers a hearty menu of pub stables like sandwiches, salads, and a few entrees. Breakside Slabtown is available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 444-7597
(503) 444-7597

Also featured in:

Besaws

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Besaw’s is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, though it moved to a new location a couple of years ago getting an updated, eclectic vibe. The menus are rooted in homestyle Pacific Northwest comfort food, with dinner including meatloaf, lasagna, and a burger. Brunch, similarly, evokes Pacific Northwest comfort food, from its buttermilk waffles and thick french toast to hearty sandwiches. Besaw’s is currently available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1545 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-2619
(503) 228-2619

Also featured in:

Lela's Bistro

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With bowls of pho, bright and fresh bun, and a solid slate of banh mi, Lela’s has become a favorite in Slabtown for no-nonsense Vietnamese food with homey charm. Set in a converted home, Lela’s provides one of Slabtown’s coziest spots in the winter and most laid-back patios in the summer.  Lela’s Bistro is available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1524 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 719-4744
(503) 719-4744

Also featured in:

Grassa

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One of four (soon to be five) locations in the greater Portland area, Rick Gencarelli’s super casual pasta shop Grassa offers one of the best deals on Italian food in town. Counter service means lower prices on the steaming bowls of pasta made with noodles cooked fresh right in front of customers. It’s not always 100 percent conventional — Italians would likely balk at a carbonara made with bucatini and topped with a fried egg — but it’s always satisfying. Grassa is available for takeout, delivery, and onsite dining.

1506 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 386-2196
(971) 386-2196

Also featured in:

Bar West

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A stylishly bright and minimalist cocktail bar and restaurant, Bar West feels like something out of Kinfolk. The main focus here is on the cocktails, which are as beautiful and photogenic as the space itself, as well as the array of stellar local and Old World wines by the glass. The food menu is no afterthought, though, with a selection of larger entrees like pappardelle tossed in melted leek butter and brie-topped pizzas, as well as smaller dishes like the collection of bar snacks known as the West Drinking Board. Bar West is available for onsite dining and takeout.

1221 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 208-2852
(503) 208-2852

Also featured in:

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Paley's Place Bistro & Bar

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A Portland institution, Paley’s Place is still one of the city’s best restaurants, even after more than 20 years open. Housed in a vintage Victorian home, the upscale restaurant serves an eclectic but cohesive menu that draws from French, New American, and Russian dining. The best way to experience it is with the prix fixe menu, which changes every three weeks. But for those looking for something a little simpler, Paley’s also offers the ‘Paley’s Place Pantry,’ which — like a CSA — includes Oregon farm vegetables, cheeses, meats, oils, and high-quality pantry stables. Paley’s Place is currently available for takeout and onsite dining.

1204 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 243-2403
(503) 243-2403

Also featured in:

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Hammer & Stitch Brewing Co.

2377 NW Wilson St, Portland, OR 97210

Veteran former Widmer brewer Ben Dobler, with more than 25 years of experience, opened up Hammer & Stitch last October. The beers are clean and straightforward, including crisp lagers and malt-forward beers. While the beers are the primary draw, Hammer & Stitch also serves quality pub food, such as classic clam strips, vegan sandwiches, burgers, and well-seasoned jojos. The brewery recently expanded its patio, located at the former Clear Creek building. The brewery offers onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

2377 NW Wilson St, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 254-8982
(971) 254-8982

Farmer And The Beast

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

Chefs Jeff Larson and Schuyler Wallace opened food cart Farmer and the Beast, located within the Nob Hill Food Carts pod, last year, nailing both colorful salads and hardcore smash burgers. Farmer and the Beast concentrates on Portland produce from farms like Sauvie Island Growers and Our Table farms, tossed in punchy vinaigrettes with Oregon-grown grains and seasonal meat and fish. The double smash burger has made some of Portland’s best lists; however, the salads, such as the current Peas and Thank you, a meticulous balance of citrus, creaminess, crunch, and sweetness — should not be skipped. Farmer and the Beast offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod, as well as takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 319-0656
(971) 319-0656

Tehuana Oaxacan Cuisine

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

This Oaxacan cart recently opened its second cart in the Nob Hill Food Carts pod, with the original cart parked on North Killingsworth. Tehuana’s layered tlayudas, soft memelitas, and mole-soaked enchiladas are all stunners, as well as plentiful taco options. No matter the order, Tehuana’s smoky and dark morita salsa is great on basically anything out of the cart. Tehuana Oaxacan Cuisine offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod and takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

Bing Mi

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

Another Nob Hill food cart, Bing Mi specializes in jianbing, massive Northern Chinese savory eggy crepes filled with fermented black bean and chili paste, green onions, cilantro, pickled veggies and crispy-fried crackers. Bing Mi’s standard jianbing are flaky, crunchy, and well-balanced in its slathering of sauces, but pros know to add proteins like roast duck, sausage, and bacon. Bing Mi offers outdoor seating in the food cart pod and takeout.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 930-2968
(971) 930-2968

Chimaek Town

2330 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210

Located in the former Wild Wasabe space, Chimaek Town is an excellent spot to fulfill Korean fried chicken cravings. The crispy-battered Korean fried chicken comes in either wings and drumsticks or tenders, served in four flavors: honey butter, sweet-and-spicy yangnyeom, soy garlic, and snow cheese. Chimaek Town also serves bubbly and spicy Korean hot pots, alongside standards like beef bulgogi. Chimaek Town is open for takeout, onsite dining, and delivery.

2330 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 242-6404
(503) 242-6404

Life of Pie

1765 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

More than anything, Life of Pie is likely famous for its $7 wood-fired happy hour margherita pizzas. But beyond that, all of Life of Pie’s pizzas are worth the trip, especially one particular pie topped with salami, Mama Lil’s Peppers, goat cheese, and honey — a nuanced blend of spiciness, sweetness, and creaminess on a charred, chewy crust. The modern dining room is especially nice in summer, when it spills out onto the sidewalks of NW 23rd Avenue and onto the patio. Life of Pie is available for takeout, onsite dining, and delivery.

1765 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 820-0083
(503) 820-0083

Good Coffee

2175 NW Raleigh St #106, Portland, OR 97210

There are more than a few spots to find Good Coffee’s brand of roasts around town, but the white-tiled Slabtown location is especially spacious, with plenty of room for visitors to hang out indoors or outdoors while sipping lattes and cappuccinos. Good Coffee always lives up to its name, with rich, dark roasts and an assortment of seasonal pastries. Good Coffee is available for onsite dining and takeout.

2175 NW Raleigh St #106, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 282-3388
(971) 282-3388

G-Love

1615 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

G-Love brands itself as a “reverse steakhouse,” but what that really means is that it has a number of hearty vegetable entrees as well as meaty sides. The bright, window-lined restaurant offers creative, upscale New American dining with a seasonal focus; a playful and fun cocktail menu that sources ingredients from the kitchen; and two of the best decorated bathrooms in the city — one is decked in gold, the other verdant green. The ensalata bomba is a highlight, with its light fresh taste of summer. G-Love is currently open for outdoor dining and takeout.

1615 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 229-1043
(971) 229-1043

St. Jack

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

A longstanding member of Eater PDX’s Essential 38, St. Jack has been wowing the Slabtown neighborhood since its move from Clinton Street in 2014. At the elegant, upscale restaurant, chef Aaron Barnett leans deeply into French cuisine while borrowing from Pacific Northwestern sensibilities. The steak frites menu encapsulates this best, coming as a bavette or a dry-aged ribeye. St. Jack also shines with its more casual bar menu where diners can enjoy some killer French wines or cocktails alongside a smash burger or mussels that can be enjoyed onsite or to-go.

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 360-1281
(503) 360-1281

Mama Bird

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210

Despite a rocky start in the neighborhood, Mama Bird, from 2017’s Chef of the Year Gabe Pascuzzi is busily churning out its smoky grilled chicken, sauces, salads, and sides to the Slabtown crowd. The bright, cheery venue, which includes a patio, is a charming setting for devouring whole chickens with savory sauces (from chimichurri to Vadouvan curry), along with grilled seasonal vegetables, fruits, and potatoes. Mama Bird is available for takeout, delivery, and onsite dining.

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 384-2064
(503) 384-2064

Breakside Brewery - NW Slabtown

1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

In a city with a lot of breweries, it takes considerable presence to stand out. Breakside manages to do so with its exceptional takes on classic Northwestern brews like IPAs, as well as some bolder fruit beers and sours that manage to stay grounded. The busy Slabtown brewpub has pretty standard vibes — spacious and industrial with a large covered patio — and offers a hearty menu of pub stables like sandwiches, salads, and a few entrees. Breakside Slabtown is available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 444-7597
(503) 444-7597

Besaws

1545 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Besaw’s is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, though it moved to a new location a couple of years ago getting an updated, eclectic vibe. The menus are rooted in homestyle Pacific Northwest comfort food, with dinner including meatloaf, lasagna, and a burger. Brunch, similarly, evokes Pacific Northwest comfort food, from its buttermilk waffles and thick french toast to hearty sandwiches. Besaw’s is currently available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1545 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-2619
(503) 228-2619

Lela's Bistro

1524 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

With bowls of pho, bright and fresh bun, and a solid slate of banh mi, Lela’s has become a favorite in Slabtown for no-nonsense Vietnamese food with homey charm. Set in a converted home, Lela’s provides one of Slabtown’s coziest spots in the winter and most laid-back patios in the summer.  Lela’s Bistro is available for onsite dining, takeout, and delivery.

1524 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 719-4744
(503) 719-4744

Grassa

1506 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

One of four (soon to be five) locations in the greater Portland area, Rick Gencarelli’s super casual pasta shop Grassa offers one of the best deals on Italian food in town. Counter service means lower prices on the steaming bowls of pasta made with noodles cooked fresh right in front of customers. It’s not always 100 percent conventional — Italians would likely balk at a carbonara made with bucatini and topped with a fried egg — but it’s always satisfying. Grassa is available for takeout, delivery, and onsite dining.

1506 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 386-2196
(971) 386-2196

Bar West

1221 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

A stylishly bright and minimalist cocktail bar and restaurant, Bar West feels like something out of Kinfolk. The main focus here is on the cocktails, which are as beautiful and photogenic as the space itself, as well as the array of stellar local and Old World wines by the glass. The food menu is no afterthought, though, with a selection of larger entrees like pappardelle tossed in melted leek butter and brie-topped pizzas, as well as smaller dishes like the collection of bar snacks known as the West Drinking Board. Bar West is available for onsite dining and takeout.

1221 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 208-2852
(503) 208-2852

Related Maps

Paley's Place Bistro & Bar

1204 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

A Portland institution, Paley’s Place is still one of the city’s best restaurants, even after more than 20 years open. Housed in a vintage Victorian home, the upscale restaurant serves an eclectic but cohesive menu that draws from French, New American, and Russian dining. The best way to experience it is with the prix fixe menu, which changes every three weeks. But for those looking for something a little simpler, Paley’s also offers the ‘Paley’s Place Pantry,’ which — like a CSA — includes Oregon farm vegetables, cheeses, meats, oils, and high-quality pantry stables. Paley’s Place is currently available for takeout and onsite dining.

1204 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 243-2403
(503) 243-2403

Related Maps