An Eclectic and Independent-Minded Neighborhood
The Southeast neighborhood of Sunnyside is home to the bustling Belmont District and part of the Hawthorne District.
Surrounded by the Buckman, Kerns, Laurelhurst, Mount Tabor, and Richmond neighborhoods, Sunnyside is a charming, centrally located area.
FROM PORTLAND WITH LOVE
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Sunnyside Neighborhood Real Estate & Walkability Score
Perhaps one of the most quintessentially “Portland” neighborhoods in Portland, Sunnyside is popular among both renters and homeowners. It’s common to see multifamily buildings mixed in among restored homes from the 1900s. Home styles include Victorian and Queen Anne, as well as Four Square, Bungalows, and Craftsman.
Walker’s Paradise
With easy access to both Hawthorne and Belmond, Sunnyside boasts a high walkability score. The neighborhood is close to plentiful restaurants, businesses, and shops.
The Sunnyside neighborhood is also known for its Queen Anne architecture and Victorian homes and is often compared to San Francisco’s colorful Haight Ashbury district. Many boutiques and cafes are nestled inside converted homes, as well as apartments for rent.
Sunnyside, Portland is a popular choice among renters and comes with a price tag to match. Expect to pay an average of $1,516 on rent for apartments in Sunnyside, which is higher than the average $1,484 rent around the rest of the city.
There are a lot of great old homes here that date back into the early 1900s and even before! There are mostly Four Squares, Victorians, Craftsman, Old PDX and Bungalows- many with leaded glass windows, ornate woodwork and built-ins and a lot of character and charm. There are rentals mixed in because it is right in the middle of Hawthorne and Belmont- but many homes have been restored to their former beauty and completely remodeled.
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Date Night: Eat & Drink
Dining in Sunnyside is a foodie’s dream come true. Find pubs and cafes, pizzerias, and food trucks, and much more. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for tacos, curry, burgers, or baked goods.
Bluto’s: Bluto’s, named after John Belushi’s hard-partying frat brother character in Animal House, comes from Lardo and Grassa mastermind Rick Gencarelli and the ChefStable restaurant group (See Also: St. Jack and Ox). Like Lardo and Grassa, Bluto’s aims for that fancy, fast-casual niche, with counter service and midrange prices belying some seriously tasty cooking. Staples include a lineup of five souvlaki skewers along with a pair of hummus plates. The rest of the menu is rounded out by a handful of salads, roasted veggie dishes, and some solid breaded Greek fries dusted with tangy, shredded halloumi cheese and lemon zest.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
Toji Korean Grill House: Family-owned restaurant that strives for the greatest quality Korean barbecue and Korean cuisine. They have 13 high quality SHINPO grills installed in their restaurants, which have an interior smoke intake functionality that keeps diners free from greasy smoke. It grills unlike any other barbecue you’ve ever had!
Service Options: Dine-In · Curbside Pickup · Delivery
Kouzina at Angelos: Drop by the family’s Kouzina for delicious traditional Greek food, including gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and much more.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout
Zach’s Shack: Zach’s Shack Hot Dogs are 100% beef dogs with a natural casing. It’s the casing and the steaming that gives the dog the “snap.” You can choose to substitute a tofu dog or veggie sausage (will take 4 minutes longer to prepare) at no extra charge. They are open until 2 am every night.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
¿Por Qué No?: Small outpost drawing crowds for tacos and other Mexican basics made with a nod to sustainability.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
Bar of the Gods: Boisterous bar with a Greek temple theme, several pinball machines and pool tables, and a covered patio.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No Delivery
Address: 4801 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
503-232-2037 | Website | Menu
Apizza Scholls: Funky, no-nonsense spot attracting crowds with its handcrafted, thin-crust pies.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
Address: 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
503-233-1286 | Website | Menu
Albina Press: Bright, airy cafe with sleek decor serving coffee drinks, tea steeped in French presses & pastries.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout
Space Room Lounge: The original Brite Spot and Space Room Lounge has been a Portland icon since the 1950’s. In the last 40 plus years, the Space Room has been a main attraction. It has retained the same Portland feel but has had some updates. They have an amazing 3,000 square foot patio, great bar menu, amazing fresh cocktails, friendly staff and a new arcade!
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No Delivery
Address: 4800 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
503-235-6957 | Website | Menu
Sweet Hereafter: Hip, bustling bar with a vegan menu, cocktails served in mason jars, and a sprawling covered patio.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
Address: 3326 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
971-279-4970 | Website | Menu
Hoda’s Middle-Eastern Cuisine Lebanese Cuisine & Catering: Airy, 2-story place with murals on the walls known for classic Lebanese fare & housemade pita bread.
Service Options: Dine-in · Drive-Thru · Delivery
Address: 3401 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
503-236-8325 | Website | Menu
McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater & Pub: Laid-back chain pub in Bagdad Theater’s back room with billiards, snooker, and a 7-story-high ceiling.
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
Address: 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
503-236-9234 | Website | Menu
Mai Thai Portland: Experience Portland’s Best Thai Food at their new location on SE Belmont. Try their savory soups, mouth-watering appetizers, noodle dishes, curries, and healthy entrees. If you’re in the mood for good Thai food, Mai Thai Restaurant is the place!
Service Options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
Sugar Hill: The old school is cool. Blow the dust off your vinyl records and adjust your TV antennas once again at their 70’s themed bar with modern twists galore. Enjoy elevated bar food and far-out cocktails in a space built to bring fun and funk back to the PDX. Good vibes are required, tie-dyed tees and bell bottoms are optional.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No Delivery
Horse Brass Pub: Stop by the Pub next time you’re in town. Enjoy a pint – they’ve grown to over 50 superlative beers on tap – try the Fish & Chips, challenge your mates to a round of darts, and remember “You’re a stranger no more when you walk through the door of the ol’ Horse Brass Pub”!
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No Delivery
Cubo: Has been serving Portland Cuban comfort food since 2010. The first Cubo food cart was opened downtown by one Havana born and raised musician and one artistic and environmentally focused American. With Milko’s Cuban heritage bringing flavor and rhythm, and Emily’s environmentally conscious input and foody and bartending know-how, the cart grew into a casual counter service brick and mortar in SE by 2013. Cubo uses a minimalistic approach to creating good, simple food and cocktails with a focus on having gluten free and vegan options in addition to the traditional meat-lover’s Cuban fair. Even the empanadas and fryers are GF! You can taste the Italian, African and Spanish influences in the unique Cuban flavors of Cubo’s dishes at our colorful, family and dog-friendly restaurant in the heart of Hawthorne.
Service Options: Dine-In · Curbside Pickup · No-Contact Delivery
Kaho Moo Dang: A locally owned restaurant with a commitment to buying produce from local vendors and organizations. They cook five spice pork loin and crispy pork belly fresh daily using steam and air-fry process without using oil. They are your go-to for Thai style pork, crispy pork belly, rice, and noodles — simply driven by the desire to share the cooking of their youth. Khao Moo-Dang is a tribute to the everyday comfort food of Thailand. They aim to faithfully represent the pork based dishes found on every street in Bangkok.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
The Hazel Room: Located on Hawthorne Blvd in Southeast, The Hazel Room offers brunch and beverages steeped in old world charm. The Hazel Room serves inspired brunch dishes, breakfast booze, coffee, and teas. They would like to express their sincere gratitude for all of customers who have supported them through these recent years. They do NOT take reservations; should there be a need to wait for a table, they recommend leaving a contact number with the host and waiting away from our dining areas in order to accommodate the employees using the space and your fellow diners!
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · Delivery
Fried Egg I’m in Love: Fried Egg I’m In Love makes Portland’s best breakfast sandwiches. Each fried egg sandwich has a funny name, a perfectly cooked egg, and is crafted with love. They also have the best gluten-free breakfast sandwiches in Portland.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · Delivery
Triple Nickel Pub: Vast selection of microbrews are featured at this elevated pub with TVs, darts, pool, and other games.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No Delivery
Viking Soul Food: Megan May Walhood, co-owner and actual Scandihoovian, grew up with Norwegian potato lefse, making it with her family every year at Christmas time, and eating it the traditional way: with butter and a generous sprinkling of sugar. Years later, when Megan and Jeremy Brandon Ikaika Daniels, co-owner and handler, were first getting to know each other’s family traditions, Jeremy fell in love with this humble flatbread, and also saw its greater potential as a vehicle for street food. The two realized they had a unique and versatile concept on their hands. In 2010 they purchased a 57 year old Streamline Duchess aluminum silver trailer, named her Gudrun (it means “she who knows the secrets of battle”), and opened Viking Soul Food. They decided to specialize in lefse and Scandinavian inspired dishes, taking a somewhat irreverent approach to tradition, while maintaining the utmost reverence for the ingredients they prepare. The name “Viking Soul Food” is a cheeky play on words, nodding towards the role Jeremy’s cooking style and own family traditions has played in the development of this unique “Scandinavian-esque” comfort food menu.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No Contact Delivery
¿Por Qué No? : Small outpost drawing crowds for tacos and other Mexican basics made with a nod to sustainability.
Service Options: Dine-In · Drive-Through · Delivery
Two Brothers Rakia Bar & Grill: A family run and owned restaurant/bar providing a homemade taste of the Balkans. Their goal is to make you feel like you are having an authentic Balkan experience.
Service Options: Dine-In · Curbside Pickup · No-Contact Delivery
Address: 829 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
This family-friendly neighborhood has great public and private school options.
Schools
Childpeace Montessori School: 1516 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97209
503-222-1197 | Website
Glencoe Elementary School: 825 SE 51st Ave, Portland, OR 97215
503-916-6207
Mt. Tabor Middle School: 5800 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97215
503-916-5646 | Website
Franklin High School: 5405 SE Woodward St, Portland, OR 97206
503-916-5140 | Website
Sunnyside Environmental School: 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
503-916-6226 | Website
Community Resources
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Sunnyside NEIGHBORHOOD
Shopping & Businesses
Plenty of local businesses add to the independent feel of the neighborhood and contribute to the area’s walkability.
Belmont Station: Since their founding in 1997, Belmont Station has become Portland’s premier beer destination. The Bottle Shop features 1,400+ that have been thoughtfully selected, meticulously rotated, and properly stored under UV-filtered light to maintain the freshest selection of beer in the region. Their adjoining Biercafé features 34 rotating taps pouring world-class beer, cider, wine and other tasty treats. And bring an appetite! Their adjoining food truck, Monster Smashburgers, cooks up some of the best burgers and fries in town. (And we should know; we eat them a lot!). Join them and find out why they’ve been Portland’s Place to Be(er) for more than 25 years!
Service Options: In-store shopping
Address: 4500 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
Laurelhurst Village: Experience an environment focused on supporting an active, independent lifestyle for their assisted living residents and providing familiarity, comfort, and engaging activities for their memory care residents. No matter where you are in your healthcare journey, Laurelhurst Village is here to help you savor the best moments in life.
Address: 3060 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
Bridgeport Appraisal, Inc.: Specializing in residential and commercial Oregon real estate property appraisals.
Volunteers of America Oregon: Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 1.5 million people a year. At Volunteers of America Oregon, they specialize in family safety, substance use, behavioral health, and reentry from the criminal justice system. For 125 years, they have been empowering individuals, families, and communities in Oregon including the aging population, young people, men and women returning from prison, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Their work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those they serve, integrating their deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.
Damselfly Massage: From the owner and operator – “I am passionate about the healing arts and have worked hard to become a master of this craft. My experience includes practice at a spa, chiropractic office, and private contracting. My clients and their needs have been diverse. I am drawn to the relaxation and therapeutic aspect of massage. My goal is to weave these two together seamlessly, to leave you with a sense of relaxation, renewal, and progress — custom tailored to your individual needs. Swedish Deep Tissue has been my primary modality, but I have grown to include cupping, prenatal, and most recently Ashiatsu (a luxurious deep-tissue massage performed with the therapist’s feet). Welcome to this healing space! Prepare to put your mind at ease and soak up the many benefits of professional healing touch.”
Movie Madness Video: With more than 80,000 titles on Blu-ray, DVD, and VHS, Movie Madness has one of the largest and most in-depth rental collections in the world, ensuring the community has easy access to this amazing film archive.
Service Options: In-Store Shopping · In-Store Pickup
Belmont Barbershop: Barber shop in Portland, Oregon
Phoenix Media Printing Services: Phoenix Media.com is a full-service media company based in Portland, Oregon that provides regionally recognized advertising services to the Pacific Northwest and nationwide. Phoenix Media.com was established in 2002 and acquired by Lithtex, Inc. in 2014. PhoenixMedia.com was founded with a mission: to offer the best eco-friendly printing and professional advertising services to grassroots organizations and independently owned companies while always providing high-quality results. That mission, along with reliable delivery and competitive pricing, has allowed them to remain at the forefront of the digital printing industry. It’s that drive to succeed which has given them an outstanding reputation for service and satisfaction. They understand that no job is too big or too small. Therefore, they offer a wide range of digital printing capabilities to meet your needs and budgets. Their printing facility can produce virtually anything you can dream up, from 50 posters to 100,000 magazines. They offer several digital printing options including offset, sheet fed, web press, heat set, digital and inkjet printing in addition to bulk mailing services.
Address: 2950 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
Pet Jackpot: Pet store in Portland, Oregon.
Address: 3215 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214
Trans Auto Services: Auto repair shop in Portland, Oregon
Portland Nursery: Portland Nursery has everything you’ll need to make your garden and home your favorite destination. Fall weather is within reach and that signals the arrival of what Portland Nursery likes to call “The Second Planting Season.” From trees and shrubs to their fall color annuals, perennials, and ornamental grasses—autumn is an amazing time for stepping back out into your gardens for another round of planting! Visit their September Gardening page today to help get yourself started, and if you have any questions throughout the season, you know where to reach them.
Address: 5050 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
The Skeleton Key – Vintage: At the Skeleton Key Vintage, their mission is to provide guests with treasures they have never seen before, art that enhances their eclectic aesthetic, tools for their journey within the enchanted, anything Victorian, and killer goth scores.
Service Options: In-Store Shopping
Belmont Books: A small but incredible collection. Constantly rotating shelves of new editions, vintage collectors items, and everything in between. They don’t have everything, but everything they have is worth your attention. The store has shelves dedicated to local authors, and a whole rack for local zines. This is the real, beating-heart-of-Portland stuff. Bookstores with a small and highly curated selection like this are much preferred to big huge shelf labyrinths. Those are fine if you want a specific book. But if you want to take a mental vacation; to see, talk and experience the books, this store is what you want.
Parks & Green Spaces
Despite all the urban amenities, Sunnyside only has one park – Sunnyside School Park – located within its borders. However, plenty of great parks are just a few minutes away, including Laurelhurst Park and Mt. Tabor Park.
Other Area Parks:
SUNNYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
Things to Do & See in Sunnyside
There’s so much to do in Sunnyside. In addition to the many eating and drinking options, there are plenty of unique and eclectic shops and boutiques. Catch a movie at the Baghdad Theatre or the Avalon Theater, one of Portland’s oldest theaters. During the holidays, don’t miss Peacock Lane, a group of homes that put up incredible light displays.
Historic Belmont Library: A branch of the Multnomah County Library, located in Belmont, Portland, Oregon. The original library building opened in 1924 and was expanded in 1937 with the addition of a children’s room. The brick building has small round windows and large oak tables.
Address: 1038 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Belmont District: The Belmont Area is a retail and residential district running along SE Belmont St. in the inner Southeast section of Portland, Oregon in a parallel fashion to the Hawthorne District, 6 blocks to the south. From west to east the area extends 48 blocks, from SE 12th Ave. to SE 60th Ave., passing through the Buckman, Sunnyside, and Mount Tabor neighborhoods. The area is seven blocks wide, running from SE Belmont St. 4 blocks north to SE Stark St. and 3 blocks south to SE Salmon St. SE Belmont St. between SE 33rd Ave. and SE 35th Ave., in Sunnyside, is the heart of the district. The area developed around the first trolley line in East Portland, established in 1888 (and converted to a bus line in 1949).
Hawthorne District: The Hawthorne district is known for its bohemian vibe and an eclectic mix of quirky gift shops, bookstores, and resale boutiques along Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Low-key eateries include classic diners, taco spots and vegetarian restaurants, while pubs, music clubs and beer bars make for lively nightlife. Mt. Tabor Park, on an extinct volcano, has walking and biking trails and panoramic city views.
Peacock Lane: A four-block street in southeast Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It is known for its elaborately decorated homes during the Christmas and holiday season. During this time of year, thousands of people come to view the displays, buy cocoa, take horse drawn carriage rides, and sing.
Address: Roughly along SE Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets
Canteen: Trendy cafe dishes up organic juices and vegan eats in a snug, simple venue with heated patio seating.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · Delivery
Address: 2816 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
Baghdad Theatre:
Cast your imagination back to the Bagdad’s original opening day, in 1927…. outside the new “Oasis for Entertainment,” hundreds crowded onto Hawthorne Boulevard, which was roped off for the big event. A street dance jumped to a live band as searchlights sliced through the night sky. Portland Mayor George Baker gave a rousing speech heralding the building’s importance to the community. And an orchestra performance, male quartet, Marilyn Mills and her famous horse Beverly, a jazz band, a stuffed prop camel and a screening of Laura LaPlante’s Her Big Night (1926) dazzled all who attended. It was truly a glamorous night of nights on Hawthorne Boulevard.
For several generations, “Meet me at the Bagdad!” was the slogan for area residents looking for a convenient escape or to catch a glimpse of stardom. Since acquiring the Bagdad in 1991, the McMenamins aim has been to continue that long tradition as a community gathering spot.
Today, as part of their conversion to a first-run-films theater, major upgrades and overall improvements to this grande ol’ dame include a 50% larger screen, 20,000-watt Surround Sound, K Prime digital projector and comfy new rocker seating. This state-of-the-art technical experience offers the latest in accessibility with closed captioning and hearing-impaired options.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No-Contact Delivery
Address: 2816 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
St. Stephen Catholic Church: Catholic church in Portland, Oregon.
Address: 1112 SE 41st Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Blair Community Garden: Includes 27 community garden plots in the Sunnyside neighborhood. It is wildlife friendly and naturalist planting focused, using organic practices.
Address: 3235 SE Alder Ct, Portland, OR 97214
QuarterWorld Arcade: Old-school hangout with a variety of arcade games & pinball machines, plus a full bar & pizza.
Stumptown Coffee: Coffee bar chain offering house-roasted direct-trade coffee, along with brewing gear and whole beans.
Service Options: Dine-In · Takeout · No Delivery
Address: 3356 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
503-232-8889 | Website | Menu
Belmont Inn: Good-size neighborhood hangout featuring pub food, lots of beers, pool tables & a covered patio.
Service Options: Dine-In · No Delivery
Address: 3357 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
503-232-1998 | Website | Menu
Sunnyside Neighborhood
Additional Portland Neighborhoods
Alameda
Alameda is a beautiful neighborhood with quiet, tree-lined streets and some gorgeous homes, many on larger lots. Homes on Alameda ridge have a stunning view of Portland and the West hills.
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Beaumont-Wilshire
Beaumont-Wilshire is an older neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It has a nice mix of residential and commercial property. The main road through Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood is NE Fremont Street, and the primary commercial focus is “Beaumont Village”, between NE 33rd and NE 50th.
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Concordia
Northeast Portland’s Concordia neighborhood has beautiful, historic homes with plenty of original character. Close to bustling Alberta Street, Concordia has fantastic dining and shopping options. It’s a great choice for those who value living in a walkable neighborhood.
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Montavilla
This Southeast Portland neighborhood is home to plenty of charm. Montavilla is a close-knit community that values its neighborhood businesses, which include shops and many diverse dining options. Located only six miles from downtown, Montavilla is bordered by I-205 and I-84 for great access to the rest of the city.
Visit NeighborhoodHistory of Sunnyside Neighborhood
In the 1800s, Portland’s downtown was crowded and dirty. When the Morrison Bridge opened in 1887, more residents began moving across the river to the east side of town. Sunnyside was developed by the Sunnyside Land Improvement Company. Its name was used to market the area, with advertisements encouraging citizens to move to the “the sunny side of the river away from the shadow of the West hills and pollution of downtown.”
Sunnyside grew rapidly thanks to the streetcar that went in soon after the Morrison Bridge was built. As a planned community, Sunnyside’s streets and structures had a pleasing cohesion that made the neighborhood popular. A commercial district began to grow along Belmont, which eventually began the area’s central hub of business. Today, the Belmont District is still Sunnyside’s primary source of commerce and entertainment. You can even find original buildings from the 19th century throughout the neighborhood.
Source: The Southeast Examiner