Vernon Neighborhood Portland

Vernon is located in Northeast Portland. It is bordered by the King, Woodlawn, Concordia, and Sabin neighborhoods.


Click the image for a Vernon neighborhood map, including homes for sale.

Features of the Vernon Neighborhood

Alberta Arts District

The Alberta Arts District in Northeast Portland is located along NE Alberta Street and runs through the Vernon neighborhood as well as Concordia and King neighborhoods. “Alberta” by name, is not technically recognized as a standalone neighborhood but is often considered a district.
To check out the wonderful shops and restaurants the Alberta Arts District has to offer, visit our district page by clicking the image.
Alberta Arts District Portland

 

Vernon Businesses of Note

Although Alberta Street contains much of the action going on in Vernon, Killingsworth Street also has more than a few places to visit when you’re here. Vernon may be a small neighborhood, but it packs a punch. Here are the gems to check out.

Tiffin Asha

If you are craving Indian food in Portland, there is no shortage of top-tier restaurants. However, while most of these places specialize in classics like Tikka Masala, spinach paneer, and chicken curry, few of them offer the South Indian favorite – dosa.

You may have seen videos of dosa getting made, with giant crepes being smoothed out on a rotating griddle. Dosa is a classic dish, and one that is far more versatile than you may think. At Tiffin Asha, you can get your crepe filled or by itself with a side of chutney and sambar, which is a lentil stew.

Beyond dosa, Tiffin serves rice and curry, along with a selection of flavored chutneys. Chef Elizabeth Golay has been serving these delicious meals with her wife Sheila Bommakanti, who introduced Golay to South Indian cuisine. Since 2013, when Tiffin was just a food cart, the dynamic duo has turned this place into a powerhouse of flavor.

Tiffin Asha – 1670 NE Killingsworth St

Podnah’s BBQ

If there is one thing Texas is known for, it’s barbecue. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are always in season, and with the right blend of spices and sauce, they can be divine.

Podnah’s Pit BBQ follows the tried and true Texas traditions, passed down from owner Rodney Muirhead’s grandfather. The name of the place is also in his honor, as grand daddy Muirhead went by Podnah more than his own name.

Part of what makes this place so special is that Rodney and his team get up at 5 a.m. every morning to load wood into the fire pit. If you want succulent and delicious meats, you have to cook them slow and low, which means an early start.

Speaking of meat, all of the classics are here, including beef brisket, half chickens, smoked sausage links, pork spare ribs, and all of the potato salad, beans, cornbread, and mac n cheese you can eat. You will want to mess with these Texas-sized meals.

Podnah’s BBQ – 1625 NE Killingsworth St.

La Taq

Podnah’s isn’t the only Texas transplant on Killingsworth Street. Just next door (literally – they are at the same address) is La Taq, a Tex-Mex cantina that delivers an abundance of flavor.

If you’re not familiar with Tex-Mex, it is a blend of traditional Mexican favorites and a hearty helping of Texas-style meat. You can get brisket and pulled pork in your tacos, enchiladas, and even in your tamales.

Other highlights from the menu include lamb heart tacos, beer-battered shrimp, and some of the best Mexican-style queso you’ve ever had. You will want to order two bowls of the cheese since you will be dipping and dunking everything twice.

Beyond food, La Taq also has an extensive bar list, and the mixologists keep things interesting with rotating signature cocktails. Whether you just want a can of Texas beer or something a bit more chic, La Taq has you covered.

La Taq – 1625 NE Killingsworth St.

Prospect Bar and Bottle Shop

Although Portland is inundated with taphouses, breweries, and taverns, there are surprisingly few wine bars in the city. Considering how the Pacific Northwest is becoming well-known for wineries, you would think that they would be popping up all over. Nonetheless, for those who like to sip on a nice merlot or pinot, a bar like Prospect is an excellent choice.

Because this is a wine bar, it has a much different atmosphere than your average tap house. However, Prospect is still a Portland establishment, so there are a few traditions that go without saying. First, you can bring your dogs with you. Second, Blazer fans can root for their favorite team while nursing a glass of burgundy.

In addition to wine, Prospect also serves plenty of other local intoxicants, including beer, hard cider, and sake. You can drink your poison on site or take it with you to enjoy at home. Bottoms up!

Prospect Bar and Bottle Shop – 1611 NE Killingsworth St.

Hat Yai

When it comes to street food, you can’t do much better than Southeast Asia. Whether it’s satay, dosa, or banh mi, the flavors are so tangy and exquisite that you always want more. Hat Yai is imbued with the spirit of Thai street dishes, with its casual atmosphere and delicious meals. The restaurant is named after the city, which is famous for having some of the best street vendors in the region.

If your experience with Thai food is mostly pad Thai and curry, you are in for a real treat. Highlights from the menu include pork rib soup, fresh-made roti flatbread, braised beef cheek, and some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted.

When you’re not trying to eat and run, you can sample some of the magnificent soups here, including ground pork, brisket curry, and braised pork belly. You can’t sample everything in one trip, so make plans to come back.

Hat Yai – 1605 NE Killingsworth St.

Seastar Bakery

Here we have the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Seastar is home to both a world-class bakery and a wood-fired pizzeria so that you can pick up all the essentials in one place. However, Seastar goes a step further by helping patrons enjoy their items for longer by making them at home.

One component that sets Seastar apart is its bread of the month club. You can choose from sourdough baguettes to a variety pack, and you can go for one month (a loaf every week) or as long as you like.

If you’re interested in copying these flavors in your own kitchen, Seastar also offers ingredients and recipes. Feel empowered by baking breads outside of your comfort zone, including Matzoh, French yogurt cake, thin mint cookies, and even challah bread. Recipes are listed by skill level, so feel free to advance at your own pace.

When it comes to pizza, Seastar also delivers some incredible crusts and toppings. Each pie is made to perfection with locally-sourced ingredients and artisan recipes. Be sure to come on weekends for specialty pastries to go with your pizza.

Seastar Bakery & Handsome Pizza – 1603 NE Killingsworth St.

Les Caves

Although we lamented the lack of wine bars in Portland, Vernon has two high-quality places within its borders. Technically speaking, Les Caves could be considered part of the Alberta Arts District, but it is tucked away from the crowds, making it a destination all its own.

The building used to be the Victorian Theater, which opened in 1910. Sadly, by the 60s, the place had fallen into disrepair, and many multi-use theaters in the city succumbed to modern technology. For many years, the building was used by churches, and now it is a rustic wine bar. Inside, you almost feel like you’re back in the Prohibition era, thanks to its vintage design and old-fashioned elements. You even have to walk through a nondescript wooden door and down an alleyway to reach the bar. Fortunately, no password is required to get in.

As far as drinks go, Les Caves sets itself apart by sourcing some of the best Northwest wines around. The owners believe in letting the spirit do the talking, so they find the top vineyards and bring them to the public. No matter your taste preferences, you will be floored by the quality of these spirits.

Les Caves – 1719 NE Alberta St

Vernon Neighborhood Parks

Alberta Park

Roselawn Park

Holman City Park

Leaven Community Center

Vernon Community Resources

Vernon Neighborhood Association

Schools

Vernon Elementary School

Ockley Green Middle School

Jefferson High School

Vernon Neighborhood Vibe

Since Vernon is part of the Alberta Arts District, it attracts much of the New Portland wave. You can expect to find plenty of hipsters, working professionals, and young families here. Outside of Alberta, the neighborhood is quiet and welcoming to everyone.

Stats

Zip Code 97211

Crime Stats

Census Data

Vernon Neighborhood Real Estate

This area has a mix of old and new construction, with plenty of craftsman, bungalow, and ranch-style homes. Because Vernon is up-and-coming, prices are rising, as are new developments. However, these homes still maintain that classic Portland charm.

Click here to search all Vernon Neighborhood homes for sale.

To learn about the Portland real estate market, we recommend this local Portland-based, top 100 real estate blog in the world.

If you are interested in buying a home in Portland, we recommend meeting up with these top 1% Portland buyer’s agents, or if you are considering selling a home we recommend these top 1% Portland seller’s agents. Visit our Portland Real Estate Page for more information.

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