By Living Room Realty, February 1, 2020
The Central Eastside is a vast landscape of classic Portland restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, distilleries, and attractions of all kinds. Pick almost any cluster of blocks by randomly poking a map, and you’ve got at least one perfect day. We picked the dozen or so blocks of Couch and Burnside between Grand and 12th.
COFFEE + PASTRIES
CREMA AT THE DUMBELL: There’s no shortage of high-quality coffee shops just east of the Burnside Bridge. First among equals is Crema, which features not just excel- lent coffee and the perfect coffee shop atmosphere—it has the pastries that perfectly round out the experience.
390 NE COUCH ST.
MUSEUM
STARK’S VACUUM MUSEUM: Not just a collection of old vacuums (though it has 25 old vacuums on display), this locally famous museum has
a vacuum history timeline that will amaze and astound. Seriously, this is way more fun and informative than it might sound.
107 NE GRAND AVE.
LUNCH
MIRAKUTEI: Sushi is pretty miraculous on its own, even when it’s not taken to the next level—but there’s no reason not to go next-level when it’s available, which
it absolutely is at Mirakutei. Reservations recommended.
536 E. BURNSIDE ST.
SHOP
HIPPO HARDWARE: You can browse for 15 minutes and realize how many different door knobs our culture has produced, or you can browse for hours and indulge in every restoration fantasy you’ve ever had.
1040 E. BURNSIDE ST.
ROOFTOP WINE
NOBLE ROT: Take in the scenery from the rooftop deck and enjoy wine, snacks, or a full meal—spectacular views available however you do it.
1111 E. BURNSIDE ST., 4TH FLOOR
DINNER/DRINKS/SHOW
DOUG FIR: Round out the day with a rock show—or just drinks— at the Doug Fir, the Central Eastside’s marquee music venue. The décor is true to the majestic Douglas fir tree, and the venue features the best national and regional acts coming through town.
830 E. BURNSIDE ST.
