Mini Itini No. 5: NW Industrial District
Hit these three spots without even having to repark your car.
Welcome! These Mini-Itinis are designed to answer the questions: “What should I do this weekend?” and “Where should I take my out-of-town friends?” Each Mini Itini includes three activities that pair well together, plus a few alternatives so you can customize depending on your mood and timing.
A few months ago my friends came into town for a quick weekend trip. They texted me: “We are leaving Saturday totally open for you. What should we do?”
Here’s how I responded:
I have amazing friends who are willing to lie to me. But I do actually think this is a flawless itinerary. It’s just so efficient. You could realistically hit all three spots without ever having to re-park your car.
If you want to do a bunch of quintessential Portland activities without spending too much time driving or if you’re car-less, this Mini Itini is for you.
Stop #1: Electrica Coffee at Schoolhouse Electric
In a sentence: A coffee shop for people who were obsessed with PB Teen growing up.
Order: Miso Caramel Latte, Pour-Over Coffee, or Seasonal Matcha Latte
Address: 2181 NW Nicolai St
Dog Friendly: Yes
The Schoolhouse Electric showroom, housed inside a 115-year-old former steel production facility, has been rumored to be closing for years. And soon, it finally will. Food52—the company that acquired Schoolhouse in 2021—announced in May that they would be vacating the building within the next 18 months. The headquarters will remain in Portland, but the new location and move-out date has yet to be announced.
Now is your chance to go. The showroom itself is Scandinavian interior design heaven: colorful quilts, geometric-patterned rugs, and modern, primary-colored lamps. Don’t miss the sale table in the back with discontinued or slightly damaged items.
When you’re done browsing, grab a matcha latte or pour-over coffee from Electrica, the Japanese Mexican coffee shop in the lobby. It’s run by local foodie-turned-owner, Seiji Nanbu and co-owned with the Republica Restaurant Group. The menu blends Mexican drinks—like Cafe de Olla lattes—with Asian ones, like Japanese imported matcha. There are also mochi donuts from HeyDay if you want a tiny treat.
As expected, the coffee shop is outfitted with all of Schoolhouse Electric’s most Scandi-hip chairs, tables, and artwork. Even the bathrooms are cute. It’s a great spot to leisurely start your day before heading out on a hike.
Note: although the cafe is open every day except Monday, the Schoolhouse showroom is only open Friday to Sunday from 10-5.
Alternate Coffee Shops:
St. Honore is a classic NW 23rd establishment. They don’t serve the best pastries in town, in my opinion, but they’re a solid option if you’re looking for something heartier.
Haven Coffee is the closest shop to the Lower Macleay trailhead.
Stop #2: Hike to Pittock Mansion
In a sentence: Portland’s essential hike.
Mileage: 5 miles roundtrip
Address: 2960 NW Upshur St (Lower Macleay Park)
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.
I know this feels like an unoriginal suggestion, but hear me out: the hike from Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion is the ideal distance, intensity, and proximity to downtown. The trailhead is located within walking distance of NW 23rd and the view at the top is one of the only accessible ones on the Westside.
I often do this hike on a weekday when I want an outdoor workout. It’s an unrelenting climb the entire 2.5 miles uphill. You’ll sweat, but it’s not rigorous. I’ve seen a surprising number of children and people in flip flops complete it. That being said, there’s a parking lot at Macleay Park about halfway up that would also be a suitable starting point.
Some housekeeping: There are bathrooms at the beginning and at the end, and a water fountain at the Mansion that sometimes works. I’d bring enough water in the event the fountain is out of commission (or risk filling up in the public bathroom sinks like I’ve had to do…).
Alternate Hikes:
Any of my favorite Forest Park hikes
Wapato State Park on Sauvie’s Island is a flat, easy 2.4-mile roundtrip hike about 15 minutes or so away from Electrica. Parking permit required.
Stop #3: Phuket Cafe
In a sentence: another A+ spot from Earl Ninsom.
Order: Curry Noodles and Fried Chicken
Address: 1818 NW 23rd Pl
Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed at the outdoor bar area and patio train car.
Anyone who loves the bright red walls of Yaowarat or the tiki aesthetic of Eem will immediately recognize the maximalist design of Phuket Cafe; a dead giveaway you’re in an Earl Ninsom restaurant. Phuket delivers a full dose of poppy wallpaper, brightly colored tile, and warm wood.
Billed as a “noodle house by day and steak house by night,” those who have dined at Phuket before will be pleased to learn that the lunch menu offers something new to try. There are snackable options like gai tod (thai fried chicken), pickle plates, and mon tod (crispy potatoes) alongside traditional noodle bowls and a handful of non-noodle items like larb or stir-fried rice. Most dishes are between $10-17. It’s an approachable and semi-affordable way to try one of Portland’s best restaurants.
After a long hike, this is exactly how you want to eat your carbs: egg noodles soaked in curry broth, crispy, salty chicken, and glazed pork belly. Although the beer and cocktail list is worth a gander, the nonalcoholic options hit the spot. There’s the electrolyte-heavy salty lemon and limeade, and a welcome caffeine boost with the Cha Yen, Thai tea with half-and-half.
When you go, you can sit inside or out at either the bar counter or patio “train car.” Retrofitted with wooden booths and painted light pink, the train car is COVID-era street dining at its finest. There’s no sacrifice in choosing to opt outside here.
Make a reservation if you need, but I’ve never had an issue getting a spot at lunchtime.
Alternate Lunch Spots:
Jerry’s Tavern is a classic Midwestern bar on the outskirts of Northwest Portland. Get a Miller High Life, a shot of Malort, and some cheese curds. Maybe the Chubby Bunny pudding shots if you’re feeling brave.
For a quick bite, Snappy’s serves one of the best Italian subs in Portland (The 4 Pointer).
The Route
