Neighborhood:
St. Johns Named for recluse James John, who earned the title of saint by refusing to patronize the local brothels (way to set the bar high!), St. (read more) Johns is one of the city’s last blue-collar neighborhoods and still boasts an independent streak. The area isn’t immune to Portland’s condo craze, but high-rise development projects have yet to hit, and St. Johns retains its small-town charm. For a cup of coffee, comfy seats and yummy pastries, go to Anna Bannanas (8716 N Lombard St., 286-2030), named after a Hawaiian biker bar. If you need a dive bar (and let’s face it, you do), Marie’s (8727 N Lombard St., 283-0494) and The Wishing Well (8800 N Lombard St., 286-4434) are your best bets. Balance out the rotgut with Proper Eats (8638 N Lombard St., 445-2007), an organic grocer that buys directly from Sauvie Island farmers and even throws occasional concerts. Pattie’s Home Plate (8501 N Lombard St., 289-7285) is another oddball St. Johns fixture: a deli-meets-thrift shop that hosts sock hops on Thursday nights. And if you hate corporate multiplexes but just can’t wait for the latest Harold and Kumar installment to hit DVD, St. Johns Twin Cinemas & Pub (8704 N Lombard St., 268-1768) is one of the only places in town to enjoy first-run movies and beer at the same time. After a flick, walk off your buzz with a stroll through idyllic Cathedral Park (North Edison Street and Pittsburgh Avenue). Stretch out on its Willamette River beach and gawk at the striking arches of the St. Johns Bridge, an imposing gothic marvel in the spirit of San Fran’s Golden Gate span. —Amanda Waldroupe.
Featured in Finder 2009
Cathedral Park gets its name from the arches of the St. Johns Bridge that towers impressively above it. With its riverside location, Cathedral Park offers a saner alternative to downtown’s bustling Waterfront Park.
June 27th show at Autumn Ridge Park in Beaverton to start at 6pm, rather then 7:30