Dubbed by some Portlanders as the “heart of Northeast,” both Williams and Mississippi Avenues offer many hip places to hang out in the evening, from specialty shops to unusual restaurants. Here are some gems that are worth visiting.
Prost!
4237 N. Mississippi Ave.
Prost! is a great place to visit if you’re looking to indulge in the German custom of beer drinking. Each beer that Prost! offers is served in a traditional drinking glass, and it is the only place in Portland to offer more adventurous guests a chance at Das Boot, a 2 liter (67 oz.) boot filled to the brim with German lager. Guests can order any beer on tap served in the boot, and if they still haven’t had their fill, Prost! also offers an authentic German food menu that includes a $4 Bavarian soft pretzel.
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N. Mississippi Ave.
Mississippi Pizza has been a staple in the neighborhood since 2001. In addition to a diverse menu that offers traditional, nontraditional, gluten free and vegan pizzas, Mississippi Pizza also hosts live events including spelling bees, quiz nights and live bands. This pizza pub also offers 21 and over guests a martini bar, the Atlantis Lounge.
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi Ave.
Mississippi Studios showcases live musicians almost every night of the week, and its adjoining bar, Bar Bar, boasts one of the best burgers in town. Mississippi Studios may look inconspicuous on the outside, but this former Baptist church has the great acoustics and intimate atmosphere that are sure to impress musicians and concert-goers alike.
Bridge City Comics
3725 N. Mississippi Ave.
Bridge City Comics is a Dark Horse Comics location that has been in business for almost a decade. Though they are closed in the evenings, Bridge City Comics hosts a weekly graphic novel readers club that begins at 7 p.m. It’s an all ages activity, but most participants tend to be in their 20s. The club focuses on a different novel every month. For the month of March, they will be reading “A God Somewhere” by John Arcudi and Peter Snejbjerg.
UCHU Sushi and Fried Chicken
3940 N. Mississippi Ave.
Sushi and fried chicken may seem like unlikely flavor combinations, but UCHU has it all figured out. Their full menu features a litany of traditional Japanese dishes as well as hand battered fried chicken plates, and their happy hour menu doesn’t disappoint either. In addition to a fairly diverse beer and cocktail list, including beers from several local breweries, the UCHU happy hour menu features several small plates ranging from jalapeño poppers to fried baby octopus while staying in the $4 to $5 range. Nighttime happy hour goes from 9 p.m. to close.
Kenny & Zuke’s Deli Bar
3901 N. Williams Ave.
A branch of Kenny and Zuke’s Delicatessen in downtown Portland, this deli bar offers many of the same delicious options as the original location, along with some cocktails and bar food for good measure. Closing at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Kenny & Zuke’s Deli Bar is a great place to grab a hearty dinner or stop in for after work drinks.
Ruby Jewel Scoops
3713 N. Mississippi Ave.
Priding themselves on only using ingredients from the Northwest, Ruby Jewel strives to support their local community and economy. Whether you’re hoping to try some unique ice cream flavors like honey lavender or some delicious vegan options, Ruby Jewel has exactly what you’re looking for to satisfy that sweet tooth. They also have a wide variety of homemade toppings and sauces, and an option to make your own ice cream sandwich. Ruby Jewel Scoops is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, which is perfect for those who want a late night sugar fix.
Tasty n Sons
3808 N. Williams Ave., Suite C
Tasty n Sons is owned by chef John Gorham, winner of the James Beard Foundation Award and author of the “Toro Bravo” cookbook. While there can be a wait to be seated (especially on weekends), it’s totally worth it. The menu currently features dishes like a Burmese red pork stew with short grain rice and eggs, and vanilla bean panna cotta with blood orange caramel. The restaurant also makes a variety of bloody marys, including an option to add house-made beef jerky.