Southeast Portland

Long known as a bastion of cheap living and hipster sensibilities, the Rose City’s Southeastern side stretches from Burnside to Sellwood and past 82nd Avenue.

It’s a massive expanse, but it can feel smaller than it is. One of the most popular areas is the hopping Belmont/Hawthorne district, and the only negative is the temptation to spend money everywhere you go.

Relax at nearby Laurelhurst Park, the perfect place for people watching or a competitive game of basketball.

There are several small, older apartment complexes tucked in between houses on tree-lined streets in this area. On a nice summer night, the neighborhood is near perfect.

Nearby, the Division/Powell area can be a bit drab, but the cost of apartments is generally less expensive. Powell is one of the city’s ugliest and busiest thoroughfares, but don’t let that stop you from checking this area out.

Toward the south lies Sellwood, an almost quaint, residential district that is far more low-key than the Hawthorne or Powell neighborhoods. It’s also the area that retains the majority of Portland’s hippie population, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

In many ways, Southeast is the definition of what Portland is: hip, cheap and beautiful. It also happens to be close enough to campus that you won’t feel disconnected to your life at Portland State.

Top 10 spots

Bagdad Theater3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. 503-236-9234The Bagdad is a Portland landmark. Don’t let that McMenamins owns it deter you from enjoying the restaurant’s sidewalk patio or a second-run screening of a popular flick in the theater. Tickets are $3, and shows usually start around 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Bonfire2821 S.E. Stark St. 503-232-3704The Bonfire is the quintessential Southeast Portland bar. It’s got great food, pool, pinball machines and friendly bartenders who will get to know your name and make sure your favorite drinks are served just how you like them: stiff. The place can get pretty packed on the weekend, and it’s right down the street from the Goodfoot Pub and Lounge.

Clinton St. Theater2522 S.E. Clinton St. 503-238-8899Watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Clinton St. Theater on a Saturday night is considered a rite of passage for many Portlanders. If that doesn’t turn the volume to 11 for you, check out the obscure films that run nightly, such as The Unwinking Gaze, a documentary on the Dalai Lama. Tickets are $6.

Hawthorne Theater1507 S.E. 39th Ave. 503-233-7100Usually you see annoying show kids sitting outside the Hawthorne Theater after getting dropped off in their parents’ SUVs, but on the occasion some really good bands pass through this all-ages rock club. Oh, there’s a bar, too.

Hopworks Urban Brewery2944 S.E. Powell Blvd. 503-232-4677Hopworks is a new favorite that just sprouted up on Powell. The brewery produces top-notch beer, everything from murky porters to refreshing summer pale ales. The food is also tasty and the happy hour menu is inexpensive. The only drawback is its location on noisy and ugly Powell Boulevard.

Jam on Hawthorne2239 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. 503-234-4790There are tons of cute cafes on Hawthorne, but Jam has a charm all its own. The staff is friendly and the food is perfectly executed, with plenty of options for vegetarians. If you’re an omnivore, try the corned beef hash. The restaurant makes its own corned beef, and it is one of life’s true pleasures.

Laurelhurst Park3554 S.E. Ankeny St.A beautiful oasis right next to busy 39th Avenue, Laurelhurst Park has it all: basketball courts, a field, play area, tennis courts and a lake with a paved path around it. The basketball courts can get pretty crowded during the summer, and overall the park remains popular year round.

Muddy Waters2908 S.E. Belmont St. 503-233-1923Your typical Southeast Portland coffee house, Muddy Waters offers free Wi-Fi and often has live music. Because it’s a popular hangout spot for students cracking the books, finding a seat can be difficult depending on the time of day. Even still, Muddy Waters is a great hangout for caffeine addicts, and cheap, too. Bring your own mug and pay just a buck for house coffee.

Original Hotcake and Steak House1002 S.E. Powell Blvd. 503-236-7402One of the best late-night food options when wandering the east side looking for some grease to soak up the alcohol you’ve just consumed, the venerable Original Hotcake House rarely disappoints. The food isn’t gourmet, but you get huge plates that must weigh upwards of five pounds. Plus, there’s a jukebox and random weirdos to ogle.

Screen Door2337 E. Burnside St.503-542-0880A beautiful dining room and awesomely simple Southern cuisine made with local, organic ingredients define this Burnside treasure. Especially good are the hushpuppies, fried chicken and wicked weekend brunch. Not expensive. Not pretentious. Just damn good food.

The essentials

Foodstuffs:

Fred Meyer3805 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. 503-872-3300

New Seasons Market1954 S.E. Division St.503-455-2888

People’s Food Co-op3029 S.E. 21st Ave.503-232-9051

Safeway2800 S.E. Hawthorne St.503-232-5539

Trader Joe’s4715 S.E. 39th Ave.503-777-1601

Zupan’s3301 S.E. Belmont St.503-239-3720

Bus lines and MAX to PSU:Several bus lines serve Southeast Portland. The 15 line serves Belmont Street, while the 14 line serves Hawthorne. Take the 9 from Powell, the 4 to Division, the 9 to Clinton and the 9, 17 or 76 to get to Sellwood.

Travel times vary, but always leave extra time because several of those lines, including the 9 and 15, are notoriously late. Getting to campus from around 30th and Belmont usually takes 25 to 30 minutes. Expect a similar commute along the other lines.

For more info on public transit lines visit trimet.org or check out the transit guide in this issue of the Vanguard.