Neighbors rally to beautify parkway, support new businesses
The Roseway neighborhood has seen its fair share of changes throughout the years, but it is currently experiencing a renaissance as residents and visitors discover everything it has to offer.
The Roseway Neighborhood Association has been a driving force behind this shift, working to elevate the area’s profile, beautify its streets and attract new businesses. One of their most impactful projects has been the Roseway Parkway, a car-free community gathering space spanning from Northeast 72nd Ave. to Northeast Mason St.. What was once just a thoroughfare is now a flourishing, pedestrian-only retreat maintained entirely by local volunteers.
Chris Hansen, the neighborhood association president, says the can-do spirit displayed by the parkway project is typical of Roseway residents.
“Roseway neighbors are very welcoming, open people. It’s much more, ‘Yes, what can we do to raise everyone and make the neighborhood better?’ Even if that means doing something in our neighborhood that we’re a little unsure or uneasy about, let’s work through that unease instead of saying no,” he said.
Catherine Clark, a fellow neighborhood advocate and neighborhood association board member, says she’s drawn to the area for its walkability.
“It’s no problem to get around. If you can’t drive, you can still get to Safeway or the pharmacy or get to Sandy to catch the bus anywhere,” she said.
In coming years, the leaders say they have plans to gain arboretum status for the Parkway, build a shade structure and add street signs.
As those efforts continue, here are several businesses — both historic and new — you should check out the next time you’re in the area.
Field Day
Books and beverages, anyone?
Booklovers will have – you guessed it – a field day browsing the beautifully curated selection at Portland’s only book and bottle shop.
The store opened in 2025 after co-owners Kitty McLeod-Martinez and Alec Ballweg saw a need for a bookstore in the area.
“We’re both big fans of hanging out with a book and a beverage — although I’m more of a beer guy while Kitty’s more likely to be found with a glass of wine,” Ballweg said. “We were confident from the beginning that we wanted to be a community space just as much, if not more, than a bookstore, so we spent a lot of time brainstorming how to create the kind of space where folks would feel welcome to stay awhile.
“Books and beverages really felt like a great way to do that.”
Adds McLeod-Martinez: “Field Day’s new and used book selection has two major focuses: spotlighting queer and neurodiverse voices, and encouraging readers to be present in the moment. Community engagement is immensely important to us, and being able to facilitate that through what we stock is a joy.”
One event that has really taken off is their Backstory Book Club, a unique spin on the classic book club. There is no required reading list and members are free to share anything they loved or loathed with the group.
In addition to providing book recommendations, Ballweg and McLeod-Martinez can also pair the perfect beverage with your reading mood.
Ready to curl up with the latest romantasy novel? McLeod-Martinez recommends RAM Cellars’ Orange Fraîche.
“It’s light but it’s got body, and it’s funky but not overpowering, and it pairs really well with sweet-and-savory finger food – who doesn’t want a jammy baked brie when they’re reading something smutty?” she said.
Ready to take action? Ballway says you can’t go wrong with a probiotic soda or a hop water — a highly underrated non-alcoholic option.
“The vast majority of our non-fiction books are ones that inspire folks to have an experience: be it taking a hike, exploring their gender, trying a new craft, you name it. I often lean toward something bright and refreshing,” Ballweg explained.
Round out your Roseway adventure at these spots
Player’s Union Games
Oregon’s first worker-owned and operated game store moved to the neighborhood from Hollywood in January. With a focus on Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon and Dungeons and Dragons, the spot is “a nice addition to the street,” says Hansen.
ADDRESS: 7311 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: playersuniongames.com
INSTAGRAM: @playersuniongames
Cameo Cafe
Owner Sue Gee Lehn is almost as iconic as the diner’s famous Korean-American fusion menu. The popular breakfast spot is a true Portland treat, complete with nostalgic decor, homemade hot sauce and an ambiance that can’t be beat.
ADDRESS: 8111 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: cameo-cafe.shop
Denizens Cafe
Stop in for top-notch espresso, filling breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and smiles. Their hearty breakfast bowls like the avocado, egg and cheese wonder that is the Roseway Hash will fuel you for the day.
ADDRESS: 6912 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
INSTAGRAM: @denizenscafe
Dr. Tongue’s I Had That Shoppe
You’ll find yourself shouting, ‘I had that!’ the minute you walk into this collectible toy shop. Take a trip down memory lane as you pursue character collectibles dating back to the 1950s. “It’s a cool little place,” says Hansen.
ADDRESS: 7129 N.E. Fremont St.
WEBSITE: drtonguestoys.net
INSTAGRAM: @drtonguestoys
El Burrito Aztec
Order takeout or come in and enjoy an extensive menu of authentic Mexican dishes and margaritas in-house. “We used them to cater our grand opening party at the plaza and they did a fabulous job,” Clark says.
ADDRESS: 6728 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: elburritoaztecasandyblvd.com
INSTAGRAM: @elburritoaztecasandyblvd
Fairley’s Pharmacy
This independent pharmacy has been serving the community since 1913. In addition to offering compounding and healthcare services, customers also stop in to enjoy a coffee or ice cream milkshake at the classic soda fountain.
ADDRESS: 7206 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: fairleyspharmacy.com
INSTAGRAM: @fairleyspharmacypdx
Makin’ Groceries
This unique restaurant espouses a pay-what-you-can philosophy, meaning everyone can enjoy their tasty Cajun menu – from Jambalaya to Muffulettas and more – no matter their financial situation.
ADDRESS: 7137 N.E. Fremont St.
WEBSITE: landingpaperplanes.org
INSTAGRAM: @landing_paper_planes
Mom and Pop Wine Shop
Come in for a casual wine tasting at Mom and Pop Wine Shop and browse their extensive selection of affordable, quality wines from around the world. Looking for advice? Wine expert and owner Telina Rohrer has you covered.
ADDRESS: 6908 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: momandpopwineshop.com
INSTAGRAM: @mom_and_pop_wine_shop
Nam Phuong Market
One of the longest-lasting Asian markets in Portland, Nam Phuong Market offers a variety of vegetables, meat, seafood and more. “They’re such a great Asian grocery store that I go to all the time,” Hansen says. “They’re great.”
ADDRESS: 6834 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: namphuongmkt.com
INSTAGRAM: @namphuongmkt
Mekha Noodle
Looking for an out-of-this-world-delicious soup? Check out their Mi Quang, made of turmeric noodles served with pork, chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, jicama, sesame crackers and peanuts. It’s perfect for blustery winter nights.
ADDRESS: 6846 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
WEBSITE: mekharestaurants.com
INSTAGRAM: @mekharesturants
Sandy Jug
Originally built in the 1920s, the famous jug-shaped location has been everything from a soda shop to strip club before reopening in 2024 as a neighborhood watering hole with trivia nights. “What could have turned into a building just getting torn down is now a really neat space,” says Hansen.
ADDRESS: 7417 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
INSTAGRAM: @sandyjugtavern
