Savor sandwiches, wine, fine art and more on your next stroll through this vibrant area
Portlanders are emerging from their winter hibernation and ready to explore their favorite neighborhoods. With a rich cultural history and more than 150 businesses in the area, there are few places as fun and dynamic as the Williams District in North Portland. From innovative sandwich shops to world-renowned restaurants and art galleries, the area is lively any day of the week.
Here are a few spots to savor on your next stroll:
Lottie and Zula’s
Life is too short to eat mediocre sandwiches. Good thing there’s Lottie and Zula’s.
The brainchild of owner Fletcher Halyburton and his sister Sarah Peterson, the sandwich shop attracts a large breakfast and lunchtime crowd with their hearty subs, homemade giardiniera, vibrant wall art and pulsating music.
Named for two of his aunts, Halyburton opened the shop back in October 2020, when the world was still deeply locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We operated like a food truck almost with online orders and takeout,” he said. “We got used to listening to the music as loud as we wanted and we operated in this bubble where friends would come in and stick stuff up on the walls.”
He says when COVID restrictions lifted and the dining room opened, he was surprised by how many people came in, sat down and vibed with their decor and distinctively loud music.
“It’s sensory overload for sure,” Halyburton said. “It didn't really ever dawn on me that people were going to hang around other than just to wait on their sandwiches.”
Popular sandwiches include the Bob, a breakfast sandwich with eggs, sausage. swiss cheese, onion and their breakfast sauce; the Jeff, which involves house deli chicken, melted swiss, bacon, cranberry sauce and more on toasted sourdough; and the Ricky, an Italian grinder topped with mortadella, soppressata and finocchiona salamis, provolone and homemade giardinera.
Looking for a unique angle on a classic? The Charlie is the shop’s smoked beet melt, which comes with smoked beets, cabbage, chive cream cheese, melted swiss and a spicy maple dijon.
Customers can also enjoy a variety of salads, side dishes, desserts and lattes.
Halyburton credits his small-but-mighty staff for keeping the shop running smoothly and says everyone is always making adjustments and throwing around creative ideas.
“I think in all the sandwiches, it's about the balance of everything,” Halyburton said. “You've spent all this time making all these good ingredients — now you have to put them together in a logical way with the first bite, the middle bite and the end bites as reasonably close to each other as possible.”
Address: 120 N.E. Russell St. Website: lottieandzulas.com Instagram: @lottieandzulas Don’t Miss: Try one of their unique espresso drinks, made with in-house cold brew concentrate and steamed with toasted milk.
WORKSHOP VINTAGE
Woodshop Vintage is a truly magical space. Part boutique, part community space, the shop will quickly become one of your favorite spots for gifts (or a little treat for yourself).
Address: 4011 North Williams Ave. Website: linktr.ee/Workshopvintage Instagram: @workshop_vintage
INHERENT VINE
Expand your mind (and wine knowledge) at Inherent Vine, a natural wine shop on North Williams. Not only do they offer a variety of budget-conscious options, they’ve also created helpful guides and suggestions to make customers’ wine-browsing experience less intimidating and more fun.
Address: 4067 North Williams Ave. Website: inherentvine.com Instagram: @inherentvine
MIGRATION BREWING
The Williams location of Migration Brewing boosts an especially huge patio — making it the perfect spot to enjoy a pint outside on one of those rare, but greatly celebrated Portland spring days. Plus, kids always eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entree.
Address: 3947 N. Williams Ave. Website: migrationbrewing.com Instagram: @migrationbrewing
EEM
There’s a reason why Eem gets everyone talking — it’s incredibly delicious. The innovative Thai barbecue restaurant is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Not interested in braving the occasional long line? Take out is always an option.
Address: 3808 N. Williams Ave. Website: eempdx.com Instagram: @eempdx
LUA VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT & BAR
For a mix of traditional and new school Vietnamese dishes, head into Lua. From hearty bowls of pho to a variety of Vietnamese iced coffees, the extensive menu always delivers.
Address:3971 N. Williams Ave. Suite 103 Website: lua-restaurant.com Instagram: @luapdx
CATHERINE FRESHLEY FINE ART
Add a splash of color to your life with a visit to Catherine Freshley Fine Art. Gallery owner and artist Catherine Freshley is a Portland native who loves sharing her bold, vibrant Pacific Northwest-inspired pieces with the public.
Address: 4085 N. Williams Ave. Website: catherinefreshleyart.com Instagram: @catherinefreshley
DIY BAR
Feeling artsy? This unique craft workshop meets bar that is perfect for date nights, work events, family outings, and more. Events this month include a DIY broom workshop on April 12 and a painted pet portrait workshop on April 16. Reservations required for both.
Address: 3522 N. Vancouver Ave. Website: diybar.co Instagram: @diybar
ORA ET LABORA WINE SHOP
Looking to try some original natural wines from around the world? Come in for a tasting. Hoping to expand your wine knowledge further? Their ‘Wine for Newbies’ class on April 8 is perfect for inspiring connoisseurs who are interested in learning the basics in a judgment-free zone. Sign up through their website.
Address: 3928 N. Williams Ave. Website: oraetlabora.wine Instagram: @oelwineshop
