Just north of the bustling Alberta Arts District lies the more laid-back Woodlawn neighborhood. But don’t let its relaxed vibes fool you. The community has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene you’ll definitely want to check out.
Campana
Flour and water. Two simple ingredients but when mixed together just right, they create magic.
And magic is exactly what you’ll find at Campana, a neighborhood spot known for its mouthwatering handmade pasta.
The restaurant started as a popular pop-up pasta night at the former Grand Army Tavern, which led co-owners George Kaden and Annalisa Maceda to pivot to pasta full-time, opening Campana — which means ‘bell’ in Italian — in 2018.
It has since gone on to win acclaim from critics and locals alike for its inviting atmosphere, friendly staff and innovative, evolving menu.
“There's a lot of good Italian food in the city and we've had a bit of a renaissance,” said business partner Tim Crabtree.
Plus, he admits, it’s hard to say no to delicious pasta. He describes Campana’s style as a “mishmash” of various Italian styles, drawing inspiration from Kaden’s East Coast roots alongside major regions of Italy like Tuscany and Sicily.
Restaurant staples include cavatelli with pork ragu with sofrito and whipped ricotta and meatballs.
“It seems like everyone really talks about the meatballs,” says Crabtree. “That’s a lot of people’s go-to. It’s a classic.”
He says the team is also very proud of the made-to-order risotto that changes seasonally and roasted chicken scarpariello, which is a popular dish back east.
Says Crabtree: “We brine and roast a half Mary’s chicken and serve it as an entrée with Marsala jus, pan-fried shallots, pickled peppers, and house-made sausage. Back east, you’ll often see that combination served over crusty bread or pasta, but it’s delicious just on its own.”
He says the Woodlawn community has really embraced the space with families come back again and again.
“Our regulars are amazing,” he says. “One of the things I love about Portland is the neighborhood vibes that you get.
“We have that over in Woodlawn and our regulars keep coming in and they've been coming in for years now.”
Address: 901 NE Oneonta St. Website: campanapdx.com Instagram: @campanapdx Don’t miss: Enjoy discounted prices on signature pastas (like Rigatoni Arrabbiata and Cacio e Pepe) all night at the bar and during the first hour in the main dining room.
More neighborhood faves:
Tough Luck and Lil’ Barbecue
Come in for one of their signature stiff drinks (I’m looking at you, Solid Gold Oldie) and stay and enjoy a meal from Lil’ Barbecue, the sister restaurant of La Barbecue. Enjoy $12 chopped brisket sandwiches, $6 shots and $8 cocktails during late night happy hour which starts at 9 pm until last call.
Address: 1771 NE Dekum St. Website: toughluckbar.com Instagram: @toughluck
Breakside Brewery
The OG location of the popular brewery opened in Woodlawn 16 years ago and has expanded to eight locations throughout Oregon in the years since. Enjoy your award-winning pint on their patio while eating a meal from Farmer and the Beast, whose menu includes elevated takes on pub fare favorites.
Address: 820 NE Dekum St. Website: breakside.com Instagram: @breakside
Good Neighbor Pizzeria
This family-friendly pizzeria makes pizza, calzones and sandwiches all from scratch. Get take-out or enjoy your pie in the warm Portland sun on their patio.
Address: 800 NE Dekum St. Website: goodneighborpizzeria.com Instagram: @goodneighborpizzeria
— By Maggie Grainger, Star News contributor
