Located in the northern part of downtown Portland, the Pearl District has changed significantly over the past few decades, starting in the late 1980s. What used to be an area full of factories, trains, and warehouses is now a lively neighborhood with art galleries, cool shops, and trendy restaurants. The Pearl is a place where old brick buildings meet modern design, making it one of the most interesting spots in the city.
In the early 20th century, the Pearl District was all about industry. However, according to Pearl District Portfolio, as factories shut down in the 1980s, people began to see potential in the old buildings. Instead of tearing them down, Portlanders turned the buildings into stylish apartments, coffee shops, and stores, keeping the history alive while giving the neighborhood a fresh feel.
We checked out some of the places that make the Pearl District unique.
Ms. Oz located on NW Johnson St. was one of our stops, a cozy spot known for its $8.00 waffled croissants (waffles made from the flaky puff pastry as a croissant) and $5.75 single scoop ice cream. The staff was super friendly and the vibe was relaxing and inviting, but the food didn’t quite live up to the hype as it felt like nothing was differentiating it from others—especially for the price.
On the other hand, HOTLIPS Pizza delivered the taste. HOTLIPS is set in the Natural Capital Center, a building combining its industrial warehouse roots with nature whose mission is community development. This local favorite makes pizzas with fresh ingredients that taste as good as they look. We ordered a 10-inch pepperoni pie for $16.25 and rated it a 9/10 because of the crispy pepperoni slices. The mix of old architecture and modern design gives it an authentic, laid-back feel.
Jamison Square is a popular square in the Pearl. The fountains and open space make it a great place for families, especially in the summer. Jameson Square also features Tikitotmoniki Totems, which are inspired by PNW culture according to the public art archive.
Another highlight was Caffe Umbria, a modern coffee shop that keeps the industrial feel of the district while serving up delicious drinks and pastries. Drinks can range from $3.25 for a single espresso to $6.25 for a Nocciola Freddo. The staff was super welcoming, and the variety of options made it a great place to grab a coffee and chill.
The Pearl District is a perfect example of how a city can reinvent itself. It’s a mix of history and modern creativity, with something new to discover around every corner. Whether you’re into food, coffee, art or just looking to walk around, this neighborhood shows how Portland keeps evolving while staying true to its industrial heritage.