Hillside

Parks, Trails & Green Space

Top 5 places to get outside

• Forest Park (Lower Macleay Trailhead) — One of the country’s largest urban forests, Forest Park’s Lower Macleay Trailhead begins right at the edge of Hillside. Known for its accessible hiking and lush greenery, the trail links to miles of paths through old-growth forest.

• Hillside Community Center & Park — A neighborhood gathering spot, this park features play structures, picnic tables, green lawns, and tennis courts, plus a community center with classes and activities.

• Wallace Park — Situated just southeast of Hillside, Wallace Park offers wide open spaces, shade trees, a playground, and lively community events year-round.

• Adams Community Garden — A volunteer-tended P-Patch providing residents gardening opportunities, located on NW 22nd Ave.

• Blyth & Stevens Park — A neighborhood pocket park tucked along NW Westover, providing a small, peaceful green escape.

Coffee Shops

Top 5 places for a coffee

• Dragonfly Coffee House — A cozy spot just down from Forest Park, Dragonfly offers house-roasted beans, light fare, and a local art-lined interior.

• Sterling Coffee Roasters (NW 21st Avenue location) — An intimate café with expertly crafted espresso drinks, Sterling is known for its small-batch roasting and friendly service.

• Cooperativa Café — Italian-inspired market with a coffee counter featuring local roasts and Italian pastries, located at NW 19th & Pettygrove—walkable from lower Hillside.

• St. Honore Boulangerie (NW Thurman) — French café and bakery beloved for its croissants and Stumptown coffee, just over the eastern edge of Hillside.

• Barista (NW 23rd Avenue) — A Portland original with expertly sourced single-origin espresso, Barista’s friendly staff make it one of the standout stops just down the hill.

Restaurants & Food Carts

Top 5 places for a bite to eat

• Ataula — Modern Spanish tapas served in a lively yet intimate space near the bottom of Hilltop, Ataula is known for its small plates and paella.

• Cabezon Restaurant — Offering sustainable seafood and farm-fresh dishes, Cabezon sits just east of Hillside and is praised for its seasonally driven menus.

• Bamboo Sushi (NW 23rd) — This PNW-local chain serves sustainably sourced sushi in a stylish, comfortable setting—just a short walk from most of Hillside.

• The Solo Club — Mediterranean-inspired kitchen with small plates and cocktails in a whimsical space, steps from the NW 21st/NW Thurman intersection.

• Escape from New York Pizza — Longtime local pizza shop dishing up New York-style slices and pies, located on NW 23rd and a mainstay for quick, casual bites.

Bars

Top 5 places for a drink

• The Abbey Bar & Bottle Shop — A cozy neighborhood bar with a deep Belgian beer list and bottle shop, steps from NW Thurman St.

• Cinema 21 Bar — Attached to the historic Cinema 21 theater, this bar offers local brews and cocktails in an old-school moviehouse setting.

• Paymaster Lounge — Unpretentious watering hole famous for its covered patio and classic pinball machines, situated just down the hill on NW 21st.

• The Solo Club — Also known for its cocktail bar, The Solo Club’s eclectic drinks and colorful decor make it a social spot for evening visits.

• North 45 Pub — Irish-leaning neighborhood pub featuring an all-seasons patio, happy hours, and a sociable atmosphere.

Things To Do

Top 5 things worth your time

• Forest Park Hiking — Hillside residents are steps away from endless hikes, including the Lower Macleay and Wildwood Trailheads.

• Hillside Community Center Events — This active hub offers classes from yoga to art, adult workshops, kids’ programming, and neighborhood celebrations.

• NW 23rd Avenue Shopping — Upscale boutiques, independent gift shops, and Portland-born retail lines make NW 23rd a lively, easily walkable stretch.

• Fremont Bridge Viewpoints — From certain hillside blocks and parks, catch panoramic city and bridge views, especially at sunset.

• Artists Repertory Theatre (ART) — A cornerstone of Portland’s performing arts scene, ART offers contemporary plays and original local works in a modern NW space.

Community Resources

Local services & organizations

• Hillside Community Center — Hub for classes, meetings, and public events.

• Hillside Neighborhood Association — Represents neighborhood interests; meets at the community center.

• U.S. Post Office (NW 23rd Ave Station) — Convenient for shipping and mail services, at NW 23rd & Overton.

• Friendly House — A nonprofit community center offering family programs, classes, and support just southeast of Hillside.

• Northwest Examiner — Longstanding local newspaper covering issues and events in NW Portland.

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