Getting Around the Brooklyn Neighborhood in SE Portland
Why We Love Portland’s Brooklyn Neighborhood
If you asked a Portlander about the southeast Brooklyn neighborhood ten years ago, you’d likely hear descriptors like “loud,” “divey,” and maybe even “cheap.” Today, those adjectives have shifted to “lively,” “quirky,” and “affordable.” The Brooklyn neighborhood tackles the challenge of remaining affordable while staying desirable, a rarity in Portland’s blossoming real estate scene.
And yet, the Brooklyn neighborhood succeeds at offering its residents all the charm that old Portland has to offer without exacting the expenses and rent of new Portland. According to new Brooklyn residents, you can purchase a 2,300+ square foot home for less $500k — an unheard-of bargain in neighboring Richmond and Ladd's Addition neighborhoods.
Eager to start searching for a home in Portland’s SE Brooklyn neighborhood? Here’s a guide to getting around Brooklyn (fingers crossed its your new PDX hood).
Commuting From Portland’s Brooklyn Neighborhood
Aside from size and cost, one of the highest priorities when searching for a new home is the location. And location can entail things like proximity to schools, grocery stores, and, most importantly, commute time. Fortunately, getting around Brooklyn PDX is a breeze. If you commute downtown for work, the newest Trimet rail, the Orange Line, will pick you up near your Brooklyn pad and drop you in the center of downtown near Pioneer Square.
If you prefer to commute by walking or biking, Brooklyn offers its residents coveted access to the Tilikum Crossing — a cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly bridge that offers easy transportation across the Willamette. With a wide range of transportation options and its proximity to I-5, Brooklyn is the perfect launching point for commuters and those wishing to explore the city.
Winin’ and Dinin’ in Brooklyn
While you won’t see a density of Brooklyn-located restaurants on Eater’s hot maps, don’t let that fool you into thinking that this southeast Portland neighborhood isn’t competitive with the local food and drink scene. In fact, it’s a good thing Brooklyn isn’t over-represented on trending food maps, as you won’t have to wait in long lines with other diners.
As far as food is concerned, Brooklyn has every meal covered. Breakfast? Grab a homestyle breakfast at Sanborn’s. Lunch on the go? Stop by the Upside Down. No, it’s not a Stranger Things bar, but rather a collection of food carts that churns out delicious food at unbeatable prices (you can get 3 tacos for $5 on Taco Tuesdays!). For dinner, visit Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok outpost, Pok Pok Wing, to enjoy the city’s best wings without the two-hour wait you’ll find up the street on Division.
For drinks, there are options to suit just about every possible taste. If you’re searching for a chill spot to enjoy drinks and play games with friends, visit Bushwhacker Cider. If you’re a karaoke fiend and you can’t wait to sing your heart out, the Bear Paw Inn never disappoints. And if you’re looking for somewhere to impress out-of-town guests, visit Teutonic Wine Company, a romantic, industrial wine tavern with German-style wines and tapas.
Where to Find Entertainment in Brooklyn PDX
Unlike many other residential southeast neighborhoods, Brooklyn claims one of the best destinations in Portland for top-notch live music and comedy: the Aladdin Theater. Originally a vaudeville house, today the Aladdin hosts favorite podcasters like Marc Maron and Cheryl Strayed, as well as comedians such as Hannibal Burress and Dave Chappelle, and a range of indie crooners including Iron and Wine and Kevin Morby.
With diverse bookings, it’s easy for Brooklyn residents to find entertainment at The Aladdin. Pro tip: hang around The Lamp or the Original Hotcake House after the show. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the performer you’re still gushing over.
As one of the few remaining alcoves of old Portland, Brooklyn’s affordability won’t last long. Between the easy commute and the steady stream of entertainment options, this is a neighborhood you’ll want to be a part of. So start searching through our Brooklyn listings today!