Lloyd District - Portland, OR Area Guide

Ralph B. Lloyd established and gave his name to the Lloyd District in the early 1900s. However, this area didn't begin to resemble its modern incarnation until after Lloyd’s death in 1953. During the 1950s, master planning and urban development came to the Lloyd Center and the surrounding area. In the 1980s, the commercial area to the north and the west of the Lloyd Center expanded to include office buildings, medical facilities, hotels and recreational facilities.

The nearby Portland Craft Museum draws art aficionados from all over the Portland area with its focus on crafts as an art form. Several annual festivals take place in the Lloyd District. Adding to the neighborhood's arts scene, the Theater of the Clouds hosts theatrical performances.

The Lloyd District serves as a hub for a diverse selection of restaurants, steakhouses and cafes. Aside from popular fast-food options and chain restaurants, many unique coffee shops and eateries fill the area.

JCafe serves large portions of comforting food in an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere. Locals recommend the Tillamook sandwich for lunch, or try the Oswego Roma panini, which combines finely cut prosciutto, specialty pesto, melted cheese and grilled bread. You'll appreciate the reasonably priced menu, friendly staff and casual vibe.

Locals head to Bellagios Pizza when they want to grab a pizza and a pitcher. Try the Mother Earth pizza, which starts with a creamy garlic base and is topped with mozzarella, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, garlic and artichokes.

Who wouldn't want to eat at a place called Prime Rib & Chocolate Cake? This restaurant offers far more than the name suggests and creates such a gourmet, upscale vibe that you're likely to be surprised at the reasonable prices. For a tasty appetizer, try the loaded potato rolls or fried bacon with Sriracha mayo. This restaurant is great for a family night out or a dinner date.

The socially charged, active nightlife in the Lloyd District centers on its sports bars, lounges and pubs. Head to Spirit of 77 to watch Trailblazer games, grab a beer after work or enjoy the bar's recreational games. When you're in the mood for a casual cocktail, head over to Swift Lounge on NE Broadway. This local favorite serves drinks in old-school Mason jars and features a vast food menu with popular items such as fondu fries and meatloaf sliders.

The Lloyd District has above average transit options that help residents or guests reach most destinations in less than 30 minutes. Streets are bike-friendly, with multiple bike lanes, and many Portland residents consider the area a biker’s paradise. In addition, the neighborhood has a reputation as one of the most walkable areas in Portland, with most destinations easily reachable on foot.

MAX light rail and ample bus service provide public transportation throughout the Lloyd District. Multiple bus lines run through downtown, including the Blue, Red, Yellow and Green Lines. The light rail system connects riders to every location in the Lloyd District as well as the surrounding neighborhoods and the nearby airport.

Residents that own a car have easy access to Interstate 5, Interstate 84, State Highway 99E and State Highway 30. If you don't have a car, sign up for Zipcar, a service that lets you rent cars by the hour. Local taxis operate regularly, and you can reach car-sharing services such as Uber and RelayRides with ease.

Established in 1870, Holladay Park's four acres contain a beautiful fountain, paved paths, picnic tables and public art. This park teems with community and arts events that engage and entertain residents all year round, as well as helping locals stay active with swimming and sports programs. This family-friendly park also provides programs for seniors, and neighbors come here to walk their dogs as well. Annual events include the Holladay Park Harvest Festival.

The cost of living Lloyd District runs higher than most surrounding neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. A one-bedroom apartment averages between $1,050 and $1,320.

The standard fare on a MAX light rail train or bus costs $2.50 for an adult and while gas runs slightly more than 1 percent above the national average. At a local pub or tavern, you can expect to pay $3.50 for a pint of domestic beer.

When shopping in the Lloyd District, you can choose from well-known stores such as Macy's or Marshall's at the massive Lloyd Center Mall, which features more than 150 stores and services. When searching for a special gift, though, locals head to the popular boutiques and specialty shops sprinkled throughout the area.

Made in Oregon carries unique Oregon-centric items, including a tantalizing selection of jams, chocolates, beers and wine as well as Oregon-inspired clothing items. Another popular specialty store, Portland Smash sells sports apparel and accessories to local sports enthusiasts.

Carefully selected merchandise with a bias for items made in the Portland area may be found at Rock & Rose, an award-winning, locally owned lower east end lifestyle boutique full of both new and vintage clothing & boots, jewelry, home decor and much more. Set dressers come here to find props for TV and movies as well as wardrobe items for music videos and advertising campaigns.

Most residents shop at Whole Foods and Safeway when they need groceries and home essentials. For farm-fresh produce, meats and locally-prepared foods, the Lloyd District has a farmers market every Tuesday on Holladay Street.