Sullivan's Gulch - Portland, OR Area Guide

Sullivan's Gulch commemorates Timothy Sullivan, an Irish farmer who claimed the land in 1851 under the Donation Land Act and built his first house on the southern edge of the gulch. The gulch was filled in 1881 when the railroad was built, creating more land and paving the way for the neighborhood that is known today. During the Great Depression, Sullivan's Gulch housed a "Hooverville" shanty town that encompassed 300 homeless men from 1933 to 1941, until it was torn down to construct Portland's first postwar freeway, the Banfield Expressway.

Sullivan's Gulch has not only a rich history but also a thriving arts and culture scene. Locals can enjoy several nearby art galleries, such as Sidestreet or One Grand. Neighboring Imago Theatre delights audiences with original productions, while Oregon Children's Theatre showcases fun plays and musicals for the whole family.

Start your day right with a balanced breakfast at Costello's Travel Caffé on Northeast Broadway. This family-operated café serves European-inspired fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Indulge in sweet scones, traditional Belgian waffles, warm seasonal quiches or strawberry and mascarpone crepes. Sip on hot coffee while listening to international music and admiring the travel-themed decor and scenes from various countries.

Head to Scottish public house Rose and Thistle for a traditional fish and chip dinner and pint of beer. Relax on the spacious patio during the warm weather, and try the pub's famous Scotch Egg, a sausage-wrapped egg deep-fried in a crunchy batter.

Quench your thirst at McMenamins Pub on Broadway. Get a $4 pint of their own McMenamin Ale or a variety of $2 snacks during happy hour. For a lively scene, head a few blocks down to Swift Lounge, which caters to night owls. Open nightly until 2:30 a.m., Swift Lounge has creative 32-ounce mason jar cocktails such as the popular Kentucky Blackbird that consists of Old Crow, peach syrup, peach bitters and mint. Check their schedule to see when bands or DJs will be performing.

Sullivan's Gulch provides its residents with a variety of public transportation options through the TriMet with four bus lines and three light rails servicing the area. A ticket costs $2.50 for two hours and $5 for all day, which includes bus, light rail and streetcar service as well as transfers. Take the MAX light rail at Lloyd Transit Center, and be in downtown Portland in 10 minutes.

Sullivan's Gulch, like most of Portland, is extremely bike-friendly. Commuting by bike proves easy and safe with several bike lanes and modest terrain. Commute by car quickly due to the close proximity to major freeway I-84. Ride-share options such as Zipcar and Getaround are widely available.

Living in Portland exposes you to natural beauty, abundant and lush greenery and vast opportunities to appreciate the outdoors. North of Sullivan's Gulch sits Grant Park, a 20-acre park that has several amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Let your four-legged friend get some exercise in the off-leash dog area, or get some exercise yourself with a walk around the track or game of tennis. Visit the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden for Children, or enjoy a picnic at the park's facilities.

Other nearby parks include Oregon Park, a scenic spot perfect for reading a good book under the shade, and Buckman Field, a large track and soccer field. Travel a mile from Sullivan's Gulch to Laurelhurst Park, one of Portland's most popular and lovely parks. Admire the ducks and wildlife, sit by Firwood Lake or enjoy events like free concerts during the summer. This 26-acre park has volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, a horseshoe pit and an off-leash dog area.

The cost of living in Sullivan's Gulch compares closely to the city average. The typical one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $950.

A TriMet ride to city center costs $2.50, while gas prices come in at 6 percent higher than the national average. You can expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer at local bars.

The Lloyd Center, within walking distance from Sullivan's Gulch, houses over 100 stores including Macy's, Sears, Gap and Barnes and Noble. The center has a rich history dating back to when it opened in 1960 and debuted as the largest mall in the country. Besides vast shopping options, the mall also has several restaurants, two movie theaters and an indoor skating rink. For those who prefer boutique fashion and shopping small, Sweet Jayne is a charming shop on Broadway that carries apparel for women, men and infants and locally sourced jewelry and accessories.

Hobby shops can be easily found in the neighborhood as well. Whether you are a comic book collector or a crocheting connoisseur, Sullivan's Gulch has something for you. Local store Twisted carries an impressive assortment of yarn and knitting essentials and even holds weekly classes and events. Things From Another World on Broadway displays a diverse collection of comic books, action figures, toys and games sure to delight the child and inner child alike.

Stock up on groceries and other essentials at the local Fred Meyer on Northeast Weidler. The one-stop store not only sells groceries and fresh produces; it also has apparel, home and furniture, garden and electronic departments. Other close grocery options within one mile include New Seasons, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway and QFC.