Wilkes East - Portland, OR Area Guide

The name "Gresham" comes from U.S. Postmaster General Walter Quinton Gresham who founded a post office in modern-day downtown Gresham in 1884. The municipality was not established until 1905. During the early 1900s, Gresham was famous for agriculture, berry and grape cultivation, and the abundant trout from Bull Run Creek, popular with fishermen. Hourly trains took passengers to and from Gresham and Portland. The creation of a street car in 1903 prompted a surge of newcomers to the area. The first city hall was built in 1912.

Today, Gresham remains famous for its historic downtown, great farmers market, and agricultural delights, including berries and heirloom tomatoes.

Restaurants in the Wilkes-East neighborhood run the gamut from Chinese teriyaki joints to all-American bar and grills. Most dining options can be found along NE 181st Avenue near the intersection with Halsey Street.

Diners describe Meeka Sushi Japanese Restaurant as a "hidden gem," tucked away from the glitz and glam of downtown Portland yet offering some of the best sushi in the metro area. Sushi buffs marvel over the freshness of the fish and the authentic presentation of sashimi, sushi rolls and sake. Those looking for a taste of something new should sample the dried salmon skin handroll, practically exploding with savory fronds of delectable salmon. Another unique offering, the creamy scallop roll, satisfies the seafood-inclined comes topped with tiny roe, which adds a delightful richness.

Those seeking pub-style comfort food have a refuge in Spud Monkey's Bar and Grill, an outpost for live music, feel-good eats and a fun atmosphere. Light-hearted patrons enjoy the swing-seats available at the bar and Wednesday night karaoke. As the name suggests, Spud Monkey's specializes in all things potato, offering bottomless fries and exclusive one-pound, topped baked potato dishes. Buffalo wing fans should go for the buffalo chicken spud, topped with two seasoned cuts of chicken with bleu cheese sauce and green onion.

Late night entertainment can be found on the weekends at Spud Monkey's, where live music is featured every Friday through Sunday night. Dive-bar fans should check out the Daily Double Inn, housed in an old building with delightfully slanted floors. Drinks come cheap, and karaoke makes for a lively scene.

Commuters appreciate easy access to Interstate 84, Burnside Avenue and Sandy Boulevard, providing multiple quick routes to and from Portland's city center. Those looking to avoid driving or without access to a car can easily board the MAX light rail on Burnside Avenue, which links Wilkes-East with most major suburbs and downtown Portland. Public parking can be found abundantly and without cost. This suburban neighborhood remains great for car access, but walking and biking prove more difficult here, as the area is spread widely. Bicycle infrastructure, such as bike lanes, remains uncommon. Hailing a cab can be difficult in the area, but plenty of local taxi companies are available by telephone. Uber presents another option for rideshares.

There exist several parks either within the neighborhood or close by, providing options for kids, dogs and exercise.

Columbia View Park remains an undeveloped green space of 7.5 acres with abundant trees and field space perfect for dogs, games of Frisbee and other diversions. The park also proves great for nature lovers and bird watching. Kirk Park presents another option for nature viewing and also hosts a soccer field. The twin parks of Pat Pfeifer and North Rockwood contain natural areas and baseball diamonds as well as a fun play structure for kids. Blue Lakes State Park stands as another option, just outside the neighborhood, for a lovely picnic. Dogs are welcome at all the above mentioned parks but must remain on leashes.

The Gresham Art Festival in downtown Gresham hosts dozens of local artists, vendors and performers every summer.

The cost of living in Wilkes-East neighborhood remains slightly higher than the national average but remains less than the city average. Public transit to downtown Portland costs $2.50 for two-hour access to Trimet's buses and light rail system. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence in the area sits at $659. The typical price of a beer at a local pub ranges from $3 to $5 and less for options such as PBR. Gas prices in Wilkes-East are about 11 percent higher than the national average but remain comparable to Portland prices.

Shopping remains somewhat limited in the Wilkes-East neighborhood, but there are a few exceptions. Most shops sit along NE 181st Avenue, Halsey Street and Glisan Street.

For a wide variety of produce, specialty foods and more, check out the amazing Grower's Outlet on NE Glisan Street. For over 35 years, this market has provided fresh Oregon produce and food products from around the globe. In addition to a well-stocked market, Grower's Outlet features an extensive garden center with many organic, heirloom and other plants. Potting soil, compost, gardening tools and concrete statuary are also available. For a great gift idea, try one of Grower's beautifully arranged fruit baskets with custom and house designs.

For household needs and furniture, check out Michael's Fine Furniture. The extensive shop offers a wide selection of sofas, tables, entertainment centers, fireplaces, accessories and much more. Michael's also features a large selection of mattresses and bed frames of all shapes and sizes for a range of budgets. Mattress brands include Tempur-Pedic and Ashley Sleep among others. Financing is available as well as delivery within the Portland metro area.

Grocery options consist of Safeway and nearby Giusto farms, with an abundance of produce options.