The Meadow Neighborhood Guide
The Meadow - 3731 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR
A Quirky Boulevard with a Past (and a Very Unusual Name)
Once upon a time, this tree-lined stretch of Southeast Portland was called "Asylum Avenue"—named after Oregon's first mental hospital, which opened here in 1862. (Nothing says "come visit!" quite like naming a street after an asylum, right?) When the hospital relocated to Salem in 1883, locals decided the name was, well, distasteful, and renamed it Hawthorne Avenue in 1888 after the hospital's co-founder, J.C. Hawthorne. Though some old-timers swear the name actually came from the bend in the street where hot dog joints clustered—"Hawt (Dog) Horn(e)"—but that's probably just Portland nostalgia talking.
Fast-forward through the streetcar era of the early 1900s, and Hawthorne Boulevard became one of Portland's original commercial strips. The iconic Bagdad Theater opened its doors in 1927 with its Moorish-revival marquee that still lights up the night. Through the decades, Hawthorne weathered economic ups and downs, serving as a working-class commercial street with diners, five-and-dimes, and yes, plenty of hot dog stands. But by the 1990s, something magical happened: artists, writers, vintage collectors, and independent shop owners discovered this quirky corridor and turned it into the bohemian paradise it is today.
What makes Hawthorne different? While other neighborhoods went corporate or hyper-polished, Hawthorne stayed weird, scrappy, and unapologetically itself. This is where Powell's Books planted its second location, where you can find a 13,000-square-foot vintage clothing collective, and where the world's largest terrarium store exists (yes, really). Sure, the old-school hot dog joints have mostly vanished (RIP Don's Dogs, Houdini's Hots, and Great Dane's Meat Depot), but survivors like Nick's Famous Coney Island still hold it down for blue-collar nostalgia amid the vintage boutiques and artisan coffee shops.
The neighborhood draws Gen X slackers, hippie holdovers, hipsters, families, and anyone who appreciates a good used bookstore next to a comic shop next to a theater showing cult classics. It's Portland's beating bohemian heart, where "Keep Portland Weird" isn't just a bumper sticker—it's a way of life.
Independent Retail Treasures Near The Meadow
Powell's Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd) The legendary Portland bookstore's second location is more intimate than the downtown City of Books but just as enchanting. Get lost in aisles of new and used titles, from obscure philosophy to graphic novels. Perfect for rainy afternoon browsing.
Tender Loving Empire (3541 SE Hawthorne Blvd) Part record label, part gift shop, all Portland. This indie wonderland sells locally made art, albums from Portland musicians, screen-printed tees, greeting cards with attitude, and trinkets you never knew you needed. If it's made in Portland and makes you smile, it's probably here.
House of Vintage (3315 SE Hawthorne Blvd) A collective of over 60 independent vintage dealers sharing 13,000 glorious square feet. Whether you're hunting for a 1950s housedress, mid-century furniture, or vinyl records, this treasure trove delivers. Prepare to lose track of time.
2nd Street (3735 SE Hawthorne Blvd) This Japanese import brings high-quality secondhand designer fashion to Hawthorne. Hunt for Supreme, Comme des Garçons, Vivienne Westwood, or classic Levi's alongside unique vintage finds shipped directly from Japan.
Roosevelt's Terrariums (3347 SE Hawthorne Blvd) The world's largest terrarium store! Seriously. They sell terrariums in laboratory glass, hand-blown vessels, and even setups with poison dart frogs. Take a workshop and craft your own miniature ecosystem. It's living art in a jar.
Presents of Mind (3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd) Since 1989, this gift shop has been the antidote to big-box boring. Find clever cards, locally made goods, quirky home décor, and gifts that say "I actually thought about you" rather than "I panic-bought this at the airport."
Crossroads Trading Co. (3556 SE Hawthorne Blvd) The fashionista's recycling center. Buy, sell, or trade contemporary fashion at this trendy consignment spot. Sustainable shopping without sacrificing style.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry!
Apizza Scholls (4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd) Portland's pizza holy grail. These massive 18-inch New Haven-style pies have crunchy, charred crusts and inventive toppings (try the Diablo Blanco with jalapeños and pumpkin seed pesto). Lines form before the 5pm opening, and they sell out most nights. Worth every minute of wait time.
Bagdad Theater & Pub (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd) A McMenamins masterpiece. Watch second-run movies while noshing on pizza and sipping craft beer in this 1927 architectural gem. After the show, wander to the Backstage Bar behind the screen for pool and more brews.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Various locations nearby) Portland's legendary coffee roaster. Grab a perfectly pulled espresso or a smooth cold brew and feel the caffeine coursing through your veins like liquid inspiration.
