Boise
Overview
Boise is a historic North Portland neighborhood that encompasses the vibrant Mississippi Avenue commercial corridor. Named for Oregon Supreme Court Justice Reuben P. Boise, the neighborhood is a blend of historic Craftsman homes, modern development, and one of Portland's most beloved main streets. Mississippi Avenue is packed with independent restaurants, bars, music venues, and shops — all within a walkable, bikeable, and transit-connected neighborhood.
History
Boise was named for Reuben P. Boise, an Oregon Supreme Court justice who owned land in the area. The neighborhood developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a streetcar suburb, with the Mississippi Avenue streetcar line connecting residents to downtown. For much of the 20th century, the neighborhood was a predominantly African American working-class community, part of the larger Albina district. In the 1990s and 2000s, Mississippi Avenue underwent a dramatic transformation as artists, chefs, and small business owners moved into its historic storefronts. Today, Mississippi Avenue is one of Portland's most celebrated main streets — a dense, walkable corridor with a nationally recognized restaurant and music scene.
Highlights
- Mississippi Avenue — one of Portland's best dining and entertainment strips
- Historic Craftsman and Victorian homes on tree-lined streets
- Mississippi Studios — a beloved live music venue and recording studio
- Boise is one of Portland's most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods
- Reuben P. Boise's historic farmhouse still stands as a neighborhood landmark
- Close to the Willamette River, Overlook Park, and Interstate MAX station
Top Attractions
- Mississippi Avenue — Portland's most celebrated main street, with acclaimed restaurants, bars, music venues, and shops.
- Mississippi Studios — A beloved live music venue, bar, and recording studio on Mississippi Avenue.
- Reuben P. Boise Farmhouse — The historic 1855 farmhouse of the neighborhood's namesake, one of Portland's oldest surviving buildings.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Mississippi Park
A 3-acre park with a playground, basketball court, and community garden.
🌲 Patton Square Park
A 2-acre neighborhood park with a playground and grassy open space.
🌲 Overlook Park
A 12-acre bluff-top park with panoramic views of downtown, a 10-minute walk west.
🌲 Willamette Cove Natural Area
A 15-acre natural area along the Willamette River with trails.
Things to Do
✦ 🍽️ Mississippi Avenue Crawl
Walk Mississippi and hit the best restaurants — from soul food to ramen to James Beard-awarded dining.
✦ 🎵 Mississippi Studios
Catch a show at this intimate venue — one of Portland's best places to hear live music.
✦ ☕ Coffee at Either/Or
Grab a pour-over at the Mississippi location of Either/Or Coffee.
✦ 🛍️ Mississippi Shopping
Mississippi has excellent vintage shops, bookstores, and boutiques.
✦ 🌳 Overlook Park
Walk west for panoramic views of downtown and the Fremont Bridge.
✦ 🍺 Beer on Mississippi
Grab a pint at StormBreaker Brewing or Baerlic Taproom.
Food Carts & Dining
Mississippi Food Cart Pod, plus dozens of carts along Mississippi Avenue