Mississippi Avenue
Overview
Mississippi Avenue is a dynamic corridor in North Portland that blends historic charm with contemporary energy. Lined with restored early 20th-century storefronts, it's home to an eclectic mix of artisan shops, craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and music venues. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and a laid-back, authentic vibe that feels less polished than the Pearl but more refined than it was a decade ago.
History
Mississippi Avenue was originally part of the city of Albina, a working-class industrial town that Portland annexed in 1891. The avenue became the commercial spine of the surrounding residential neighborhoods, with streetcars connecting workers to the nearby shipyards and rail yards. After decades of redlining and disinvestment that began in the mid-20th century, Mississippi Avenue fell into a long period of decline. In the early 2000s, artists and entrepreneurs began revitalizing the corridor, opening galleries, brewpubs, and restaurants in the historic brick storefronts. The transformation has been remarkable — today Mississippi is one of Portland's trendiest streets while retaining a genuine sense of neighborhood character.
Highlights
- Mississippi Studios — intimate live music venue with outstanding acoustics
- Reel M Inn — legendary fried chicken and dive bar atmosphere since 1964
- Interstate Flea Market — monthly vintage and artisan market
- Fresh direct-from-farm produce at the King Farmers Market
- Eclectic retail and artisan workshops along the avenue
- Award-winning restaurants spanning ramen to barbecue to vegan
Top Attractions
- Mississippi Studios — An intimate, acoustically-tuned venue hosting top indie acts in a converted church.
- Reel M Inn — A Portland institution for 50+ years, famous for its Jo-Jo fried chicken and uncut dive bar charm.
- Interstate Flea — A monthly flea market featuring vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles, and artisan goods.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 McCoy Park
An 8-acre park with sports fields, a playground, and community garden plots.
🌲 Peninsula Park and Rose Garden
A historic 17-acre park with Portland's oldest rose garden, a fountain plaza, and recreation center.
🌲 Alberta Park
A 12-acre park just north with sports fields, a playground, and community events.
🌲 Dawson Park
A 4-acre park with basketball courts, a playground, and a popular gathering space.
🌲 North Mississippi Park
A small pocket park at the north end of the commercial strip with seating and greenery.
Things to Do
✦ 🎵 Live Music at Mississippi Studios
Catch an intimate show in this converted church — one of Portland's best sounding rooms.
✦ 🍗 Fried Chicken at Reel M Inn
A Portland rite of passage — legendary Jo-Jo's and fried chicken in a no-frills dive bar.
✦ 🛍️ Interstate Flea Market
Held the second weekend of each month at the Mississippi Marketplace pod.
✦ 🍺 Brewery Crawl
Mississippi is home to StormBreaker Brewing, Threshold Brewing, and several taprooms.
✦ 🧑🌾 King Farmers Market
A year-round farmers market with local produce, prepared foods, and artisan crafts.
✦ 🚲 Bike the Mississippi Corridor
The neighborhood is well-connected by bike lanes and close to the Columbia Slough trail.
Food Carts & Dining
Mississippi Marketplace food cart pod at Mississippi & Skidmore, plus the Barley Pod
Eat & Drink in This Neighborhood
- Prost! Marketplace — food-cart-pod