Montavilla
Overview
Montavilla is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood in Southeast Portland centered on a lively commercial strip along SE Stark Street and 80th Avenue. With its historic theater, acclaimed restaurants, breweries, and independent shops, Montavilla has emerged as one of Portland's most exciting food and drink destinations — while maintaining the unpretentious, community-oriented feel of a working-class neighborhood.
History
Montavilla was platted in 1889 as an independent town, its name a portmanteau of 'Mount' (from nearby Mount Tabor) and 'Villa' (Spanish for village). It was annexed by Portland in 1911. The neighborhood center around 80th Avenue and Stark Street was a thriving commercial district in the streetcar era, anchored by the 1923 Montavilla Theater. After decades of quiet decline in the mid-20th century, Montavilla experienced a dramatic revival in the 2010s, led by chef-run restaurants, craft breweries, and creative businesses moving into the historic storefronts. Today, Stark Street is one of Portland's most exciting dining corridors.
Highlights
- Montavilla's Stark Street dining corridor — one of Portland's best restaurant rows
- Montavilla Theater — a historic 1923 movie theater showing indie and classic films
- Montavilla Farmers Market — a Sunday market at the theater parking lot
- Close to Mount Tabor Park and the Springwater Corridor
- Montavilla is home to several breweries and distilleries
- Excellent vintage shopping on Stark and Glisan
Top Attractions
- Montavilla Theater — A 1923 movie theater showing indie, classic, and second-run films with a full bar.
- Montavilla Farmers Market — A Sunday farmers market in the Montavilla Theater parking lot, May through October.
- Mount Tabor Park — A 190-acre dormant volcano park with hiking trails and panoramic views, a 5-minute walk north.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Mount Tabor Park
A 190-acre dormant volcano park with hiking trails, a reservoir, and 360-degree views of the Cascades.
🌲 Sewallcrest Park
A 4-acre park with a wading pool, playground, and picnic tables.
🌲 Rose City Park
A 6-acre park with a playground, sports fields, and an off-leash dog area.
🌲 Luuwit Viewpoint
A viewpoint on the slope of Mount Tabor with stunning views of Mount Hood.
Things to Do
✦ 🍽️ Stark Street Dining Crawl
Montavilla's Stark Street has an incredible restaurant lineup — try Matador, Fermenter, and The Rambler.
✦ 🎬 Montavilla Theater
Catch a classic or indie film at this 1923 neighborhood theater with a full bar.
✦ 🧑🌾 Montavilla Farmers Market
Shop local produce and artisan goods at the Sunday market at the theater.
✦ 🌳 Mount Tabor Park
Walk 5 minutes to the summit of a dormant volcano for panoramic views of the city and mountains.
✦ 🍺 Brewery Tour
Montavilla is home to several breweries, including Threshold Brewing and Zoiglhaus.
✦ 🛍️ Vintage Shopping
Stark and Glisan have excellent vintage and thrift stores.
Food Carts & Dining
Several food carts on Stark Street and near Mount Tabor