One of the most diverse areas in the metro area, Cully is also the largest neighborhood in Northeast Portland. It was built on the site of a longstanding Chinook village, Neerchokikoo, but named after an early English settler — a stonemason named Thomas Cully.
Where
to Eat/Drink
Cully Central is a beer garden and restaurant that serves flavorful Laotian street food. Its lovely outdoor space is heated and has a communal vibe. Try the crispy rice salad or the Khao Poon (chicken curry-based Lao Noodle Soup).
Bison Coffeehouse is Portland’s only Native-owned coffeehouse. Frequently hosting community events, they serve coffee beverages from single-source, Native, and local roasters. Their secret weapon is their tasty house-made baked goods.
Where to Shop
For lovers of flora and foliage, visit what I unofficially call The Cully Garden Corner, all conveniently located next to each other. The Cully Farm Store has everything you need to create your own urban farm or a small garden — from beekeeping supplies to plant starters and fertilizers to garden tool repair.
Also check out Portland Bloem, which specializes in outdoor greenery and accessories, or The Potted Elephant, which covers your indoor spaces.
Portland Bloem is just one of the shops on The Cully Garden Corner. (Claudia Meza / City Cast Portland)
Where to Go
Cully was known for being an agricultural area back in the day, but ironically, it’s now one of Portland’s most public-green-space-deprived neighborhoods. Cully still has great parks, though. Kʰunamokwst Park, named after the Chinook word meaning ”together,” offers fully accessible play areas, newer playground equipment, covered picnic tables, a skatepark, and splash pads.
What’s your favorite neighborhood, besides your own?
