For 66 years, the Lloyd Center was a place where Portlanders made memories, went shopping and ice skating, and even put in the miles mall walking. Its recent closure leaves an undeniable hole in the neighborhood, but to quote Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, “Life finds a way.” Several businesses, including a pickleball facility and an outdoors school outpost, will remain open beyond the planned demolition. A massive music venue is already rising from the Nordstrom dust.
What will the Lloyd District's next chapter hold? Well, you can count on at least a few heroes.
Don’t be afraid to get your geek on. (Courtesy of Ben J. Ammon / Rose City Comic Con)
Why You Should Visit This Week: Rose City Comic Con
And likely a few villains, too, when Rose City Comic Con comes to town, Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Oregon Convention Center. This family-friendly celebration of fandom has something for everybody, whether the Force is strong with you or romance novels make you swoon.
There’ll be an artist alley, cosplay competitions, panels, and celebrity meet-and-greets — headlined by Anthony Starr and Chace Crawford, who played Homelander and The Deep on “The Boys.”
Even if you’re not attending the event, the epic costumes and palpable excitement you’ll find out and about is worth a visit to the neighborhood.
Food & Drink: Detour Dining
You’ll find plenty of hotels, office buildings, fast food, and dive bars in the Lloyd District, but if you’re looking for food and drinks worth your while, it’s slim pickings. Close to the Moda Center, ForeLand Beer is a trendy spot for a pre-game pint (in the morning, you can grab a latte from Salsman Coffee Roasters, which shares the space). Frank's Noodle House is a must-try for its Chinese hand-pulled noodles — Guy Fieri was certainly a fan when he stopped by for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” LoRell's Chicken Shack recently relocated and is once again serving up its delicious Chicago-style fried chicken.
But if you stray a bit into nearby neighborhoods, such as Sullivan’s Gulch and Irvington, the options open up.
- 🥪 “Big flavor. No fuss.” is the tagline at Taste Tickler, and its sandwiches back that up.
- ⛪ Sudsy pours, Tuesday trivia, and stunning stained-glass windows; enjoy it all inside a renovated church at Steeplejack Brewing.
- 🍕 Lilla leads the Portland vegan scene with plant-based pasta and pizza.
- 🍷 Small delights like olives, grilled beets, and a sherry-confit short rib pair wonderfully with the wine list at Heavenly Creatures, a James Beard semifinalist the last two years.
- 🍹 Hale Pele is an unforgettable tiki experience, from the bartender’s fiery flourishes to the smoke machine and rumbling volcano sound effects.
- 🍣 An impressive udon selection is the perfect sidekick to the sashimi and rolls at Bluefin Tuna & Sushi. Want to try it all? Prix fixe courses are also available.
Shopping: Take a Walk on the Weird Side
You know those stores you come across that are so random, you can’t help but take a look inside? There are quite a few of those in the Lloyd District.
Judging by its cover, there’s nothing overtly strange about Broadway Books, but you’ll discover plenty of outlandish tales on its shelves and the independent shop hosts fascinating author talks. Wigland offers more than 40 years of expertise in helping people find the right piece for their needs, from medical wigs to costume accessories. Curiosities from around the world are the calling card of Traveling Man Treasures. And at Elmer’s Flag and Banner, there are plenty of colors to wave in the breeze ( including kites).
Did we miss something in the Lloyd District? Send us a line to share your recs.
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