Neighborhood:
Slabtown Lots of Portlanders know about the bar Slabtown ((read more),Portland,OR">1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099), famous for its burgers and late-night music scene, but even longtime locals may not be aware of the neighborhood by the same name. Often referred to as “NoLo” (meaning “north of Lovejoy”), here you’ll find older, out-of-the-way apartment complexes next to industrial spaces and an occasional lovely old house. Surprises are sandwiched in just about everywhere. A godsend 24-hour gas station (rare in the land of mandatory full-service) lurks in the shadow of the I-405 overpass, hiding inside the Radio Cab building (1613 NW Kearney St., 227-1212), pumping affordable gas when you need it most. Justa Pasta (1326 NW 19th Ave., 243-2249) will pull you into the neighborhood with its bountiful bowls of Italian goodness, and if you can afford it, Paley’s Place (1204 NW 21st Ave., 243-2403) is one of the city’s most highly praised upscale restaurants. A huge plan is reportedly under way to transform 15 acres of Slabtown parking lots owned by California-based freight company Con-way into a lush, mixed-use wonderland—complete with its own rainwater-fed canal and 15- to 25-story residential towers. Check the area out as-is while you still can. —Deeda Schroeder.
