The Hawthorne District offers a different take on Portland life. Hawthorne lies across the Willamette River from downtown and is home to funky shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Of Portland's neighborhoods, Hawthorne is "the bohemian." It reflects an urban niche where alternative is considered mainstream, and tie-dyes aren't a thing of the past. Here a hint of patchouli drifts from stores; a flower vendor brightens the sidewalk scenery; "art car" sightings are commonplace (cars decorated hood to trunk with treasures ranging from high-heeled shoes to bowling trophies); and the trendy set shop in hip used-clothing boutiques. The highlight of Hawthorne Boulevard is the historic Bagdad Theater and Pub, a wonder of Moorish architecture restored to its original glory by Portland's popular brewers, the McMenamin brothers. The Bagdad is one of many McMenamins view-and-brew-style venues, where patrons watch recent flicks (admission is usually $3) while savoring craft beer and pizza.

Nightlife is rich on Hawthorne, especially at the gritty Space Room Lounge and Bar of the Gods. The cozy, sultry Sapphire Hotel offers a host of expertly mixed cocktails (no rooms; just a bar). On any given evening, live music spills from the open doors of Irish pubs, bibliophiles linger at Powell's Books (an annex of the main store in the Pearl District), and sidewalk tables host many a brew enthusiast. Brews, that is, as in beer and coffee. The London Times aptly summed up the scene stating, "Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard on a Friday night is a beguiling mixture of gentrification and radicalism."

For a taste of Hawthorne: Check out popular haunts such as 3 Doors Down and Castanga. Oven-fired pizza and fresh salads are favorites at the BridgePort Ale House, the sleek sister to the Pearl District's BridgePort BrewPub & Bakery. As Hawthorne Boulevard stretches toward the Willamette River, still more gathering places personify the district's style, including the canine-friendly Lucky Labrador Brewpub and the Grateful Dead-inspired décor of the Barley Mill Pub (McMenamins).