Kenton – The Little Neighborhood That Could. And Still Does.

The City of Roses has no shortage of niche neighborhoods that boast everything from upscale swank to the gritty get-down. One of the more notable neighborhoods, Kenton, emerged from the rough and tumble roots of railyard workers and cattle traders into the shiny gem it is today.

Visitors coming in from the city’s northern peninsula are greeted by the iconic 31-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyon, a symbol of the strength and spirit of Kenton’s ancestors.  Built in 1959 and listed as the only roadside architecture in the National Register of Historic Places, Bunyon continues to watch over Kenton’s thriving Commercial District.

Everything you can want is here, locally owned and operated. Ever-evolving but true to its ‘company town’ roots, Kenton delivers a small-town vibe just minutes from the big city.

Just steps away from the MAX Light rail, Mayfly Taproom is the insiders destination for rotating beers, wines, and ciders on tap. As owner, Ryan Born says, “Like Kenton, Mayfly is always evolving. Our motto is ‘Be Good. Have Fun.’ I can describe Kenton in three words: supportive, tight-knit, and passionate. We have a ‘hyper-local’ business trade here where we all buy and support each other. At Mayfly, we host events like Trivia Night, Drag Bingo, Paint and Sip, and even a Trashy Hour that encourages guests to pitch in and clean up the neighborhood in exchange for one of our seasonal cold ones.”

Kenton Station Restaurant is housed in the famous Kenton Hotel and has its own page in haunted history. It’s said that guests report sightings of ‘Abby’ a former hotel tenant and ‘Sam’ an ex-bartender. Enjoy a menu loaded with a creative variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. TRY THE: Paul Bunyon burger, almost as tall as the statue itself!

Formerly known as Disjecta, the Oregon Contemporary Art Center has rebranded and found a permanent home in Kenton on North Interstate. Non-profit and offering the first CiR (Curator in Residence) of its kind, the Oregon Contemporary Art Center has a vibrant year-round schedule presenting visual exhibitions, interactive art, and community events that inspire audiences to create new connections.

No neighborhood vibe is complete without the local grab-and-go store. Kenton residents and their visitors won’t stand for day-old heat-light pizza. Triple Crown Market has classy beverages, bites, and the gear you need for an impromptu visit to Kenton Park. Pick up everything you need from local wines to fresh produce.

Take home a piece of history or a funky object d’art from the best spot to dip into and disappear a while. This thriving buy, sell, consignment shop has an eclectic assortment of old-timey curiosities, someone’s previously cherished china, and that costume jewelry you don’t need but you’ve always wanted.

Portland wouldn’t be the same without a dyed-in-the-kale, genuine plant-based, and gluten-free eatery. Starting out at citywide farmer’s markets in 2010, Eaten Alive chose Kenton to open its first dine-in restaurant in January 2021. Owner Tim Gowan recommends the Madrone Bowl; a refreshing combination of brown rice, black lentils, avocado, almonds, furikake, sprouts, drizzled with a green sesame sauce.

Speck's  is the place to find the music of your past and discover the tunes to your future. Speck’s is a treasure trove of vinyl, tapes, and stereo recording equipment. Come for the retro vibe, stay for the live, weekend DJ performances. Send a gift certificate to your favorite music lover!

Since recreational cannabis became legal in Oregon in 2016, dispensaries have been growing like ‘weed.’ Kind Heart Collective sells only from field experts with more than 30 years of experience. Pick up your flower blends, concentrates, edibles, beverages, and in true Kenton community fashion, clones to grow your own. TRY: Oregon’s own Marionberry Indica Gummies, courtesy of Wyld.