Since culinary pioneers such as Stumptown Coffee and Pok Pok opened up on Southeast Division Street a number of years ago, more eateries and stores have followed suit, transforming the neighborhood into a happening destination for visiting groups to explore. Here, attendees will find a delicious variety of cuisines, a few places to have a drink and eclectic tax-free shopping opportunities, including at Bridge City Mercantile and Little Otsu.
Tidbit Food Farm & Garden, a pod of food carts and small shops, is generally open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., so groups can swing by any time of day. Popular options for a bite here include Smaaken Waffles, Pyro Pizza and Scout Beer Garden, and for non-edible goodies check out Menagerie, a mobile gift and art boutique.
Pok Pok serves Southeast Asian cuisine, with the majority of the dishes coming from Thailand. The menu isn’t “fusion,” rather, recipes are authentic and found in their countries of origin, with one exception: the Pok Pok Affogato is a variation of the Vietnamese breakfast of coffee and fried donuts.
The menu at Ava Gene’s is Roman-inspired with an emphasis on local produce and meats grown and raised by Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers. Named by Bon Appetit as one of 2013’s best new restaurants, Ava Gene’s also has a regional wine list that complements the menu, as well as creative cocktails and great beers.
Salt & Straw uses local ingredients to create hand-crafted, small batch ice cream. Owners change the flavors every month to relay what’s happening in the local artisan, farm and chef communities. Among the unique flavors that have shown up on the menu here are Coffee & Bourbon, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Green Fennel & Maple.
SE Wine Collective is an urban winery featuring the vintages of several artisanal wine producers, as well as a full-service wine bar and event space. At the tasting bar groups can enjoy glass pours and carafes from member wineries, as well as cheese, charcuterie and light snacks that pair well with the wine.