Neighborhood Guide: Irvington and the Lloyd District

Woodblock Chocolate is open for business.
Image: Karen Brooks
More commercial in spots than residential, the Irvington and Lloyd Districts of Portland bleed into one another with plenty of shopping and eating options. Bullseyed by the long-standing—and struggling—Lloyd Center Mall, where Tonya Harding once practiced triple axels on the centerpiece skating rink, the surrounding neighborhoods also hold worthwhile stores and shops.
With four locations in Portland, Pine State Biscuits on NE Schuyler Street is known for biscuits, of course, but if that’s not your jam—see what we did there?—try a smoked salmon benedict while you dine next to a Cadillac at Cadillac Café. But be prepared: there may be a wait.
If you’ve got some time to kill before you sit down for breakfast, the 16-acre Irving Park off NE Fremont has plenty for everyone in the family, including totally tubular climbing structures in the playground, and a “nature patch” planted to attract pollinators perfect for quiet contemplation. Cool down with a scoop from Eb and Bean, a natural and homemade frozen yogurt joint whose original location is on NE Broadway, while Woodblock Chocolate, a husband-and-wife-owned high-end chocolate company is just a three-minute walk away.
Nearby, pay homage to the biggest name in Oregon sports—we’re speaking of Nike, which has a usually jammed community store on NE Grand Avenue that often features sales on high-end products,
For a way more mom-and-pop feel, check out the floral masterpieces at Portland institution Broadway Floral Home & Garden, which has been in this neighborhood since 1928. The shop gets high marks for its classic European style “flower cart” where shoppers can design their own bouquet.