ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCESCO ZORZI
Apart from the gateway arch and Lan Su Chinese Garden, little remains of this Northwest Portland neighborhood’s Asian past. The area was once home to opium dens and is still a bit rough around the edges, but it’s now a hub for the Rose City’s streetwear and sneakerhead scenes. Here, six locals hip us to the indie businesses at the base of the Burnside Bridge.
Compound Gallery store manager Colby Cox recommends…
“One of our managers, Jordan, has brought new life to the Portland streetwear culture with the introduction of his retail store, Produce Organics. It has a welcoming atmosphere, whether you want to hang out in the lounge, stop by for a haircut, or shop the latest trends.”
Produce Organics co-owner Jordan Carter recommends…
“Mi Mero Mole is a must. For a mere $10, you can enjoy a delicious burrito, tequila shot, and 10-ounce beer combo! Rain or shine, if you are looking to take a break from city life, this is the stop for you.”
Mi Mero Mole owner Nick Zukin recommends…
“Orox Leather Co. stands for ‘Oregon-Oaxaca.’ It’s a family from Oaxaca that makes all their leather goods in-house. You can watch them making everything by hand behind the counter. They previously owned a sushi-ya in Oaxaca, and they have the attention to detail of sushi masters.”
Orox Leather Co. co-owner Martin Martinez recommends…
“Kiriko is an amazing Japanese shop full of beautiful indigo fabrics, home goods, and stationery. The sewing machines are in the back of the shop, lending a really creative, maker vibe. It feels like walking into an artist’s studio on a backstreet in Japan.”
Kiriko designer Elya Adre recommends…
“The Hoxton hotel has been such a great addition to the neighborhood. With two restaurants, a basement bar, a café, and a setting to lounge in with friends and colleagues, this is the place to be.”
The Hoxton, Portland brand manager Donovan Edwards recommends…
“One of the heavies in Chinatown’s up-and-coming streetwear scene, Compound Gallery is the spot to grab the cleanest kicks and latest and vintage Supreme for your collection. During First Thursdays, they host a gallery of street art upstairs and usually have a DJ spinning below.”
