History

To Know Old Town's Past Is to Hope for Its Future

My grandmother’s Old Town was a vibrant, bustling place for all. Despite what handwringers say, it still is.

04/07/2025 By Lauren Yoshiko

Weed Whackers

Goats Are an Eco-Friendly, Adorable Form of Yard Care

Overgrown lawn? Rent a herd of hungry ruminants.

03/12/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Michael Raines

Superfan

Children of the Cornmeal Crust

Alison Hilton gave her neighborhood pizza joint plenty of business, and the staff gave her their kids (sort of).

11/12/2024 By Margaret Seiler Photography by Michael Raines

Superfan

Fat City Café’s Pancake Patron

No, Tom Kervin doesn’t work at the Multnomah Village breakfast institution, but he still fixes things and runs errands.

09/17/2024 Photography by Michael Raines By Margaret Seiler

Bird to the Wise

Güero Bird Club Is Portland's Best Way to Get into Birding

The warm and welcoming group, led by the torta shop's kitchen manager, transforms novices into nerds. It worked on me.

07/17/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Michael Raines Illustrations by Michael Novak

Superfan

Dive Bar Devotion: The Mock Crest Tavern

Veggie slider fans David Finley and Cam Schwartzkopf are among many regulars at the beloved North Portland bar.

07/12/2024 By Margaret Seiler Photography by Michael Raines

As Told To

In ‘skin & bones,’ Renée Watson Writes for Her Devout Readers’ Parents

"I’m always writing for that little girl who needed to see herself and her ancestors represented in stories."

05/03/2024 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Michael Raines

Busking for Permits

Johnny Franco Wants to Lick the City’s Wounds with His Guitar

A Brazilian immigrant campaigns for a vibrant city, by way of free concerts.

03/29/2024 By Michelle Kicherer

Self Portrait

Reyna Tropical Is in Concert with the Universe

Ahead of a new album, the guitarist and singer shares her healthy diet of ancestral dialogues, TikTok dances, and Sushi Ichiban.

03/27/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Superfan

Will Ride for Tacos (Burritos and Quesadillas, Too!)

Armando Luna has biked weekly for carnitas burritos from Taco Gang since 2021.

03/26/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff Photography by Michael Raines

Self Portrait

Painter Jeremy Okai Davis Doesn’t Sleep Much

Graphic designer and father to two preschoolers by day, the celebrated portrait artist rewrites Black history in his backyard by night.

02/23/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Self Portrait

The Artist Who Volleys Ceramics, Papier-Mâché, Needlepoint, and Tennis?

Jessica Jackson Hutchins is chasing beauty and collecting old couches, but she’d rather be on the courts.

02/02/2024 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Michael Raines

Thai'd & True

Superfan: These Besties Enjoy a Spendy Meal at Langbaan Every Month

Jessica Miller and Reme DeBisschop have eaten at Langbaan since 2015. What keeps them coming back?

12/26/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton Photography by Michael Raines

Most Innovative Restaurants

The Pizza Shop Run by One Guy. Yes, Just One.

Two years of operating Gracie’s Apizza solo taught Craig Melillo a new model for restaurants.

12/21/2023 By Arianne Cohen Photography by Michael Raines