Andie’s Guide to Richmond Neighborhood

Welcome to Richmond–A Guide to Our Neighborhood by Andie, Optician at Portland Eye Care

We may be a bit partial, but we consider Richmond to be one of the best neighborhoods in Portland. No matter what time of the day your appointment is, there is so much to see and do in this pocket of the city. To help you make the most of your travel time, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to visit right around the office. 

These businesses are all within a ten minute walk of Portland Eye Care, so if you’re able, plan to spend a little extra time exploring SE Division before or after your appointment. Whether you crave a coffee or are hoping to thrift, this slice of Portland has you covered. 

Coffee Shops

Marino’s Cafe–Our next door neighbors and home to the best cappuccino in Portland, Marino’s Cafe hits all the marks. It’s a cozy and eclectic space with a diverse menu and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the traditional Turkish coffee, a favorite of ours. 

Stumptown–A classic Portland landmark, these folks take their coffee very seriously–and it shows. There are a handful of Stumptowns scattered throughout the city, but we love the one in Richmond. With its open layout and bright windows, it’s the perfect place to sip on a latte and peruse some local art. 

Good Coffee–For fun and unexpected takes on traditional coffee beverages, Good Coffee is a must visit. Their trendy menu easily persuades us towards seasonal creations, with unexpected combos like pear cardamom, sarsaparilla anise, and maple smoked orange. 

Sweets

Pinolo Gelato–Authentic tuscan gelato made fresh daily? Say no more. The friendly staff, charming atmosphere, and tasty menu make a visit to Pinolo well worth your time. And for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try the affogato. 

Petite Provence–It’s not just pastries at the Petite Provence (we love the food here, too!), but their bakery items can’t be missed. It’s not unusual for us to enjoy a pastry or two before starting our work day, and we readily recommend it for anyone looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. 

Lauretta Jean’s–One of the best places to get a slice of pie in Portland, no doubt about it. Visit the window if you dare, but don’t blame us if you find yourself unable to resist going inside. It has a quaint and cozy interior reminiscent of Grandma’s house, and the desserts don’t stop at the pie. 

Shopping

Village Merchant–One block from us is arguably one of the coolest thrift stores in town. Village Merchant has a little bit of everything, from vintage threads to quirky decor. The space is crowded and eclectic, like any good thrift store, but what really makes it stand out are the excellent prices.

Really Good Stuff–For the treasure hunter that likes a little bit of grunge, a few blocks down is Really Good Stuff, an entirely eclectic mishmosh of, well, everything. They call themselves home to life’s unnecessary essentials, which is an apt description of their wares. Easy to get lost and hard to leave.

Collage–For those creatively inclined, Collage is a small but robust arts and crafts store with knowledgeable, welcoming staff and an inventory that’s constantly evolving. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative, Collage will make you feel like you could do just about anything, and they have a great selection of gifts. 

Artifact–Higher end but a lot of fun, Artifact is a consignment store that sells a curated collection of clothes, furniture, and decor. While Artifact is certainly a bit spendier than some of the other local thrift stores, they buy carefully, resulting in genuinely rare and vintage items, and it isn’t unusual to find something designer amongst the aisles. 

Food

Nakhon Sawan Thai Restaurant–For deliciously authentic Thai food in a cozy space, Nakhon Sawan is tough to beat. We love their duck noodle and pumpkin curry, and the thai iced teas are especially refreshing on a warm day. 

Harlow–A cafe and juice bar with a menu that’s awesome for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, we enjoy this spot for a lazy brunch. Their new space on SE Division is bright and welcoming.

Little Big Burger–More than just “dine in fast food”, Little Big Burger is casual dining that takes the freshness and quality of their products very seriously. Everything is cooked-to-order, and they have a no-nonsense menu that includes a vegan burger and root beer floats. We recommend their truffle fries. 

Taqueria Lindo Michoacan–One of the best taco trucks in town can be found in the parking lot of Village Merchant. Their menu is expansive, so if you don’t know where to start, try the taco plate–it’s unbelievably tasty. Cash or Zelle only.

Wellspent Market–A curated and gourmet corner grocery store, the Wellspent Market is a small but well-loved community favorite. It moved into our neighborhood from its spot on Couch Street in the summer of 2024. Inside the historic building you’ll find organic fruits and veggies, aisles of internationally imported goodies, and a selection of ready-to-eat meals and beverages for quick lunches on the go. 

While all of these are within ten minutes walking of us, keep traveling down SE Division and you’ll uncover a plethora of shops, restaurants, food carts, and cafes. So if you can’t spend much time in our neighborhood before or after your exam, come back when you’ve got a free afternoon–or even a day–to see it all!