I fell in love with Ladd’s Addition when I moved to Portland in the early ’80s. One of the ways I got to know the city was by riding my bike through neighborhoods I was interested in living in, and Ladd’s immediately stole my heart.
My first home purchase was a charming cottage in Ladd’s that I bought for $55,000 in 1984. Today, the average home in Ladd’s Addition is around $900,000. A lot has changed since the ’80s, but the things that made me fall in love with this neighborhood are still here.
The rose gardens. The architecture. The beautiful elm-lined streets. And especially in the fall, when the leaves turn and the whole neighborhood feels almost magical.
Ladd’s Addition is Portland’s first residential historic district, known for its distinctive diagonal “wagon-wheel” street grid and four diamond-shaped rose gardens. That unique layout is part of what gives Ladd’s its special sense of place. The streets don’t simply run straight through the neighborhood, so once you’re inside, it feels tucked away and somewhat protected from the surrounding city. There’s a quieter, more peaceful feeling here, while still being just a few blocks from some of the best things Portland has to offer.
And that’s part of what makes Ladd’s so desirable today. You get all of the historic charm, beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets, with thriving businesses along Division and Hawthorne just outside the neighborhood. Restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars and bakeries are all within an easy walk or bike ride, so you can enjoy the energy of the surrounding neighborhoods and then come home to the quiet, tucked-away feeling of Ladd’s.
Here are some of my favorites on Hawthorne & Division and right on the circle of Ladd’s Addition ✨
Ladd’s Addition Favorites
Floyd’s Coffee House and Wine Bar is a Ladd’s Addition staple. Such a cute place to meet a friend for coffee. I was so encouraged to see that there are thriving boutiques in the circle. Bonita Bodega is a fabulous shop with clothing, home goods, gifts, and pantry items. You’ll want to follow along for pop-up events and happenings in the shop.
Hawthorne St Favorites
Lardo is a go-to for a seriously delicious sandwich. This is not your average sandwich shop. Their menu is all about big, bold flavors, with over-the-top meat-forward sandwiches, hand-cut fries and plenty of beer to wash it all down. It’s casual, fun and quintessentially Portland, and one of those spots I always recommend when someone wants to know where to grab a great bite around Ladd’s.
Farina Bakery is such a cute spot. Known for its colorful French macarons and fresh pastries, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over a coffee and something sweet. And in the evenings, it becomes something even more special, with live jazz on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It’s cozy, a little unexpected and a great spot for a date night or catching up with a friend.
Division St Favorites
Nuestra Cocina is one of my go-tos for Mexican food. It’s warm and welcoming with regional flavors, house-made corn tortillas and dishes that feel a little more special than your everyday Mexican dinner. The hand-pressed tortillas are a signature, and it’s a great spot for dinner, margaritas and a night out with friends.
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor is perfect when you’re in the mood for a great slice, and La Bonita is the kind of casual spot you find yourself coming back to again and again.
With love,
Susie
