Portland, Oregon’s offbeat, diverse neighborhoods are the heart of the city, each with its own story to tell. Kerns, for example, while underrated, is dubbed America’s “coolest neighborhood” with a walkable, small-town feel. The Pearl District, a former warehouse district, is now a shopping mecca full of parks, galleries, and eateries. Situated in Southwest Portland, next to downtown, is Goose Hollow. In 2025, it was ranked by Niche as the best neighborhood to live in Portland. Its allure is evident. Goose Hollow, once actually home to geese, features hilly streets bursting with greenery. Despite being minutes away from downtown, there’s a sense of tranquility felt here. What’s more, you can connect with Portland history at the Goose Hollow Inn, an eccentric and legendary pub that’s arguably the neighborhood’s most iconic establishment.
The Goose Hollow Inn was opened in 1967 by Bud Clark and quickly became the go-to watering hole in the city. Speaking to OPB, Mike Lindberg, a former Portland City Council member, explained, “It was a place where people gathered that were involved in arts and culture, literature, city, county government. It was just sort of a hotbed of great conversations.” Clark, who famously had no prior experience in politics, later went on to become mayor of the Rose City and a beloved Portland figure. Although he died in 2022, the Goose Hollow Inn is still maintained by Clark’s family and retains its gritty, vintage charm.
Come and enjoy a locally brewed cold one, paired with the Goose Hollow Inn’s famed Reuben, served with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Or, try a Goose Hollow pizza, topped with pepperoni, salami, veggies, and more. With live music on Sunday evenings, it’s a great spot to wind down the weekend. The Goose Hollow Inn is open daily.
Portland’s Goose Hollow neighborhood has a lively food and coffee scene
Adding to the Goose Hollow Inn’s lore is the role the pub played in revising a law that was, in a word, a buzzkill. As reported by Willamette Week, Stephen Kafoury, a former Oregon state representative, was at the Goose Hollow Inn when he was informed — much to his chagrin — that dancing in taverns was against the law. Kafoury promptly had the law amended. Nevertheless, there are other local businesses to set your sights on in Goose Hollow. One thing you won’t find at the Goose Hollow Inn is breakfast. That’s not the case at Fehrenbacher Hof.
Located next to the Goose Hollow Inn, Fehrenbacher Hof is run by Bud Clark’s daughter, Rachel Clark. The delightfully cozy coffee shop features a small menu consisting of pastries, a breakfast burrito, and a breakfast sandwich made with Reuben sauce. Both hot items include Oregon’s iconic Tillamook cheddar. “This was the best breakfast sandwich I have ever eaten. I’m not being hyperbolic I’m just being honest,” exclaimed a reviewer on Google. For caffeine, Fehrenbacher Hof sources its coffee from Coava, an acclaimed Portland-based coffee roaster.
Goose Hollow is also home to The Soop, a highly praised restaurant dishing up Korean fare. Uniquely, this eatery — closed Mondays —grows many of its ingredients, including its microgreens, in-house using hydroponics. Diners can even catch a glimpse of its so-called “farm.” Menu items range from a microgreen BLT to chicken katsu. While exploring Goose Hollow, be sure to stop by Bold Coffee and Books for an evening cup of joe or tea. As the name suggests, it doubles as a bookstore, primarily offering titles representing minority groups. Another reason to visit: The café hosts weekly free events, from author talks to writing groups.
How to make the most of your time in Portland’s Goose Hollow neighborhood
