One of Portland’s older neighborhoods, the mostly residential Beaumont, has a shopping district along Northeast Fremont Street, where you can enjoy mini donuts, stroopwafels, yoga, and excellent small-scale shopping. The walkable quarter is a popular place to snack, drink and have a long, cozy meal with friends. In both the anchor restaurants of Fremont Street and new ones that opened just last year, Fremont Street is home to incredible Blacks-owned restaurants.
Located in the heart of the developing Beaumont District in northeast Portland, Amalfis restaurant is an “Old Portland” staple. The family business has been passed on to the third generation for over 60 years. Kiauna Floyd bought the business from her stepfather in 2006. Floyd was no stranger to Amalfi as she occupied tables, hosted, and washed dishes there during her high school years. Later, when she attended Portland State University on an athletic scholarship, she balanced academics and athletics with shifts at Amalfi. Born and raised in northeast Portland, Floyd has over two decades of experience running and running a small business. Working with her closely related employees and customers gives her new satisfaction and joy every day.
Amalfi’s has always been a popular neighborhood restaurant for family dinners and dates. However, the restaurant’s pandemic focus has cemented it as an innovative and widely popular culinary addition to the community. The extended terrace for dining includes inviting table fire pits, tents with magical twinkling lights, and live music.
The black-owned Amalfis have long been on NE Fremont; However, the new culinary talents claiming this walkable and charming street include other standout features owned by blacks that are incredibly delicious.
Nacheaux is a Portland Cinderella story in which a food cart concept finds its way into a stationary restaurant. The owners Anthony and Stephanie Brown serve dishes that cannot be categorized. As Anthony comes from Los Angeles and Stephanie from Louisiana, the menu reflects a harmonious mix of the dishes in their hometown. Fried chicken quesadillas, fried shrimp burritos with cornmeal, and churro fritters are all the first things to eat here and not to be missed. Anthony and Stephanie are already building on their early success and plan to open a speakeasy bar next to Nacheaux (passcode required to enter). The bar, Bourbon Street, serves seafood and its own take on the classic sazerac. The goal – similar to Nacheaux – is to combine the New Orleans style with the fun and diverse nature of Los Angeles.
Dirty saladis another food cart restaurant with vegan home cooking. Owner Alkebulan Moroski is a lifelong vegetarian originally from Mississippi. The food is a vegan take on Southern favorites, including bowls of fried “chicken” and side dishes, as well as hearty Po’boys. Dirty Lettuce also has a shopping area in homage to the Southern General Store in its facility, including glass Coke bottles and worn wood accents.
