Sellwood is the neighborhood that most Lewis & Clark students first stumble upon as they begin to make their way off campus. This is with good reason. It is cute, easy to navigate and full of gems that will surely become favorites over one’s time at LC. To kick start that process for our readers, here are some affordable and delicious spots to check out in Sellwood. Just follow your nose off the Pio and enjoy!
Shinjo Sushi and Teriyaki
This is the best bang for your buck for Japanese fusion in Sellwood. They have a respectable selection of traditional rolls and nigiri if you are in the mood for classics, and excellent bowls if you need something more filling. I prefer poke, but their teriyaki is also popular. Their fish quality is very good for the price; I have yet to take a bad bite from their cuts. And if you are in the mood for something a little more unique, if not especially traditional, try their sushi burritos. They are well-made, a great way to eat your way through the rainbow and packed with fresh ingredients that taste excellent and photograph well, too.
Taqueria Luna
This is easily my favorite traditional burrito in Sellwood. Also excellent for enchiladas and plates. Anything with their carnitas is a must. While not the flashiest food in Portland, their takes on familiar favorites are great for anyone stopping off in Sellwood for comfort food. Their friendly staff is the cherry on top of the whole experience. They are centrally located in one of the Sellwood food truck parks, alongside Shinjo Sushi, so it is easy to branch out from their delicious food to carts around them to explore.
Uncle Tsang’s Kitchen
In another Sellwood food truck pod, the Piknik Park, Uncle Tsang’s Kitchen has all-veggie Chinese food staples. Most of their best dishes are very shareable, and getting a variety along with a few drinks is a favorite dinner of mine to have with friends. If you ask for one of their most popular dishes, you will be steered toward the curry pastries, unique and tasty must-tries.
Sellwood Fish and Chips
While admittedly not my favorite fish and chips in Portland (Portland Fish Market, you are my one true love) Sellwood Fish and Chips is accessible, and relatively inexpensive for its product and serving size, not to mention super tasty. Their fish pieces are small but you get plenty of them, and their tartar sauce is excellent — a must-have for any fish and chips experience. Located right next to Uncle Tsang’s Kitchen, this cart does not boast a great variety of foods, but they are great at what they do offer.
Sebastiano’s
Anyone looking for a big, comforting sandwich needs look no further than Sebastino’s. Their Italian-style sandwiches are hearty and filling, with excellent quality ingredients and fabulous focaccia. Only a short walk from the Sellwood main drag, the hike for their Muffaleta is absolutely worth it. And their baked goods hit every time, with both the year-round and seasonal offerings making perfect fancy picnics or just-because treats.
The Big Three: Portal Tea Company, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels and Grand Central Bakery
Most LC students quickly discover the joys of the three major Portland chains one can find in Sellwood, so I will sum them up quickly. Henry Higgins: meals get pricey with additions, but a basic bagel with schmear is filling, comforting and affordable. At Portal Tea Company, you pay for the ambiance as much as the drink, but their boba is tasty, and if you are very lucky you will end up with a comfy couch to enjoy it on. And for Grand Central, the wait for their sandwiches can take a while, but their take-and-bake section is totally underrated. All in all, you can not go wrong with any of these classics, but be aware of Sellwood’s other gems.
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