SeeingGreen ™

On a recent bike ride through St. John’s, there was a glimmer that things are starting to change in one of Portland’s last frontiers. Proper Eats, a vegan/vegetarian inspired market and café has sprouted in a storefront on the corner of N. Alma and Lombard. With a small, but meaningful selection of organic/locally grown produce, bulk items and perishables, the market side of Proper Eats is a great supplement to the two-mega grocery stores that serve St. John’s residents. If you rather someone else do the cooking, head to the café at the back of Proper Eats where you can chow down on a hearty selection of healthy vegetarian and vegan grub.

Combos of beans, rice and veggies can be found all over the menu, from salads to soups to burritos and entrees. Affordable and delicious options include the “Hummus and Veggie Plate” or “The Slaw,” a dainty mix of cabbage, carrots, cilantro, mint and flax seed in a sesame/vinegar dressing. If you just won a spot of cash from a nearby lottery machine (in one of the many bars in St. John’s) you might try out the “Tempeh Tacos” or roughage-rich “Veggie Wrap,” coming in at $8 and $7 respectively. Still feeling peckish? Then top your meal off with a yummy treat from the vegan-sweet masters, Black Sheep Bakery. Compared to other vegetarian and vegan outposts around the city, Proper Eats is a little more homegrown and rough around the edges. But, Proper Eats’ heart and address is in the right spot for a much-needed infusion of social, economic and environmental health in an area of town that could use it.

Proper Eats Café
8638 N. Lombard St.
Portland, OR 97203
503-445-2007
Proper Eats