What do a Root Slayer Shovel, free admission to the Pittock Mansion and heirloom vegetable seeds all have in common?
They are all things you can check out of the Lake Oswego Public Library!
September is national Library Card Sign-Up Month and in case you needed one more reason to get yours or make sure your kids have one, here’s a rundown of what our library has to offer.
CULTURAL PASS EXPRESS. Enjoy FREE admission to local venues and experiences includindg: End of the Oregon Trail interpretive Center, Evergreen Aviation Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon State Parks, Portland Art Museum, Portland Opera, The Oregon Garden and more! Check out all your options here.
DISCUSSION GROUPS. These groups meet virtually on a regular basis including A Bookish Affair for devotees of romance and happily-ever-afters and Building Bridges Book Group to build understanding, empathy and connection in our world through reading and discussing acclaimed works of fact and fiction.
LIBRARY OF THINGS. Explore an array of useful items for borrowing from sewing machines to VHS-to-DVD converters. This is a great resource for those seasonal occasions you might need something or to try an item out before purchasing it.
LOCAL HISTORY. For the budding historian, the library has digitized photos and documents, newspaper indexes, oral history recordings and more to deepen your understanding of this place we call home.
ONLINE RESOURCES. Your library card gives you access to popular online resources like Libby for e-books and audiobooks, and Kanopy for streaming movies as well as research databases like Consumer Reports or the Ancestry Library Edition, newspapers and local news resources, online courses offered through LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages and Creativebug crafting, and eContent for kids and Teens.
SEED LIBRARY. Grow a green thumb using the library’s seed library as a resource for gardening in formation and free vegetable, herb and flower seeds. You do have to check out the seeds (for inventory purposes) but no, you do not have to return them – hopefully you will plant them instead! More information here.
WORLD LANGUAGES COLLECTION. The library offers books written in or translated into Chinese, Korean and Spanish
And then there’s the programming the library offers. From storytimes and Storywalks to concerts, adult crafting workshops and author presentations, the library’s calendar of events is filled with offerings for all ages.
So make sure you and everyone in your household is a card-carrying member of the Lake Oswego Public Library. Last year the library met its challenge to get 300 more people signed up. They are hoping for even more this year. They will have candy, games, and a chance to win prizes at the front desk for new library cardholders.
And…the American Library Association is holding its own contest in honor of the month, challenging everyone to “Try Something New” at your library. Share that experience with them online and enter to win a $150 Visa Gift Card.
The Lake Oswego Public Library is just one of hundreds of reasons to love Lake Oswego. Discover more by subscribing to this blog. Or give us a call and let us share our experience as both residents and Realtors to help. you discover the joys of calling Lake Oswego home!
This year’s Lake Oswego Wine Walk looks to repeat last year’s sold-out success!
It’s wine harvest season but luckily you don’t have to travel far to celebrate. Lake Oswego’s 10th Wine Walk is set for Saturday, October 5 where up to 40 downtown Lake Oswego businesses will be bringing the wine to you!
Here’s a good game plan to make the most of the event.
Buy your tickets early.Follow this link and make sure you’re in for this year’s popular event. Tickets are $60/person and entitle you to twelve one-ounce pours. By signing up early, you’ll be sure to receive an email confirmation once the wine list has been curated so you can start strategizing your game day timeline. AND you guarantee you’ll snag a ticket as the event has SOLD OUT the last two years.
Make a day of it. Start the day off at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market – October 5 is its last day! Grab lunch at one of our downtown spots before the first pour at 1:00. Then be sure and make dinner reservations for afterwards. They’re expecting over 800 visitors so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Check-in early. Check-in opens at 12:00 noon with tastings beginning at 1:00 p.m. An early check-in gives you time to grab lunch in the interim and plan your tasting route accordingly. Put your favorites at the top of your list just in case supplies run out towards the end of the afternoon.
Check the weather and dress appropriately. Past events have run the gamut from sunny and warm to wet and windy so be sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. And bring a tote bag to hold any purchases you may pick up along the way.
Make sure to factor in some water stops along the way since as good as wine is, it does dehydrate you. You’ll thank yourself the next day for making sure you’re sipping water as well as wine on your walk.
Be adventurous. This is the perfect excuse to try new things—from wines you may have never tasted to businesses you have never visited. The lineup is still being put together but already it’s a quite a list of Who’s Who in the downtown chamber membership roster including: Grapevine, Lakeshore Inn, Lawrence Gallery, Lions Capital Mortgage, Lola’s Café & Bar, Lucky Me Gift Boutique, R. Bloom’s of Lake Oswego, Skin Spirit, Revive Athletics, Stretch Lab, beso bar & bottle, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty and The House of Rose. There will be close to 40 pouring locations, featuring a total of 80 domestic and international wines.
Take pictures. What better way to commemorate the event and also to remember the wines you really liked! That way next time you’re at the store, you can just open up your photo library and know what you want to purchase.
Don’t miss out on a reason to Love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to our blog. And if you’re in the market for a house where you can drink all that wine, give one of us a call. We’d love to help make your next move your best one!
We have a lot of trees. According to the Urban Forestry Plan, a conservative estimate is that 60,000 trees line Lake Oswego streets, and that doesn’t account for all the trees on private property and public parks. Overall, our total canopy tree cover is about 39% which, according to the State of the Urban Forest, is the highest tree canopy cover in the Portland region for cities of a comparable size.
We live around a lake.
Put the two together and we have a winning formula for good health.
In a radio interview with WBUR Radio Boston, Dr. Howard Frumkin, a professor with the University of Washington School of Health, started listing the health benefits of trees:
•A longer life
•Better birth outcomes
•Lower stress levels
•Lower risk of heart disease
•Reduced symptoms of ADHD
•Boosts immune system
“Proximity to trees is associated with a broad range of health benefits. I wish we had pills that were this good for health,” he explains.
Luckily for those of us who live in Lake Oswego, no pills are needed. We just need to step outside and take a walk in our urban forest to start enjoying some of those benefits.
And if that walk should take us within viewing range of our lake, all the better. In his book, Blue Mind, marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, gives the calming effect water has on us a name—Blue Mind. “Being near water allows us to access a semi-meditative state known as ‘drifting.’ Drifting is a special form of attention where we are engaged with the world around us but not focused on getting something done.”
A study done by the University of California Davis corroborates his theory by finding that just looking at water is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate and increase in a sense of relaxation.
So there you have it! We have right in our midst, two natural forces to help us live a happier, healthier life. Now we just need to get out there and enjoy them!
Wanting to capitalize on the health benefits of living in Lake Oswego? Give one of us a call and let’s see what we can do to make Lake Oswego your home. We’re Realtors who have lived and worked in Lake Oswego for over 35 years and would love to put our experience to work for you!
Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com
A good Realtor will do more than help you buy or sell your home. A good Realtor helps you make GOOD DECISIONS about buying or selling your home.
What’s the difference?
Keeping the focus on your best interests and taking the right action at the right time which will ensure you are making a wise investment decision.
That’s the approach my daughter and I take when we work with clients. What does that look like?
Sometimes that means talking clients OUT of buying a house that we believe isn’t priced well or will not give them the appreciation they expect.
Sometimes that means advising them to RENT first instead of buying so they can decide they really do like a particular neighborhood.
Sometimes that means encouraging them to be patient and wait for the house they really want instead of jumping at something that is available but doesn’t exactly align with what they’d like.
Sometimes that means telling them what the true market value is of their home, not the price they have in their head that they’d like to get, so they can price it competitively and sell it faster.
Sometimes that means advising them to declutter, paint, repair, update if necessary before they put their house on the market to eliminate possible buyer objections.
Sometimes that means having the hard conversations, telling clients what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.
We like to feel good after a deal is closed and that means knowing that we have done the best for our clients, putting them in a good position to move forward in their lives. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Lake Oswego or the greater Portland area, give us a call. Let us help you make the best decision about when, where, what, and for how much to buy or sell.
LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. Take advantage of summer weather and get tickets for one of Zupan’s four-course Dinners in the Breezeway. Lobster and Clam Bake usually sells out! Saturday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m. 16380 Boones Ferry Road. $150/person. Buy tickets online.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR. Be prepared for anything with the help of the city’s Emergency Preparedness Fair in honor of National Preparedness Month. Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lake Oswego City Hall and upper parking lot, 380 A Avenue. Highlights include:
•Big Shaker Earthquake Simulator that recreates the intense shaking of an 8.0 earthquake.
•Hands-only CPR training
•Water container and bag giveaway in addition to information on water storage and emergency food options, emergency supply kits, pet preparedness, portable sanitation and seismically retrofitting your home
•Water shut-off demonstration
•Fire obstacle courage to practice safely exiting your home during a fire
•Meet the LOPD’s K9 Team(s)
TREE WORKSHOPS. The City is sponsoring two tree workshops this month on the Tree Protection Plans and Tree Code Violations (September 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chamber, 380 A Avenue) and Tree Pruning (September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road). Register for both.
CULTURAL XCHANGE FESTIVAL. This multicultural festival features traditional dance and music performances, artisan and food vendors, nonprofits and more! Bring the whole family! Sunday, September 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.
GALLERY WITHOUT WALLS ROTATING EXHIBIT CELEBRATION. Celebrate the newest additions to the city’s Gallery Without Walls on display for a two-year rotation. Saturday, September 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Arts Council of Lake Oswego, 380 A Avenue, Suite A.
BORDEAUX DINNER IN THE BREEZEWAY. Enjoy an all-inclusive four-course dinner, plus wine pairings outdoors in Zupan’s breezeway. Saturday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. 16380 Boones Ferry Road. $150/person. Buy tickets online.
WELLNESS FAIR. The cities of Lake Oswego and West Linn are joining forces to present a day of mini-demonstrations, exhibits and connections to help residents learn more about the health and wellness opportunities in our communities. Sunday, September 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.
LO WINE WALK 2024. The event isn’t until October 5th but it’s never too early to buy your tickets as last year’s walk sold out! There will be up to 40 pouring locations offering close to 8p international and domestic wines to choose from. Your $60 ticket gets you 12 one-ounce tastings. Buy your tickets online. Saturday, October 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Watch here for more details.
Don’t miss a reason to love Lake Oswego! Subscribe to our blog and get weekly updates.
Looking for ways to squeeze more fun for your family during the last days of summer vacation? Amber Hambrick, the City’s Behavioral Health Specialist has put together a list of over 60 fun things to do to keep the kids happy and parents from going crazy. They include:
TAKE A NATURE WALK. Pair it with some storytime by visiting West Waluga Park and taking in the latest StoryWalk® installation, “Like You, Like Me” by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw one step at a time. 15775 Waluga Drive.
MAKE S’MORES. Looking for a way to upgrade your s’mores experience? Visit 1927 S’mores Company in Portland where the summer s’more lineup includes PB&J, Lemon Berry and Lemon Poppy seed as well as the classics. 1126 SW Alder Street.
MAKE A TREASURE HUNT. Read one of my earlier blogs for a scavenger hunt itinerary right here in Lake Oswego.
PICNIC AT A PARK. You’ll find a great list of suggestions on this blog – add Foothills Park to the picnic table list at 199 Foothills Drive. Or how about a picnic breakfast? Maybe picnics are ho-hum for dinner, but breakfast? Now your kids will think you’ve come up with a cool idea. You can pick up something yummy at La Provence, St. Honoré or Kyra’s Bake Shop, make a coffee stop at Ovation or Morse, and then head over to one of the parks on that list!
Here are a couple of my suggestions.
REDO DAY. This one might take a little planning but have everyone submit their favorite memories from this summer and then see how many of them you can incorporate into one day. Maybe stipulate it has to be memories created in and around Lake Oswego to keep it feasible.
LAST CHANCE DAY. Instead of repeating things you’ve already done, here’s everyone’s chance to cast their vote for doing something they haven’t had a chance to do yet this summer. Maybe you’ve been meaning to try one of those smoothies from Lola’s Café Bar or visit one of our swim parks before they close. Or you haven’t gotten around yet to checking out the newer lower soft trail at Iron Mountain Park that intersects with the Iron Mountain/Springbrook Park Loop. The time for procrastinating is gone—just do it!
House hunting can also be a fun way to see the summer out and we’re happy to oblige by showing you and your family around. Just give us a call or email us. We’d love to help!
Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com
My wife and I recently returned from three weeks traveling to some of Europe’s most beloved cities including Lisbon, Seville and Rome. We were not alone. The summer crush was on and we considered people-watching as much an activity as sightseeing.
What we saw were people enjoying the exploration of a new place and being sure to document it. The lineup of selfie-takers at the Trevi Fountain never let up from sunrise to sundown.
And we found ourselves asking, what makes a city great? Of course these cities have history and amazing food but what else is at work that serves almost as a magnet to draw visitors as well as residents in.
According to urban planner Alex Garvin, it’s “the public realm—streets, squares, parks.” In other words, the spaces that belong to all of us.
Which made us think of Lake Oswego.
We certainly don’t have the size or the history of a European city but we do have 645 acres of Parks properties at over 36 different sites. And we have Millennium Plaza Square which is anchored by the Fortuna sculpture/fountain as well as the one located down the steps on State Street and is the site of a wide variety of programming from the Farmers’ Market to concerts to outdoor movies to Christmas tree lighting.
Garvin goes on to explain the six steps to create these amazing spaces that make a city great.
They need to be open to anyone. Just take a look at the cross-section of people who gather at the summer Farmers’ Market and you’ll see we meet that criterion.
They need to have something for everyone. From Santa visits in December to moonlight concerts in the summer, the age range is covered.
They need to attract and maintain demand. Every year the reserved spots for the horse-drawn carriage rides leaving from Millennium Plaza sell out. The Star Spangled Celebration on the 4th of July draws crowds in to enjoy musical entertainment, a pie-eating contest and more. If the City of Lake Oswego plans it, they will come.
They need a framework for urbanization, to allow for surrounding development. Lakeview Village with its restaurants and shops gives visitors another reason to explore. And the North Anchor Project will be another extension of the life Millennium Plaza breathes into our city. Admittedly with A Avenue running right through this urban core, the walkability that European centers offer cannot be replicated; however, the City has a vision for doing the best with how the city is laid out.
They need to be a sustainable, living environment. Thanks to our wonderful Parks and Recreation staff and maintenance crew, the park is well-maintained and inviting to all who visit.
They need to nurture a civil society. By bringing people together, the park does just that as well as with the programming it provides like the recent Juneteenth celebration and the upcoming Cultural Xchange Festival in September.
Lake Oswego is a great place to live. Take it from us. We’ve lived and worked here for over 30 years and would love to help you call Lake Oswego home. Please reach out.
We work with many homebuyers moving to Lake Oswego from out of state. What brings them here?
•Family or friends who live here and sing its praises
•Job relocation to the Portland metro area
•This blog which has helped many clients “discover” Lake Oswego
•Desire to live in a safe community with good schools
And the list goes on….
We love sitting down with homebuyers looking to relocate to not only educate them about the area but also to share our enthusiasm for this place we call home. Here are some of the questions we most often get asked:
How much home can I buy with the budget I have? Currently there are 182 homes for sale in Lake Oswego ranging from $237,000 for a 2-bedroom 2-bath 984 square foot condo/townhome to $11,500,000 for a 9-bedroom, 11-bath 19,444 square foot home. The median sale price of $1,030,000 might get you a 4-bedroom 3-bath 3,004 square foot home in the Palisades neighborhood with easement rights to the Palisades Park Community Club. It’s important for buyers to know what their priorities are in buying a home as certain amenities like lake access, walkability, views, are going to cost more and may mean that concessions will have to be made. When my wife and I first moved here, being on the water was our number one criterion which meant we ended up in a dated cottage on one of the canals. We gave up square footage and traded Formica countertops for quartz. But that was okay with us because lake access was most important. So one of the first things we do when working with buyers is identify their priorities in a home. Part of that job involves educating them to the options they have here as not all cities have access to a lake or community pools or neighborhoods that are walkable to restaurants and shopping. The fact that we have lived and worked here for over 35 years means we can inform buyers of the options and their costs and let them make informed decisions.
What if I still own my home in another state – can I make a contingent offer? Coming in with a contingent offer on a home can weaken your position, especially if a home if new on the market. If however, a home has been sitting for a while, sellers may consider it. A better option, if a buyer has equity in their home is to obtain a bridge loan or a home equity line of credit. Buyers assume a short-term cost but it strengthens their position. Of course, they would only want to take up that option if they were confident that the market in their home state is strong and that their house there will sell fairly quickly.
Having easement rights is important to me – do all houses have them? Not all houses have easement rights. Neighborhoods like Westlake and the First Addition do not have easement rights. Areas on the south side of the lake like Westridge, Bryant Woods, most of River Grove do not enjoy easement rights. The Hallinan and Glenmorrie areas also have little to no easements. Easement rights were established to attract buyers in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Some homes have none; others have rights to several easements. There are a few ways to determine what areas have easement rights. You can check easement boundaries on this map. You can type in a street address on the Lake Corporation website. In addition, a real estate listing will mention if a particular home for sale has easement rights. You can read more about easements in several of our earlier blogs here or here.
How much is an easement worth? Before the popularity of paddleboards and kayaks, the appraiser of a home would probably add $5,000 to the value of a home for easement rights. Now an easement can add value to a house anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000. More and more buyers are wanting that amenity which is driving its value.
What are the best schools? Best neighborhoods? The great thing about Lake Oswego is you can’t go wrong when it comes to schools and neighborhoods. The Lake Oswego School District was once again named the best school district in Oregon with an overall grade of A+. With two high schools, two junior highs and seven elementary schools, students have all kinds of opportunities, including the district’s only elementary school world language immersion program. Neighborhood amenities vary from views, walkability, community pools, freeway access, so it’s important to work with an experienced Realtor who can narrow your search in the neighborhoods that have the amenities you desire.
How are property taxes calculated here? Measure 50 passed in 1997 and stabilized all property values in the state with the allowance that they could go up a maximum of 3% per year if they appreciated. Some municipalities can increase their taxes by passing bonds for schools, police, public improvements. Property tax bills provide a real market value and an assessed value. Taxes are determined based on the assessed value which is set by the county. The only way they can be reassessed is if the homeowner does a major remodel or tears the house down and builds a new home.
Thinking of moving to Lake Oswego? Get your questions answered by reaching out to one of us.
SWIM PARKS ARE STILL OPEN. Go jump in the lake at either the Lake Oswego Swim Park at 250 Ridgeway Road open to all Lake Oswego residents through August 31 or else the Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Blvd. open to all LOSD students and residents within the original Lake Grove School District boundaries through August 25.
COMMUNITY MEETING: CARMAN DRIVE/PILKINGTON ROAD PATHWAYS. Residents have an opportunity to share their feedback on preliminary design ideas for new pathways along Carman Drive, from Waluga Drive to Quarry Road, and Pilkington Road, from Boones Ferry to Willow Roads. Thursday, August 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Maintenance Center, Willow Room, 17601 Pilkington Road.
MOVIES IN THE PARK. Bring family and friends to enjoy an outdoor movie in one of Lake Oswego’s parks. Popcorn is free and additional candy and refreshments will be available to purchase. Movies begin at dusk, @8:45 p.m.
Thursday, August 1 in Millennium Plaza Park: Kung Fu Panda 4
Thursday, August 8 in Foothills Park: Wonka.
FIRST SUNDAY MARKET IN LAKE GROVE. Enjoy theme-based farmers’ market events on the first Sunday of the month for the next four months on Hallmark Drive in Lake Oswego, just next to Mercato Grove. Highlights include your favorite farmers, artisan vendors, expanded kid activities, entertainment, and beer and wine garden. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Here’s the lineup and check here for more details:
August 4: Pet-a-palooza
September 1: Back to School Block Party
October 6: Sip and Shop
November 3: Fall Harvest
HOT AUGUST NIGHT. This annual party on the lake is featuring the sounds of thepopular party band, Precious Byrd. Saturday, August 3 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location to be announced closer to the event.
ZUPAN’S LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. This popular dining event in the Zupan breezeway usually sells out and features an all-inclusive four-course dinner plus wine pairings. Reception at 6:00; dinner at 6:30. Tickets $150 and available online. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.
SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK. Take in the sounds while enjoying our beautiful summer weather in one of Lake Oswego’s parks.
Sunday, August 4 in Millennium Plaza Park: Hillstomp (country blues) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7 in Westlake Park: Chris Baum Project (soul/R&B) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14 in Westlake Park: Beat Division (80s cover band) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18 in Millennium Plaza Park: Mbrascatu (fusion of various influences from indie rock to world music) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21 in Westlake Park: Ants in the Kitchen (rock, soul, funk cover band) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 28 in Westlake Park: Stone in Love (Journey tribute band) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WATER POLO TOURNAMENT. Watch the action near Lakewood Bay docks beginning at 9:00 a.m. on August 10 and August 11.
POP-UP CONCERTS ON THE LAKE. If you’ve got a boat on the lake or know someone who does, you’re in luck. Concerts start at 6:00 p.m. with locations announced prior to event.
Saturday, August 10: Red Light Romeos (70s FM album-oriented rock classics)
Saturday, August 30: Swimfish (folk/rock)
SUMMER READING LIBRARY CHALLENGE CELEBRATION PARTIES. Two celebrations are planned –one for kids from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rossman Park on Wednesday, August 14 and one for adults from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the library, 706 Fourth Street.
TREE REMOVAL PERMITS WORKSHOP. As much as we love our trees here in Lake Oswego, sometimes we need to remove one. Learn about the City’s tree code requirements for tree removal permits including the criteria and how to complete the application checklist. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to 30 participants in-person or Zoom.
FREE JOB RESOURCES FOR CAREER SUCCESS FROM YOUR LIBRARY. Learn more about how the library can help with your job search from online skill-building tools to personalized tech assistance. Sunday, April 18 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
2024 COLLECTOR CAR AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW. The Oswego Heritage Council helps us close out the summer lineup of events with their annual event bringing collector cars and classic boats together in Lake Oswego. See collector cars in George Rogers Park and classic boats in Sundeleaf Plaza from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25.
ADULT CRAFT: PASTA MAKER PRINTING. Who says kids get to have all the fun? Join Lake Oswego librarian April Younglove for a class using recycled plastic and a pasta maker to create prints that look like etchings. Limited to 10 people on a first-come, first-serve basis for ages 13+. For more information contact Younglove at ayounglove@lakeowego.city or 503.534.5667. Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego? We’d love to help. Please reach out and discover what a team committed to making your next move your best one can do!
Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801
Lake Oswego’s beautiful summer weather is meant to be enjoyed which is why so many Lake Oswego restaurants offer outdoor dining. Here are some local spots that provide dining al fresco. Pull up a chair and stay a while…that’s what summer is meant for.
LAKEVIEW VILLAGE
ST. HONORE’ BOULANGERIE. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy some people watching (especially during the Saturday Farmer’s Market) along with your food. The French baking tradition lives on here with offerings like the croque monsieur and quiche lorraine as well as puff pastries filled with all sorts of temptations: custard, mousse and fruit fillings, not to mention my weakness—the maple bacon croissant. Hours: 6:30 a.m to 6:00 p.m. daily. 315 First Street, Lake Oswego. 503.445.1379.
PIZZERIA SUL LAGO. This place stays true to Neapolitan-style pizza roots while also honoring the Pacific Northwest bounty. It’s a great people-watching spot looking out on Millennium Plaza Park. 315 1st Street, 503.482.2280.
LAKE VIEW TAPHOUSE. Taking over Manzana Rotisserie Grill’s former location, this new entry to Lake Oswego’s dining scene offers a large tap selection of local microbrews, creative cocktails, ciders and wines along with lunch, dinner and brunch food options including shared plate opportunities. Outdoor seating is available on the patio overlooking Lakewood Bay. 305 First Street. 503. 744.4873.
HOLY TACO. Enjoy creative renditions of Latin American dishes and agave focused craft cocktails either indoors or on the large outdoor patio overlooking A Avenue in downtown Lake Oswego. 345 1st Street, 503.675.2726.
CHUCKIE PIES. PDX Eater named this pizza spot one of the 11 restaurants that define Lake Oswego. The wood-fired pizza oven and house-made dough might have something to do with it too. Indoor and outdoor seating. 430 5th Street, 503.342.6207.
BAMBOO SUSHI. Claimed to be the most sustainable seafood restaurant in the world, this restaurant introduced my wife and I to sushi (we highly recommend The Green Machine) and made us repeat customers. Both indoor and outdoor seating. 380 1st Street, 503.387.6565.
DOMAINE SERENE WINE LOUNGE. Designed to be a neighborhood gathering place, you’ll find some outdoor patio seating as well as counter seating at windows that open up to Evergreen in addition to indoor options. The menu includes flights and bites featuring French American cuisine. 300 1st Street, 503.664.7030.
DOWNTOWN LAKE OSWEGO
LAKE OSWEGO ICE CREAMERY. The casual fare here is sure to be popular with the younger crowd. Everything tastes better when accompanied by a milkshake made with local Tillamook ice cream or finished off by a scoop of your favorite flavor. Outdoor seating sits right on busy A Avenue but the kids don’t seem to mind. 37 A Avenue. 503.636.4933.
TUCCI. Regional freshness highlights the Italian cuisine – I personally recommend the Risotto! Patio seating feels tucked in and the lighting at night creates just the right ambiance. 220 A Avenue. 503.697.3383.
THE DULLAHAN IRISH PUB. This is your stop for traditional Irish fare like Guinness Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Fish N’ Chips. Oh, and did I mention the beer? Picnic tables strewn across the front and side yards invite casual summer dining (and did I mention the beer?) 352 B Avenue. 503.305.8087.
BAIRD’S ON B. If you’re lucky, you can snag a spot on their porch for either happy hour or dinner featuring a variety of contemporary, northwest American fare with an emphasis on local and seasonal products. 485 Second Street, 503.303.4771.
LOLA’S CAFÉ BAR. This place is usually hopping with quite a bit of covered outdoor patio seating (heated when needed) where you can enjoy their menu options, many of which cater towards vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free eaters. 525 3rd Street, 503.780.8279.
DUKE’S PUBLIC HOUSE. This family friendly sports bar offers regioinal American cuisine with a side order of entertainment (as in big screen TV’s for game-watching) and games like corn hole and life size Jenga. Enjoy outdoor seating in a heated covered patio with fire pit. 560 A Avenue, 503.387.5771.
BESO BAR AND BOTTLE. Enjoy wine by the glass and/or food from a European-inspired kitchen indoors or on the heated patio. 148 B Avenue, Suite 200, 503.342.6282.
NICOLETTA’S TABLE. This Italian trattoria has spacious indoor as well as outdoor patio seating where you can relax and enjoy some of the best Italian dishes Lake Oswego has to offer. 333 State Street, Suite M, 503.699.2927.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS. Enjoy wine tasting and wine and food pairings at this popular spot for Lake Oswego oenophiles.While the focus is on what’s happening inside, there is also trellis patio seating and an outdoor fire pit . 55 S. State Street, Suite 3105, 503.387.5182.
LAKEFRONT
LAKE THEATER AND CAFÉ. Although you’ll find movies heralded on their marquee, this placealso takes its food seriously. You can eat it while watching a movie or just chill in their indoor café seating or on their outdoor deck overlooking Lakewood Bay. 106 N. State Street, 503.387.3236.
LAKE GROVE
RICCARDO’S RISTORANTE. Riccardo and Georgette Spaccarelli have been dishing up Italian favorites since 1980. Local wine connoisseurs swear by their Italian wine selection. All of it tastes better when served al fresco on the terra cotta tiled patio. 16035 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.636.4104.
JEFE. Enjoy authentic Mexican style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner from huevos rancheros to enchiladas and tamales. Covered patio seating in the breezeway alongside the restaurant is a great spot to nurse a margarita while practicing your Spanish. 16360 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.635.1900.
LA PROVENCE. This place has been hopping since it opened in its location in the on the corner of Bryant Road and Boones Ferry. Both bakery and bistro seem popular with locals lining up to order croissants, omelets, potato tartelettes, and pork medallions. Gluten free options are available too. Weather permitting, patio seating is always a coveted spot. 16350 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.635.4533.
BABICA HEN. Check out this breakfast and lunch spot featuring fresh baked goods and waffles served all day long (gluten-free options available). 15964 Boones Ferry Rd. 503.636.4012.
GUBANC’S. With the Boones Ferry renovation, this 40-year restaurant was able to add outdoor seating to guests who regularly visit to enjoy from-scratch meals using local, fresh, organic ingredients. 16008 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.2102.
PINE SHED RIBS AND BARBECUE. Christened “best barbecue in PDX” by Portland Monthly magazine, Pine Shed Ribs offers outdoor picnic tables for savoring their popular meat-lovers fare including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, bacon, pastrami, sausage, and chicken. Sauces are gluten free.17730 Pilkington Rd. 503.635.7427.
AJI TRAM. This Lake Grove neighborhood spot features a mix of flavors from various Asian cuisines resulting in a contemporary Asian fusion menu with a new-age American twist. There is indoor dining and wall panels that open up on really nice days as well as a few outdoor tables. 44776 SW Lakeview Blvd., 503.342.6249.
DENO’S PIZZERIA. There are a few outdoor tables in front of this popular Lake Grove pizzeria that’s been run by the Valentine family for three generations. Good things bear repeating. 4475 Lakeview Blvd., 503.635.6219.
HOP N’ CORK. This neighborhood family-friendly taproom offers good food, rotating taps featuring beers from local breweries as well as wine and cocktails. Limited outdoor seating fills up fast on good-weather days. 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Rd., 503.305.5903.
MERCATO GROVE. 4055 Mercantile Drive
OVEN AND SHAKER. This pizza joint features wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with hand tossed dough made with a 70-year-old sourdough starter, cooked off in an imported Milanese wood-burning oven for the perfect crust. Indoor and outdoor seating. 503.305.6212.
LARDO. This place specializes in sandwiches with a menu that features popular items like the BBQ Smash Burger and Pork Meatball Banh Mi to name a few. Both indoor and outdoor seating. 503.303.9277.
KRUSE VILLAGE
TAVERN ON KRUSE. Enjoy farm-to-table fare seven nights a week during the summer on two large patios here that seat 100. Open for lunch and happy hour as well. Enjoy live music Saturdays and Sundays. 4835 Meadows Rd., #133, 503.303.5280.
Lake Oswego has lots to offer not just in outdoor dining but also in recreation, schools, and housing. If you’d like to explore Lake Oswego and consider moving here, please give one of us a call or email. We’ve lived and worked in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put our insights and experience to work for you!
I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, Oregon, I get to share that enthusiasm with clients every day. Through this blog, with the help of my freelance writer wife, Genita, I’d like to share that enthusiasm with you. Be sure to visit my website.
Due to the changing nature of activities in response to COVID-19, I am suspending this section of the blog temporarily but wish every mom out there a Happy Mother’s Day today!
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 