March 15, 2025

Alberta Street Pub: The Neighborhood Bar for Everyone

Northeast Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon, has changed significantly over the years, but its story is far from forgotten. Once a thriving and predominantly Black neighborhood, Alberta Street was a hub of locally owned businesses, music venues, and cultural landmarks that defined the community’s identity. Over the years, shifts in the city’s development led to gentrification, pushing out many of the original residents and businesses. Yet, amidst these changes, Alberta Street Pub stands as a testament to the history of the neighborhood, paying homage to the Black business owners and artists who shaped the area. This is not just a bar. It is a place where people gather, where artists take the stage, and where neighbors come together to share moments.

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Photography & Writing by:

Conrad Byron

A Neighborhood Bar, Not a Corporate Chain

When Monica Mast and Tyrone Hendrix took ownership of Alberta Street Pub, they saw more than just a business opportunity—they saw a chance to add value to the community and make a venue that is safe and inclusive for everyone. Their vision was clear: to cultivate a space that reflects the spirit of Alberta Street, where anyone can walk in and feel a sense of belonging. “We didn’t just want to own a bar,” Mast says. “We wanted to create something meaningful, a place that brings people together and makes them feel at home.”

Walk through the doors, and you’ll find a place where regulars are greeted by name, where bartenders remember your favorite order, and where people from all walks of life come together to share experiences. “It’s about familiarity,” Mast explains. “We want people to feel like they are part of something. If you come here more than once, chances are, we’ll remember you. That kind of connection is important.”

Mast and Hendrix understand the importance of keeping the pub authentic, personal, and connected to the community it serves. They work closely with local musicians, artists, and event organizers to ensure that the space remains authentic. “We want this to be a space where artists feel celebrated, where their work is valued,” Mast says. “Music, art, and culture have always been a part of Alberta Street, and we are just carrying that forward.”

Beyond just hosting events, Alberta Street Pub actively collaborates with community groups to ensure that their programming represents the values of the neighborhood. “We don’t just put a band on stage and call it a night,” Mast explains. “We talk to our performers. We build relationships. We make sure our lineup is diverse and that different genres and communities feel represented.”

The result is a venue that feels like an extension of the neighborhood itself—one that reflects the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the people who call Alberta home. “At the end of the day, we’re not just running a business,” Mast says. “We’re creating a space that people care about. And that’s what keeps us going.

Bringing the Love Train Home

Before Alberta Street Pub, the building was home to The Love Train, a Black-owned bar that was an staple in the neighborhood. Many longtime residents still remember it that way. “We have guys who come in for our Wednesday cigar social and tell us stories about the neighborhood. It’s incredible to hear.”

To honor that history, the original Love Train signs still hang inside the bar, and every Sunday, the house band plays at Soulful Sunday, a tribute to the music that once filled the space.

Beyond preserving history, Alberta Street Pub is actively making new history. From hosting jazz nights and hip-hop showcases to drag brunches and community open mics, the venue is intentionally diverse in its programming. “We want to give people a reason to come here,” Mast says. “Whether you love live music, a great meal, or just a place to unwind, there’s something for you.”

Black Lives Matter Mural at Alberta Street Pub

A Safe Place for Everyone

At its core, Alberta Street Pub is about inclusivity. Mast and Hendrix are intentional about creating a space where everyone can feel safe, valued, and at home.

That sense of safety is not just about representation. It is about experience. “Tyrone has been in a lot of different music venues, in a lot of different cities,” Mast says. “He has seen what works, and he has seen what does not. We want to make sure people feel good when they come here.”

And part of that experience is great food and drinks. “People come for the atmosphere, but they stay for the food,” Mast says with a smile. The catfish on the menu is a neighborhood favorite, and the bartenders are some of the best in the city. “Our staff genuinely care about this place and the people who walk in."

The Heart of Alberta Street

Alberta Street has changed, but Alberta Street Pub remains a place that feels like home. For Mast and Hendrix, it is about more than just running a business. It is about holding space for a neighborhood bar where everyone belongs.

“People walk in and say, ‘I had no idea this bar existed.” Mast laughs. “But once people find us, they get it. They feel it.”

So if you are looking for a place that has history, great cocktails and a solid food menu, Alberta Street Pub is it. Whether it is for a show, a drink, or just a night out with friends, this is your neighborhood bar. And as long as Mast, Hendrix, and their team are running it, that is not going to change anytime soon.