Portland’s Best Cafes for the Occasion
Photo by Cyril Saulnier
According to one news source, there are over 2,500 coffee shops in Portland. That’s a lot to choose from! Don’t’ panic—let me share with you some of my favorite finds and what I think makes them unique.
Looking for Cozy?
2387 NW Thurman St., Portland, OR 97210
Nestled in a residential neighborhood of NW Portland, this is a great place to grab a coffee on your way for a stroll through Forest Park (trailhead right up the road – 15 min walk). A warm interior with a wooden floor, couch, comfy chairs and a large communal table, this place has a down-to-earth, unpretentious charm.
5051 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon
This is a bread lovers mecca! Located in the Tabor neighborhood of SE Portland, this charming store (a brick-style house) has an amazing wood-fire oven where they bake their breads. They mill their wheat, rye and corn in-house using traditional stone mills. Can’t get cozier than that!
Patty Seward of Tabor Bread (Photo courtesy Tabor Bread)
Photo courtesy Tabor Bread
5206 SW Custer St., Portland, OR 07219
If you are looking to venture out of Portland proper and explore the less trendy neighborhoods of the city, this former 1911 post office and general store converted coffee shop is truly a hidden gem unknown to most Portlanders. Located in the middle of a residential neighborhood lined with beautiful trees, this shop has an assortment of pastries, including gluten free options, and some of the best breakfast in the area. This place is also child-friendly.
923 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205
Two words: cult following. This unpretentious whole-in-the-wall coffee shop, that has even been said to resemble a storage closet, may not look all that impressive but is dead serious about doing coffee right. Sit at the bar while listening to their record player and watching the baristas at work preparing individual pour-overs. Try their macchiato shot with one of their home-backed goodies.
Not Your Usual Drink
537 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Ok, so it’s “hip-central,” for sure, but it’s a reputation well-earned! Not to mention the colorful ceramic mugs you are served in and the fun mural on the wall, Never Coffee’s selection is fun and poetic. Just read one of their descriptions:
MIDNIGHT OIL
SWEET FENNEL SEED • STAR ANISE • BLACK LICORICE
The Scandinavian love of black licorice wrapped in a pillowy latte. It’s dark, moody, and scary delicious with a sweetness that haunts you, stalks you, and eventually devours you.
I’m not the biggest fan of the interior—it’s a little too sterile and lackluster—but the coffee is worth the visit. With a whole array of Moroccan espresso beverages and Zaza drinks (“zaza” means “blended” in Moroccan) with flavors like red velvet and pistachio latte. It’s also located next to Fields Park (a 3.5-acre urban park on a former railyard site), where you can enjoy the stunning view of the Fremont bridge.
3207 SE Hawthorne Blvd #5044, Portland, OR 97214
This should win the “Most Innovative Coffee House” award. Tov is actually not a shop at all—it’s literally a parked double-decker bus located off of bustling SE Hawthorne Street. Tov specializes in Egyptian- & Turkish-style coffee & tea drinks. Try their turmeric chai!
In Search of the Best Pastry
921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205
If I’m having a love affair, it’s with Maurice. Try all their pastries (they have savory dishes too), but especially the rosemary,currant scone. De-li-cious. Also, the quaintest interior ever.
404 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
It’s like walking into a pastry gallery. Probably the most beautiful display of pastries you’ve seen. Just make sure to get there by 1 pm, since many of their goods sell out. Definitely try the rose croissant. Their macaroons are also pretty amazing.
If you’re into classic French-style bakeries (who isn’t?), then this is for you. With an overwhelming assortment of freshly baked breads and pastries, every choice is a good choice. If you’re into classic pastries, try the almond croissant, or pain-au-chocolat. Keep in mind this place fills up on weekends, so you may have to wait for a table.
140 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232
There are so many fantastic gluten free and vegan pastry shops in Portland, but I think this is my favorite one. They have a sweet and savory selection and everything I’ve ever had from here is spot on. Even if you aren’t gluten free, the pastries can hold their own—they definitely aren’t losing to their gluten-filled counterparts. Try their velvet cupcake or buckeye bar!