I love coffee. That's why this project was created. Most of my free time is spent exploring local coffee shops to do homework, catch up with friends or settle in with my favorite book. After working as a barista myself I've developed a love of finding great coffee shops that not only serve good coffee but provide quality customer service, create a relaxing and inviting vibe and leave me with excitment for the next time I can return. Below I've listed my top ten choices for coffee shops I've found in Portland, Oregon so far. So make yourself a cup of coffee, settle in and get excited to try these places for yourself on your next time out and about.
I may be a little bit biased to list this coffee shop as my number one pick but after living in Australia for a little over 3 years. I truly think Australian coffee is some of the best out there. Proud Mary originated in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and has since transferred to one location outside of Australia here in Portland. Their mission statement provided on their website: "At Proud Mary Cafe, we pride ourselves on our quality products and being able to deliver what we think are all the good things in life! All day breakfast, hearty lunches, fresh juices, smoothies, single estate teas, homemade cakes and of course coffee, roasted by us!" Proud Mary definitely has a sophisticated vibe and filled with modern decor so leave your laptop at home and enjoy brunch with your friends. Whatever you do, make sure you give their flat white a try!
Case Study Coffee started off of Sandy Blvd and has since opened two other locations in Portland. My favorite location is off of Alberta Street. Their loft space is the perfect place to take homework, read a good book or enjoy time with friends. They roast their own beans and have a variety of options including seasonal favorites. You can tell that this is a business that cares about the way they present themselves to their community and provide quality service and quality coffee. For a fun twist on a classic cappuchino Case Study adds sea salt. Make sure to give it a try the next time you stop in.
Heart Roasters in Portland's Kerns neighborhood is one of the best roasters in town - if you are obsessed with coffee like me you'll love this place. Their mission states "The motivation behind our coffee is simple: uncompromising quality. We are a specialty coffee roasting company aiming to bring people a focused and an exceptional coffee experience." They specialize in light roast and their spacious cafes located in three different locatins are the perfect place to bring your laptop and get some homework done.
Coava coffee was started in a garage back in 2008 by Matt Higgins who knew he wanted to start his own coffee business. Since then Coava has grown to be a premier coffee roasting business not just in Portland but throughout the United States. With 5 locations total and 4 of those being located in Portland you can see why this place is so popular. With urban to industrial vibes and great hospitatlity you'll get a unique experience of enjoying great coffee and watching the roasting process happening before your eyes. Their house-made Madagascar vanilla is my favorite on this menu.
Never Coffee Lab is definitely the most colorful coffee shop i've visited in Porland. With a large mural on the wall inside, plants galore and unique coffee mugs this will very quickly become a favorite spot. Don't be alarmed by their small interior though, make sure to visit during the spring and summer and enjoy the outdoor seating. With 5 signature drinks that you can't find anywhere else you are sure to suprise your taste buds. Try my favorite; the 'Rich Kid' a latte made with rose water, saffron and cardamom.
Kainos has two cafe locations in Portland both with a fun friendly vibe and great coffee on drip! They state on their website "We started our company with the goal in mind of being able to give back globally and locally. Currently, our global charity efforts are focused on LifeChild Asia Foundation. LifeChild Asia helps give abandoned Philippine children homes and into school." 21 percent of their profits go towards this foundation and they often give to other local charities. Their Sandy Blvd. location boasts plenty of outdoor seating for the nice weather and fun outgoing baristas.
Cup and bar is one of Portland's first coffee and chocolate tasting room. They serve a robust menu of breakfast foods and snacks. They use Trailhead Coffee Roasters for their coffee selection and Ranger cholcolate company in their pasteries. With a cool location located near the Portland Covention Center you can come and enjoy this space with friends or rent out their event space for larger get togethers or parties.
Upper Left Roasters was opened in 2015 "in hopes of creating a vibrant meeting place for residents and visitors of Portland's Ladd's Addition neighborhood. Opening in 2015 Upper Left has a no-nonsense but friendly approach to delivering outstanding coffee." With two modern chic locations in Portland hit the town and then head to Upper Left Roasters for brunch and coffee with the ladies. Try their housemade chai for a fun treat!
The Society Hotel located in downtown Portland is one of those hidden gems. Not many people venture inside because they arent aware of the cafe located here. The society cafe is located in the lobby of the hotel and serves a variety of tea and coffee drinks with some fun brunch items as well. If you ask the front desk staff nicely to go up to the roof to enjoy your coffee they will take you up and you'll get a beautiful view of downtown, the rest of Portland an our many bridges that give Portland the nickname Bridgetown.
A new coffee shop located off of Fremont Street, Guilder definitely is worth mentioning for it's uniqueness. This cafe's menu is inspired by the owners love for the childrens movie/book 'The Princess Bride'. On their website Guilder states "Our company values include education, service and sustainability. We host educational opportunitues focused around coffee. We welcome you to discover the vast world of coffee with us and develop your own passion for our favorite beverage." Make sure to check out their wide variety of coffee, vegan and gluten free food options and cocktails.