In Portland, Starbucks just doesn’t cut it. In most cities it would, but since most Portlanders are caffeine connoisseurs, we expect a little more from a cup of Joe. We’re not pretentious, just selective. The coffee shops on this list should meet the expectations of the vast majority of us picky Portlanders.
Coffeehouse NW (A) / $1951 W. Burnside St./ 503-248-2133M-F 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. / Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-8:00 p.m.This hotspot boasts Stumptown coffee served up with love by talented, friendly baristas. No pretensions here in this little brick cafe, just fantastic espresso and free wi-fi.
Extracto (A) / $2921 N.E. Killingsworth St. / 503-281-1764M-F 6a.m.-6p.m. / Sat.-Sun. 7a.m.-6p.m.The Portland coffee scene has a shining new star. Extracto recently switched from Barefoot coffee to their own house-roasted Cherry coffee. The result is smooth and rich, expertly poured shots. If you thought the ubiquitous Stumptown was the end-all be-all of coffee heaven in the Rose City, prepare to be surprised.
Coffee Crutch (B) / $1023 S.W. Yamhill St. / 503-227-0487M-F 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Proudly displaying a simple white sign with a large red cross on it outside their shop, and measuring out their espresso drinks in cc’s, you know this coffee shop is well aware of your five-cups-a-day addiction, and they have made a Hippocratic oath to make sure you’re well caffeinated at all times when you are on the premises. The coffee is Nossa Familia, which pours up strong and vibrant.
Spella Caffe (A) / $S.W. Ninth Ave. and Alder St. / 503-421-9723M-F 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Who knew some of Portland’s finest coffee would be found in an unassuming cart downtown? Mr. Spella, the owner, knows how to pull his shots for all those harried downtown workers looking for espresso love.
Three Friends Coffee House (B) / $201 S.E. 12th Ave. / 503-236-6411
This eastside neighborhood coffee house is perfect for a mid-afternoon study session. Again, there are no pretentious baristas with bad hair making your coffee wrong here, just Stumptown coffee and a healthy crowd of locals.
Ladybug Organic Coffee (B) / $8438 N. Lombard St. / 503-715-1006M-Sun. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Ladybug serves up great, aromatic brew in a cute, inviting little shop in St. Johns. As a sweet bonus, their pastries here are some of the best in town. Trust me, you will have dreams of their vanilla bean éclairs.
Albina Press (B) / $5012 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. / 503-282-5214M-Sun. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. What’s better than coffee from much-lauded Albina Press? Coffee from Albina Press’ second, closer-in location on Hawthorne. The espresso is still made with competence and care, the food is still awesome, but with the added bonus of being on Hawthorne with a lot more space than Press’ first location.