Because the downtown site of the growing Barista enterprise does not open until 9, the four of us were planning an extended ride through S. Waterfront beforehand, in part to look at the under-construction Tilikum Crossing bridge, on this cool dry morning.  As it turned out, M’s bike suffered a flat as we descended onto the Esplanade, and thanks to D’s spiffy tire tools, it only took M 10 minutes to replace the tube.   The upshot is that while we biked through S. Waterfront, we didn’t take the time to survey the bridge.

Interestingly, while this Barista shop has a similar size and layout as the new inner NE Ristretto, we preferred the feeling of this one.  Why??   Despite size and seating limitations of each, the SW Barista is better lit, has more interesting views from inside, and has some whimsy in its decor – such as a double headed eagle symbol and a bright old-drugstore-type floor.  For us, these elements provide character that fit the site and location.     529 SW 3rd    http://www.baristapdx.com