Although we had been planning for a ride to a new SW shop, the three of us changed to this close-by NE destination in part due to a  marathon closing certain bridges and roads, and in part due to more rain than we were ready for.  With this cafe’s pleasant atmosphere, and our engaging light-hearted conversation, we had no regrets.

The inside of the TwentySix is cozy and attractive with friendly baristas, great art on the walls, and fine treats.  But honestly we probably would have felt more constricted with our enthusiastic discussions if not for the liberating airy back patio – and its heating lamps –  that we had to ourselves.

H started by extolling the Timbers outplaying the Crew last night though a man down, and the rain holding off drenching J and him until they had finished biking home; D told of having the same bike/rain experience coming home from Portland Playhouse, and his appreciation of the play (After the Revolution) and what the Playhouse had accomplished in terms of presenting August Wilson’s works; G then told of a current racial incident at MLC where his youngest had gone to school; we then moved to our election ballots, the soon to be released Oregon ruling on gay marriage, and the upcoming marijuana initiative; H wondered why banks who are so greedy in terms of expanding their reach have yet to come aboard the marijuana train; G and D theorized what was it about gay marriage that has allowed courts in bastions of conservatism like Idaho and Arkansas to overturn bans; and we finished by each talking about this year’s gardening challenges and successes.      2723 NE 7th     26cafe.com