2011 was the last time we visited the NW Urban Grind, and honestly it was a disappointment because the service and vibe were having a bad day.   (It was probably extra disappointing for those of us who had been regulars at the family friendly – 2 toy rooms – NE shop which had recently closed.)   Cut to 2014 and our experience was much much, much better.  In addition to the triangular-like space and its impressive wooden I-beam which we appreciated back then, the spiffed up soft furniture, big tables with magazines, home-made treats added to traditional pastry, and an attentive barista made us feel much more welcome than back in 2014.  We learned that some of these changes had been instituted by the new owners who took control of the shop last fall.

As it had been a while since some members had been able to ride, we were in a particularly talky, but somewhat scattered, mood.  Topics ranged from T’s children going off to college to G’s gardening prizes; from M’s upcoming debut officiating of a wedding to H’s wife’s P’s debut yesterday; from A’s family backpacking outing near South Sister, to T and M sharing Wallowa experiences, to G and H telling of their Blue Ridge Mountain travels.   911 NW 14th   http://www.urbangrindpdxcoffee.com