Author Archives: howpamfam

Ristretto Roasters NW- November 11, 2012

Posted on November 17, 2012 by howpamfam

An out-of-the-way discovery in the NW industrial district, whose delightful layout made us question some of our hang out assumptions. No, there’s not many seating options, nor any reading material, nor bike parking, et. al;  still, the perfect siting of … Continue reading →

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Elevated Coffee – Nov. 4, 2012

Posted on November 17, 2012 by howpamfam

Elevated is a relatively new, small shop with clean lines and lots of window space on NE MLK between Alberta and Killingsworth.   Its interior has a couple of soft chairs, piano, and reading material for homey touches. The other tables … Continue reading →

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Bipartisan Cafe- An Oct. 28, 2012 Revisit

Posted on November 3, 2012 by howpamfam

Today was a red letter day as we biked up both Rocky Butte and Mt. Tabor before settling in at one of our favorite shops.   We noticed a new soft couch had been added, but otherwise the strengths that have … Continue reading →

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Ristretto Roasters N.- An Oct. 21, 2012 Revisit

Posted on October 21, 2012 by howpamfam

Our return visit had us question whether there was art on the walls 18 months ago. Otherwise our original impressions still seem true today. Ristretto produces high quality coffee plus pastries by an artisan chef, in a section of a … Continue reading →

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Coffee Division- October 7, 2012

Posted on October 11, 2012 by howpamfam

This is the revamped Haven Coffee shop with improvements such a new counter, coffee equipment, and art on the walls.  It still might be homier with some varied seating options, reading materials, and some of the former, older regulars from … Continue reading →

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Rain or Shine Cofffee House- Sept. 30, 2012

Posted on October 11, 2012 by howpamfam

A revisit after 18 months – brought on by a flat tire – resulted in our seeing the wonderful small changes (reading magazines, board games, soft couches) that have taken place here. Each sends an invitation to come hang out … Continue reading →

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Coava Coffee Roasters- A Sept. 23, 2012 Revisit

Posted on October 11, 2012 by howpamfam

Returning to Coava today to commemorate the new East side streetcar, we found little changed over the past 18 months. Coava still shares Bamboo Revolution’s hip showroom space and still brews artisan coffee, but from a hangout viewpoint it still … Continue reading →

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True Brew- Sept. 16, 2012

Posted on October 11, 2012 by howpamfam

In a large space that used to be a book store and coffee shop, and before that possibly a neighborhood grocery store, it’s now solely a coffee shop. Coffee and pastries are fine, but the space could be  homier to … Continue reading →

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The Ugly Mug- Sept. 2, 2012

Posted on September 2, 2012 by howpamfam

With a somewhat self-deprecating name, one would expect an unpretentious, inviting shop, and the Mug doesn’t disappoint. Handmade mugs, monthly art, a sofa along straight-forward tables/chairs and stools by the window, all help make the Mug a friendly meeting spot.   … Continue reading →

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K & F/ Clinton St. Coffeehouse- August 19, 2012

Posted on September 2, 2012 by howpamfam

Interestingly, though K&F has been roasting organic, sustainable coffee for almost 30 years in coffee-mad, progressive Portland, we expected their coffeeshop on popular SE Clinton to have more of a buzz.  Though locals were obviously comfortable there, the layout and … Continue reading →

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