Category Archives: North

Located in the heart of St. Johns, the James John Cafe seemed to us as a comfortable gathering spot with a relaxed atmosphere.   Its eclectic decor included a tin ceiling and wall mounted hunting and fishing trophies.   We truly enjoyed … Continue reading →

Though many shops have outside seating areas, only GrindHouse is situated in a kiosk-style structure, meaning its semi-exposed to the elements 365 days a year.    We hit it on a brisk, clear day and felt very comfortable there.   It’s … Continue reading →

On this cold Sunday morning we took off for Kenton – hitting a thin layer of snow on Denver.   Our revisit showed us that Posies had changed its thematic course over the past couple of years, though not to any … Continue reading →

It was great to see physical improvements to one of the pioneering successes in alt. culture/upscale barista-ing.  The minor expansions and remodels have made the shop less cramped. Also, a plus is the clientele not being so homogeneously hip. That … Continue reading →

Biking out to St. Johns on a very clear, very cold morning, we chose en route to take a warm-up break at Diprima Dolci, an Italian bakery/dinner spot not listed on some coffee shop lists, but which we like it … Continue reading →

The Fresh Pot was the first coffee shop in this now popular district, opening in 02 or 03 when the area was pretty sketchy.  Still it was popular right away, and quite possibly the inspiration for the Portlandia line that … Continue reading →

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 →

Is situated in an older commercial building that complements the neighborhood.   Found its south facing windows, period architecture, high ceilings and live edge wood tables as assets that make the shop interesting+comfortable.  A steady flow of traffic – including many … Continue reading →

Great location in the heart of the St. Johns business district.  Nice neighborhood feel with large windows fronting Lombard street and sidewalk seating too.  Very comfortable and friendly.   8716 N. Lombard   http://annabannanascafe.com/stjohns

Five of us were on last Sunday’s outing, taking the scenic route via  Willamette Blvd. to reach Blend on N. Killingsworth just off Greeley.   Found a shop with two personalities, depending if you were in the section that used to … Continue reading →