Reviews of Neighborhood Shops

NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPS VISITED	RATINGS/COMMENTS	DIST. TO
N- Albina Press 4637 N. Albina Visited in 2010, Revisited 1-31-12	It was great to see the improvements to one of the pioneering successes in alt. culture/upscale barista-ing. The minor expansions and remodels made the shop less cramped Also, a plus is the clientele not being so homogeneously hip. It’s easier to hang out for longer periods now. – 3.5 cups.	2.7 mi.

N- Anna Bannanas Cafe 8716 N. Lombard	3 cups – 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. http://annabannanascafe.com/stjohns	8.4 mi.

N- The Arbor Lodge 1507 N. Rosa Parks Way Visited 5-20-12	3 cups- Is in an older commercial building that complements the neighborhood. South facing windows, period architecture, high ceilings and wood tables are touches that make this shop interesting/comfortable. Steady flow of traffic adds to positive vibe. http://www.thearborlodge.com	4 mi.

N- Blend Coffee Lounge 2710 N. Killingsworth Visited in spring of 2012	3 cups- Shop located in two adjacent, diverse spaces: one formerly commercial, one industrial, resulting in differing atmospheres. Appreciated the bike corral. Has Facebook page.	4.7 mi. direct7 mi.indirct
N- Cup Coffee 7540 N. Interstate Visited July 14, 2013 6 mi. Cup Coffee took over a ho-hum shop in January and is striving to make it a community center. We found an enterprise well on its way to success, among its assets being varied sitting locations – porches in front and back, a fireplace with comfy seats, a downstairs area with games that is also used for community meetings, and nooks for studying – a chalkboard for patrons’ artistry, and operating hours that extend from early morning to night. 7540 N. Interstate cupcoffeeco.com
N- Fresh Pot 4001 N. Mississippi Visited 7-24-2012	3 cups- FP was the first shop in this now popular district, opening in 02 or 03– and quite possibly the inspiration for the phrase that Portland is the place where people in their 20s go to retire. Initially full of hipsters and a bit too precious, this original outlet has mellowed for the better. – 3.5 cups http://www.thefreshpot.com/	2.5 mi.
N- Grindhouse Coffee 1934 c Rosa Parks Way Visited 5-5-13 Though many shops have outside seating areas, only GrindHouse is situated in a kiosk-style structure, meaning it’s semi-exposed to the elements 365 days a year. We hit it on a brisk, cool day and felt very comfortable there. It is such a change of pace that it no doubt contributed to our stimulating conversation. 3 cups http://www.originalsexycoffee.com
N- James John Cafe 8527 N. Lombard Visited 5-19-2013N-Ladybug Organic Coffee Co. 8438 N. Lombard Visited in 2011, NOW CLOSED	Located in the heart of St. Johns, the cafe seemed to us a comfortable gathering spot with a relaxed atmosphere. Its electic decor included a tin ceiling and wall mounted hunting and fishing trophies. 3 cups www:jamesjohncafe.comLove their environmental (reducing carbon footprint) and organic efforts, so were surprised that the shop felt a bit stiff in terms of hanging out.	8.3 mi.8.3 mi.
N- The Waypost 3120 N. Williams Visited in 2010, NOW OPENS AT 10:00	One of the early enterprises designed to resemble a non-profit community hangout, unfortunately was sold. It is now operated as a more upscale enterprise dependent on selling alcohol.	2.2 mi.
NE- Anna Banannas 2403 NE Alberta Visited 12-17-2012	3 cups- The site of the former Star E. Rose shop, one of the early commercial outlets on Alberta when most of the street was vacant and blighted. Despite some additions (beer/wine, a bar with stools, some additional soft chairs,) the feel of the shop remains comfortable, funky and cluttered. Hanging out is definitely encouraged. http://annabannanascafe.com/northeast	1.5 mi.

NE- Aliviar Coffeehouse 4128 NE Sandy Visited 7-29-2012	3 cups- Adjacent to the Hollywood Theater on Sandy, Aliviar – to soothe in Spanish – strives to touch all the bases in its cozy, angular space. Two examples: despite limited space, one nook is given over to a couch and table to invite reading; and though closing most nights at 7, there’s beer and wine for 4:00-6 happy hours. www.aliviarcoffee.com/	1 mi.

NE- Barista Alberta 1725 NE Alberta Visited 5-13-12	3.5 cups – Friendly baristas, an old west décor (stuffed animals, posters, chandelier), and a garage style door that lets fresh air/light in and good music out to the courtyard, are just some of the positives of this tasteful shop. http://baristapdx.com/	.5 mi.

NE- Black Cat Cafe 1205 NE Alberta Visited in 2010	2 cups- Its mix of products/ activities – even groceries – in a pretty narrow space, limits hanging out.	2 mi.

NE- Cafe Eleven 435 NE Rosa Parks Way Visited 6-17-2012	3.5 cups- Normally disappointed by shops without bike parking or smaller ones where hanging-out is problematic, our enthusiasm for Cafe Eleven taught us that we temper our assessments in underserved neighborhoods. In a challenging residential neighborhood of modest homes just east of MLK, sits a smallish, unassuming bakery and adjacent cafe with welcoming smiles, and tasty art on the walls as well as tasty treats & drinks. A hidden gem, Cafe Eleven, is just aching to serve as a neighborhood hub.	3 mi. dir. 5 mi indir.

NE- Elevated Coffee 5261 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Visited 11-4-2012	A relatively new, small shop with clean lines and lots of window space on NE MLK Jr. Blvd. There are a couple of soft chairs, a piano, and reading material for homey touches. The other tables & chairs, though, are are all the same style. Get the sense that Elevated is a valuable addition to the neighborhood. – 3 cups	2.5 mi.

NE- Green Beans Coffeeand Tea 2327 E. Burnside Visited March 3, 2013	Green Beans is an unpretentious narrow shop with an unexpected room to the side, that because of its step down, no windows, and low-ceiling feels like a cozy cavern or kids’ clubhouse. With well used comfy chairs, this room is fun to hang out in; the main section of the shop, though, can feel a little crowded. – 3 cups	7 miles via Downtown Esplanade
NE- Grendel’s Coffee Shop: 729 E. Burnside Visited 4-28-13: Grendel’s is a funky little shop under one of the few porticos in the City. We found being outside quite liberating as the inside can feel a little cramped despite the innovate art display. In addition to the portico we appreciated the genuinely welcoming baristas, the laid back/no frills ambiance, the reasonable prices, and the bike corral. 3 Cups. 3.5 miles
NE- Laurelhurst Cafe 4611 E. Burnside Visited 4-1-2012	3 cups- Unassuming outside, chock full of amenities inside: art, ceiling tchotchkes, kids story times, jazz Sundays, panini sandwiches, beer/wine, etc. http://laurelhurstcafe.com/	2.5 mi.

NE- Motivasi Coffee Shop 4502 NE 42^nd Visited in 2011	3 cups- Fine transformation of a formerly plain shop: clean lines, good light, mixture of seating. Cozy, it’s easy to hang out now, but that may change as it becomes popular. Has website on Facebook.	.5 mi.

NE- New Deal Cafe 5250 NE Halsey Visited in 2011	3 cups- Popular breakfast/lunch spot that starts bubbling after 9. With lots of talking, and so-so acoustics, hanging out can be a challenge. http://thenewdealcafe.com/	2 mi.

NE- Seven Virtues 5936 NE Glisan Visited in 2010 and 2011	3.5 cups- Have enjoyed seeing this shop’s evolution and growth over time, though may be now verging on taking itself too seriously. http://sevenvirtuespdx.com/	2.8 mi.

NE – Tiny’s Coffee 2131 NE MLK Visited 8-12-2012	3 cups- The NE site is a model of how to inexpensively transform a mostly cinder block building into an inviting refuge from the 4 lanes of MLK traffic outside. With a mish-mash of 60-ish furniture and colors, a set-back counter, and open kitchen, Tiny’s has created a relaxed, laid back feel.	2.5 mi.

NE- Townshend’s Tea 2223 NE Alberta Visited in 2011	Until the fall of 2012, Townshend’s was the only tea shop open Sundays at, so kudos to them. Still, the atmosphere at this tea shop differs from coffee shops and may take a few times for coffee-goers to get used to. The ordering counter is smaller and in a corner, the line to order is more unwieldy, and then the teamakers go into the back-room to make the pots of tea, pharmacy like. Still, the seating options are similar to other hang-outs. – 3 cups. http://www.townshendstea.com/	1.5 mi.

NW- Anna Bannanas Cafe 1214 NW 21^st Visited in 2011	2.5 cups- Despite our attraction to homey settings for extended talk, this house’s layout was a challenge for us to maneuver through. Still, it’s an iconic indie pioneer. http://annabannanascafe.com/northwest	4.7 mi.

NW- Caffe Umbria 303 NW Everett Visited in 2010	3 cups- Brightly lit, enjoyable Italian spot with a sister shop in Seattle. Shows foreign films Thursdays, soccer on weekends. Http:// www.caffeumbria.com/v2/portlandcafe.html	4.3 mi.

NW- Coffee Time 712 NW 21^st Visited in 2011	3.5 cups- Spacious, unpretentious shop that despite staying open till 2:30 a.m, feels welcoming and comfy at 9 a.m. Easily meets its stated goal to be a neighborhood hangout. http://www.coffeetimeportland.com/	4.7 mi.

NW- Floyd’s Coffee Shop NW 113 NW Couch Visited in 2010	3 cups- The exposed brick interior, seat/ tables options, and counter are spot on at Floyd’s NW. Still, there’s a cramped feeling at the ordering line, and pastry/tea displays due to their proximity to the door. http://floydscoffee.com/	4.25 mi.

NW- Superjet, formerly Cloud Seven Cafe 901 NW 10^th Visited in 2011, CLOSED due to water leakage issues	More restaurant than coffee shop, the original Cloud Seven nevertheless offered pour-overs and pastries. As Superjet it’s ramped up its wine and restaurant profile. -3 cups. http://www.superjetpdx.com/	4 mi.
NW- Via Delizia 1105 NW Marshall Visited in 2011	2.5 cups- Because it’s more of an Italian- styled restaurant than coffee shop, it wasn’t as relaxing for hanging out as elsewhere. http://viadelizia.com/home.html	4 mi.

NW- Vivace Coffee & Creperie 1400 NW 23^rd Visited in 2010	2.5 cups- Precious creperie on 23^rd, though not ideal for hanging out because of its limited size.	5 mi.

SE- The Albina Press/S. 5012 SE Hawthorne Visited in 2011	3.5 cups- Brightly lit, airy conversion of two former (recessed) storefronts, that has good lighting, and a variety of seating options.	3.3 mi

SE- Cafe au Play 5633 SE Division Visited 7-8-12	3 cups- Multiple kudos for this non-profits’ mission to serve as a community resource with workshops (new fathers, eg.), multi-cultural song circles, book club, meeting space, and more. Surprisingly, though, as a place to hang-out, it could benefit with a few more homey touches. http://cafeauplay.org/activities/	4 mi. dir. 7 mi. via Mt. Tabor

SE- Coffee Division 3551 SE Division Visited Oct. 7, 2012	3 cups- This is the revamped Haven Coffee shop with a new counter, coffee equipment, and art on the walls. Making it even homier might be some varied seating options, reading materials, and some of the former, older regulars from Haven. http://coffeedivision.com/	4.5 mi.

SE- Common Grounds Coffeehouse 4321 SE Hawthorne Visited in 2011	3.5 cups- Lots of soft sofas mixed with wooden chairs, plus a variety of daily newspapers, invite patrons to relax and stay.	3.3 mi.

SE- First Cup Coffee House 4103 SE Woodstock Visited in 2011 Revisited 8-4-13	2.5 cups- Went on a rainy day and shop was packed, making it hard to relax. On dry days its outdoor deck allows you to stretch out. Http: //www.firstcupcoffeehouse.com/	6 mi.

SE- Floyd’s Coffee Shop SE 1412 SE Morrison Visited 12-9-2012	Floyd’s SE store is an intimate, cozy spot with a somewhat retro feel due to the checkerbox linoleum pattern and curved ordering counter. Despite limited space, it still has a variety of seating options. And the current art on its walls is quite interesting. http://floydscoffee.com/ – 3 cups	3.7 mi.

SE- Flying Cat Coffee 3041 SE Division Visited in 2010	2.5 cups- A shop that features performances for kids has a lot to recommend it, but it could be more comfortable hanging out. http://www.flyingcatcoffee.com/	4.5 mi.

SE- Mocha Momma’s Good Coffee Cafe 6116 SE Milwaukie Visited 6-3-12	3 cups- Quite a stimulating ride via the Esplanade+Springwater Corr, getting off at Oaks Bottom to access Milwaukie. MM’s has a nondescript outside, but inside it’s cozy and full of 1940-ish memorabilia. Problem for the 6 of us was its limited inside seating, which in turn limits extended chats. Nevertheless, by sponsoring open mics and providing board games, MM’s wants people to hang out. http://www.mochamommasgoodcoffee.com/	8 mi. via Espl.

SE – Oui Presse 1740 SE Hawthorne Visited in 2011	3 cups- Except for the unusualness of the magazine racks, the layout is fairly plain. Though we heard good things about the shop, it would have benefited from a jolt of patrons the morning we visited.	3.5 mi.

SE- Palio Dessert & Espresso House 1996 SE Ladd Visited in 2010	3.5 cups- Myriad nooks and crannies, plus games and books, give patrons lots of opportunity for feeling comfy and hanging. http://www.palio-in-ladds.com/	4.3 mi.

SE- Papaccinos Coffee4411 SE WoodstockVisited 5-27-12	3.3 cups- A spacious, stimulating shop at the end of our cross-city, stimulating ride. It’s clear that Papaccinos’ goal is to serve as Woodstock’s meeting hub. With an area for kids, an array of living room furniture, a quiet nook for reading, a cereal bar, and wall art in addition to large murals inside and outside, we felt invited to spend a long lazy time there. http://www.papaccinos.com/	6 mi.

SE- Red Sq. Cafe 4505 SE Belmont Visited in 2011	2.5 cups- Smallish shop that’s also an internet cafe. Size of shop makes hanging out not as comfortable as elsewhere.	3 mi.

SE- The Rocking Frog Cafe 2511 SE Belmont Visited in 2011	4 cups- The coffee/sandwich shop takes great advantage of the design features of this craftsman house: its library, game room, fireplace, etc. Easy place to hang out in.	3 mi.

SE- Sound Grounds 3711 SE Belmont Visited in 2010, revisted in 2012	It’s obvious that laid back Sound Grounds’ goal is to serve as a neighborhood gathering spot: it sponsors a storytime for kids, a crafters time, a writers group, a mystics’ time, and more. 3.5 cups	3 mi.

SE- Three Friends Coffeehouse 201 SE 12^th Visited in 2011	4 cups- Funky down-home feel with variety of couches, tables/chairs, and window stools. Looks like former hardware store with old storage bins behind counter.	3.5 mi.

SE- True Brew 3370 SE Milwaukie Visited 9-16-12	2.5 cups- 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 more homier to encourage hanging out. 2.5 cups	5.5 mi.

SE- The Ugly Mug 8017 SE 13^th Visited 9-2-12	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 and straight-forward tables and chairs, make this a friendly meeting spot. -3 cups. http://www.uglymugpdx.com/	8.5 mi. via Espl.

Bean and Tree Coffee House 0315 SW Montgomery (beware street numbering is confusing) Visited 6-10-2012	3 cups- Cozy shop on the west-side esplanade overlooking the marina. With limited seating inside, it’s difficult for long hangouts; but when the weather is dry, the outside picnic tables offer great views for river and people watching.	5.5 mi.

SW- Fehrenbacher Hof 1225 SW 19^th Visited in Feb. 2012	3 cups- Unpretentious shop serving an interesting, diverse population in a older 2-story Goose Hollow home.	5.5 mi.

SW- JoLa Cafe 5915 SW Corbett Visited in March 2012, Revisited 1-4-13	Contains all the ingredients for a relaxing hangout: lots of striking art on walls, a variety of seating options, good lighting. Though the service on our initial visit was a little tentative, what we found on our last visit was a thriving shop with quality staff. 3.5 cups. http://jolacafe.com/	7.7 mi.11.5 via Terw.

SW- Public Domain Coffee 603 SW Broadway. Visited in 2011, Revisited in March, 2017	Revisiting was very pleasant in that small changes in tables/chairs primarily, made PD so much more inviting. It always had great window space plus bright lighting, clean lines, and nice woodwork, but now it was so much easier to have an extended conversation than before. — 3.5 cups http://www.publicdomaincoffee.com/	4.5 mi.

SW- Rilassi Coffeehouse and Tea 3580 SW River Parkwy Visited in Feb. 2012	2.5 cups- Our most ornate destination with a prominent fountain and stairway, leading to unpretentious coffee/sandwich shop. In S. Waterfront, 50 yards from the Willamette. http://rilassicoffeehouse.com/	6 mi.