Glad to report that the joy we experienced at our first discovery of Fehrenbacher Hof, stayed with us on this outing. Originally we were wowed by the diversity of age groups and socioeconomics of the patrons; today it was the down-to-earth friendliness/ helpfulness of the staff, and the ease of discussing the problems of the world on the outside tables. Not doubt being away from busy streets and commerce helped, as did the pastries that were made in the basement. 1225 SW 19th
Ken’s continues to create top end bakery goods at a location that would benefit from more space and more homey qualities, (though admittedly many bakeries want the quicker turnover of patrons than coffee shops.) 338 NE 21st kensartisan.com
For more than a year Portland bagel lovers have searched for high quality replacements for Kettleman’s, which was bought out by a national company who jettisoned their recipes. Henry Higgins is a shoe-string operation – leasing a small retail outlet on weekends for their retail trade through June. We’re happy to report that their bagels met the high quality standard, though the ambiance quality for hanging out there was low cause it was so cramped. Their website states that though they are selling at a couple of farmers markets, their retail work is on hiatus. http://www.hhboiledbagels.com/
Happy Sparrow was a great discovery for us. It’s a cozy shop that has staked its success on offering a wide assortment of the Czech pastry kolache, rather typical coffee shop offerings. We liked the kolaches, liked the personable owners, liked the shelves of books and games, and had a lively discussion. The only downside is that the shop is small and that may be a problem for hanging out when it gets busy. 3001 SE Belmont http://www.happysparrowcafe.com/Home.php
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 our morning coffee, pastries, and discussion time there with friends.
8527 N. Lombard www:jamesjohncafe.com
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 such a change of pace that it no doubt helped stimulate a lively discussion. GrindHouse serves Extracto coffee and Fleur de Lis pastries. 1934c Rosa Parks Way
http://www.originalsexycoffee.com/
After an unsuccessful attempt visiting the new Stumptown Annex in the Central Eastside, (it’s open 10-4 F-M), today’s two riders turned to Grendel’s; both had been there individually, but neither by bike. Grendel’s is a funky little shop under one of the few porticos in the City, which today suited us much better than being inside. The inside can feel a bit cramped despite the innovative art display on the walls, while being outside felt liberating in comparison. In addition to the portico we appreciated the welcoming friendliness of the baristas, the shop’s laid back/no frills atmosphere, reasonable prices, and the bike corral. We understand the sandwiches receive high marks. 729 E. Burnside
Long before we were Sunday morning bicyclists, we were Sunday morning joggers. This Monday afternoon’s bicycle outing to Goldrush celebrated the visit of a distinguished alumnus of the jogging group, visiting from Denver. With its high ceilings, brick wall to the south, and narrow layout, the shop conveys feelings of an earlier time in the northwest. There’s some variety of seating, but the narrow floor plan doesn’t allow for many soft seats. Still the ambiance is quite comfortable as we appreciated the old-time touches. 2601 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Hats off to two of our stalwarts who biked 12 miles – out to Marine Drive then back through Cascade Station – to hang out at a shop just a half mile from our starting point. Motivasi is a great little shop in our neighborhood that’s not that well known because it’s on NE 42nd rather than the more successful commercial areas of Fremont and Alberta. Though small, it does have a variety of seating options including stools and counter against a street window, a craftsmen-built ordering counter, and tasty baked goods from Florio. The only problem for hanging out is when it gets busy, it’s harder to relax there. 4502 NE 42nd
K+F remains a bit of an anomaly: an early coffee roaster in a hip neighborhood, that draws mostly an older, less hip clientele. The facility has a bit of color on one wall, which looks great; not sure why other walls aren’t equally bright. It definitely feels like a hub for locals who appear to be regulars, who are comfortable with the status quo. 2706 SE Clinton
http://kfcoffee.com/locations/clinton_street_coffeehouse
Portland Coffee Hangouts 