This Anna Bannanas outlet is 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. 2403 NE Alberta http://annabannanascafe.com/northeast
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 plus more seating options, have made it much easier to hang out in for longer periods. 4637 N. Albina
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 a lot. Though it does not have multiple seating options, its hominess comes from the ethnic flavor (and treats), which are quite stimulating. Adding to the positive atmosphere is knowing the owner invested in N. PDX when it was chancy. (The backyard patio in good weather is an added treat.) http://www.diprimadolci.com/
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 our city is the place where people in their 20s go to retire. Initially full of hipsters and maybe too precious, this FP original outlet has mellowed for the better. 4001 N. Mississippi http://www.thefreshpot.com/
World Cup is a fine neighborhood residential shop two blocks from I-405 and the commercial Pearl District. Books and games, a TV to watch soccer, big corner windows to watch the streetscape, and a mixture of chairs are all invite patrons to come in and stay a while. 1740 NW Glisan http://worldcupcoffee.com/cafes/glisan
The recently opened downtown branch of Case Study is laid out almost perfectly for its downtown location across from the library. Full length corner windows for great streetscape views, warm toned wood finishes, a central mobile-like chandelier augmented by stylish other styles, a seating mixture of stools at the counter and small tables around the edge, and the open layout all invite patrons to sit and socialize. It’s now our favorite downtown hangout shop. 802 SW 10th http://www.casestudycoffee.com/
Floyd’s SE store is an intimate, cozy spot with a somewhat retro feel due to the checkerbox linoleum pattern and the displays + lighting over the curved ordering counter. Despite limited space, it still has a variety of seating options. And we found the current art on its walls quite interesting. 1412 SE Morrison http://floydscoffee.com/
A trip up to the top of Rocky Butte ended at one of our favorites in NE. We still appreciate the fine craftsmanship that was used in turning a challenging space into a comfortable spot for treats and hanging out. Despite that craftsmanship, the ambiance of Case Study is one of friendliness, not pretension. And we appreciate the shop’s efforts to serve as a community meeting spot. 5347 NE Sandy Blvd. http://www.casestudycoffee.com/
One of the few hangouts we visited that’s in a brand new building. With primarily stools for sitting around a common table or along the windows, the feel is part European, though we recognize Lovejoy’s interior design can be easily replicated in many downtowns that are enjoying a rennaissance. What can’t be easily replicated is the exterior boardwalk and the magical feeling we get from chatting and relaxing on their Adirondack chairs. – 909 NW Lovejoy http://lovejoybakers.com/
We agree with Stumptown’s claim that this shop – opened in the fall of 1999 – started a coffee revolution in Portland. And that in turn accelerated the neighborhood hangout craze that was in its infancy. We found this shop to be buzzing with a diverse clientele. Because of its popularity and limited size, however, hanging out for a long time will be a challenge. – 4525 SE Division http://stumptowncoffee.com/location/division/
Portland Coffee Hangouts 