Portland Coffee Hangouts

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 made Bipartisan the quintessential perfect fit for its neighborhood, remain.  There’s the lively buzz of conversation and activity when you enter, but the shop is big enough that you never feel pushed to leave; the morning bakery is very inviting and we’re told the pies, sandwiches, soups and other foods are equally good; and we enjoy the political decor.   We appreciate shops that undertake extracurricular community building activities, and understand Bipartisan doesn’t; but we are also aware that Bipartisan maintains 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours without serving alcohol, and that speaks volumes for the community center role it plays in Montavilla.    7901 SE Stark.    http://www.bipartisancafe.com/

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 Haven.  3551 SE Division   http://coffeedivision.com/

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 in our brightly lit refuge with home baked pastries.    5941 SE Division   http://rainorshinepdx.com/

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 doesn’t offer tea or have homey touches that convey it wants its customers to stay and chat a while.   1300 SE Grand    http://coavacoffee.com/coffee/

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 encourage hanging out.    3370 SE Milwukie

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.   8017 SE 13th.    http://www.uglymugpdx.com/

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 colors felt a bit dated other than the splash of color right behind the counter.  But like we said the locals seemed content, and that speaks for itself.   2706 SE Clinton.  http://kfcoffee.com/locations/clinton_street_coffeehouse