My Portland Coffee Tour - Part 3

Deadstock CoffeeThis tiny little coffee joint is like walking into a little bit of an old school hip hop video. They have sneakers and sports memorabilia and a fun piece of art that features a boom box. They have a few stools to sit at, but when I was there they were full, including someone doing homework on a laptop, so they obviously are pretty social in their small space. You won’t find food here, or a menu, but they claim they’ll make any coffee you want, or you can ask for their specials. They didn’t have any when I visited, but I asked them to just make me something cold and the barista suggested the Zero Chill (also seconded and applauded by a customer, or possibly another worker on break). 

It is a cold brew coffee mixed with ice tea. Those are my two favorite things to drink! He was nice enough to pour it into an espresso cup first so I could taste it before I committed to a full size, but I was in. It only cost $4, which I thought was a decent deal, considering how good and refreshing it was. If homeless people bother you, maybe just park across the street in the paid lot instead of finding street parking. I’m used to it and no one bothered me, even after I took my drink to go and drank it on my way to my next coffee adventure.

Courier Coffee RoastersThis little European style cafe is in a fun shaped building that’s also home to several other eateries, including Portland landmark Sizzle Pie. They don’t really serve food here either, but they have places to sit and their coffees are affordable. I asked for their most popular drink and they told me it was probably their lattes and also that the espresso was “especially good” that day, so I ordered that and a canelé (what I’m told is a baked custard pastry). The two cost just $6 – $4 for my latte and $2 for my pastry. 

The coffee had a lovely rich flavor with a little bit of sweetness that eliminated the need for any sugar at all, plus it was pretty to look at! The pastry was amazing. I’d never had a canelé before and I look forward to having another one. It was crispy on the outside and like a super moist cake on the inside. I loved it. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m downtown, and maybe I’ll head around the corner to one of the three places to eat as well. I was very impressed, and I’d have to say this is in a much more approachable part of Portland, right across the street from the North Park Blocks and a few blocks from Downtown proper with a ton of food cart pods nearby.

HeartThis was another shop that was my second visit of the morning. If you didn’t know where Heart was, you’d probably not even notice it. It blends in with the buildings on the block and their monochromatic color scheme. The sign is small, but once you get there, you wonder how you missed it.

I found the prices of this minimalist coffee place a bit high. The prices seemed a $1 more for coffees and $1.50+ more for pastries. I had already had one coffee when I visited, so I opted for a small Americano and a blackberry blueberry scone. With a dash of sugar, the coffee was perfect. They use a mix of beans to get a lovely bold roast that is very satisfying. My scone had a nice crisp on the outside and was fluffy on the inside with that burst of fresh fruit. The two cost me a total of $7.50 ($3.50 for an 8oz $4 for my scone). 

For the price, you get the added convenience of a Downtown location, but unless you’re visiting on a weekday morning, you probably are going to end up paying for parking as well. Although, if you’re already downtown, it’s easy to walk to and close to the mall, Target, Powell’s Books, and Pioneer Square. There is plenty of inside and outside seating and the space is airy and bright. It’s a friendly place to pop into for a to-go cup or to sit and relax for a bit. Don’t expect any substantial food though, as I think I picked the heaviest thing on offer.    

There you have it. Four coffee shops that you may not have heard of and may be interested in grabbing a cuppa on your next visit to Portland. 

What’s your favorite coffee shop from home or your travels?