Exploring a new city comes with a plethora of hiccups. You might have 99 problems, but in Portland, a good cup of coffee isn’t one of them. Portland is often referred to as the “third wave of coffee”, and it’s true, the best Portland cafes take great pride in mastering the art of proper coffee.
In Portland, good coffee is easily accessible on practically every street corner but with so many great cafes to choose from, where to begin? With an unabashed caffeine-addicted local, of course. Without further ado, allow me to share the best coffee in Portland (from a local’s perspective).
Why trust me about the best cafes in Portland?
My name is Antonina and I’m a lifelong Portland local. Spoiled for choice, I’ve relied on caffeine to get me through the most important days of my life.
From late nights in college to my first real job, and finally my voyage into entrepreneurship (*heads to podium to thank coffee and mom), I’ve tried practically every coffee shop in Portland. Here’s a list of places I personally return to time and time again.
Best Coffee in Portland, Oregon
Click for a Table of Contents!
Table of Contents: Best Cafes & Coffee in Portland
Good Coffee
What’s in a name? A lot, apparently. Good Coffee (great if you ask me) serves some of the best coffee in Portland.
Clear standouts are foamy drinks, like the excellent cappuccinos and high quality lattes. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you need cream for these perfectly roasted beans, everything is done to perfection here.
An airy interior filled with healthy plants and cozy seating, the ambiance is dreamy and the hot cup of perfect coffee is only icing on the cake.
But perhaps my favorite thing about Good Coffee is the positive impact they have on the community.
Good Coffee partners with local organizations focusing on improving Portland, by creating special bags of coffee specifically for the organization and then donating 20% of proceeds directly to them.
Local’s Tip: For a GREAT (albeit expensive) souvenir, the handmade mugs (made by a local artist) here are the cutest I have ever seen.
Locations:
- 2175 NW Raleigh St. Portland, Oregon
- 1150 SE 12th St. Portland, Oregon
- 4747 SE Division St. Portland, Oregon
Water Avenue Coffee
Originally founded in 2009, Water Avenue Coffee is a cafe for the people. Most of my coworkers were overly-excited when the downtown location opened up in 2016.
Quickly we learned that everyone was waiting for this incredible cafe to expand because the lines are always long, albeit warranted.
I was first introduced to Water Avenue Coffee at one of my favorite brunch spots in Portland and needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since. The smooth pours are too easy to drink, even if you consider yourself a cream drinker, you may forgo it.
Worth noting, their breakfast treats are very tasty – savory toasts, breakfast sandwiches, etc.
Address: 1028 SE Water Ave #145, Portland, OR 97214
Sisters Coffee Company
I first discovered Sisters Coffee Company in Sisters, Oregon after my husband was commissioned to do a film on the Deschutes National Forest. We spent most weekends in Central Oregon, more specifically at Sisters Coffee.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that Sisters Coffee had a Portland location that was a mere eight blocks from my apartment! The coffee is creamy-smooth, even without extra additions like milk.
My husband prefers Ethiopian beans and considers Sister’s beans among the best. I’m partial to the Americanos at this cafe, no additions needed (the strong coffee sings!).
Address: 1235 NW Marshall St
P.S. If you’d like to see the video, I’ll post it below. Enjoy 🙂
Albina Press
Arguably the most beloved cafe in Portland, Albina Press is definitely worth a visit. Baristas at Albina Press are held to high standards, which is why many locals consider this the best coffee in Portland.
In fact, two previous employees have branched off to open their own successful coffee shops in Portland (both on this list!), Barista and Coava. Plus, the interior is welcoming, with well-worn large leather couches and warm-toned wood floors invite guests to stay a while.
You’ll notice friends catching up, people glued to laptops and the occasional people-watcher (*raises hand) lingering in this cozy Portland cafe.
Albina Press recently started using Coava beans. Why not order a French press coffee and see what all the fuss is about?
Address: 4637 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Keeper Coffee
Keeper Coffee opened its doors in 2020 and it’s safe to say that this charming Portland cafe’s survival is attributed to their great knowledge of coffee and delectable home-made pastries that incite out-the-door lines on a daily basis.
The cafe is as endearing as can be, with classic wooden chairs, clean marble tables and a stark white interior. Serving Coava Coffee, the menu is well curated and lists delightful seasonal home-made syrups like elderberry and jasmine.
The homemade pastries only add to the relaxing and low-key experience at Keeper Coffee, those hand pies are so memorable — don’t miss out!
The cozy atmosphere partnered with delicious coffee served in real cups makes this is one of the best and cutest cafes in Portland.
Address: 4515 SE 41st Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Proud Mary
Proud Mary hails from Melbourne, Australia where it cultivated a cult following before deciding to expand to America by opening a small cafe in Portland, Oregon.
The result? An epic Portland cafe and brunch spot that fills to the brim with eager locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Plus, the coffee is hard to beat.
The talented and cheery baristas at Proud Mary Cafe churn out some of the best coffee in Portland and we are all better for it.
I want to be transparent, the coffee at Proud Mary is on the pricier side, but you’re paying for expertise (even if you’re doing it through teary eyes).
The baristas provide cards with every coffee ordered that explains the origins of beans and information on the farmers that harvested them.
You can’t go wrong regardless of what you order (especially if you indulge in the creative brunch menu) but my favorite drink is the flat-white, they’ve definitely mastered it!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a new-to-you coffee bean. Proud Mary makes it easy, they’ve categorized their menu into three sections: mild, curious, and wild. Regardless of what you order, you’re bound to be impressed, I know I am (consistently).
Address: 2012 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Upper Left Roasters
Situated just inside Ladd’s Addition, Upper Left Roasters has the look and feel of a bay area coffee shop. Last summer I found myself in a slump and decided to shake things up a bit. I started with my work routine.
I’d spend the morning working from home before packing my laptop and heading to Upper Left Roasters for the second half of the day.
Their single origin is some of the best coffee in Portland. Likewise, spacial cafe is ideal for getting some work done. Huge windows and a great outdoor patio makes this one of my favorite working cafes in Portland.
The food here is top-notch as well and not to be overlooked. All the ingredients are super fresh sourced from local farmers, namely Trent Family Farms which Upper Left is proud to boast about using their eggs. The menu is seasonal and you seriously can’t go wrong with anything you order.
Address: 1204 SE Clay St, Portland, OR 97214
Stumptown Coffee
We can’t talk about the best coffee in Portland without mentioning one of the original third wave coffee shops in Portland, Stumptown Coffee.
Dating back to 1999, yet still considered the most iconic coffee shop in Portland, this gem has spread to many locations across the country.
Swing by to see why locals maintain a steadfast devotion to Stumptown regardless of all the new cafes that have cropped up over the years.
I’m partial to the lattes because I think they’ve perfected the art, but any brew you get here is bound to impress.
Pick up a bag of whole beans for the house — Stumptown is one my favorite Portland cafes to buy beans (hello Holler Mountain) because the quality is hard to beat.
Locations:
- 1026 SW Harvey Milk St. Portland, Oregon
- 128 SW 3rd Ave. Portland, Oregon
- 4525 SE Division St. Portland, Oregon
- 3356 SE Belmont St. Portland, Oregon
Behind the Museum Cafe
Behind the Museum Cafe serves up the best matcha in Portland. If you’ve found a better place please let me know in the comments (seriously). I worked a mere five blocks from this quaint cafe and visited every chance I had.
I especially like the Japanese treats (like the fig cookie) when I’m in the mood for something sweet. If you’re in the mood for a more substantial snack, the delicious onigiri can’t be beat (especially the salmon!).
Apart from perfected matcha, you can expect to get serious espresso drinks. This cafe uses Extracto Roasters beans and the smooth flavor shines through.
Tip: If you’re visiting Behind the Museum Cafe during summer, get the ice cream, it’s so good!
Address: 1229 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Caffé Umbria
Caffe Umbria is a quintessential Italian cafe that’s been spreading like wildfire in Portland, and for good reason.
The coffee is consistently smooth and the baristas are always in a good mood. This is my go-to cafe in downtown Portland because it’s close to my former office.
In fact, I visit several times a week to catch up with former coworkers. I usually order an Americano unless I feel like treating myself, at which point the oat milk latte is my go-to.
Coava Coffee Roasters
I was first exposed to Coava Coffee during an epic camping trip to the Wallowas, when my cousin generously brewed coffee for the group.
I was take aback by the robust flavors extracted from the coffee using basic camping equipment. I knew instantly I had to go straight to the source and buy a bag for my house immediately.
What ensued was nothing short of a love affair — this is quite possibly the best coffee in Portland. But don’t just take my word for it, it’s inevitable that you’ll find Coava beans being served at cafes all over the city.
But what I love best about Coava Coffee Roasters is that it can satisfy every single coffee aficionado I’ve taken here (even in a city like Portland, this is no easy feat).
Specializing in in pour-overs and espresso, rather than latte art. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for those little foam hearts, but folks come here for coffee that tastes like real coffee — hold the cream.
Coava boasts three Portland locations and they all have cool industrial, rustic vibes where natural light takes center stage.
Plus, the baristas are some of the friendliest I’ve come across and take great pride in sharing their knowledge of the day’s beans.
Locations:
- 1171 SW Jefferson St
- 1300 SE Grand Ave
- 2631 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Never Coffee
A tiny but light-filled charming Portland cafe, Never Coffee has become Instagram-famous thanks to their colorful decor and great coffee. Served in cheery and vibrant ceramic mugs, the flavored lattes at Never Coffee are the stars of the show.
Perfectly executed, these creative concoctions feature seasonal flavors like yuzu, fennel and shishito peppers. Plus, the colorful and cheery coffee bags don’t hurt either!
It’s hard to describe just how creative these drinks are, so here’s a quick list of descriptions from their website.
Oregon | Cascade Hops • Dulce de Leche • Jacobsen Sea Salt
- The taste of Oregon. Familiar and inviting caramel brings you in and sea salt makes you stay. The addition of the local hops keeps it wild.
Hunny | Flowering Jasmine • Dark Chocolate • Wildflower Honey
- A delicious celebration of a bee’s bounty. The flower’s nectar. Gathered pollen. The final honey. All the bee feels. Sting not included.
Pop | Tart Cherries • Makrut Lime • Matcha
- This is cherry lime matcha. It’s like the sweet milk at the end of a bowl of Fruit Loops during Saturday morning cartoons. It’s what matcha wants to be when it grows up.
Midnight Oil | Sweet Fennel Seed • Star Anise • Black Licorice
- The Scandinavian love of black licorice wrapped in a pillowy latte. It’s dark, moody, and scary delicious with a sweetness that haunts you, stalks you, and eventually devours you.
Yuzu & Salt | Yuzu Fruit • Sansho Pepper • Burned Sugar & Coconut Cream
- Big beautiful flavor from a little ugly fruit. A smooth latte with mouth tingling bursts of Japanese pepper and Oregon salt. It’s right. It’s wrong. It’s perfect.
Locations:
- 537 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
- 4243 SE Belmont St UNIT 200, Portland, OR 97215
Oui Presse
This cozy and beloved Southeast Portland coffee shop is a southeast Portland favorite. Arriving here you’ll walk in to the heavenly smell of fresh baked goods and the buzz of freshly ground coffee.
Churning out great coffee and equally great bites, Oui Presse is the place to go if you’d like spend an afternoon catching up with an old friend. In many ways, this is exactly what folks envision when they think of the perfect neighborhood cafe.
Address: 1740 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Heart Coffee
Started by a married couple that began roasting beans out of their home, Heart Coffee has a cult following in Portland thanks to their delicious high-quality coffee and Instagram-worthy interiors.
You’ll find folks ardently consumed by laptop screens, coworkers discussing deadlines, and excited out-of-towners with cell phones in hand. One thing is guaranteed, everyone will leave happy because even the simplest drink is bound to impress at this great Portland cafe.
Locations:
- 1123 SW Washington St. Portland, Oregon
- 2111 E Burnside St. Portland, Oregon
- 5181 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland, Oregon
Barista
Make no mistake, Portland is blessed with some of the best coffee in the nation. Choosing the best of the best is a fool’s errand and I often find myself reflecting on some of the pioneering cafes in Portland.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world and yet some of these cafes have withstood the test of time and new competition. The secret? Sticking to the basics and being damn good at it.
Case-in-point, Barista — one of the best cafes in Portland. Pouring consistently high-quality drinks, this gem has been around since 2009, when they opened the first location in the Pearl.
The flagship store is still my favorite, there’s something about a tiny cafe that speaks to me. Accommodating a maximum of 5 guests, the tiny bar is my favorite spot to be early Saturday morning.
The Dragonfly Coffee House
No list of the best cafes in Portland would be complete without Dragonfly Coffee House in Northwest Portland. Billed as “the cozy community coffee house you thought was long gone” this independent cafe is a favorite in the neighborhood.
Most days of the week every chair is full with chatty friends or laptop-clad locals. Make sure to order the chai (the house special) and don’t sleep on the homemade baked goods.
I have two friends that lived in NW before moving out to different areas and they both still visit this charming Portland cafe at least monthly for nostalgia’s sake alone.
Address: 2387 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210
Spella Caffé
Originally started as a food cart before finding a more permanent home in a tiny hole-in-the-wall, Spella Cafe is one of the most charming cafes in Portland because it transports you to Italy. If you like old-school cafes with charming European, this is the spot for you.
Only 4 -6 people can fit inside and I’ve never seen more than two baristas behind the counter. Turns out you don’t need a spacious cafe with 10+ baristas to make some of the best coffee in Portland.
Spella Caffe has mastered the craft of perfect coffee drinks, especially cappuccinos and lattes. The foam is as airy and light as a cloud and I’ve never had a bitter taste from the properly-roasted beans.
Always smooth, always pleasant, this is the best cafe in Portland for true coffee enthusiasts.
Local’s Tip: Their affogato (ice cream with espresso) is the best I’ve had in Portland, order it during a hot summer day for a treat you won’t soon forget!
Address: 520 SW 5th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97204
Best Portland Coffee (Post Overview)
In sum, these are the best cafes in Portland
- Good Coffee
- Albina Press
- Upper Left Roasters
- Keeper Coffee
- Spella Cafe
- Proud Mary
- Behind the Museum Cafe
- Oui Presse
- Stumptown
- Caffe Umbria
- Coava Coffee
- Never Coffee
- Heart Coffee
- Water Avenue Coffee
- Barista
- Sisters Coffee Company
- Dragonfly Coffee
Map of the best coffee in Portland
Love Portland? Here’s a few articles you may find interesting
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- 12 Stunning Parks in Portland, Oregon
- 10 Epic Portland Viewpoints to Check Off Your List
- 10 Adventurous Day Trips from Portland
- 30 Weird, Free & Cheap Things to Do in Portland
- Let’s Talk: Portland, Oregon Vs. Portland, Maine
With how quickly new coffee shops pop up in Portland, I’m sure this post will need to be updated on a quarterly basis. But hey, we can only work with what we have!
I hope you enjoyed this local’s guide to the best coffee in Portland.
Until next time,
Antonina
I have been enamoured with Sterling Coffee’s Blendo Stupendo roast since I started ordering it during the pandemic. I’ve seen pictures of the place and read reviews made by patrons. If Sterling doesn’t even make your list, then Portland’s coffee scene must be truly phenomenal. Moving there in the coming months may turn out to be a very good decision for this coffee lover!