5 Best Coffee Shops in Portland
Hypnos
instagram | neighborhood: Northeast (get directions) | hours: 7-4pm Mon - Fri; 8-4pm Sat - Sun | dog friendly: yes!
This modern-Parisian style coffee shop is recent addition to the Williams Ave coffee scene in the NE (opening Oct 2023). Hypnos delivers a fantastic experience nailing both the espresso drinks and the atmosphere.
They have a minimal but stylish interior that gives off a simple and upscale vibe while still feeling warm and welcoming. The gorgeous flower arrangement on the counter from a local flower shop sets the tone that this is a elevated and elegant coffee experience. The owners and staff are friendly and efficient - crafting beautiful espresso drinks from their slayer espresso machine using local Coava coffee beans. From a simple Americano to a Seasonal Latte, every drink has been perfectly brewed and beautifully presented.
What to try: If available, the Bramble Latte from the seasonal summer menu. The syrup is made in-house with fresh blackberries and strawberries - adding a unique and subtle flavor that accentuated the espresso.
2. Push X Pull
instagram | neighborhood: Southeast (get directions) | hours: Hours 8-6pm Mon - Sun | dog friendly: no
Push x Pull focuses on natural processed coffees with a particular emphasis on fruity flavor profiles. They are both a coffee roaster and a coffee shop with 3 locations in the PNW (2 in SW Portland and 1 in Seattle).
Leaning into the industrial aesthetic, their Stark location has high ceilings, concrete floors and large windows which let in plenty of natural light to warm up the space. Don’t expect cozy chairs, their offerings lean more firm with wood benches and metal stools at the tables and bars.
Their coffee is fantastic - both their simple espresso drinks as well as their speciality drinks are all delicious and served in cheerful cups with saucers.
What to try: If available, The Susan is a latte with a hint of cinnamon and honey that is perfectly balanced and delicious.
For a more detailed review: Push X Pull Blog Post
3. Capitola
instagram | neighborhood: Northeast (get directions) | hours: 7-5pm everyday | dog friendly: yes!
Capitola is our neighborhood coffee shop - within walking distance from our house. Proximity aside, it deserves a spot on this list for the quality and consistency of the drinks they prepare. We have never had a negative experience at this coffee shop and we are frequent customers who also enjoy purchasing their beans to use at home.
Located on Mississippi Ave in the NE, this dog friendly coffee shop is a perfect blend of cozy and contemporary. With multiple seating options from private bistro tables lining the windows or the big leather couch in the center of the room, there is a perfect spot for you to sit down and enjoy your cup of coffee. Being able to bring our dog inside is a big plus for us and he enjoys laying on their cool concrete floors and finding some croissant crumbs to snack on before we leave.
What to try: If available, the Pumpkin Spice Latte in the Winter is fantastic and a perfect blend of the seasonal spices without being too sweet. In the summer, the Lemongrass Espresso Tonic is the best variation we have tried and a perfect refreshing drink in the warm weather.
For a more detailed review: Capitola Blog Post
4. Coava
instagram | neighborhood: SE (get directions) | hours: 7-6pm everyday | dog friendly: no
Coava is a popular Portland roaster that supplies the beans for many of the coffee shops around town. Their flagship coffee shop is located in a warehouse in the SE and delivers fantastic drinks in a cool industrial space with beautiful woodwork and vintage roasting equipment.
Despite being in a warehouse, this large space is surprisingly inviting with large wood communal tables and bars to enjoy a casual coffee date. The atmosphere is very laid back and we really enjoyed how open the layout was. The coffee is exceptional with a quality that separates it from other roasters in town. Coava was founded with a vision of creating coffee’s that were both exciting for baristas and inviting to everyday drinkers and they have nailed that.
What to try: all of the classic espresso drinks are exceptional. We recommend adding the local honey to a latte to give it an subtle depth with a lightly sweet caramel note.
For a more detailed review: Coava Blog Post
5. Case Study
instagram | neighborhood: multiple - NE, SW, NW (get directions) | hours: 7-4pm everyday | dog friendly: no
Case Study is a staple PDX coffee shop that delivers great espresso drinks in a casual & laid-back atmosphere. We frequent the NW location on 23rd which resides on the first floor of a Victorian house which adds some Portland charm to the coffee experience.
The space is perfect for catching up with a friend or getting some work on on a laptop with plenty of tables scattered into the nooks and crannies of the floor plan. We have always been able to have a leisurely coffee date at a quiet table with enough space between us and other customers to enjoy good drinks and good conversation. The espresso is made with their own roasted beans and served in hearty cups and mugs. In addition to the standard offering, they have a specials menu that rotates throughout the year and often has unique flavor combinations that are worth exploring.
What to try: If available, the Rose Cardamom Latte is beautiful and delicious with just a hint of spice from the cardamom and a subtle note of rose that made it floral but not overpowering.
For a more detailed review: Case Study Blog Post