(Photo courtesy of www.weirdomatic.com)
By Kelsey Thomas, Staff Writer thomask15@up.edu
A few weeks into a new school year, a remarkable phenomenon happens. I call it 'I-can-no-longer-study-in-my-room-I-am-going-crazy-itis.' With our lack of a library and limited, overcrowded study rooms around campus this year, what is a Pilot to do? Fortunately, UP is located in a city where it is difficult to find a block without at least one coffee joint to wake you up, help you focus, and tempt you off our beloved bluff. Whether you need to study, socialize, procrastinate, flirt or relax, PDX coffee shops have got you covered.
Dragonfly Coffeehouse
2387 NW Thurman St. Portland
Monday - Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Perfect for: An afternoon of studying
Order a: Bees Knees Latte (with your choice of dairy, coconut, almond or hemp milk)
Students, professionals, yoga instructors, hipsters and the hipsters' grandmas all gather harmoniously in this light, unpretentious shop to partake in a delicious cup of Dragonfly brew and read Willamette Weekly or pluck away on their laptops. Come prepared with an afternoon's worth of homework or a few friends to keep you company and sink into one of the many comfy chairs. When you get hungry, treat yourself to a locally-made snack (Vegan? Gluten free? They've got you covered.) Sometimes called Portland's own Central Perk, this friendly gem is even worth braving downtown traffic and parking for.
Palio Dessert and Coffee House
1996 SE Ladd Ave
Portland
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Weekends 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Perfect for: Writing the next great American novel (or just reading the last one)
Order an: Americano, and save room for dessert
Stepping into Palio Dessert and Coffee House is like stepping back in time. Locals sit out front enjoying the sun and sharing neighborhood gossip. Inside, relaxing and subtle fifties jazz sounds from the speakers and comfortable chairs are surrounded by shelves of books and lit by mismatched vintage lights. If you have some serious studying to accomplish, head to the library-style side room which is filled with long tables and industrious students. However, Palio just might inspire you to put away the electronics, pull out a book (or more realistically, a textbook) and settle down in the main room to soak in the hum of the espresso machine and the sound of friendly chatting between the barista and customers at the bar. Studious by its nature, Palio is not the place to bring your 15 best friends for a rousing debate, especially in the evening.
GrindHouse Coffee
1934 North Rosa Parks Way Portland
Everyday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Perfect for: When you need a confidence boost along with your caffeine
Order a: Hazelnut Soy Latte
GrindHouse Coffee is putting the sexy in coffee, one impeccably pulled shot of espresso at a time. Located along Rosa Parks a short jaunt from the University of Portland, stop by when you are on your way off campus, back to campus, or just craving a fantastic cup of coffee (only $1.25 for a small.) Enjoy your drink on a bench in their open-air seating area or take it to go. Don't expect a comfy couch by an outlet to settle into for hours of research, but do expect a delicious drink and good service.
Barista
1725 NE Alberta Street Portland
Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Weekends 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Perfect for: A date
Order an: Espresso
From the ceiling-high windows to the facial hair clad baristas making intricately swirled lattes, the atmosphere at Barista is undeniably hip. Stop in at their Alberta St. location with a significant other to enjoy their pulsing music and some strong caffeine. If you are 21, you can also indulge in a craft beer or glass of wine from their bar. After enjoying the ambiance and top-notchpeople watching at Barista, take a stroll around the Alberta Arts District and another date will be sure to come your way.
Arbor Lodge
1507 N Rosa Parks Way Portland
Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Weekends 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Perfect for: Catching up with friends
Order an: Iced Toddy (a strong, cold-brewed coffee)
It took two hours of people watching and sipping iced coffee to figure out what makes Arbor Lodge so cool: they are not trying to be "cool." The decorations are simple. The mason jar coffee cups are simple. Even the facial piercings of the barista who poured my drink were simple. But do not mistake simple for boring. Their coffee will delight your taste buds and the shop still has plenty of PDX charm (keep an eye out for the kilt-wearing owner). Located only a two and a half mile jaunt from the University of Portland, Arbor Lodge is a likely contestant for your new regular coffee stop. Its large windows, local art displayed, and cheerful North Portlanders create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for chatting with friends or having a group study session.
Anna Bannanas
8716 N Lombard St Portland
Monday - Thursday 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Perfect for: Pretending to work on your laptop... but actually socializing
Order a: Specialty Mocha (trying every flavor is necessary)
Walking into Anna Bannanas is like entering an extension of your living room, albeit one where you have to hand over $4 for a cup of coffee. However, a few sips into one of their specialty mochas, such as the Borgea, a blend of espresso, dark chocolate and orange and you will forget all about the hit to your wallet. If you are looking for a perfectly quiet place to study, do not head there in the evenings when Anna Bannanas functions as part coffee shop, part local bar hangout. If, you are seeking a relaxed place close to campus where you can put your feet up, play a board game, or have a group project meeting, then this St. John's favorite is the perfect spot for you. Throw in their ample food selections extending far beyond just the typical pastry and you might just want to move in.
Rimsky-Korsakoffe House
707 Southeast 12th Ave
Portland
Sunday - Thursday 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Friday - Saturday 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Perfect for: Taking out of town visitors for a true Portland experience
Order a: Pot of tea and an ice cream sundae
If anyone has ever asked you if Portlandia is an accurate depiction of Portland, bring them to Rimsky-Korsakoffee. Grab a menu from the front and sit down at one of the sporadic combinations of tables, chairs, tablecloths, and couches scattered throughout the main floor. If you choose a table near other co stumers you may be lucky enough to overhear a rousing discussion of fish pedicures or feline PDA. Beware of the rotating table in the back room and other various unexpected quirks. While waiting for someone to take your order, check out the cranes, leaves and other random (and often unidentifiable) objects hung from the ceiling on strings of beads. The dark lighting and lack of wifi do not lend themselves to accompany a productive evening, so plan to enjoy the live acoustic music and good conversation.
Coffee Time
712 Northwest 21st Ave
Portland
Monday - Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Sunday 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Perfect for: A late night, procrastination-induced, study session
Order a: Cappuccino
Coffee Time has everything a Portland coffee shop should: comfy chairs, booths to spread out books or huddle over a board game (chess or Scrabble anyone?), locally made pastries, relaxed indie tunes and bulletin boards full of individuals "looking for artists" or advertising their space science star trek group (if interested, call Rodney at Galaxa Stars United). However, Coffee Time also has one perk that sets it apart: it is open until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends. While you may come for the good coffee and late hours, you will stay for the experience. If you use hippies as a derogatory term and the potential for being serenaded by a drunk individual makes you apprehensive, this may not be the coffee shop for you. Also, parking is hard, especially on weekends, and it is a bit of a trek by public transit.
