For #DrinkUpPortland, we’re issuing a challenge to all the coffee-crazed Portlanders out there. Our team has created a coffee crawl map — because why should pubs have all the fun?
To make this java journey doable, we’re sticking to recommendations in Northwest Portland’s Slabtown. Here are the 10 locations on the official PDXtoday Coffee Crawl.
☕ The Clearing Cafe, 2772 NW Thurman St.
- Kick off your espresso explorations after a trail run in Forest Park with a stop at this cozy coffeehouse + bakery. Pro tip: Order a honey cardamom latte or cappuccino with a breakfast bagel (cream cheese, housemade pesto, egg + choice of meat or avocado).
☕ The Dragonfly Coffee House, 2387 NW Thurman St.
- With multiple plush couches + mismatched armchairs, along with tabletops and power outlets, this is a delightfully casual place to wake up and start your day. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, order from the walk-up window on Northwest 24th Avenue.
☕ Barista, 823 NW 23rd. Ave.
- “Watching the coffee being made was a mix of a chemist, an upscale bartender, and that guy that stands at the front desk of the hotel in ‘John Wick,’” wrote customer William W. on Yelp. We couldn’t have said it any better. Pro tip: Try the Oregon hazelnut latte + don’t leave without checking out the restroom first.
☕ Anna Bannana’s NW Cafe, 1214 NW 21st Ave.
- Those looking for a funky — truly Portland — spot will not be disappointed at this homey coffeehouse that’s often overlooked. Pro tip: Try a locally baked pastry or bagel, or go all in with the Indonesian scramble (peppers, tomatoes, salsa, cheese + a tomato pesto bagel) and a seasonal latte.
☕ The Sultan Cafe, 1500 NW 18th Ave.
- Two words: Turkish coffee. You’ll also find traditional Italian-inspired espresso drinks at this shop, which sells flavored hookah to enjoy on the patio. Pro tip: Try the Turkish coffee.
☕ Case Study Coffee Roasters, 1400 NW 23rd Ave.
- Situated at the gateway to the bustling Northwest 23rd Avenue area, this relaxed coffee shop caters to caffeine aficionados looking for seasonal blends brewed using various methods. Pro tip: Bring your work with you and set up a laptop in one of the shop’s two sitting rooms, illuminated by intricate light fixtures, while sipping a turmeric latte.
☕ Queue Coffee, 2112 NW Quimby St.
- If vaulted ceilings, massive windows, open patios + friendly baristas are what you want in a coffee shop, then this is your place. Located in the ground floor corner of a new apartment building, this spot has a full espresso lineup and breakfast sandwiches. Pro tip: Try the vanilla rose latte. Trust us.
☕ Commissary Cafe, 915 NW 19th Ave. Suite A
- This neighborhood outpost serves espresso, fresh pastries, sandwiches + homemade soup, and was featured in the pilot episode of the Portland restaurant docuseries “Bridge to Table.” Pro tip: Give your system a fresh boost with the iced Commissary Tonic (Fever Tree Tonic, espresso, orange zest, raspberry purée).
☕ Stepping Stone Cafe, 2390 NW Quimby St.
- This retro-style diner (complete with a curved bar) serves massive “mancakes” + other brunchy comfort dishes with a sassy “you eat here because we let you” motto. Pro tip: You won’t find espresso drinks here, but you will find bottomless $3 Portland Coffee Roasters brew, served in mugs from the company’s old days.
☕ Spielman Bagels and Coffee Roasters, 2314 NW Lovejoy St.
- This Portland company founded by a father-son duo started with a mission to bring the environmental benefits of shade-grown coffee to a larger audience through in-house roasting. Pro tip: Try an iced mocha with a classic plain kettle-boiled sourdough bagel.
Ready to get on the grind and complete this crawl yourself? Tag us in your photos on social media with #PDXtoday.
