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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: North PortlandMon-Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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In my opinion, Albina Press and Barista are the 2 finest coffee joints in Portland. At first when I heard of them and that they served Stumptown, I wasn't too excited -- you can find Stumptown all over and I like me some variety -- but the quality of their drinks is consistently phenomenal! Their baristas really do a fantastic job. I'm a latte, cappuccino, and occasionally a macchiato guy and I normally prefer to sweeten my drinks but I can always pick out an awesome coffee shop when I don't feel the need to, and Albina delivers! The texture and flavor of their drinks is amazing!
There are some negative comments about the service/attitude and I myself haven't experienced anything near bad service. I do, however, have a tremendous amount of respect for talented baristas and the art of coffee and when going to coffee shops of this caliber, it definitely helps. There are a lot of great craft-specific establishments like this in Portland and you just need to trust and respect what they do -- because they do it so well! And that's not to say you're going to get walked all over or anything, but go in with a "In barista I trust" attitude and you'll be fine.
This shop is also my favorite to work at. It's pretty big and open, nice variety of seating including tables, couches, and a bar/stools in the window. Free wifi and decent music help too!
If you love good coffee and you haven't tried it, you're missing out big time -- hit 'em up!
Comfy couches.Sturdy tables. Free wi-fi. Delicious iced coffee.
These facts alone are enough to warrant endless praise, but when you add in the fact that it's nice and cool in here during the The Reign of the Despotic Sun 2009 this may make it my favorite place in all of Portland.
I would shout their praises from the rooftops if it weren't so damn hot.
Finally, after a year of hearing about this place, I made my way down to Albina to check it out. I am so pleased that I did!
I enjoyed the whole feel of the place. Simple and not overdone like some coffee places. The menu was simple and the service was great. I ordered two iced americanos. Always a good, strong but safe choice. Both times they made them just right. I also tried a peanut butter cookie - very tasty indeed.
I enjoyed the people watching and the music they were playing. This place will easily become a staple in my route. It is a nice place to come and get some work done, too.
In a land of coffee and it at any good shop mostly consumed by Stumptown, I often feel like there is more variety to be desired. I like some of Stumptown roasts, but some seem to burnt, and acidic to me. But the press has a complex roast, and their drinks are amazing. Perfect balance on all their drinks so far. See there for some coffee and cigs.
Man, I'm so over this place. Yeah, yeah, their espresso drinks are usually good, but their customer service is abysmal. I'm sick of being treated like my patronage is a hassle for them.
What drives me especially crazy is how they don't call their drinks when they put them up on the bar. This is the only place where I've walked away from the bar with the wrong beverage -- twice! -- because the barista can't be bothered to step in and give clarification when s/he hears two or more customers having a "is this your drink or mine?" conversation.
For me, the final straw was the dude (this was on a Sunday morning) who gave me a look of absolute withering contempt when I said, "uh, excuse me, is this my americano?" If I want to be treated with contempt, I'll hire a dominatrix or go visit my parents.
I visit P-town often and this is the best coffee I have ever had hands down. I give this place 5 whopping stars for their exceptional coffee/skillz and pleasant atmosphere...that is minus the "bourgeois indie kid" attitude behind the counter. I can not say I have ever had anyone be all that rude to me at Albina Press but I can definitely see how some could have that charming "too cool for school" vibe. I say don't let some little twerp/s stop you from having some darn good java. Feel sorry for them and their pathetic social skills. At least you know what to expect now...
Nice space, albeit completely inconvenient for me to get to. Socially adequate staff. Good coffee. Not great coffee as The Press is so frequently touted as. It's actually not difficult to get a pretty good shot of Hairbender in Portland. There's a plethora of shops serving Stumptown on Good machines with PID's. So really for me, the quality of the milk makes or breaks a shop. I had (in succession) a pretty damned good espresso, and a not very good at all cappuccino. And this has happened a few times. At both Presses.
I once had a phenomenal macchiato from Billy back when he worked here. But i guess that can't really count any more.
This is a pit stop worth making, but don't expect a holy experience.
Thanks to the bf's friend Gary, we had the opportunity to stop in here for some coffee & tea.
I believe I will be spending more time here when I go back down to PDX. It's light, bright, airy, the staff is friendly, the coffee and tea good, the pastries drool-worthy.
I only wish we had found seating when we walked in so we didn't have to stand around and talk.
Otherwise, my laptop and I are going to have another little visit here. :)
The main reason that they get 4 stars is that they serve my favorite zucchini muffins (from Crema - yes those delicious muffins from my dreams).
Nothing else really matters!
Sick of the mediocre dishwater from neighboring coffee shops, I decided to finally check into Albina Press for what ended up being the first espresso shot of the rest of my life.
First of all, I am extremely hipster averse so I had a game plan which was beeline in and out as quickly and with as little human interaction as possible. My plan was quickly foiled when I saw the huge comfy couches practically empty and people complacently sipping their decorated cappuccinos while surfing the web. I heard good things about their cappuccino, and while I am not normally a cappuccino drinker the grandiose tales made this an opportunity too great to pass up. The mood behind the counter was ranging from coolly detached to downright scornful, but I was expecting it already. The girl pulling the espresso actually had her mouth contorted into a purposeful frown, but she put a lovely heart rosetta in my cappuccino. Thanks?
Expecting nothing but disdain in a cup from this kind of barista I was shocked and confused that this was the best cappuccino I had ever tasted. Frowny girl knows exactly what she's doing! Wow. I really wanted to dislike it and rattle off once more about the hipsterfication of this city but it would be a lie to say it was less than amazing. Another thing that I can put a thumbs up on is that it actually caffeinated me after a stressful all-nighter the night before. So much so that I decided to lay off the coffee and make my next drink a hot cocoa.
Normally, a coffee place like A/P is going to be disapproving and belligerent about making an order that doesn't involve their award-winning coffee right? Nope, they made my hot cocoa with just as much attention to detail as the cappuccino if not more, and it made Albina Press the only place home to two different bests for me. Yep, this was also the best hot cocoa I have ever had. It's not hot chocolate, it's made from cocoa powder, but forget Swiss Miss. The froth was perfect, exactly like melted whipped cream, and they added some chocolate syrup on top which made it extremely rich with chocolate taste, without being overbearing.
Albina Press has a lot of things I hate: eye-rolling hipster service, loud "alternative" music which still fails to drown out the sound of the coffee grinder, and small tables packed with budding "writers" typing maniacally on their political bumper sticker'd laptops. Yet I cannot give this place less that five stars because the drinks are so good. I don't buy into hype normally and that's why I avoided this place for so long, but they now have a newly loyal, if relatively less apathetic customer since the drinks speak for themselves.
Certainly in the higher echelon of professional coffeeshops, they make a fine mocha and take their espresso drinks seriously. Their french press can be a little too wild for me at times, so I go here only for the more spendy drinks and get my regular coffee elsewhere.
Wish they had more reading material in this joint, and the barista service can be hit or miss, but I'd happily meet a friend here for an espresso.
After a filling meal at Laughing Planet, the uncle and I were feeling a bit sluggish. He has been talking about Albina's pretty consistently ever since I moved here. Finally, we gave it a try.
The place is very homey feeling. Not homely, but homey. Comfortable but stylish. I could see camping out for a couple hours using the free wi-fi and sipping on the Stump Town roasts.
When we arrived we got in a three person deep line. The barista looked absolutely frazzled. The line went down quickly and we ordered our latte (the unk) and a soy cappuccino (moi). Then we waited. And waited. The solo barista kept on taking orders and didn't jump on the machine. A woman next to me asked if the barista wanted her to jump in back. The barista declined the offer and so the woman told the barista to make her drink last and then left the shop to walk around. After another couple of minutes, and one woman just giving up and leaving with a drip, I offered to go back there. By this point, she really needed someone back there and, like everyone else in Portland, I have years of not-Starbucks coffee experience. "No, no, the other person who works here will be here soon. She just left to get me something to eat."
Soon after this the other employee came back. The drinks got knocked out pretty quickly. My cappuccino was quite good. It still would have been a three star experience since it took so, so long to get the stupid thing, but the chick was so apologetic that I didn't mind anymore. Anyone who's ever worked anywhere that had to deal with people has been there.
Reading negative reviews of the Albina Press by those who pretend to know coffee makes me want to gouge my eyes out.
"Brewed coffee isn't strong enough." What? Did you expect a bold french roast? Go to 7-11.
"A proper 20-30 second shot." So it wasn't more than a 2 oz. ristretto?
The Albina Press is hands down one of the best places for coffee and espresso in the Pacific Northwest. These people know what they're doing. They'll fall short of perfection once in a blue moon, but chances are you won't have to experience it unless you spend obscene amounts of time and money there.
And if they do pull a less than perfect shot, tell them, and they'll make you another drink in their pursuit for perfection.
Every time I've gone here my latte has been fabulous. MOST of the staff is friendly and MOST of the time the music is good. It's a great place to read a book, catch up with a friend or just people watch. I actually met someone here for our FIRST DATE! the coffee date lasted 8 hours and we're still together.
Great place to relax, read and veg out. I've spent many hours there reading and enjoying the atmosphere. The staff is friendly and very skilled. Also noteworthy - They have some of the most comfortable couches I've ever sat on at a coffee shop... it's insane!
I came here for the Stumptown coffee.
The chocolate-croissant was so-so. I've been spoiled by North Beach.
The Americano was delish-delish, but the "double espresso" my boo ordered looked like a mini-single shot. (And I was a barista in a past life. I understand what a proper, 25-to-30 second shot is supposed to entail.)
There was a definite "hipster" vibe here. It was a little intimidating when they (rather forcefully) asked us the sizes we requested.
"Well, I don't know. There's only one price on your sign back there."
Came here for an art reception. The photography by Betsy was really great.
I didn't sample the coffee but can only imagine it is really good since its Stumptown coffee.
What I really liked about this place was the space. It was really nice. Hardwood floors. A room in the back with a comfy sofa.
Coffee and service were alright, but the music was so loud, it was hard to even have a conversation. Not exactly what I'm looking for at a neighborhood coffee shop...
I've been noticing a trend in Portland: The less expensive the cup of coffee, the more delicious it is. For example: the strip malls shops serving weak and burnt-tasting hazelnut-infused joe and the ubiquitious International chain with the green logo will set you back just less than $2.
Albina Press, however, charges ONE BUCK for a cup of the most carefully brewed and flavorful coffee in town. Locally roasted Stumptown is prepared in the French press method, and often by an award-winning barista named Billy (he placed 3rd and 2nd, respectively, in the 2005 and 2006 National Barista Championships.)
But regardless of who's behind the counter, I have never been served anything less than a spine-tingling, smooth and rich cup of coffee, and I have NEVER see the bottom of my cup until it is actually empty. In other words, this stuff is thick and non-translucent, which is the highest praise for coffee in my book.
Free wi-fi, spacious with plenty of natural light. Paintings and photography by local artists rotate monthly.
Pastries are by Crema, one of Portland's best bakeries.
It takes a lot for a coffee joint to stand out in a town lousy with coffee joints. This one is leads the pack
This had been my favorite Portland cafe for a while, but I guess I should be more diligent about analyzing how the baristas do their jobs and the degree to which I'm being treated as a prince instead of a peer.
Outside of that, the coffee and spendy drinks are as good as anywhere else, the baristas' comely appearances facilitate objectification, and they have a strict policy of only playing artists that have scored an 8.2 or higher at Pitchfork. Well, that and Tom Petty and lots of butt rock.
A big negative is the frequent lack of seating on weekends. But I guess that comes with the territory. The pastries aren't all that much to scream about, either.
good god!
this is the best coffee
in portland.
hands down.
i'll put up with
hipster snobbery
for thee best
double espresso on earth.
in fact i don't even know
what else to write about it
just go there!
Stumptown Coffee served in a convenient NE location just off Alberta and I-5.
You can't go wrong. And get a ham and cheese croissant, if they have em.
Tip well, the staff memorizes your drink after just one visit.
yes.
JUST YES.
This is a coffee shop I will cross the bridge for.
yes - I know about their National barrista awards.
yes - I know about their Stumptown coffee.
yes - Ivana is currently enjoying their abundant free parking.
And while I don't mean to discount those things, in my opinion there is one fantastic element that Albina Press has: versatility. I'm a girl who enjoys choices. I'm the girl that takes all 31 samples at 31 flavors before combining 4 or 5 into the "perfect scoop"
The Albina Press is the PERFECT SCOOP. I could have a business meeting here at one of their many tables, I could work alone all day sitting in their window-bar, I could meet an old friend in their lounge area in back, or read a book on their couches in the window. Great lighting, fast wireless, nice music volume (an under appreciated art in my opinion...)
It's business...it's pleasure...it's PERFECT.
Nestled at the top of the newly hot Mississippi neighborhood, the Press has been kicking ass and taking names in the coffee world since it opened its doors. Their primary barista, Billy Wilson,placed second in the 2006 United States Barista Championship, so while waiting for your cappuccino you can admire his many shiny awards on the counter.
For environment, the Press is tops, with rough plank floors, deep leather couches, and screen doors that let the summer breeze blow through. They also have free wi-fi, and are a favorite of the young and hip set. More than a few friends have met dates there. Music will be indie, probably local, and occasionally live. The only thing they have very little of is food, but who needs that?
my first time to this one although i've been to the hawthorne location. it's a very nice set up. open, airy with fans. old wood floors and mostly people on lap tops or reading. A great place to study (which is what I'm supposedly doing here). Two complaints: weird little flies buzzing around because the doors are open and the typically-Portland problem of holier than thou barista attitude. but i've learned to ignore the baristas in this town so it's not that big of a deal. Great music. good iced coffee.
Pros:
-Best Coffee in Portland. Period
-Free WiFi with comfy seating options
-Plenty of free parking
Cons:
-Staff can be abrasive. Was in there once when the barista yelled at someone to "shut the f*#cking door!" and it sometimes feel like the staff doesn't think you're cool enough to have your coffee "to stay".
All in all though, I would recommend this place hands down over any other joint in town.
I made the trip out to Albina Press today based on the 4.5 star rating. I definitely like the feel of the place, my latte is delicous, and the baristas were friendly (although not overly so). I love that they have several couches (although I didn't get to actually sit on one) in addition to plenty of tables and chairs. But here's my one big complaint. It's fucking loud in here. I can't even tell exactly what all the noise is, the music isn't all that loud, nobody's talking too loud, but still, I can barely think. I'll definitely give it another try, probably not on a saturday afternoon, but if it's always this loud I'm out.
I do loathe to give so many stars to a place that is NOT the Stumptown at The Ace (and therefore filled with yummy looking, inked up, indie boys serving me lattes with love) buuuuuuut, Albina Press ain't bad.
It seems to be an east side institution of fresh stumptown coffee brewed by....inked up, indie lookin pretty kids. They are nice and quick about making a good drink. They don't even blink when I ask for a 12 oz double, split - shot, soy, decaf latte (I feel like that's pretty particular, no?).
The spot is easy to get to, just off I-5 and Alberta, conveniently located right around the corner from my best friend's new house. They have free wi-fi, ample seating and I had no problem finding an outlet to plug in the ol laptop.
The snacks are good...mostly because they are the same that is served at Stumtowns: crunchy, yet chewy cheddar and corn biscuits, honey bran muffins...you get the idea.
I have found that its a really great place to meet up with people if I just want to hang out or also if I want to get work done....and by work I mean staring at the inked up, indie lookin hotties behind the counter.
Albina Press gets tons of press because of its award winning Baristas who have racked up national awards. Check them out behind the counter! It's true that coffee here is perfectly brewed; both the French-press house coffee and the carefully pulled espresso shots are wonderful. Housed in an old building on North Albina, the screen doors and worn wooden floors create an ambiance that I love. This local favorite is full of hip North-Portlanders and coffee snobs on any given day, but there is truly a reason why they keep coming back. I recently heard a rumor they're opening a second southeast location on Upper Hawthorne. I'm crossing my fingers!
i second that emotion: the coffee is good. the first time i came here i fell in love with the space, the floor with patchwork metal inlaid in wood, good rotating art shows on the walls and big windows. BUT the pretentiousness sometimes kinda makes me want to kill myself. that said we put up with it, because in the end being a bitchy cynical person is no fun. Generally it seems always busy but if you get a spot you can stake it out and people watch.
Authentic beautifully crafted espresso drinks. They serve Stumptown. Lots of room to sit.
the only saving grace is the coffee, and i suppose for many of us, that is all we need from a coffee shop. my roommate says they have twice given him blackened bagels, to go, which he didn't notice until he got back to work, and that is ridiculous.
but what is most striking to me is the attitude of baristas here - i completely concur with other posters, especially in regards to thin blondie barista. i've gotten the same blank, "leave-me-alone" stare and lack of response from her several times. let me tell you, i have been here probably close to fifty times, as it is the closest to my house, but each time i feel like i am completely inconveniencing the staff. it says a lot that i can go in, try to earn my way over six months into a comfortable customer-barista relationship by being nice, and genuine, and a $1 a drink tipper, but i can tell you it hasn't worked for me. is it my non-hip clothes? (i work at a professional job.) or is it that being nice is itself not hip or wanted? maybe ignoring them back is the key. it's kinda like trying to figure out how to communicate with the chimps at the zoo. whatever. point of this long-winded review is: you want a great cup of coffee, then you can get it here. every time. they make phenomenal coffee. however, if you also want to be treated like crap, even when giving someone a genuine "good morning" or "thank-you", you can also get that here. every time.
The coffee/espresso here is some of the best in the city. The iced coffee is f*cking amazing. The staff are very hipster and into them selves which at times is a deterrent. I started going there on Sunday morning before work because they where open at 6:30 am. The service on all my previous visits had been so-so, not bad per say but not good. Anyway the service has improved, and now I go there more regularly. Maybe this is why the service was so-so http://www.slate.com/i...
There is a reason they have AWARDS on the shelf behind the counter. They know their shit. Considering how close this is to my house, I should go here a lot more often than I do. If you are lucky enough to get a drink made by Kevin or Billy, then you are having your coffee prepared by one of the most passionate and highly-trained coffee people in the country. Go there often and support them, but keep it a little-bit-of-a-secret. Its nice that's there are still seats sometimes. And they have a cafe cat. Who is all black. And there once was a spider, but I think it died.
The coffee is good.
The Albina Press is a place I'm not able to get to terribly often, but my god, the coffee is amazing. Even when it seems like they've poured the cappuccino a little too wet for my ordinary tastes, its flavor is practically unmatched elsewhere. Stumptown should be proud to have so caring of purveyors of their espresso. I don't know if they have food, I don't really care! The espresso is among the best shot in the city.
The hype machine has already tricked me into seeing shit films like Mystic River and listening to crap bands like the Killers, and that's cool. I take umbrage, however, at being duped into going repeatedly to a coffee shop based solely on the fact that so many people have grabbed me by my lapels, howling jubilant praise into my face about Albina Press. Based on a number of visits, I have this to say, "The coffee is shit." I have tried both straight coffee and espresso drinks and have found the stuff undrinkable. (And no, I do not drink Starbucks and therefore have no idea what coffee really tastes like.) The coffee at Albina Press tastes like dirty dishwater and the mocha I had tasted like a cup of instant cocoa, despite the fact that I asked for light chocolate. I recommend the vibe here and insouciantly hip attitude, but if you want a coffee that tickles your spine, bring your own.
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