Albina Press

4.0 star rating
61 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

5012 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97215
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Mt. Tabor, Hawthorne
(503) 282-5214
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Yelp Ad Twisted
5.0 star rating
38 reviews

Michele B. said: "My favorite yarn shop! Amazing selection of sock yarn, and many other luxurious yarns. I love everything about this place, aside from the fact that it is not closer to my house :) Perhaps that is best for my financial well being…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Their baristas consistently pull incredible shots." In 17 reviews
  • user photo
    "They serve Stumptown coffee by competent baristas." In 13 reviews
  • user photo
    "...I'd start with a great wide open space with big windows and..." In 3 reviews
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61 reviews in English

  • Review from Sam P.

    • 6 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    If I didn't come here for the coffee, I would most certainly visit for the art alone. They rotate it every month or so and there's always something interesting adorning the walls. So far my favourite was the Doctor Who display from months back

    Albina Press has a nice vibe to it, quiet and comforting but there never seems to be enough tables. Just proof that so many people agree that it's a perfect hangout spot, whether you're there for work or play.

  • Review from jey R.

    • 2 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Portland, OR

    1.0 star rating
    4/26/2012

    Ok.. another typical -Portland douche-bag place.. The tall guy with the tats and piercings was a total jerk to me and had an attitude the moment I walked in like he was better than me and how dare I question him!  I'm sorry!  you work at a coffee shop chain in Portland, I am sure I contribute more to society than you , You are a loser who probably makes minimum wage and lives in a hostel and leeches of of the government.
    I wanted to try some coffee because I was interested in buying some bags of Ethiopian coffee beans.. well he wouldn't let me ...and told me to go somewhere else like Starbucks if i wanted to actually taste coffee before i buy it...
    How messed up and what an elitist attitude. If i owned a coffee shop i would not let employee's treat potential customers like that. So I DID go somewhere else and I spent over 50 bucks on coffee beans
    I guess they aren't interested in making money but more into being elitist coffee snob assholes.  
    I will spend my money on other coffee shop establishments.

  • Review from Joel N.

    • 2 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Portland, OR

    2.0 star rating
    12/16/2011

    Stumptown coffee in a pleasant environment.  I wouldn't drive here, but if you are in the neighborhood looking for a spot  and all the tables aren't taken, Albina will do.

    The pastry selection exists, but not much else does. In my 5 visits, the baristas have never really smiled at me.  

    Overall I feel that Stumptown coffee is served everywhere, so having a kinda meh selection of pastries and not much else doesn't really do it for me.

  • Review from Ben M.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Portland, OR

    1.0 star rating
    5/2/2012

    Stopped to get a coffee treat for my daughter one afternoon and made the mistake of asking for a "Frappuccino". The blond hipster coffee snob almost crawled out of her skin at the utterance a "Starbucks" coffee drink. Really, my bad. Hey you know why Starbucks is a gazillion dollar business? Consistent product and customer f'ing service. Have fun patting each other on the back for being a parody of Portlandia culture. Also I paid $6.50 to refill my own coffee cup and a 12 ounce iced mocha, and for some reason I left a dollar tip. Again, my bad.

  • Review from Zach K.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Portland, OR

    3.0 star rating
    2/18/2012

    Just had a wonderful latte at Albina, which is pretty much always the case. However, when I pulled out my phone and shot a couple pics of their beautiful custom espresso machine the barista bristled and said "no pictures." Seriously dude? There are way too many places in pdx to get a good cup of coffee to put up with a "no pictures" policy.

  • Review from Nicholas N.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    2/24/2012

    As soon as I moved over near Hawthorne I had to find a good coffee shop.  Luckily Albina Press is only blocks away.  They serve Stumptown coffee and everyone is very friendly.  Seating is plentiful and I'm parked at one of the tables or couches just about every Friday afternoon.  They do have a limited selection of pastries from Crema but sometimes I wish they had more food options.  Overall I like the environment and will probably be wandering in there later today.

  • Review from Kara S.

    • 52 friends
    • 141 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/26/2011

    Best latte I've ever had, served by friendly people, in a cute and modern shop.

    Eat your heart out Intelligentsia.

  • Review from Jeff G.

    Tualatin, OR

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/1/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    I love this place more and more every time I go. Stumptown coffee done better than Stumptown coffee shops. The best teas you will find. Delicious, home-made style muffins. Barista's are totally hipster but not condescending. Tons of great seating and natural light.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/1/2011

      Definitely one of the better coffee shops I've been to.

      Coffee & Tea: 5 stars
      Service: 5 stars
      Read more »

  • Review from Ashley P.

    • 51 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    2/20/2012

    I can't say enough good things to say about this place. I've been coming here on a regular basis for almost 4 years now. Their talented baristas consistently make delicious caffeinated beverages that make my day right.  Whether it's an americano to start my morning, a loose leaf tea to soothe my sickiness, a soy chai latte to warm my soul, or an iced coffee to cool off in the summer, this shop knows just how to do it all. They have plentiful seating for a variety of occasions, whether you want to tuck onto the comfy couches with a book, a table for two with your computer to get some work done, up at the bar to distract and joke with the baristas, people watch at the bar at the windows or outside on the picnic benches to pet people's pups and enjoy the sunshine. This is a definite go to.

  • Review from Darrin C.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    Great coffee, great baristas, great space, and great location.

    GREAT!

  • Review from Cam K.

    • 7 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/21/2011 1 photo

    The barista pulled a great shot.

    I visited Albina Press for the first time yesterday and I will definitely go back. They served me a proper espresso and it was a cool place to hang around for half an hour. Lot of people, but not noisy or dark. Likable all around.

  • Review from Robert L.

    Phoenix, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2011 17 Check-ins Here

    First of all, I have gone here for 5 years. I have relationship with the business.
    The trendy seems to stay out, and make room for the designer or student homeworker.

    You stay long enough..and the people seem to look all the same. No young or attractive people, just established Portlanders and their niche for good coffee....plus the wifi will be great, but wait for the crowd and you will have a 5min to refresh a page...

    You get the steady Warner and Western student coming in...
    You get the tall guy with the bun of hair tied up on the top of his head who always talks to the brown haired barista lady...always...
    You get the fine, whited haired old man talking to the bar about some social issue or how things were better before this time.
    You get the only cool guy at the bar, Jason "the Mugger" who lovs to stare at people...a crowd fav for sure.

    The cappuccino-great-consistent-impeccable.
    The baristas-in band-always busy-great stories to be told from their mouths
    The $1coffee with the 50cent refill was great when they had it, then it was $1 refill...sad day when that happen. But smart move for the money pockets.

    PS: When I was in my 3rd year of undergrad there was one of the most attractive lady I have ever seen in Portland near Albina. She went to sapphire hotel. As a man, I would wait another five yeas to see her again.

    ;]

    R|_

  • Review from Bryan K.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Portland, OR

    2.0 star rating
    2/21/2012

    I think that the coffee here is great, the customer service on the other hand sucks. I don't know what it is about the Barista's here but they seem to be in their own elite group, and personally half of restaurant experience, I rate on customer service. The Barista's here act like their customers are an inconvenience instead of a paying customer. When I walked into the Albina Press and went to the counter, the Barista's were too busy talking to themselves about their personal lives, they did not even acknowledge me for two minutes as I awkwardly stood at the counter. All I am looking for is a friendly "Hello, how is your day going" and a coffee. I understand that sometimes it is busy and sometimes you don't have time to talk but I came in when it was dead. Seriously, you guys are Barista's; I don't know about being a Barista in Oregon but in New York, working as a Barista is a minimum wage college job. You act like it gives you an elite Hawthorne status. Get your heads out of your asses. Other than terrible customer service, I highly recommend the coffee.

  • Review from Arturo V.

    • 6 friends
    • 250 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2011

    Excellent coffee and very good service. The room is bright, clean and its wireless is good. The ideal place to spend the day trying to do work. You can later reward yourself having dinner next door.

  • Review from Allison C.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    3/2/2012

    Excellent coffee and, generally, excellent staff.  I typically love going in here.  However, of late, I keep encountering a new barista who has a great sense of fashion a la French New Wave Cinema with her white blond hair and great tattoos.  Unfortunately, she is weirdly hostile and tends to have a "no-can-do, sorry" attitude.  I hope she moves on (or changes the attitude) so I can again enjoy, without a hitch, my daily visits to Albina Press.

  • Review from christopher s.

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    3/15/2011

    This place will always have a special place in my heart, I lived 2 min away for a while. I still go from time to time.
    Quality drinks, mostly friendly service.
    This place get's really busy, it's not the ideal coffee shop to go to to sit down with a friend if it's after 11 when all the work from homers and do nothingers come in, it gets really crowded. Perfect Pre-destination for any mt. tabor trip

  • Review from Jelani M.

    • 5 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    Wonderful atmosphere for folks like my self who work on their laptops and need a good cup of stumptown (they French press, not drip) and a wifi connection.  Pastries aren't much to speak of, but the space, coffee, and service are more than enough.

  • Review from Deanna N.

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    9/22/2011

    I recently discovered working from coffee shops - why because I have I been in the corporate fluorescent world of the burbs.  Recommended by the boy who works for himself and has indulged in every working coffee shop- check it.  Plus- huge, light and airy with lots of tables, lots of outlets and perfect strong Americano draw.  I productively spent the whole day here and will be back.

  • Review from Carlton M.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    10/30/2011

    Well made drinks, good tasting espresso, lots of seats (though it's often full of people), modern hip environ, hipster hangout def.  The only thing I don't like about this place is that one barista who I call 'Plane Jane'.  She rarely smiles, she talks at you without looking at you, she is basically rude in a wonderful portland passive aggressive way.  ;)  She just doesn't look like she enjoys working here... I'd hate to be working with her as she just sucks the air out of the place.  I've watched her get snappy with many different customers, even an old lady who just didn't know all the cool coffee terminology.  Lame.

  • Review from May L.

    • 18 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    10/11/2011

    Albina Press is like an extension of my kitchen. I live a block away and I'll pop over to buy coffee when I run out. They have freshly roasted Stumptown and I've not had a blend that I haven't loved. The cafe is awesome to hang out and read/study at. The baristas are friendly and funny and the make the best freaking lattes I've ever had. EVER. Good pastries. Pretty space and good light.

  • Review from Michele B.

    • 5 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    2/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great place to become a regular.
    Coffee is great and consistent. if you are staying bring your laptop :)

  • Review from Don B.

    Portland, OR

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/3/2009

    If you're going to drink your coffee in-house, make sure you use their ceramic mug instead of your own personal cup. They charge $1 for an 8oz cup of coffee and $.50 for refills, but they'll ONLY do it on their ceramic mugs. I travel with my own mug and didn't think twice about using it when I was posted up there for about an hour the other day. Mine is a 14oz mug, and they charged me $2 to fill it and another $2 for a refill. There was no sympathy from the barista about the fact that I was drinking in-house and was basically paying $4 for what is otherwise $2.50 worth of coffee simply because I used my mug instead of theirs.

    I'm not as motivated to go back now.

    Also, the laptop brigade is in full effect here, so finding a seat, especially near an outlet, can be a real hassle.

    Listed in: Crack Me Out... STAT!, Laptopistan

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      1/6/2009

      Albina Press (the Hawthorne Incarnation) brings another awesome coffee shop to the mecca of awesome… Read more »

  • Review from Laura N.

    Sydney New South Wales

    Australia
    4.0 star rating
    8/5/2008

    We are spoiled rotten here in Portland, as proven by a mere 4-star review of Albina Press.  With so many incredible options and the fear of "bad" coffee out of the question, we are truly able to pick and choose. We can hunt down the coffee shop that fits our precise need, whether it be lightning fast internet, a certain type of soy milk, or selection of vegan baked goods.

    Albina is a fantastic meeting place, the open space and wide array of seating options fill the void left by some of the more quaint shops around town. This is obviously known by the staff who keep the music low and the "for here" glasses readily accessible. I was comfortable sitting and working for three hours, knowing that I was not taking up one of the precious tables, or God forbid, hogging the only plug.

    So why 4 stars? Because today the specific need was a savory snack to hold me over. My stomach lining had to suffice.

  • Review from John E.

    Vancouver, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/26/2009

    I am not a coffee drinker which makes it interesting that I was in a coffee place, and even more intruiging is; why would I Yelp a coffee place not being a coffee person?

    Tea.  Black tea.  Black tea with sassafras root to be exact.  Served as an iced tea by a friendly barista to top things off.  It was like a perfectly refreshing root beer without the annoying sugary aftertaste and foam to deal with (sometimes foam is cool).

    Just my two cents.

  • Review from Olivia T.

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    8/6/2008

    There's nothing that you need more in 90 something degree weather besides a cold iced tea.

    Albina Press has that and the Mint flavor one is pretty Minty. This place is spacious and they have wi-fi which equal people with laptops rejoice to be here.

    Next time I'll bring my laptop so I can fit in :) and test their Wi-Fi so they can gain another star.

  • Review from Donovan C.

    • 12 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Hunting down great espresso shops was one of my hobbies while living in Portland (until Spring '06).  Albina Press was one of the best, especially if you're looking for a comfortable place to work or have a meeting. They have great baristi, easy parking, plenty of bright open space, good wifi and a quiet atmosphere.

    I'm not incredibly discerning with my espresso (after all, I usually order it with milk), but the baristas never disappointed me.  The sweet citrus of Hair Bender always seemed more pronounced there for some reason.  

    One of my first times there I returned to the counter to complain that my cappuccino tasted sour.  They didn't agree, but they were very professional about it.  The barista even adjusted the grind to get me a sweeter extraction!

    I miss this place frequently now that I'm living in the Bay Area.  Go while you have the chance!

  • Review from Brent F.

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    3/24/2008

    Same great French press coffee and espresso
    talented baristas who care about what they're doing & have mad skills
    awesome new space and location
    Tables, couches, good flattering light fixtures, a wooden bar with extra-high stools that overlooks the sexy baristas who work there
    The coffee bar is in the middle of the space.  You can walk completely around 360 degrees (where else can you do that? huh? huh?).  You can see everything they're doing from any angle, and watch as the reddish brown espresso flows from the 4 group Linea with LED lights.  

    Great windows that bathe the space in natural light.

    The original Albina Press (N) is only blocks from my house, but I'm tempted to spend a few days a week at the Hawthorne location because the space is just so damn comfortable.  I know this place is gonna be popular in a few months, or maybe weeks.  Get here while its not too busy and they still have lots of time to chat with ya.  Next door to the Sapphire Hotel (great drinking/date spot) and a few blocks from Mt. Tabor park.  Great hood, great location.  Best coffee in this area for sho.

  • Review from Kimberly V.

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    6/18/2008 1 Check-in Here

    Dude behind counter: Is that coat from Forever 21?
    Girl who wants coffee: Um, it's actually from Target. Man I love Target.
    Dude: Looks good.
    Girl: Thanks, I like it.

    And with that, WHAMO KABBLAMO, presto pasta, blip blip, I love this coffee shop. I am not a hard person to please. Give me my coffee without an attitude, I will most likely like you just fine. If you give me coffee with a compliment, just a simple one to start an especially long Wednesday, I will love you and the area you work in. As in, send nauseatingly enthusiastic notes to friends, call my mother at 1 in the morning to tell her I've found the coffeehouse of my dreams, write KIM V + ALBINA PRESS 4-EVA in swirly letters on my desktop calendar, envision throwing parties in my beloved's warm and clean space, maybe having our neighbors The Sapphire Hotel over for Sunday-afternoon boardgames. That kind of love.

    And even when the introductory pangs of new love have worn away and I've downgraded to calling Albina Press just a great friend, full of good coffee at reasonable prices in my part of town, I'll still pull on my coat on a random blustery morning and feel that shiver of rememberance to make Proust nod his head in recognition.

  • Review from Amber C.

    • 106 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    8/21/2010

    Deliciously beautiful latte art and cappuccinos. Lots of tables, and a great couch in the back. Super epic award-winning hipster baristas. Good food nearby. Lots of people work out of this shop.

    If you're looking for a very high quality coffee, you might want to try this place. But you might get addicted and have to come back every day.

  • Review from Liz G.

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    8/14/2008

    Open space.
    Big windows.  
    Couches.  
    Outdoor tables.  
    Iced Toddys.  
    Decent music.  
    4 stars.

  • Review from Scrantz L.

    Madison, WI

    4.0 star rating
    8/5/2008

    Fans of cold processed coffee stand up and be counted!!
    Me! Me! Me!
    Less oils, less acids. Better on the tummy.
    yes, they make it here for their iced coffee. Also known as "Toddy" coffee - for the easy container for soaking the grounds and carafe that it drains into.....
    they made my delish iced coffee a little stronger than I make it at home - so I got quite the buzz... should have tried one of those yummy looking cookies to go with it- oh well, there is always next time, 'cause I'll be back, the place has a very lovely open feel.

  • Review from Lorri E.

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2008 1 photo

    Mmm hmmm, they went and did it again.  The *new* (sparkly) Albina Press kicks some major coffee booty in Portland, once again. A fine new Stumptown coffee-scented shop - the new one pays homage to the old one--with expansive white walls (functioning as art gallery, of course), old wood floors - and a TON more space.  Oh, I love it.  Really nice environment, next door to Sapphire.  And it goes without saying that my special treat of a mocha was creamy, smooth, rich, and complex.  

    A minor disclaimer in that I should mention a friend of mine happens to date one of the baristas there, but I would have loved it anyway even without that 6-degrees connection.  Go in and have Matt or Billy brew you a cup that puts all other coffees to shame.  Mmmm.  Yummy.

    p.s. I know the Albina Press can be known for being a tad on the coffee shop snobbery side (ok, more than a tad) but I am willing to overlook any signs of pretension to savor that perfect cup.  I saw no pretension, just a beautiful new coffee shop, on a great Portland Street, with people who love good coffee.

  • Review from Blaine B.

    • 6 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Love this place. Great coffee, and a great place to hang out with the iPad or newspaper.

  • Review from Kirsten R.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Portland, OR

    2.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    Let's just say I ordered a 16 oz Americano. And got the wrong size, and it looked like brown water-no crema on top. This is too great a coffee town to drink Stumptown coffee made with no heart.

  • Review from Abby M.

    • 5 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    10/22/2008

    This location is fairly new, but every time I've been in it's packed.  It's a large, open space with lots of light and none of that claustrophic, too hot feel that lots of coffee shops tend to have.  Friendly baristas and good music (if a tad loud) not to mention tasty pastries and prompt service.

    They also provide a space for local artists to promote their wares. Good times.

  • Review from Danni D.

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    1/26/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Albina press is a bright, modern space.  It is not coffee shop cozy, but it is coffee shop chic.  They serve Stumptown coffee, and the baristas are friendly.  WiFi is free, which makes table turnover an issue when the entire Eastside is there (yelping, of course).  They rotate local art that is actually affordable to working folks.  

    It's like they're a coffee shop, in Portland.  What's not to love?

  • Review from Benji B.

    • 8 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Montréal, QC

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    9/19/2009

    I've looked around, tried a few cafés here and there, and finally settled on Albina!

    They have a very comfortable environment, lots of great seating, free wireless, and very friendly staff. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but their tea is delicious, and so are the pastries. They have very nice outdoor seating, and big comfy couches. I've buckled down for hours on end here to get through projects and been absolutely as comfortable as could be.

    I highly recommend this café!

  • Review from Alyssa A.

    Spokane, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/31/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    Portland has more coffee shops than we know what to do with. However, if you actually care about the quality of your coffee then the number of good shops decreases dramatically.

    Albina Press is one of the best in the city. Their baristas consistently pull incredible shots. They also use Stumptown coffee, which in my opinion, is one of the best roasters in the nation.

    If I'm not careful this is my first stop EVERY day and while I love supporting a local business that produces a high quality product, it can still be a little rough on the ol' wallet.

    A good latte is a work of art, not just a drink and Albina is full of coffee artists.

  • Review from Katie M.

    • 62 friends
    • 137 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2008

    When I woke up this morning, it was latte weather. I was deciding between a few usual coffee haunts, and I remembered that I had noticed a location of Albina Press on Hawthorne, closer to my new apartment than the location in north portland. Done and done.
    I love the design. It is wide open, spacious, but feels comfortable and cozy. The chairs are comfortable, the layout is good, and the music isn't too loud and intrusive. There's no way to go wrong with Stumptown coffee and baked goods from Crema.
    I sat arond for awhile eating my zucchini muffin and drinking my latte, reading magazines that have been piling up for a few weeks and enjoyed my brisk autumn saturday morning. Thank you, Albina Press for being an integral part of it.

  • Review from Alicia G.

    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    10/7/2009

    I just found a new favorite hangout, and here's why it works for me:
    The music isn't so loud that I'm unable to think.
    They serve Stumptown coffee by competent baristas.
    The lighting is very good.
    The WiFi is quick, strong and dependable.
    There are plenty of electrical outlets for all.
    There is no funky, smelly, highly suspect  furniture.
    The tables don't wobble.
    No small children running around.
    I can sit here and write until 4 o'clock when the Sapphire opens and I can make the subtle transition from caffeine to alcohol in the blink of an eye and still have great wi-fi.

    The only complaint for me was the quality of bake goods. The croissant I had was completely inedible. Had that day old Costco taste to it. I don't know about anyone else but I'd be more than willing to shell out the extra for one from the Pearl Bakery or Petite Provence.

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