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Aliviar Coffeehouse
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Juice Bars & Smoothies Coffee & Tea, Juice Bars & Smoothies [Edit]
4128 N E Sandy BlvdPortland, OR 97213
Neighborhoods: Northeast Portland, Hollywood
(503) 954-1091
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 6:30 am - 7 pm
Wed-Fri 6:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 8 am - 9 pm
Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Aliviar Coffeehouse
Review Highlights
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"Batdorf and Bronson are indeed amazing beans." In 4 reviews -
"It breaks the Stumptown mold and delivers a delicious and..." In 5 reviews -
"Best iced nonfat vanilla latte I have EVER had." In 4 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Susan S.
Portland, OR
8/28/2011
Simply the best coffee in the Hollywood District.
Need I say more? -
Review from Nika T.
Portland, OR
5/23/2012
Good coffee, good tea, they've got beer and photographs of revolutionaries on the walls and it's sunny and strangely-shaped and a nice place to sit and have a drink.
Bonus: One of the frequent patrons, an older man, seems to have a collection of improbable hats. If you're there when he's there you'll know what I mean :)
Extra bonus: The hours have changed; they're open until 7 on Sun-Tues and until 9 on Wed-Sat. -
Review from Megan T.
5/1/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I'll be honest, I expected a little more from Aliviar. This somewhat dark horse in the Portland coffee game is often touted as one of the best shops in town, but I wasn't blown away by what they're serving. The espresso was tasty, don't get me wrong, and definitely better than ninety percent of the coffee you'll get in the town. It's also decently priced, with an Americano running you in the ballpark of $2.50. But it just wasn't exceptional, have-to-tell-my-friends-about-it in the way that many Portland coffee experiences are for me. I'd certainly go here again. Right in the heart of the Hollywood district, it's the perfect spot in this neighborhood to grab a coffee. And the staff was super friendly. I'd love to drink their stuff on a different day and see if it bowls me over more. I certainly want it to!
Listed in: Caffeine is Essential
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Review from May L.
Portland, OR
3/7/2012
Really nice sunny space on a sketch ass stretch of Sandy. Batdorf Bronson coffee is awesome so I'm psyched they brew it here. They have a small selection of baked goods. Good mellow music. I would probably study here but the location detracts a little.
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Review from Jeanne Z.
Portland, OR
3/23/2012
Great all-around coffee shop. The barista was really sweet, and made an "Earl Grey Au Lait" for me even though it wasn't on the menu. They were also really low key, and didn't hassle us for studying/lingering too long. And, their chocolate chip cookies were amazing!!! I wish they had other food options besides pastries though.
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Review from Chey K.
Tillamook, OR
6/6/2011
Best iced nonfat vanilla latte I have EVER had. I stopped by here after a very painful visit to the doctor. I figured I deserved a reward. So I got out my trusty Android and Yelped a nearby coffee house. Luckily, I was pointed to this Hollywood District gem.
The baristo, Nick, greeted me warmly and was very patient while I decided what I wanted. I always hope to branch out, but end up ordering the same damned thing I always get. This time, I am so glad I ordered my mundane nonfat vanilla latte, which turned out to be the nectar of the gods. I had almost all of it finished before I left the parking lot, and even considered going back in to order another one, but was afraid I might look like I have an addiction. Ahem.
If you are sick of those super syrupy-sweet items that are often passed off as vanilla lattes, then this is the place for you. I even asked for "half the amount of vanilla you normally use" since I have to do this at almost every other coffee shop I have visited. Nick asked "Have you ever had a vanilla latte here before?" I said no, and he said they didn't make them too sweet, so he would make it how he normally does. Yeah. I've heard that one before. But Nick was right, and I am still salivating at the thought of another cup of deliciousness next time I am in town.
The atmosphere was super laid back, albeit small. They provide free dog treats for "good dogs" and my dog certainly enjoyed hers. I wanted to purchase beans, and Nick was very helpful in picking the variety of beans that would work best for me based on what I normally drank, and even taking into account what type of coffeemaker I have at home. Wow. The beans are a little pricey, but I am willing to pay for good beans.
In a word, my oft-caffeine-induced headaches and I are ECSTATIC that we happened upon this place. -
Review from Lori F.
Portland, OR
11/22/2010
Between the commercialized Starbucks and the other two sub-par coffee shops that monopolize my office building, it is only on rare occasion that I get to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
I am not talking about the black Americano's I blindly order on a daily basis just to get through the day. I am not even referring to the days that I get fancy and ask for a little shot of hazelnut in them. The coffee shops in my office building are there to serve a purpose and that is to keep us corporate folk caffeinated, nothing more.
Sunday morning we were meeting some friends for coffee in the Hollywood area and Yelp suggested Aliviar. We approached the counter and the barista was friendly and offered her two cents toward the topic we were discussing. This made me feel welcomed as I placed my order for a white chocolate latte (a weekend treat!).
Maybe it's because I am accustomed to crap coffee, but the instant I took a sip from my cup I was captivated by the rich blends, bold flavor and perfect sweetness in the contents of my cup. Extra points for the beautiful heart and white chocolate drizzle that was foamed in to the top.
My friends had hot chocolates, Italian sodas, bagels with hummus and I also had some juice. We sat and talked, admired the beautiful art on the walls and made our way back out in to the cold.
My visit to Aliviar was a refreshing treat from the daily grind. The only complaint I have is that it isn't in my office building! -
Review from Pink D.
Portland, OR
10/21/2010
My mornings often include a well made skim latte and a perfectly toasted bagel and cream cheese from Aliviar.
No snobby service and no mediocre corporate Mclattes here - just great beans, great service, unique art to gaze at, and a diverse reading library.
Did I mention the bagels? yum. -
Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
Going to the grocery store while hungry is a dangerous endeavor. You know it. I know it. We all know it.
I popped in here one afternoon in search of caffeine and a bagel. You know, a snack. Or a really pathetic (but damn good) lunch. It was the latter.
The other reviews of this place are right on. It breaks the Stumptown mold and delivers a delicious and comforting place to get a shot or two. The americano I had was really good--no need to doctor it up with cream and sugar. I'm growing adult taste buds finally. My mom would be so proud.
I could have gotten my coffee and multi-grain bagel from Kettlemans to go, but the shop is so comfortable that I stayed. Its homey and cozy without being obnoxious and kitschy. The owner plays some great old tunes overhead, and there is no shortage of books to leaf through. You're spared trashy magazines here.
The regulars are friendly, so I wasn't the odd girl creeping on territory where I didn't belong. It was all good.
All this, with room to spread out and a place to park. It's good times. The perfect prep for a bout of shopping at Trader Joes.Listed in: Get This Girl a Shot.
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Review from jake r.
Portland, OR
5/31/2011
Coffee. A religion to some, a right to others.
Coffee crimes: Dishwater coffee, corporate chain coffee.
Coffee snobbery: Coffee baristas who hold you in contempt for not wearing similar styled ironic glasses and/or ordering a large as a "grande".
The truth about coffee? IT'S BEANS AND HOT WATER! RELAX!
So, when you do happen to find a great coffee joint, with a knowledgeable staff... you go there often. I happen to like a good old fashioned cup of strong coffee. I like press or drip or both. This place does it with an individualized drip for every cup they make. And they do it with so much care and purposefulness.
I enjoy the coffee as much as the people who work there, a winning combo that will keep me coming back for more. -
Review from Don B.
11/14/2009
Batdorf and Bronson coffee in Portland? Oh yeah. Roasted out of Olympia, this coffee is built for craft brewing, and the folks at Aliviar know exactly what they are doing with these beans. That alone is worth venturing into the traffic-cluster-function that is Hollywood.
Aliviar sits in the building just behind Hollywood Theater on a side street across from a reptile shop. It's a hidden little spot just off of the main drag. I had heard about it back in the day and had been meaning to check it out, but a) I never go to Hollywood if I can avoid it, I hate the traffic patterns, and b) every time I did come up to this end of town, I didn't see it anywhere. I finally was motivated to seek out this little spot when I heard they were serving up the Batdorf brews, which I discovered at the Coffee Fair up at the World Forestry Center.
So back into the Hollywood triangle I went in search of good coffee, and I found it! Boasting a parking lot (parking in Hollywood?!), free wifi, a fairly small area with a few tables, a couch, and a well-stocked bookshelf, and a pair of super nice folks pouring some downright fantastic coffee. This is not your typical "we-phone-it-in-and-serve-K&F coffee" neighborhood steam shop. This is a trained a knowledgeable barista carefully pulling tasty shots from exquisitely roasted beans... all pretense aside.
5 stars for breaking the Stumptown mold and in the process, forgoing many of the lesser local options in favor of a craft roast from just a few hours up the road. To my knowledge, this is the only place to get B&B in Portland. Don't get me wrong. I love me some Stumpy, but I love me some variety too. Check it out when you get a chance, it's worth venturing into Hollywood, and if you already live in this section of town, then what the hell are you waiting for?Listed in: Crack Me Out... STAT!, NE PDX, Hollywood
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Review from Johnny T.
Portland, OR
3/29/2010
It was Monday morning. I was running late, didn't get my caffeine fix, and had to take a ginormous piss while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. I'll save my review of certain Portlanders' ability to drive in the rain for another review.
Long story short. Aliviar relieved my caffeine (and bladder) situation. The Chai is amazing, they have 4 different sizes for those who are careful about their food intake, and at the time of writing there was also a vintage bottle of soda on the bookshelf called "Leninade" (complete with hammer and sickle on the logo!). Nerd points!
Batdorf and Bronson are indeed amazing beans. You'll also likely run into the owner, who happens to have a birthday today!
P.S. Ironically, Aliviar is Latin for alleviate. My bladder couldn't be happier. -
Review from Sarah S.
Eugene, OR
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great little cafe. Aliviar is the perfect balance of small, quaint and inviting. The baristas were friendly and made me a great cappuccino. It was a nice sunny day and there was outdoor seating available as well. I can't wait to go back!
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Review from Joshua C.
Portland, OR
12/23/2009
Great coffee. This place is a small but serious coffeehouse. They have Batdorf and Bronson coffee and know how to use it. I've dabbled pretty deep into the drink menu and have to say all of them have a unique taste from anything else I've tried in portland. It's gotta be the beans! Don B.'s right to love him some variety - Stumptown is great, but monotony is depressing.
I also love that I found a few AdBusters mags (new and old) on the coffee table. And considering the other options in the neighborhood (i.e. Panera and Starbucks), so far this place is my #1 choice for Hollywood caffeination. -
Review from Jenna S.
Portland, OR
5/18/2010
This coffee shop has revived hope in me as I have just moved from the SE 20th and Burnside area, to the Laurelhurst / Hollyweird neighborhood,... Where good coffee places are scarce!. And coming from the likes of Hart, Spunky Monkey, and Crema... Aliviar has saved my life! I thought I was going to have to commute back to my old hood for a cup o' joe,
Thank god for you Alviar, my coffee lovin' buds are so happy to finally have a place to call home. -
Review from Nedra R.
Portland, OR
4/17/2009
It's nice to walk into a coffee shop and not be overwhelmed by extras and signage. I could instantly find what i wanted on the board and the barista (well the owner when I was there!) said hi immediately.
The place has a nice open environment with large windows that will help you through even the rainiest of days. I tried their Chai which was very tasty and not too sweet, very awesome.
I would recommend checking this place out, it's in the heart of Hollywood so next time you are shopping at Trader Joe's or going to the Farmer's Market, grab a chai or coffee at Aliviar and have a nice experience! -
Review from Cassandra D.
Portland, OR
5/25/2011
Good coffee, intimate space, friendly staff. My only complaint is they can't keep up with my need for vegan cookies. They are often out of them. Boo :(
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Review from Stephen W.
Concord, CA
3/21/2011
One word describes Aliviar Coffeehouse - Remarkable ! The Single Origin Single-Cup AeroPress is remarkable. The Single Origin espresso shot is pulled perfectly and is remarkable. The atmosphere is remarkable. The owner and other baristas are remarkable. Even the content and volume of the music is remarkable. This place is a gem among the too-numerous chains, as well as the many independents dotting Portland. Locals and visitors should definitely frequent Aliviar - we need this place !!
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Review from Alex P.
Portland, OR
7/19/2010
While I'm a big Stumptown fan, I love that Aliviar breaks the stumptown-mold. I consider myself pretty picky, but everything I've had there is excellent. I usually get bagels too, though I wish their food selection were more diverse.
The owner and the baristas couldn't be nicer. Love it! -
Review from Elena M.
Portland, OR
12/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here
They can pull a perfect coffee. They have bagels, a friendly staff & WiFi. A well rounded place for a quick stop but not hang out for too long as the place is small.
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Review from Travis L.
Salem, OR
10/16/2011
Good coffee and great service but the atmosphere didn't make me want to stay there a long time.
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Review from Scott G.
Portland, OR
9/19/2009
I live just a few blocks from Aliviar and have been going there regularly since they opened. Staci and Nick both have excellent espresso drink craftmanship and the place has a welcoming, neighborhood coffee shop feel. Free wifi, too.
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Review from disarray G.
Portland, OR
7/14/2010
I'm a coffee snob, so I've tried most of the coffee in the NE Area, where I live. Aliviar is leaps and bounds beyond most. And definitely the best in the Hollywood / Grant Park neighborhood. I would say, it's up there with Extracto, which is my other fave.
It's set back from Sandy Blvd, so a little hard to find. But definitely worth searching for, because the coffee and americano are outrageously good. They serve Batdorf and Bronson, of which I've become a fan as well.
The owner is a sweetheart, and I hope to see her prosper in her business. -
Review from Phoebe M.
Gresham, OR
9/5/2010
Aliviar Coffeehouse is what you would call a 'hidden gem' - this place make the best non-fat Latte in Portland so creamy.
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Review from Chris S.
Portland, OR
5/15/2010
Great coffee, tasty muffin, comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and good politics (Antifa art display on my last visit) = solid 5 star review.
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Review from Gary M.
Portland, OR
7/25/2009
Very fine espresso based drinks. Great value! Nice baristas!
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Review from David R.
Portland, OR
4/15/2011
Delicious coffee and friendly service. What more would you want? Lovely place.
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Review from Chris H.
Portland, OR
6/21/2009
A great little coffee shop. If you live in the Hollywood neighborhood then this is your best bet. The woman who made my coffee happened to be the owner and she knew how to pour a great shot. I have been looking for a good coffee shop in the area, the guys at wholesome blends pour terrible shots, and this place fits the bill. The coffee isn't stumptown (it's just as tasty, free trade and organic) which is a nice change of pace in Portland these days. The pastries were delicious and the atmosphere was relaxed and comfy. You can't go wrong with this place.
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Review from Jake F.
Portland, OR
8/14/2009
Simple, quiet, located on my morning route to the MAX. Lots of regulars. Can't go wrong with this one.
