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Anna Bannanas
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1214 NW 21st AvePortland, OR 97209
Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
(503) 274-2559
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 11 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 12 am
Sat 8 am - 12 am
Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Faye A. said: "Hands down the best yarn shop in Portland (or anywhere for that matter)! I started going to Twisted right when I first started knitting. At some yarn shops I've been to, I don't feel like the staff really cared, or that I wasn't a…" read more »
36 reviews for Anna Bannanas
Review Highlights
"Right away I really liked how laid back it was."
(in 5 reviews)
"...when, one cold afternoon on the front porch with my pup, a..."
(in 2 reviews)
"The Inn at Northrup does, but Anna's."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Jaybird D.
Portland, OR
8/1/2011
There are few coffee shops that I care more deeply about. Anna's has been a favorite for many years (ZOMG! 15 years or so!), and is an example of the Portland I grew up in. It's comfy but I still get work done, it's intellectual without being pretentious, it's quirky without getting caught up in its own shtick.
There's a basement room that reminds me of the dark underworld nooks that I we used to overtake as a crowd and play crazy board games into the night in my high school years. The upstairs has a great mix of tables and soft couches or chairs for your own perfect study mix. There's a smoke free front porch for those who like the daystar, and there's a covered smoking area out back for those who enjoy those old days of coffee and cigarettes.
In the back room, make sure to look up and notice the flying pigs on the ceiling. And don't forget to try their famous drink: a mix of espresso and chai you can request by saying "Doot da doo me." Come and support this local favorite!
If you'd like to read a more complete review, check out my blog: http://hallowed-ground... -
Review from Anne V.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011
4 stars for still existing! This was one of my favorite places to smoke in high school. Great coffee too.
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Review from Katherina A.
Portland, OR
12/9/2011
Their coffee is always really good and the servers are genuinely and consistently nice. But there is something wrong with the building or the room because it smells like mildew. I always want to hang out there, but can't bring myself to because of the smell. It's a shame because they have all the trimmings for a really nice place to while away the day.
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Review from Amado L.
4/4/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I really dig this little cafe that's just a hop and a skip from my humble abode. Free wi-fi, a chill spot with plenty of seating, and, for the most part, some pretty killer tunes playing in the background. Why, just the other night, I enjoyed some Scandinavian experimental rock whilst sipping on my decaf americano. Another plus is the fact that, due to the neighborhood being more of a hipster locale, the many times I've been here were devoid of little critters. Don't get me wrong; I love kids. I just feel like there's a time and place for them. Namely, never when I'm around.
The only sad part about Anna B-- not to be confused with the Yelper, Anna B-- is their coffee. I've never been a huge fan of Caffe d'Arte coffees, and, unfortunately, that is what they serve. But it's not enough of a deterrent for me, so I keep coming back for more.
It would be a sad day indeed if this coffee shop would suddenly cease to exist. Judging from the ever-present long lines each and every time I stop by, I doubt that eventuality will be coming anytime soon. -
Review from Chris M.
Portland, OR
5/20/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This place is awesome. Its a NW staple, I used to come here in High School and smoke bidis in the basement and play trivial pursuit. Lots of comfy chairs and quiet enough to be a study space.
When you get to the counter stay focused on your barista, dont let your gaze drift off to the right where you will find crazy delicious pastries of downright pornographic proportions....that will give you not so pornographic proportions, but its still probably worth it.
oh yeah, the staff are fantastic and dog friendly. so keep walking past starbucks on lovejoy and go down to northrup and give this somewhat hidden gem a shot. -
Review from Deborah B.
Portland, OR
8/29/2011
sorry..but this place is just awful. Cafe darte coffee is gross. One NW biz very much in need of an overhaul. Counter dude was nice.
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Review from Neeva D.
Portland, OR
10/5/2010
In the area and with a need for sustenance, Thomas W. suggested a coffee shop he had been to some time ago. The place was funky, but in a good way! I loved the decor (I wanted to steal the green chair in the living room up by the pastries). The outdoor seating looked nice, and the basement was cool, but there was someone napping down there, which isn't particularly welcoming. I had house coffee and a three seed bagel. The bagel was pretty good and the coffee was delish, but having to squeeze my cream cheese out of a tube kind of sucks. The barista was friendly, the prices were pretty average, and the selection of food items seemed decent for a coffee shop.
I'm sure some people love the lighting, but I think that it was too dark and made the place a little dreary. It's not really the venues fault, but I feel uncomfortable having a conversation with so many lone people working on laptops and such, but I am weirdly paranoid about eavesdropping; if it was a little busier this wouldn't have been an issue.
The restroom was reasonably clean, but the light switch is painted the same dark color as the walls and it took me a moment to find it. And I really hate having to look for more than 10 seconds for a light switch! -
Review from Majid I.
Rockville, MD
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of those West Coast coffee shops where everything so damn organic and whole grain, when all you want is a shortbread to go with an nice cup of English breakfast tea. I've lived on the East Coast, in big cities and large, now in the DC metro area. But places like this one make me feel like a redneck. Sometimes, all you want is coffee or tea and a place to sit minus the "ambience", Bohemian or otherwise. Sometimes, Starbucks, no wait, even McDonald's is a welcome change.
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Review from Douglas Y.
Portland, OR
4/23/2008 ROTD 7/20/2008
This used to be the alternative to the Coffee Time (which is just up the street) crowd, but now it's got the same hipster patrons... sorry, I hate using the word "hipster," but when the Talking Heads come on and three tables are asking if it's The Cure, I don't know what else to call them. Aside from the retarded conversations you'll wind up eavesdropping on, this place IS pretty cool.
So, the hipsters migrate downstairs into the smoking section or out to the porch, leaving the main room surprisingly empty and quiet. But there is the occasional flood of yuppie tourists from the Inn on Northrup, so it's really hard to give advice on what hour you should visit to avoid a crowd, because there might be some folks recovering from jet lag at both opening and closing hours.
As for the internet, no, they don't charge. The Inn at Northrup does, but Anna's? No. It's provided by Personal Telco, which is a weird provider if you're trying to connect with something besides a laptop (*cough* Nintendo DS! *cough*) because it requires you to confirm your connection through a browser window.
If you're vegan, you're in heaven here! The drinks can come with either soy or RICE MILK! Yes! It tastes soooo good. They've also got the typical-Portland Black Sheep Bakery goods, such as vegan chocolate chip cupcakes and an array of muffins. They also make soups, but I'd avoid the sammiches, they're kinda dry when they've been left in saran wrap for hours. If you're not vegan, you can enjoy the homemade gigantic Rice Krispy Treats and coffee cake, etc..
About the music... uhh, can't say I've ever heard the same album played two days in a row. They've got everything from (meh) Tom Waits to (sweet) Mirah to Bob Marley, pretty much anything mellow and not distracting, which is more than I can say for Coffee Time down the street, which I've heard play death metal more than once. And the guys & gals DO take requests, maybe cause I lived next door for three years and got to know them, but whatever, they're still nice.
Try a magnum Anna Banana's "for here" made with rice milk, and a vegan cupcake on your first visit, you won't regret it! -
Review from Aaron R.
Portland, OR
8/4/2009
This place makes me feel like a fish out of water. Here's why:
I don't have arms covered with tattoos;
I don't wear plaid for the sake of wearing plaid;
I don't wear way-too-tight jeans (with one leg rolled up too high);
I probably didn't ride my bike (instead, I took the streetcar);
I don't go out of my way to be aloof.
In other words, I'm not a hipster. Now, most places in Portland, hipsters and us non-hipsters can coexist peacefully, but when I walk into Anna Bannanas, I really do feel like there should be a sound of a turntable needle scratching off the album, followed by the stillest of silence as the hipster coffee-drinkers stare at the alien species (me) that has invaded their little cafe.
The staff is alright, the coffee is alright, the prices are alright. The hours are pretty good and I like that they have Personal Telco WiFi. The house that the cafe is in is pretty quirky and cool, but it can smell, well, unclean sometimes.
So, if it's coffee to go, then I'll be glad to do it... but coffee to stay? Not for me: unless you relish your hipsterdom, you might feel like a fish out of water like I do.
EDIT: I forgot to include one of the high points -- their collection of political humor near the cash register is spectacular, and I love the T-shirts that they sell, particularly the "People's Republic of Portland" shirt. -
Review from Jarret F.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2009
Hardcore local flair, decent coffee, decent pastries. Definitely refreshing to have a place this close to NW 23rd without constant hipsters.
Absolutely take a friend here and enjoy an hour chat or game. Depending on the day though, you might feel a bit sketched out if you're here solo. -
Review from Anna G.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2007
I'll start off by ignoring the fact that this place misspelled my universal nickname. C'mon guys, it's "banana," not "bannana." I'll forgive them, though, as I'm sure they have a good reason for spelling it that way, and, well, it adds that extra hipness that the normal "Anna Banana" just doesn't possess.
I dug this place. Nice breezy, laid-back vibe in a cool neighborhood, HUGE tasty chocolate chip cookies with about 8,000 tiny chips in them, and an assortment of drinks. I of course ordered the "Anna Bannana," which was a latte (. . . I think . . . can't remember exactly, maybe it was a mocha) with banana flavoring added (I was given the choice of either natural or artificial banana flavoring, which I thought was both funny and awesome), and it was even better than I imagined. Basically, this place lived up to its - dare I say - outstanding name. Holla! -
Review from Rose M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2010 1 photo
Excellent, removed-from-downtown coffee option. The people behind the counter are some of the nicest I've encountered since arriving in PDX last year.
Situated in a converted home with covered porch and outdoor seating, Anna's is a comfortable spot to read a book, sit with your pooch, or start/end a day of shopping in the NW District. Favorites: white chocolate mocha, and Mexican mocha.
A big animal lover, I was completely won over when, one cold afternoon on the front porch with my pup, a baristo came out with a dog treat. So sweet. -
Review from Rose T.
Big Sur, CA
2/12/2010
I would like to say that they have the best coffee in portland!
The staff is awesome. Sometimes the music not so much but you will know when good music will be playing depending on who is working in the shop. -
Review from mark c.
Santa Monica, CA
9/23/2009
There isn't a better coffee spot in NW Portland.
Top notch coffee & staff. Wifi, subtle music, great hours & atmosphere.
Dog friendly. -
Review from Mage B.
Portland, OR
8/20/2009
First time I came here I was blazed out of my mind, and a friend brought me down to the basement because (at the time) it was a smoking area. I didn't order anything or have any idea of what was happening, generally, but I knew that I was smoking a cigarette in the basement of a coffee shop, and that was radical to me.
No more smoking downstairs. :(
I have since then tried the coffee and must say it is a delight, and you can get any drink iced! YAY! Also, hemp milk. YAY! Bagels with...Philadelphia cream cheese in a tube? Umm, maybe not so much.
This is a relaxing spot to hang out and read a book, if you can get a seat next to a light (it's rather dim). The chairs are comfy and poofy, but one of the chairs in the front room is a bit dodgy. It must be an ancient reclining chair, but it looks like a torture device. I feel uneasy sitting across from it. -
Review from Lauren G.
Portland, OR
My first time here. Usually I go to Coffee Time, my favorite coffeehouse on NW 21st. But Anna Bannanas was closer to my house so I thought I'd give it a try. Nestled inside a little house, this coffeshop is great. Comfy couches (a necessity for me seems how I came to read) and surprisingly larger inside than I expected. Also, my chai latte is delicious!
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Review from Christine H.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2009
Great lattes & delicious marble pound cake just a walk across the parking lot from my favorite place to stay in Portland, Inn @ Northrup Station!
For more, please visit my blog: http://www.ChristineHu...
Enjoy! -
Review from Stefanie S.
Portland, OR
9/17/2009
This place is great for hanging out with friends and chatting, getting coffee, but not really amazing food.
Things this place is NOT good for:
1. Purchasing 5$ or less on a debit card
2. Doing quiet work on your laptop (the music is concert level loud)
3. Overall peacefulness (there is sometimes crazy banging on the wall, people walking by on the old floor)
4. Good internet connection -
Review from T.R. B.
Portland, OR
4/9/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've used Yelp for so long, yet I am new to writing reviews....so here goes:
I really like Anna Bannanas for a few reasons. First off, this is the coffee place I went to when I first moved to Portland. While walking through the NW area, my friend and I stumbled across Anna's and I've been back ever since (although until last night, it had been few months since I stepped foot onto NW 21st). Right away I really liked how laid back it was. The furniture and the actual inside of the building is not always the cleanest, but it's not really dirty either. It's just a little old and used...in a good way. No?
Anyways...the coffee is really good here. It's not Stumptown and I like that. You can get Stumptown in so many places in Portland, so it's nice to have a break. And I wish I could remember the name of the coffee, but it escapes me at the moment. Some reviews have complained about the pastries and I can't chime in either way. They sure look good...but I think I'll hold off and just have my coffee. Another huge plus for me is that it has a lot of seating, some comfy...some not so much...and it's open late. Lastly, is the subject of hipsters that several reviews have included. I don't think anyone would would put me in that category and I feel really welcome here being a 'non-hipster'. I could see people in suits looking a little out of place, but 1. who wears suits in Portland and 2. no one really cares who you are. Simply order some good coffee and do some reading. That's what I'll be doing next time you see me in there. -
Review from Steve A.
Alexandria, VA
10/14/2010
I'm an old school Portlander from the NW. Every time I come home this is one of my first stops. I love the eclectic feel of this place. The coffee is Cafe D'Arte, a favorite of mine. The baristas are always friendly, and they do a great job. I cannot wait to come home again.
Even though they are in Northwest with on street parking I usually get parking in the block. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Oakland, CA
3/4/2008
This place is okay.
I say it's only okay, because
a) it advertises wifi, but you have to pay for it (please see below, because I guess I'm wrong about this)*
b) I've been here for about 4 hours and they've been playing the Rolling Stones the entire time. Now I like the Rolling Stones, but puh lease. Let's have some variety already.
The coffee was pretty good. The visitors and staff are friendly. They'd probably change the music if I asked them too, but I'm kinda a wuss sometimes.
They serve beer though, so I think I'll go get a beer and then maybe I'll have the balls to ask them to change the music.
Stay tuned.**
*Okay, so since writing this review, a fellow yelper has written to me and informed me that Anna Bannanas does in fact not charge for wifi, and if I couldn't get on the right server, I should have asked the barista for help. Soo, that might very well be so. But I did ask the barista for help, cause a) I'm not stupid and b) I really didn't want to shell out the $3.99 for a day's worth of service (though I have paid more for internet). Whoever was working there had no idea how to connect to the internet. I further asked those of my fellow patrons who were on the internet (though admittedly not all of them) and they didn't know how to connect either, and were stealing their wireless from the vegan place across the street (which makes a mean side salad, btw). So, that was my experience. I could be wrong, and I don't live in Portland, so I'm not going to be able to go back and find out for a while. Obvs, before I go, I'm going to message sarah a. and figure out how to connect. You should too, I think.
**I drank a devestion ale (HELLA GOOD) and by the time I was finished a new barista had come on duty and had changed the music to Pink Floyd. Later on, he turned on the Daily Show, and he was in general really pleasant and made the rest of my seven hours in one coffee shop pretty darn awesome, so I'm going to up my stars from two to four. Right then it felt like I was in my living room, except a living room far from home with beer on tap. -
Review from Katie W.
Beaverton, OR
3/28/2008
I came by last night and this is a pretty rad little coffee shop. The coffee was yummy.. that's important to me. Duh. The atmosphere was cool, and the service was good. But yeah, the coffee made me happy cause it reminded me of my favorite coffee shop back in LA. Yay coffee!
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Review from Brenna F.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2006
When I was living in PDX, this was "the coffeehouse". They have really good sammiches, pastries, and coffee. Plenty of nice folk to talk to, lots of comfy couches, chairs, and a nice outdoor deck. They also have a wide assortment of games to play, and books to read. And excellent place to curl up and watch the day go by.
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Review from matt l.
5/12/2010
Reliably good coffee and coffee-related items, what can I say? It was a great place to walk on break while I still worked in the area, it was a sweet place to meet potential clients while I was freelancing, and now that I neither live nor work near the alphabet district / trendy first / nob hill, I miss this little coffee shop in particular. Never had to wait long for what I ordered, and never had any problem with what they gave me. good stuff.
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Review from Andrea M.
Portland, OR
9/11/2008
I love this cafe! There are many great places to get a cup of coffee and a snack in Portland but this one is definitely one of the best. The political cartoons at the register make me laugh, and the outdoor patio is lovely. The fact that my nickname has been Anna Banana my whole life makes this place even better.
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Review from Nick M.
12/4/2008
OK, so I confused this one with the North Portland Anna Bannanas - finally found the original the other day! Great little place, good selection of vegan eats, lots of slightly out of date Obama merchandise, and an owner who seems to be a huge fan of 1970s British punk. Well, who isn't? Actually I'm not that huge a fan, but he is so enthusiastic that I came away thinking I need to revisit the genre. I want to dock them a point or two for inconvenient and unpleasant bathrooms, but really can't bring myself to.
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Review from Kira O.
Eugene, OR
8/15/2009
Great atmosphere with good coffee! This place is definitely a haven for hipsters, but it seems like a good place for people to meet and study. Although I was not impressed with their pastries. Yuck.
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Review from Noga S.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2011
Very cool atmosphere, but kind of cluttered and dingy. Coffee not great but better than Starbucks. Beware their "tomato basil soup" is actually chef boyardee mini ravioli... gross!
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Review from Mallory B.
Portland, OR
7/6/2009 1 Check-in Here
I have had some good experiences with Anna Bannanas. Most of these happen to revolve around coffee. I will admit that I am very picky about my coffee. I'm not a snob; I just like what I like the way I like it. Luckily, Anna's prepares their coffee amazingly. The atmosphere is way laid-back with plenty of seating both inside and out, plus they have yummy treats from some amazing bakeries. I can't wait to head over there on an early morning to study for a final. Or a late night, since they are open really late for a coffee place.
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Review from Christina S.
Portland, OR
9/7/2008
I love this little place. Great music, great food, so many options, and I especially love the organic and natural choices available both food and drink-wise. Most everyone who works here can make a mean latte or mocha; I've only had one experience where my latte was a little too watery. And it wasn't enough to change my opinion of the place. If you are in the NW neighborhood, check it out. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Sheila A.
Portland, OR
2/22/2009
I heart Anna's! The baristas are great -- they're laid back, they pull sweet shots, and they're good for an honest recommendation. Plus, they have an impressive variety -- different types of mate, milk alternatives, syrups, etc -- and the front porch is theee place to go on a nice day.
The only thing I don't love about Anna's is that the back room can get kinda dank and musty on a wet day, but no big deal -- just the minor drawback to having a business in a cool old victorian-style house. Just stick to the front room where there's more light and air and you're good to go. -
Review from Christina B.
New York, NY
10/11/2010
counter people as nice as can be, but the other patrons are a little weird. and always there. i had a sandwich here recently and felt like i was sitting in on a club meeting or something. the sandwich was turkey, nothing fantastic.
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Review from Jayne R.
El Paso, TX
1/16/2010
I am embarrassed to say that this was my first time in Anna Bannanas (yes, I spelled it right), which is two blocks from my home! I always mean to get there, but then I end up at Stumptown or something, lol. Finally made it in though and I am happy to report that I love it. Not crowded, no annoying hipsters, just random people hanging out in a totally laid-back, cozy atmosphere. Good amount of seating inside, but the key is the great outdoor deck and additional outdoor seating (can't wait for the summer!). I had a delicious latte made with strong, quality coffee (complete with designs on top); the server was a true barista and friendly. Anna's also has a great assortment of healthy grab-and-go snacks, as well as full menu items like smoothies and sandwiches, which makes it the perfect place to grab a coffee/drink and a bite when you're out and about. This will be my new go-to coffeehouse, for sure.
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Review from Scott B.
Portland, OR
3/10/2009
Pretty much ideal café - homey, worn furniture, great D'arte shots, and a random collection of people from students to doctors. It's really sad watching people walk PAST Anna's to go to Starbucks. That makes zero sense.
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Review from S B.
Portland, OR
1/22/2010
I am torn between 4 and five stars here, but basically the gist here is: YES. Go.
I spent several hours on a quiet Thursday afternoon/evening here, enjoying the Spanish Mocha as a twist from my usual latte-like habits (YUM!). Also enjoyed the chilled-out ambiance in general; I didn't get the hipster-ish vibe everyone is mentioning, so I'm either oblivious or...Nah, I'm probably just oblivious.
Really solid coffee though. However, the scone I purchased on a whim was oddly dense. It may have disobeyed the laws of physics or something in the baking process, because it had quite an unexpected flour to mass ratio. Seriously, this thing could be used to sop up a spilled gallon of milk or two. The remainder of it is still decorating my kitchen counter, wrapped in plastic, perhaps awaiting scientific experimentation. I don't know. But that's where the fifth star went.
Anyway, I'll be returning. If you see a nerdy customer analyzing the pastry shelf in far too great detail, looking for other signs of anomaly, that will be me.
