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Coffeehouse Northwest
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1951 W Burnside StPortland, OR 97209
Neighborhood: Northwest
(503) 248-2133
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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 »
156 reviews for Coffeehouse Northwest
Review Highlights
"Their baristas CONSISTENTLY pull high quality shots."
(in 35 reviews)
"The best Stumptown I've had."
(in 27 reviews)
"Plus free Wi-Fi which is always good."
(in 7 reviews)
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156 reviews in English
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Review from Daniel G.
Jefferson Park, Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
One of the primo reasons for my love of Portlandia. I've been known to dart from PDX to Burnside Street for no other reason than NW's silky and salty espresso and would today happily burrow into my work within the shop's studious confines, periodically topping up the caffeine tanks of course, if only I was more often in geographical proximity.
Distinguishing touches I've noticed in some half dozen visits over the past 2-3 years include: refreshingly round, even-number prices for drinks; freely available tap water at the bar, along with small glasses; interesting magazines in the loo (a trade magazine for onion farmers, anyone?) along with freshly cut flowers (an air freshener substitute?). I've also run into a fellow college alum here, 2500 miles from the alma mater, anecdotal evidence of the shop's positive social externality. (Pardon the misplaced econ speak!)
Chicago, this yelper's current domicile, thankfully has some deserving cafes, but C.NW is nonetheless a perpetual ever-westward tug on this espresso addict's heartstrings. -
Review from Sharon W.
Portland, OR
1/19/2012
One of my favorite coffee shops in Portland. In fact, its one of the only ones in Portland that feels warm and inviting, like it's just asking for you to stay. Being able to come in though the side door is a strangely amusing bonus. The drinks are fantastic and hand-crafted by your classic picture-perfect dandy hipster.
The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I wish it had more seating, and I wish they had a few more drink and food options. Classic PNW coffee shop, great on a rainy day, great for people watching. -
Review from matt l.
12/8/2011
Stopped by for some coffee and got sidetracked when I spied mulled cider on the menu - ended up getting that instead, and it was just what I expected: tangy apple juice cider, heated and spiced appropriately. Delicious. I got two of them. Couldn't help myself.
The mocha I ordered on a return visit was expertly balanced between coffee, cream, and caramel, which is exactly what I hoped for. I'm not enough of a coffee connoisseur to drink it straight very often, but I like things that feature coffee as a component, and what I've had at Coffeehouse so far as met with nothing but approval from my tastebuds. -
Review from Hugo C.
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Forgive me, Yelp HQ, for I have sinned.
I just didn't have time or patience to look for my phone in all 13 pockets of that stupid jacket. Instead, I did the unthinkable: I found out about Coffee Northwest by word of mouth.
I know, I know! You're hanging your head in shame. "Go directly to Yelp jail. Do no pass Go, do not collect Yelp schwag!" you'd like to yell at me.
It was during one of my sips of their glorious latte that I thought back to the Hotel Valet. I had run up to him in a high-pitched, panicked voice and asked for the nearest place that I could quickly sprawl out my shit and hit up some wifi. He did his best to, like, decipher my, like, LA accent and, like, tell me that Coffee Northwest was exactly the place I was looking for. It not only hit the spot, it set a very high bar for neighborhood java joints.
It might be hard to swallow, but I was probably better off not having Yelp at my fingertips. I'm almost sure I would have convinced myself to go to a stupid coffee shop only 0.3 miles further because of a picture of an item that's no longer on the menu, of course not knowing about the big ass hill it sits atop because the "Beware: you will climb a big ass hill" Quick Tip was buried underneath all the useless "yummm!" Quick Tips. -
Review from Chris T.
Portland, OR
Updated - 1/1/2012
Best hot chocolate in Portland, if not the entire Northwest. Ask them to explain the work put into creating it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/6/2009
I travelled all through Norway, getting hot chocolate every place I went, and nothing I've found… Read more »
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Review from Isabel F.
Torrance, CA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I left my LA heart in this neighborhood corner coffee shop. On my first day in Portland, I was looking for a place to hang out until lunchtime & walking around downtown I found this quaint little spot. I grabbed a window seat and a cup of Joe, which comes with one free refill, and got started, on my work for the day. Not only do they have a great selection of local coffee but the menu is simple & highlights the local favorites.
My absolute favorite feature of this coffeehouse is the laid back atmosphere fostered by it's location and knowledgeable baristas. As well as there big open windows, which not only feed the laid back vibe but it's ideal for people watching!
Plus there's free wifi with a smile! -
Review from Francesca P.
Portland, OR
1/1/2012
I love it here. While sitting in stoney silence, making it home on the Tube in London, in the wind and cold, sorely missing the comforts of Portland, I often dreamed of Coffeehouse Northwest and all the lovely coffee's and gatherings with friends I had enjoyed there, a mere few blocks from my house. In London, I had to catch a 1.5 hour Tube ride to central to meet a friend in Starbucks. Don't get me wrong - I like Starbucks too. And London (sometimes). But something about Coffeehouse Northwest just seems quintessentially "Portland" to me, and often came up in my memories/fantasies of being back. Two years later, I recently returned from London. I also recently went to Coffeehouse Northwest for the first time since I have been back. It has not changed. I love that. It still is gorgeously decked out with dark wooden panels and nice, open, area, and still has great coffee and friendly Portlanders. Good vibes. Love it.
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Review from Erin C.
Portland, OR
12/3/2011
So cute and great for people watching on Burnside. I recommend the hot chocolate.
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Review from Andrew L.
7/22/2011
I'm form Portland and as such I feel no qualms about having a certain smug fly-by-night coffee snob attitude when it comes to a cup of Joe. I had the pleasure of living about two blocks away from this particular coffee house for about a year and I don't even want to begin to imagine the percentage of my income which flew directly from my bank account into their cash register that year, not even having time to stop by my pocket on the way.
The coffee here is amazing. Easily among the best I've ever had, full stop. I'm not entirely sure if they spike their coffee with extra drugs or if they just know what they're doing but even the simple plain black coffee here has a distinct delicate creamy almost nutty tone to it that I've never tasted anywhere else. The more complicated java variants are even better. The mochas are creamy and chocolaty and accent the coffee without being overpoweringly sweet. The lattes are as perfect as I've ever had in any European café or otherwise.
As to the staff they are knowledgeable and always friendly (even for Portland). I have a distinct memory of bringing my very outspoken nine-year-old niece here on one occasion, and even when she asked "When are we going to get to go to Starbucks?" (she only wanted a frappuccino) the barista merely smirked it off warmly. "Oh my gosh I am so sorry, I just realized!" said the little one a second later, "Oh you are so forgiven," he said in return.
The atmosphere is exactly what you'd come to expect from a typical trendy Portland café: furnished with wood and eclectic art, strange candles-like candelless table lights and the like. In true Portland fashion the bathroom also doubled for a while as a storage room, as to weather it still does I cannot say, but even if that is the case it was always clean to a degree beyond that, which is required by Oregon state.
It is, by the way, directly across the street from a major Starbucks location. The fact that it continues to stand up to the coffee giant from only 40 feet away, and do well I might add, should tell you what you need to know. The menu seems to be, probably purposely, crafted after the motto: "do one thing really well, not everything in mediocrity." And that's exactly what they do. You'll be hard pressed to find someone heading here to order a " Grande quad half-calf extra foam 200 degrees half non-fat half soy extra chai chai tee late." What you will find is qualified baristas making classic-for-a-reason coffee drinks done right.
All I can say is if you're a bit of a self proclaimed coffee snob, like me, or even if you're not and get your coffee from the morning ritual stop at the nearest chain, go to Coffeehouse Northwest. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from man t.
Portland, OR
9/4/2011
If coffehouse NW was my neighborhood coffee shop I'd be there everyday.
Solid coffee, simple menu, and really consistent service.
You really get the feeling that there's a pride in ownership here. I try to pop in most Sundays and have always had a wonderful experience. -
Review from Todd C.
Klamath Falls, OR
11/11/2011
I had to spend a few hours in Portland recently and spent a couple of them here. Coffee was fantastic, baristas at least feigned interest convincingly enough that I believed that they might be enjoying their jobs, and it had a a classy feel to it. Some dark wood paneling lends the place a chill vibe and the mocha I had was rich and just a little pungent. Highly recommend it if you're in the area and looking for bang for your buck for coffee.
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Review from Jameson W.
Portland, OR
11/20/2011
A great spot with a beautiful atmosphere. Off the (coffee) grid. Reminds me of (the best parts of) Boston; quiet, clean, and operational -- enough raw brick, hardwood and glass to get your fix for days.
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Review from Keely B.
Sacramento, CA
11/13/2011
Loved, loved, loved the super fancy cup of joe and the pastries were A+plus rated. Great vibe!
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Review from Paige H.
4/3/2011
It's nice to be a regular someplace, so that probably bumps this up to that elusive fifth star. I mean, in a town full of coffeehouses, five stars is really hard to achieve, but the consistent pride in high quality is what makes it here. That originates from the staff. They make a point in customer service, and that includes noticing when I try something new, and asking me how I liked it. I've frequented other coffee shops and not had them be so attentive.
And the mocha...to die for. The chocolate is so amazing, so perfect. It's seriously an art form.
All the pastries are awesome too, even though it's not central here. Espresso drinks are really the mainstay.
Part of the reason I like hanging out here is also because:
-it's usually moderately quiet, even though the patrons are friendly
-there is a fun mix of folks also habituating the shop that allows for the kind of vibe where anyone can feel comfortable
-it isn't overrun teenagers/children, even though the occasional baby on the hip is totally welcomed
-the tables are perfectly sunny in the big windows, or if you're not into that, perfectly hidden away among art and exposed brick -
Review from Christopher I.
Boston, MA
Best coffee house in Portland thus far on my trip!
The FIRST place to make an actual cappuccino with real foam!
Music here is great, atmosphere is great, internet is fast, art is neat.
Really great time here. I'll probably go order something else now.... -
Review from Megan M.
5/25/2011 8 Check-ins Here
My current favorite coffee. Sure it helps that its super close to me, but seriously, the coffee is so good and has a distinctive flavor.. The menu us simple and coffee oriented. The barista's are nice, funny, and talented. I love the artwork throughout the place too.
I wish they were open for crazy-early hours and would expand so there would be more seating. -
Review from Andy E.
Portland, OR
9/11/2011
Always good music, friendly baristas, great baked goods, by far the best cappuccino I've had in Portland, every time.
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Review from Kelly F.
Portland, OR
4/18/2011
Best capp in town! I indulge in their magical elixir at least 3-4 times a week. I'm definitely hooked. Equally tasty are drinks from there sister location, Sterling.
The Coffehouse building and interior have character that adds to the overall coffee experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.
I've challenged myself to find a better place in Portland for an excellent cappuccino, and I've not been able to find one.
Keep cranking out the wonderful drinks! -
Review from Andrew R.
Portland, OR
9/15/2010
The best cappuccino you will ever have (read: WARNING. This will ruin your ability to enjoy cappuccinos most other places.)
True espresso nerds, and they have been from the day they opened. They blend two different kinds of milk 3:1 (Sunshine and Organic Valley) to showcase the espresso perfectly in their cappuccinos - not in their lattes, hot chocolates, or machiattos mind you, just in their cappuccinos.
When friends come to visit, this is a must stop when my wife and I show off our city.
I can't speak highly enough about the staff - especially Cameron who is very easy on the eyes. If you are lucky he will have facial hair.Listed in: A Guide to Portland's Coffee…
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Review from Melanie N.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
The one thing I love about traveling outside of SF is finding great places to enjoy a latte. I'm a Starbucks girl for the most part here in SF, specifically because it's fast and convenient on my way to work. However, when I'm on vacation I enjoy finding places that use great coffee and know how to make a latte.
Coffeehouse Northwest was recommended by a friend we were staying with, specifically because of the proximity, but also because of the brew quality. Our first trip there was on New Year's Day and it was pretty quiet when we arrived. There was only one barista behind the bar when we arrived and she was very pleasant. The latte was superb and we came back the next day for another one.
The only reason why I haven't given them 5 stars is because there is a bit of a delay to get your drink, especially if there are others in line. When i was there there was only one person taking orders and making the drinks, so I waited 5-10 minutes for my latte. I'm not complaining per se, because I didn't mind waiting for a quality latte, however, I'd probably not go here regularly if I lived here (at least as a morning stop). But don't let that dissuade you from trying their coffee. They do great coffee here and if you don't mind the wait, this is the place for you! -
Review from Melissa M.
Vancouver, WA
3/21/2011
Soooo good! I'm a bit of a coffee snob and I actually never noticed this place until my friend and I wanted coffee one morning and didn't want nasty Sbux - looked on Yelp at close by (walking distance) places and then looked across the street he-he - Very friendly barista and cool little cafe feeling. I had a vanilla latte and it was the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with a strong bold shot of espresso but not a touch of bitterness. Love it!
I would definitely recommend and will be returning. :) -
Review from K C.
New York, NY
12/22/2010
I live in NYC, and was in Portland for work about a year ago. I wandered into here after hearing a lot of good stuff in the middle of the morning. They have a menu of different brewing methods for your coffee, which blew me away. The counter person was kind enough to thoroughly explain all of the options to me, and I settled on the Eva Solo method, which produced literally the best cup of coffee I've had IN MY LIFE. I never drink it black, but thought I should give it a go, and wow.
I actually spent the next month tracking down an Eva Solo for myself, and combined with Stumptown (love love love the Mordecofe, but forget which kind they used in the cafe at that time), have approximated the results, but man, that cup of coffee there is always in my mind. Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Bridget P.
Portland, OR
11/30/2010
Best Cappuccino in town.
Limited food selection.
Good People.
'Nuff said. -
Review from Steven M.
Portland, OR
8/28/2011
This is the quintessential portland coffee house experience! Coffeehouse NW is perfect. Great pastries, great coffee, a very knowledgable staff and an atmosphere that makes everything even better. With the big windows, this is a great coffee house both on rainy and sunny days. I've been going here every Sunday for the past several months and plan on going many more!!
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Review from S G.
Beaverton, OR
2/13/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Darn it! I forgot to check in here today.
Order their carmel latte, iced. It is soooo good. I love the old feel of this place, it reminds me of an old cafe in Europe. Well, maybe not the cafe in Amsterdam.. he he he.
The croissants are so good. Perfect place for the start of a small breakfast.
Can't. Stop. Coming. -
Review from Rebecca N.
Portland, OR
11/10/2010
Barista |brst|: a person who serves in a coffee bar.
In relation to those at Coffeehouse Northwest, this word is insufficient.
If God were a coffee drinker (and if He is as smart as everyone says He is, He must be) the folks at Coffeehouse Northwest would be his baristas. His team of magical, cherub-faced coffee makers. If Buddha, Yahweh, and The Flying Spaghetti Monster came down for a cup of java, they'd make a beeline for this place too.
The staff is amicable and adorable. Informative, welcoming and pleasant to look at (mostly because their smiling faces are a needed respite from the other, glassy-eyed Burnside lot). Food and drink preparation require an often underrated artistry and that sort of craftsmanship is found at Coffeehouse Northwest.
Coffee |kôf; käf|: a drink made from the roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub, served hot or iced.
In relation to what is served at Coffeehouse Northwest, this word is also insufficient.
Don't drink their hot chocolate. Not if you want to spend lunch time conflicted, grappling with the decision to sacrifice your lunch sandwich in favor of this cupful of deliciousness. Eventually though, you will choose it. Or choose both and completely mangle your weekly budget. If you do, you won't mind because you'll know it was totally worth it.
And don't drink their cappuccinos or mochas or lattes either, for they will set an unreachable standard for caffeinated confections found elsewhere and you'll find yourself walking an extra twenty minutes (past twenty other cafes) just to satisfy your coffee lust.
And finally, the space is gorgeous. That glass front door is a portal out of nitty-gritty Burnside. From what I've seen thus far, the wall art is always fantastic and the cafe, sparkly clean.
I'm a fledgling coffee drinker, relatively new to the coffee world. However for your sake, and for the sake of your taste buds, trust me. -
Review from Alex P.
Portland, OR
7/19/2010
Fantastic coffee, great service, plus the brick walls and rustic hardwood floors make the Starbucks crowd run back across the street. It's also nearly impossible to come here and NOT see sexy people.
That said, their drinks are on the spendy side. Too much for me to have every day, but for an occasional treat it's definitely worth it.
Try the chai. It's absurdly good. -
Review from Stacie B.
Portland, OR
1/9/2011
I owned a coffeehouse for half a second years ago and was referred to this place by my former partner... definitely the biggest coffee nerd I've ever met. What I learned from that business was that the coffee business is frightfully easy and nearly all coffeehouses out there really screw up the one thing they exist to serve their customers! Learning how wonderful good coffee could be was a curse for sure; I have a hard time paying for mediocre coffee when I know it's just not that hard to serve a good cup, and certainly not impossible to serve a great cup. Now I generally just forgo coffee when I'm out rather than be disappointed by what is served in most cafes.
All that being said, Coffeehouse NW serves up great coffee! Definitely the best coffee I've had in Portland by leagues! There are a couple more coffeehouses I need to check out, but it's hard now that I know there's a place I can go for a specialty coffee fix where I won't be disappointed. I've tried several different drinks and every one has been fantastic. I've never been disappointed with a single drink there. The employees have always been a nice normal level of friendly yet are not annoyingly cool hipsters. The staff (and the whole place) have a great coffeehouse feel.
It is on the small side, and the one thing I would change is I'd definitely get more comfortable chairs. I know one angle for keeping people from camping out too long is to have uncomfortable chairs, but I'm more of a "stay as long as you like" kind of a person. In my experience, most people get their coffee to go and it's nice for the business image to have the seats filled... or maybe they just don't realize how uncomfortable the seating is. Great coffee is the point however, and they (oh thankfully!) do deliver there!!! -
Review from Lesley R.
5/22/2010
Yes, wheelchair accessible. (I know 'cause there was a guy in a wheelchair whose wheel was on the cord to the lamp on my table)
I do not drink coffee. I go to coffee shops with free WiFi to get work done. I usually buy a cold drink (ie: soda, Rock Star, water, orange juice), and settle in.
I will give them 3 stars.....just in case it was me that day. Nothing stood out that was bad, just could not get much done.
I go to coffee shops *a lot* and really need them to perform well so as to get some work done. When I go to my favorite WiFi spots? I usually stay about 4-5 hours -- sometimes as long as 8 hours. It is not unusual for me to stay all night (if open 24 hours) to kick out a project. I do not go to chat, I do not go to just get a "coffee to go". I go to get reasonably fast, reliable WiFi (otherwise I would just go home with screaming Internet speed). To "pay my way" I get food a couple of times, and 1-2 drinks. I wish I could say I know what drinks and food they have that I would like, but....I do not.
The tables were tiny so I had to sit with my computer on my lap so as to not have my husbands coffee get knocked onto my computer.
Not much seating so had to sit at the back next to the back door and keep moving so people could come in and out the backdoor. I think there might be enough seating most of the time, I just needed to have a spot that could accommodate two people and privacy so as to get work done (ie: no one seeing my screen with work related stuff on it). I also had to have people stand next to me constantly while they were waiting for the bathroom. There was a guy close to us who had a wheel chair tire on the cord of the lamp on my table and he could not maneuver to be off the cord. So I had to put the lamp on the floor.....which made for even less room to maneuver. I do not like people so close they can read my laptop screen so this was really not going to work.
Cool looking inside as it has exposed brick walls.
I was not there long enough to get a drink so my only experience is watching my husband get his coffee, which I think he said was good. I was on my way to getting annoyed before I could even think about getting a drink. We stayed for just a little while.
We had to park quite a few blocks away, then cross Burnside to get to the place. It did not seem like there was parking readily available on that side of Burnside, but....I would not be the one to ask as I do not go down that way unless I saw a coffeeshop on Yelp that looks good. Maybe if I lived there and walked everywhere it would have been easier. I do *love* old brick structures and this one really is wicked cool in that regard. Since I do not "do" Starbucks this meant leaving the entire area to find somewhere to get some work done.
(It is so hard to find a WiFI spot to actually get real work done so when this did not work out? I was looking at to a trek to get somewhere and not be sitting in traffic later on when I go to leave. This was, maybe, the most annoying part of my experience.)
Maybe you'd like it. Go and try it!
Seriously.....don't listen to me on this one.
The people there were nice.
No flags went up to anyone being a hipster.
I just could not get anything done.
Maybe you live nearby, maybe you drink coffee which I do not and if they have awesome coffee? maybe it is good, maybe a lot of things.
If it is not painfully clear?
I do not go to places so that I can "absorb" their coolness. I do not like being near people who are insecure with themselves that they need to be in places where the can absorb other people's coolness.
** I am *NOT* saying this place is all about that. I could not stay long enough to find out! ** I am saying it so you know....when I pick out a coffee shop? I want to get some serious work done, people.
By the time the lady behind the counter starting talking about doing yoga hair cutting (how she had to twist her body to cut her own hair) I was already gone in my head.Listed in: WiFi coffeehouses
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Review from Sherry J.
Beaverton, OR
7/25/2011
Now this is your true neighborhood coffee hangout. The staff is friendly, the coffee is fabulous and the ambiance is warm and cozy. It is also quiet and a great place to meet friends or business persons. Parking is not bad even if it is on Burnside. The is angled parking on the side street and street parking around the block. Most of the patrons don't compete with you for these spaces. They walk to Coffeehouse. Oh yeah, bring your electronics. Wifi is provided with plenty of outlets.
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Review from Don B.
3/26/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Hands down some of the best espresso in Portland. Seriously. The folks at Coffeehouse NW make some of the most carefully and skillfully crafted cappuccinos, lattes and espresso pulls I've ever had. Add in some incredibly nice and welcoming baristas, and you have a winner.
This little brick-and-wood space is simple and straightforward a few tables, a small counter, a minimal food offering, and a short menu of amazing drinks. Espresso and pour-over coffee made with Stumptown beans, and done so in a much, much more carefully refined manner than any Stumptown barista. These guys know exactly what they're doing.
How I haven't reviewed this place before, I don't know. When I want Stumptown pulled to perfection, I get it here. If I want a competing brand pulled pretty much just as well, I head to Barista. Between the two, we have some of the best baristas out there. -
Review from Joshua C.
Portland, OR
12/26/2008 7 photos
If I were to pick just one place in Portland to grab a cup of coffee this would be it.
They don't just serve coffee here, but drinkable art. And I'm referring to the actual drinks not just the beautiful poured leaf and flower decorations.
With dessert I'm always game for a cappuccino. But any other time if I can find it I love Cafe au Cocoa. I'm not 100% sure but I think it differs from a Mocha in that it's made with French pressed coffee instead of espresso. And here it's prepared to perfection.
While I've only once ordered anything other than a Cafe Au Cocoa (I spontaneously felt like Chai that day...which btw was delicious), I've also tasted their well balanced Mocha. I couldn't agree more with January M who states in her excellent review that "I really appreciate being served a milk beverage at a drinkable temperature, and it seems that this is the norm here." http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I like the small artsy brick space and the chill music selection. While I usually can't find seating amidst the Wi-Fi crowd, I wouldn't wish this place to be any larger (Though if they built a private couch and coffee table side room for my exclusive use I don't think I'd complain).
In Yelpdom there are overrated places and there are places that have earned their stars, Coffeehouse Northwest is the latter.
pictures: http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Joy K.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2010
Portland's food may have been disappointing, but they definitely have their share of great cafes with good hot beverages. I'm not much of a coffee connoisseur, but the latte I had at Coffeehouse Northwest was definitely one of the best I've had to date. Service was friendly, the tables had old school looking lamps, (upping the coolness factor), and I liked the general vibe of the place. So much better than Starbucks (suck).
I love latte art. Portland seems to love it, too. I got a tulip on this occasion and the vanilla latte was exactly what I needed on a cold, gray day. -
Review from Katy H.
11/16/2009 2 photos
5 stars all around! I'm NOT a big coffee drinker and I actually had the best cup of my life here.
The barista's were really kind and knowledgeable about coffee. My friend is a big coffee nut and he and the barista had a great conversation about beans, flavors, brands, etc. Now - I didn't know much about what they were saying but it certainly sounded like the people who work here know what they're doing. In fact, there was a news crew there using them as an example of a great local coffee house that's also a wifi spot. Who needs anything more?
The decor is cool because it's comprised of local art. I also spied an awesome giant sock monkey bust on the wall. Wish I had that!
I just got the feeling that this place is a favorite of a lot of locals. Everyone was friendly, the coffee was great, what more can one ask for?!Listed in: Spots I love in Portland
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Review from Jen K.
Updated - 1/16/2009 6 Check-ins Here
My favorite coffeehouse in Portland also makes an incredible hot chocolate. Michel Cluizel Venezuelan chocolate, whole milk, a splash of cream and a pinch of Portuguese sea salt for $5 to be precise.
I like this place so much that even the flaws are charming. Like the holes in the worn wood floor by the coffee pick-up area that I invariably manage to get a heel stuck in when picking up my drink. Just means I have to pay attention and not be dazed by the pastries and the simple sandwich wrapped up in brown paper.
The service is incredible, parking horrific, and I still wish they had comfy couches, but then I'd be here all the time. And that would be a problem.Listed in: A Girl's Gotta Eat (and…, Sweets for the Sweet, Perfectly Portand (Coffee…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/31/2008
It is cool to be kind.
Easily the best cup of coffee, actually a caramel latte, I've had in Portland.… Read more »
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Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
4/7/2008
This is the hipster version of Cheers!
Finely crafted coffee, knowledgeable and friendly baristas, and everyone seemed to know everyone's name. So many people were chatting, saying hello to one another, and generally going about their business in a friendly laid back manner that it made me want to introduce myself to someone. Until I realized that I hadn't had coffee and I hated everyone.
Back out to the rain for me.Listed in: Portland - I came, I saw, I…
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Review from January M.
Portland, OR
8/20/2008
For months now customers and coffee pros have been all a twitter about these kids. So I finally coyboyed up, rented a zipcar and drove into the mysterious land that is NW Portland in search of liquid treasure.
The space is smaller than I expected. A muted and relaxing atmosphere, due in no small part to congenial staff and smooth tunes. The owner knew right away that I worked in the industry. Might have had something to do with my shameless grinder-coveting. Seriously. I'm currently hatching a Great-Muppet-Caper-Style plot to make them my own.
I ordered a cappuccino, which is served as a traditional 5.5oz free pour. Perfection. Velvety milk and beautiful espresso. A personal preference: I really appreciate being served a milk beverage at a drinkable temperature, and it seems that this is the norm here.
Bravo CoHo. Bravo. -
Review from Skylar L.
Van Nuys, CA
1/13/2009
Right now I'm sitting in Coffeehouse Northwest hoping no one notices I'm writing a review about the place because that would be lame...
Anyway, this is definitely my favorite place in Portland for a cappuccino. Every barista is trained in the art of espresso pulling/milk foaming/poring to a degree that is beyond anywhere else I have been to. Apparently each person is trained over 60 hours. Craziness. Well, it definitely pays off as the drinks are consistently superb.
Other than the obvious attention to their baristas, the products they use are top notch as well. The chocolate they use for the mocha is less sweet than other coffee houses to balance the tastes of both the chocolate and the coffee. Although I deplore mochas I am tempted to try one from here. The snacks are minimal but tasty as well. They use Stumptown coffee like every other coffeehouse in Portland, but for a reason. It really is a great roaster.
The vibe of the place wavers from uberhipsterville to laid back old school coffee joint. People keep to themselves. The music is usually good/great as well. I am a little upset that one of the guys behind the counter vetoed the other baristas choice of 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou' soundtrack. I guess it is a little overplayed, but I was enjoying it while it was on. Now the Killers (or one of the 15 other bands that sound like the Killers) are on, not as cool, but not awful.
There you go. Now stay away. It's hard enough finding a table as it is.Listed in: Java Java Ain't Just a Place…
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Review from Danni D.
Hey cutie, where have you been my whole life? Architecturally, you rock with your exposed brick walls and your original hardwood floors that are positively destroyed in places. Aesthetically, I enjoy your decorative hurricane lamps with tungsten light bulbs on every table. *sigh* I have the biggest crush on you.
And then you serve me a perfect Stumptown latte, including fancy leaf foam pattern on top. Yeah, I'm crushing hard.
Too bad parking nearby is an impossibility, but on those rare occasions when the stars align and we can be together without miles of hiking, I promise to visit again.Listed in: Five by Five, May the Froth be with You
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Review from Samantha G.
Washington, DC
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great little coffee shop. Small and minimalist with very friendly staff. And the coffee, despite me wishing they offered some non-coffee options, was quite delicious. Plus, there's free wifi and some cool art. Great place to grab a pick-me-up and do some work. However, since this place is rather small, there may not be a table and chair open for you.
