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Coffeehouse Northwest

5 star rating
based on 20 reviews

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Northwest
1951 W Burnside St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 248-2133
  • Hours:
    Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
    Sat-Sun 7:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Free

20 Reviews for Coffeehouse Northwest

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Photo of tyler g.

 

1

5

tyler g.

Phoenix, AZ

5 star rating
07/20/2008

The coffee's great, the atmosphere is calm, and the baristas are friendly.
Also, the hot chocolate is reeeally chocolate-y and delicious.

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Photo of Jen K.

Elite '08

124

383

Jen K.

West Linn, OR

5 star rating
05/31/2008

It is cool to be kind.

Easily the best cup of coffee, actually a caramel latte to be precise, I've had in Portland.  The layout reminds me a lot of Stumptown on NW 3rd (brick walls, spare decor, but less trendy).  In comparison, the baristas and customers were just laid back and NICE.  No attitude or are-you-worthy vibe at all.

Cool jazz playing in the background which suited the space.  Just wish there was a lounge area because I really wanted to curl up on a couch with a good book and stay there all day long.

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Photo of Andrea S.

 

3

18

Andrea S.

Beaverton, OR

5 star rating
06/22/2008

Just chiming in.  The coffee is exceptional, but don't overlook the hot chocolate.  Some people think an 8 oz cup isn't going to be enough, but you probably can't drink more than that without going into some kind of coma.  I had to share mine with my son, and I didn't want to.  It was just so rich and chocolatey that I physically couldn't finish it.  

I never thought it possible for me to OD on chocolate!

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Photo of Michelle B.

Elite '08

934

959

Michelle B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
04/07/2008

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.

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Photo of Gabe C.

Elite '08

99

226

Gabe C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
04/08/2008

Deeeeeee-yamn.  Perfect coffee.  Friendly service.  Reasonable prices.  Free wi-fi.  Plenty of seating for such a tiny place.  Great location.  No loud ass music that annoys me...quite the contrary...they played awesome music at a reasonable level.  Good cookies too.  This place totally gives me a woodrow.

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Photo of Chelsea A.

 

17

84

Chelsea A.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
04/20/2008

I feel like I must have just sucker punched people by doing a 4 star instead of a 5, however I was debating between the two and generally that means I scale lower, because I'm that type of person. There is coffee is excellent, in the most amazing kind of way. Generally I just hang out there because I actually have to get something done and the NW doesn't distract me while I'm trying to do that. But, it's great for people watching and they pull an awesome espresso. (And they do make them strong, and I love that.)

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Photo of Joanne H.

 

4

48

Joanne H.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
03/16/2008

Ah, I love that I live close enough to this place that I can see my apartment building from inside.

Invariably perfect coffee, excellent (and usually friendly) baristas, timeless and classy interior, good music, tasteful art on the walls, neighborhood feel, free wireless + lots of outlets, aaand they always heat your mugs. I like to come here to write term papers. Usually I end up staying so long that none of the baristas who were they when I arrive are there when I leave. But they don't seem to mind.

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Photo of Erin O.

Elite '08

8

80

Erin O.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
03/27/2008

I hear this place makes the best coffee in Portland, if you're into that kinda thing.  

I go for the hot cocoa, cozy tables and charming service.

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Photo of Olivia P.

Elite '08

57

107

Olivia P.

Austin, TX

5 star rating
03/21/2008

I don't know if this place is always called Trinity, or if that is just my friend Tim. This place has some of the best coffee I have ever had.

I agree wholeheartedly with the rest of these 5-star reviews: amazing coffee, lovely art, fantastic baristas, nice comfy seating, great atmosphere and noise levels.

My only complaint is the crazy ass overly ambitious bouquet of lilies in the (remarkably posh) bathroom the last time I visited. It made me feel like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, like I was about to pass out from the polleny goodness. The idea of passing out cold and slamming my head against the toilet was so potentially shaming that I told Bryan and Tim to come in and rescue me if I hadn't emerged in three minutes.

But other than that, everything is perfect, and I will make a point to visit Trinity Coffeehouse NW every single time I visit Portland.

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Photo of Andrew C.

Elite '08

95

331

Andrew C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
02/17/2008

If I lived closer to this coffee shop I would probably spend too much time here. Perhaps the extended proximity works in my favor in this regard. I can picture myself wondering where many an evening went among free Wi-Fi, amazing Mochas, accommodating staff and the always interesting scenery that is W Burnside.

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Photo of Francesca J.

Elite '08

19

58

Francesca J.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
01/30/2008

*Free Wi-fi (although I hear it's been a bit slow lately)
*Nice people
*DELICIOUS coffee
*Perfect volume/environment for work or chatting
*Located close to trendy NW 23rd, but not so close that it's snobby

Survey says: Yes!

Even though it's a farther commute for me, this just might have to become my new weekend work & study spot! A short and simple menu made up for in attention to detail and impeccable taste, and a pretty yummy ham & cheese croissant to boot.

5 stars to you, Coffeehouse!

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Photo of Liz G.

 

13

27

Liz G.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
02/04/2008

I live here.  I've never been a coffee snob, but ever since I started going here I've been disappointed just about everywhere else.  The coffee is the best in the city (they serve stumptown, but I think they make it better), and the baristas are all really friendly.  I tend to stay for hours with my computer or a book, but it's also a good place to just stop in.  They don't have most of the things I usually look for in a coffee shop (big comfy chairs, sandwiches, beer/wine) but somehow it's still my favorite, by far.

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Photo of Lauren H.

 

6

25

Lauren H.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
11/27/2007

I love Stumptown coffee but I have found that the service at most places that serve it is bad.  Usually tattooed hipsters unable to be genuinely nice or even provide adequate service.  Coffeehouse Northwest is different they are friendly and pleasant.  But the real reason I like Coffeehouse NW is the coffee, every drink I've had from m has been incredible.  The best coffee I've ever had.  I wish it was closer to where I live; it would be my daily coffee shop.

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Photo of Laura N.

Elite '08

681

372

Laura N.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
08/28/2007

This coffee shop is like some sort of secret society that I want to be a part of! First off, upon walking in you see a framed mantra to why they do not serve a single shot of espresso.  Ummm...heaven? Can I REALLY stop paying for 2 shots in my 8 or 12 ounce soy latte? I like'em strong, and NW coffee house knows it.

The Stumptown guy makes his daily delivery in his Silver "Ship of Sugar", and will just hang out and chat for a while. To be honest, I didn't know people could physically BE that nice. It's like an odd science experiment or something, and I'm the geek that's totally into it.

Located right off NW Burnside, it's a little bit tricky to get to (manager Eric explained this to me), but this is a fantastic place to camp for a while with your laptop and just enjoy the array of people that stop in. In fact, these smarty pants plan on it, and have sustainable 'for here' options for you! Plus, you can't beat the music. The Old Skool hip hop selection on Sunday morning was like waking up to the McHammer cartons in days of yore. In fact, this place coined my headline!  (I didn't even have to use my AK).  

Easily a 5-star'er in my book.

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Photo of Mara G.

 

0

4

Mara G.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
03/02/2008

Once, on a bright day, I heard the barista at Coffeehouse Northwest explain to a customer that the glare from the sun was hitting the espresso machine and overheating the espresso. To counteract that effect, he'd been making small adjustments as he prepared the drinks, and he wanted feedback to make sure it was working.

These guys know what they're doing. Plus, they're all really friendly, play good music, and hang interesting things on the walls. They've quickly ruined me for most other coffee shops. I only wish they were open later, so I never had to go anywhere else.

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Photo of Jake C.

 

1

1

Jake C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
08/01/2007

This place is such a nice little change of pace from the ever noisy Burnside which acts as the shop's moat. The owners are relatively friendly and the coffee is BAD ASS! They use Stumptown (a local Portland favorite) and take pride in their pours. The walls are draped with random art from thrift stores and from local up and coming artists. Probably one of the best features is the wide view of burnside through the huge windows. Sometimes its difficult to get any homework done with all of the opposite sex distraction.

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Photo of Aubrey P.

 

10

32

Aubrey P.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
10/09/2007

I go here about 3 times a week. The coffee ranges from very good to absolutely flawless depending on who makes it. Service is friendly and subdued. More expensive than other places but worth it for sure.

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Photo of jodes l.

 

21

81

jodes l.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
05/09/2007

In the land of portland coffee shops, this place rules. NICE owners, reasonable prices, and the most delectable treats. FREE wireless keeps people around and makes people watching a plus. Love this place.

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Photo of michael bolton n.

 

2

11

michael bolton n.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
09/13/2007

i'm no coffee aficionado; I only order mochas when i go to coffeeshops. but the two best mochas i've ever had have come from coffeehouse nw. these people really know what they're doing. the shop itself is pretty nice too. although the mass traffic of burnside is not exactly nice to look at. the only negative about this place, it's not open very late. i think it closes around 7 or 8 pm every day.

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Photo of Jay F.

 

22

15

Jay F.

OR

5 star rating
03/07/2007

This cozy corner cafe is an oasis of bliss among the somewhat dirtier side of Burnside.  Until May of last year it was the Portland Coffeehouse, but has since quickly transcended this spot's former tenant by quickly becoming labeled as "the best brew in NW Portland."  I can see why.  On a recent visit I sampled a double shot of espresso (accordng to an essay posted by the owner singles are too wasteful), and took a macchiato to go, and have to admit I was comparing my self-dripped java to it the next morning (there was no real comparison).

I didn't have the time or stomach space to sample their full board of delectable Portland fare (teas, juices, sandwiches), but judging by the number of items I saw spread across the fully occupied tables, it's going to be worth it next time I stop by -- which I can only hope is very soon.

Food (Coffee) - 5/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Tripworthy - 5/5
Average $$ - $5 (Double shot espresso & a macchiato)

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