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Goldrush Coffee Bar
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2601 NE Martin Luther King Jr. BlvdPortland, OR 97212
Neighborhoods: Northeast Portland, Eliot
(503) 460-6657
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Goldrush Coffee Bar
Review Highlights
"Tasty selection of bagel sandwiches as well."
(in 6 reviews)
"...twice a day to get my coffee, nice place and friendly staff."
(in 3 reviews)
"The darker woods and vintage-y accessories worked well."
(in 5 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Brandon M.
Portland, OR
11/9/2011
I've been frequenting Goldrush for years now because it's got excellent coffee, a great staff, and a comfortable atmosphere.
If you're looking for a place where you can really feel like a regular OR be entirely anonymous, Goldrush is it. Go there a few times and you'll start to see familiar faces.
The coffee is among the best in town and one of the only places that serves Cafe Vita. This alone warrants a visit in a city that is overrun by Stumptown Coffee, aka The New Starbucks, and their stomach-blasting roasts. Oh yeah...and my go to drink - plain ol' for here mug of coffee - gets a free refill!
The breakfast bagel is the thing to get in the morning. Really, any bagel combination is a win here. I'm also a big fan of the tuna melt on the panini grill.
The employee turnover is VERY low. I think some of the staff have been there since the place opened. They aren't the same boring, cookie-cutter baristas that you can find at any other coffee joint. The staff has personality, charm, and just the right amount of quirkiness. I understand that some reviewers expect to be waited on hand and foot or to have a robotic "how can I help you", "yes", and "thank you" experience. If that's what you're after, go to Starbucks. One of the things that makes Goldrush great is that you're dealing with real people. They're allowed to be real people, even "curt" from time to time, as one flustered reviewer noted.
Likewise, the customers aren't cookie-cutter. It runs the gamut from local legends, to students, to the church crowd from across the street.
Everyone looks different and everyone is welcome. It's how a coffee shop should be. -
Review from Amanda K.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Bagels n hummus n cold-brewed iced coffee. This place served me very well, every morning Tuesday thru Saturday when I was at beauty school back in '05. And when I pop in occasionally, the staff still remembers me.
And how can you not love the cozy, weathered wood interior of the place? Super cute. -
Review from Jenny P.
Portland, OR
9/16/2011
The service here is not that great.
Their coffee is good but their food is overpriced. The internet is spotty the seating can be awkward. There is a very big selection of food and they have Kettleman's bagels so that's a plus. -
Review from Marisa D.
Oakland, CA
9/15/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I like you. I'm not in love but I won't go into it now (mostly it's a cleanliness issue...sorry).
Good coffee that is NOT Stumptown, thankfully. Decent staff that are... interesting? And good pastry selection if you arrive early enough.
And, my number one priority, YOU ARE CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. Hence all the stars.
And to future business owners...the stars get higher the closer you get to my casa. *wink* -
Review from amii c.
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Trieste panini started out ok, but I quickly tired of its overly greasy, overly salty, overly rich and heavy flavor. Not to mention it's served with a side of greasy, salty potato chips. Some people must like this kind of sandwich, but it's not really for me. It could really use some balancing with greens, tomato, and perhaps cucumber.
I had a Tamayokucha green tea from the brand Two Leaves and a Bud with my meal, and was not the hugest fan. Compared to Lupicia brand's green tea, well, it just doesn't compare. -
Review from Miriam M.
Portland, OR
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
What I had was good, but they were out of almond flavoring and nutella? Come on guys, don't forget the basics. Nice atmosphere. I would go back.
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Review from Bri S.
Portland, OR
1/25/2011
I dig the decor and usually enjoy the coffee, but every time I visit I feel as though I am rudely interrupting a private conversation. No matter who is behind the counter, the curt service and faint scowl if I don't step back quickly enough is off-putting. I can appreciate a staff with a good banter going, but the Gold Rush staff seem more interested with making chit-chat with each other than making new/non-regular customers feel at home.
I only come in when Tiny's affable baristi and perfect little lattes feel like too far a walk in the morning (rarely), but after my fourth negative experience, I think I'll suck it up and brave the few extra blocks. -
Review from Alicia D.
Portland, OR
1/6/2011 6 Check-ins Here
have been going to Goldrush for seven years now. Since that time I have had a baby and moved out of the neighborhood :( Goldrush is so good for the first year after I moved I made the 15 minute trek there at least 3 times a week. Even though I only pop in occasionally, the staff is mostly still the same, the owners Jarud and Lisa always come over to say hi to me and my little one, and no one.. I mean NO one can make a better mocha!
The ambience is great, the coffee amazing and the food delish! What more can you ask? -
Review from Karen L.
Portland, OR
6/6/2011
Goldrush, I love you!
The owners are so laid back and unpretentious, they're all around good folks and I'm glad to support them.
The vibe inside is so comfortable. Exposed brick, quirky art, comfortable chairs, large windows. They don't do the boring minimalist thing that other coffee places are jumping on these days.
There's nothing better than strolling down here on a sunny weekend morning to use the wifi and read the paper, and maybe exchange friendly smiles and nods with the adorable clientele.
The coffee is good, the espresso drinks are well made, and they have food! (although I've never tried it). I come here for the Dragonfly chai, and while I could get my Dragonfly fix many other places, for some reason it tastes better out of a big white Goldrush mug.
I hope this place is around for years to come so that when i move back to that hood again I'll have a place to call home! -
Review from Laura N.
3/28/2008
I'm not much of a love at first sight type - I'm far pickier than that. I normally go in to things with a very skeptical mindset...I mean...how perfect could you reeeeally be? Especially when I know the coffee shop social structure that I'm dealing with.
Starbucks is the jock that everyone loves to hate but secretly indulges in when no one's looking.
Stumptown is the holier-than-thou rock star who is untouchable both in their amazingness, as well as their own knowledge of their amazingness.
So Goldrush fits perfectly into this old-school indie niche...which here in Portland is quite the growing crew, and my current crush.
Yes. Goldrush is definitely that indie hottie...kind of like Heath Ledger in 10 things I hate about you. (p.s. Goldrush definitely has a hot accent), and I was instantly attracted.
First let's talk looks:
Old, unpolished hard wood floors, exceptionally comfortable vintage arm chairs, chalkboard menus, exposed brick walls... Thus far, this is definitely the Coffeehouse Northeest of the Eastside. Antique Yuban cans proudly on display next to a glass cowboy boot and bull horns. Of course these are just outward appearances...but they even are good with their accessorizing! Glass candy jars on the counter were filled with now-and-laters, lemonheads, and other sweet treats. BAM. hot.
But it's what's on this inside that really matters, right? So in this case, what's behind the display case and the goodness in my cup. The more I saw, the more I loved. A hefty selection of soups, salads and sandwiches, Brian's famous bagels, panini's, fruits, yogurt, and cookies the size of my face. My coffee was strong and delicious, just the way I like it. This relationship could really work out!
Then I saw it. That "little thing" that made me feel those telling butterflies of love...it was a framed picture in the bathroom, a la stereotypical asian nail salon.
It was a faded over saturated picture circa 1983 highlighting two awkwardly placed models laying on a generic beach. They were looking into one another's eyes with all the heat and passion that forced love could induce, and they were both holding a cup of coffee. The text read: "Coffee. Anytime." And with that, I was off the market for good. -
Review from Janet L.
3/6/2010
I was a little surprised to love this place so much. Service was friendly, my latte was delicious, and I like the ambiance. My only advice would be to have the baristas wear overalls and carry a pickaxe to really go with the theme.
Check out the amazing poster in the bathroom. It is very Baywatch meets coffee break. -
Review from Brandon B.
Portland, OR
Updated - 9/24/2009
I frequent Goldrush even more now that the staff have taken to calling me "Lady Brandon".
Even without the title, the switch to Kettleman's bagels would be enough to draw me down the street into the dark saloon.
Can't get too spoiled by the honorific, though. It's only to differentiate me from the barista's boyfriend of the same name.
"Latte for Lady Brandon!"Listed in: Don't Drink It, Be It
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2007
As the coffee purveyor closest to my office, Goldrush has become a second home over the last three… Read more »
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Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
9/10/2008
I spotted this wild western-esque coffee bar from across the street while waiting in an atrocious line at the Wonder Ballroom for ninety minutes. Occasionally the scent of liquid crack...I mean espresso...would tantalize my senses. It smelled good, real good.
I mentally debated with myself for all of a nano-second before hurrying across the street to partake. You can only people watch for so long before needing a pick-me-up. I was assaulted with the charming saloon feel of the place. I half expected tumbleweed to sail lazily through the open door at any moment. It's not over the top by any means though. The darker woods and vintage-y accessories worked well. Who doesn't love a nice set of bull horns?
Order up at the bar and then take a seat at one of the stools that line the window for you to people watch, snag a table, or take your coffee to go. I do believe I saw an old iMac G3 on the window bar. It was screaming to be used being bright pink and all. What it's used for though, I'm not entirely sure. Internet?
Coffee isn't the only thing that makes up the menu. A myriad of sandwiches, bagels, and pastry treats stare at you with adoring eyes from the case while you wait to place your order. If I hadn't been still stuffed from breakfast, I'd have made one of them my own.
Don't be in a hurry to get your coffee as there is a tender loving care put into each drink. Maybe it was just a random time to be getting a latte. I had 90 minutes to kill remember? I was in no hurry. I was easily distracted and amused by the little cow sitting on the espresso machine. Tapping into my inner six year old is easy here. There were a couple stacks of old school board games and children's toys to keep you occupied too. Battleship anyone?
The latte art was beautiful--I was almost tempted not to cover it with my lid. I am disappointed it didn't turn into naughty bits like Brandon's have in the past. The coffee was still really good. I felt like Goldilocks finding her latte 'just right' because I was able to virtually inhale it without burning my tongue/throat on the way down.
A deliciously refreshing way to pass the time in a mile long line of hipsters. I only wish I could have taken Battleship with me.Listed in: Get This Girl a Shot.
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Review from Kelly M.
Portland, OR
7/25/2007
The Goldrush is a welcome change of pace to the ugliness of MLK. With an old wooden counter and plenty of old timey Oregon photos on the wall to evoke the spirit of its name, the Goldrush is a comfortable atmosphere further enhance by a couple of slow computers and an old piano.
They serve up coffee, espresso, and bagel sandwiches galore, so its a good place to stop for a quick bite of breakfast. -
Review from Serenity I.
Portland, OR
2/25/2010
Aaah Portland cafes. We have so many and so many of them aren't so great. But guess what? Goldrush is.
I went there to have a meeting first thing in the morning on a Saturday (noon) and was steeling myself for disappointment. Do you have any idea how many cafes in Portland don't have bagels? Or when they do they're stale and tough? Not only does Goldrush have bagels, but they have effing bagel sandwiches. An almost perfect meal. This bagel sandwich was delicious. Oh and they have a selection of hot sauces! What the?
I also got a double soy latte (yeah, I'm one of those people!) When not drinking my usual black coffee, I treat myself to a "fancy" drink. I love a good latte, but can't usually find one. This one was good. Strangely, though, it came in a paper cup and everyone else got a mug, but maybe the barista thought I was taking it to go.
Here's one of the best things about the Goldrush (besides the bagel sandwich and the free wifi), super hot guys. It's not a pickup joint, but I can say that the cashier and many of the patrons were extremely easy on the eyes. Extra points. -
Review from Aaron P.
Portland, OR
1/24/2010
I had a great latte, good bowl of chili soup and a nice salad. I was hoping to get some work done with the free wifi there.
Yes, the wifi is free. However, they are running some sort of ad service (http://silverliningnet...) which injects a banner ad at the top of web pages that you're visiting. This makes it difficult to get any web development work done, and breaks some pages. I was having a heck of a time updating my Wordpress blog.
If you need good Internet access, look elsewhere. No complaints about the food or service, though.Comment from Jerud M. of Goldrush Coffee Bar 4/21/2010
We actually feature 2 wireless networks, so if the one gives… More » -
Review from Steve C.
Portland, OR
2/23/2008
Most people go to Goldrush for the coffee. Me? I'm a bagel man. And a Goldrush breakfast bagel on garlic is one of the finest meals in Portland. Egg, bacon, and melted cheese on a fresh and perfectly toasted bagel. Dammit, I'm jonesing for one Right Now.
Before the twitching gets out of control, I just want to add that the decor is delightfully funky, the staff are friendly (even by Portland standards), the prices are reasonable, and there's always a copy or two of the Oregonian lying around. -
Review from Jamal Q.
Portland, OR
4/24/2011
Great coffee and friendly service. Tasty selection of bagel sandwiches as well. I enjoy the decor. I recommend it.
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Review from Amado L.
12/8/2008
I love coffee shops and am always delighted when I find one that I like in previously unexplored areas of Portland. The Goldrush Coffee Bar was like an oasis whilst managing a multiday event at the Wonder Ballroom, located several blocks away.
For three days, my routine at the Goldrush Coffee Bar involved coffee/pastry and/or yogurt in the morning, salad and/or sandwich for lunch, and several shots of espresso in the mid-afternoon. The free wi-fi at the Wonder Ballroom was spotty, so I would also periodically head to the Goldrush to catch up on emails and YouTube subscriptions.
They get plenty busy in the mornings and lunch time, as employees at local businesses and possibly quite a few local residents, get their fix, so try to get there either ahead of or just after the traditional times. If not, be prepared to wait. -
Review from Dawn R.
Seattle, WA
3/16/2008
Whenever I'm in Portland, I seem to end up coming here at least once for breakfast. I love this place. Funky, but friendly. Charming and cool. There is always excellent music playing, interesting art on the walls, and good reading material scattered about. They had but one bagel left when I arrived, and it was not one I wanted eggs and ham on, but they were happy to make me a breakfast croissant instead, even though it wasn't on their menu. And when I ordered a single shot decaf latte for there, they served it in the cutest vintage owl cup ever, and the barrister exclaimed her delight for getting to share it with me. So nice.
Good coffee. Yummy food. AWESOME fresh squeezed orange juice. A really perfect place to start a morning. -
Review from Berndt L.
Beaverton, OR
10/30/2010 34 Check-ins Here
I go here twice a day to get my coffee, nice place and friendly staff. The owners are very nice and down to earth, artists can display their art here and it's a pretty " homy " feeling here.
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Review from Justin H.
Phoenixville, PA
10/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
Closest coffee bar to my office, and I've been going for probably 6 years. Consistent staff over such time, nice people, great bagel sandwiches, you can get some nice vegan eats there, bagel with tomatoes, cukes and hummus is 3.75, and filling. Coffee is good, but Cartola on 7th & Knott outshines.
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Review from april b.
Portland, OR
11/22/2010
This is unexpectedly cool place: chill atmosphere, nice staff, free wifi and interesting local art on the walls. You must have the Mexi-Mocha - spicy chocolate goodness.
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Review from Ev R IM I.
Portland, OR
3/2/2011
Nice place with good service! You can also call in your order. They also have free Internet.
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Review from Christina M.
Portland, OR
12/28/2010
Loved it! I love a good latte, and they've got it down. The atmosphere is perfect--I agree with other yelpers that it's comfortable and vintage without being prententious or "starbucksy." Not usually overly crowded (I've only gone on the weekends) and plenty of street parking nearby.
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Review from Richard R.
Portland, OR
On this Saturday morning, the Goldrush was a pleasant treat to find via the Yelp iPhone App. I'm not sure if it was cinnamon, red pepper, or what, but the mexi-mocha (decaf) had some killer kick to it and was just what the doctor ordered on this cold morning. The spice of it really rattled the back of my throat & I loved it. The pumpkin bread & ham/cheese croissant that we devoured we're also delicious and gone too quickly. The prices are fair, staff was very friendly, and the environment is very comfortable. Goldrush is the definition of the friendly neighborhood coffee shop.
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Review from Tommy S.
Portland, OR
11/6/2010
I've lived about four blocks away for a little over a year now, and this place has been my go-to for drip coffee to go on a nearly daily basis. Good coffee, good sandwiches, reasonable prices, pleasant clientele, friendly staff (and very little turnover, which would suggest that Jerud and Lisa treat their people well). And yes, the poster in the bathroom is classic. It's never been much of a hang out and read a book or surf the internet sort of place for me, though (that role had been filled by Concordia, before the Caffe Vita take-over; still looking around for their successor). For a lot of folks it is, though. Definitely worth five stars in my book.
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Review from sarah k.
Austin, TX
4/22/2009
the fabulous decor in this place alone
is enough for a stop in.
it's eye candy for any
stylish-thrifter who love
old pdx photos.
it's a great place to finish a crossword
or start a pen-pal letter
any ol' day.
oh and the coffee is superb. -
Review from Joshua M.
3/6/2010
If you are prospecting for gold and need to take a break for some caffeine, this is the place for you. Actually I'm kidding, I'm not really sure what the name has to do with anything. But it's a nice little coffee shop, and the white chocolate mocha I had was perfectly executed. Seating was a little hard on the butt, but other than that it's a good coffee spot.
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Review from Malachi C.
Portland, OR
3/30/2010
Like others have said: good food, drink, and decor, but the WiFi is almost unusable. It's very slow (just took me five minutes to log into Yelp), seems to block ports for instant messaging services, and it injects ads at the top of each web page. It has been that way for years.
Comment from Jerud M. of Goldrush Coffee Bar 4/21/2010
We actually feature 2 wireless networks! So when the one in… More » -
Review from Beth N.
2/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
i dont know why i have never been to this place before. it is near my house and it is really cute inside. they have a pastry case filled with goodies and there is lots of table space to sit and enjoy a nice drink. the staff was very nice when i stopped by. i will be back!
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Review from Karl K.
Hillsboro, OR
5/18/2010
I was really stoked when I rediscovered this place today. Really good coffee, better then your standard coffee house food and WiFi. Free even.
The WiFi part of this was particularly important to me as I frequently work remotely and it's a great to find a comfortable laid back spot with the amenities that GRC offers. However...
Unfortunately the WiFi was very unreliable. They have multiple connection points within and outside of the business and I speculate that they must be interfering with each other as it was impossible to maintain a workable signal even though the recommended connection was registering as very strong/excellent. Very frustrating to do any work at all. Wasted a good couple of hours trying to get it worked out. Yes, I asked and they rebooted the router in hopes of correcting it but alas, nope... problem persisted.
Very friendly staff. They definitely know their coffee (not a Star$s clone!) and it's very likely I'll go back to try some of their food.
But my excitement about finding a great spot to do some work that offers great food and coffee was dashed.
If they can fix this I'd be a loyal customer multiple times a week and I'd easily give them 5 *s.
OTOH, they may not care (which is cool if their clientele doesn't either) about this. -
Review from Aimee F.
Portland, OR
1/26/2010
You know I love ya Jerud but the your staff seems to care less about the customers. The girl behind the counter barely acknowledged me when I came in to order coffees (and greeted her), gave a 'look' when I handed her my coupon, didn't say thank you when I paid and neither girl behind the counter said thank you when the drinks were finished. And I was the only customer in the place! They just kept on their own conversation with each other. Needless to say I put my tip back in my pocket once I got the drinks. Jerud's got a great little place on MLK & Russell and the coffee is tasty, but after this experience I won't be back. There are just too many cafes in NE Portland where the baristas are actually nice and I'm thanked for my business.
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Review from ryan e.
Portland, OR
2/2/2011
what can i say, i love this place. a home away from home really. personally i like the vita roast they have, a little more heady than stumptown which i get enough anyways. and they have holy kakow syrup.
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Review from Jody h.
Portland, OR
9/10/2009
Love this place!!! A few streets down from me, I am a regular. The staff is great. Good coffee and awesome bagel sandwiches. Love that they have regular displays from local artists. They are pretty kid friendly too. Prices are better than most coffee places around Portland. Hours are good too, open all days and holidays and early and close late.
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Review from Barb C.
Portland, OR
5/6/2009
This place is great. The staff is attentive and quick to make a drink. The decor is awesome. It has a sweet vintage-y charm about it. Good, quick sandwiches and baked goods. The bagel sandwiches are delicious. A great place to run and and get something to go! Plus, the owners rock.
