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Opposable Thumb Gallery + Cafe - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Coffee & Tea, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
3312 SE Belmont StPortland, OR 97214
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Belmont, Sunnyside
(503) 235-0146
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Opposable Thumb Gallery + Cafe
Review Highlights
"Great environment to study in on a Saturday afternoon."
(in 3 reviews)
"The food is great--I love the chicken panini."
(in 7 reviews)
"Great gelato and variety of foods and beverages."
(in 4 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Irene C.
Manhattan, NY
5/24/2009
What a wonderful place with an awesome name. Sure, initially it was hard for everyone around me to remember it. . .it went from "Fat Thumb" to "Big Thumb" to "Two Thumbs" to just "The Thumb Place", but I think we've got it down now.
Great environment to study in on a Saturday afternoon. Love the separation of the cafe from "cafe" to a more lounge area. Ordered the chai, and although I normally do not like chai, this had good spice and great flavor. Also love that they provide their own magazines each in its own magazine folder. It's always nice to have something else to read when you get tired of whatever you brought along . . . especially study material. This may have become the new Saturday study spot.
Kudos for carrying "Mental_Floss" magazine . . . I am now filled with more useless but interesting crap-knowledge than I was before stepping into the place. =))) Three smiles for that. -
Review from Don B.
6/3/2009
Opposable Thumb is a cool little coffee/beer/sandwich/dessert shop on Belmont offering a nice little place to sneak away for a few and do some studying, work, or similar. The atmosphere is conducive to being productive. The management is not intrusive, the other folks in there are working or doing the same, and the reasonably priced food will keep your powered.
This cafe sets itself apart from your regular coffee shop by offering actual meals, that are actually good. Most coffee shops only offer pastries, which just don't satisfy when I'm on my 5th cup of joe for the day and I need something substantial in my belly. Plus, I'm already plenty unhealthy as it is, the last thing I need to add into the equation is another fucking croissant.
Yesterday I rolled into Opposable Thumb, grabbed a nice spinach salad and a San Pelle, and sat down to get some qual work done. It worked well... well, except for the wifi. The wifi was on but my machine seemed to have a hard time connecting to the inter-tubes. I was connecting to the router just fine, but, well, I didn't have time to deal too much, so I whipped out my cellular modem and... uh... oh yeah. This section of Belmont/Division is sort of a dead zone for cell phones. DAMN!
I won't ding Opposable Thumb for this. It was probably my machine, my connection, my something... since everyone else in the place seemed to be computing just fine.
OT is a solid 4-star spot offering friendly service, good food, and a nice selection of drinks, both caffeinated and non. Nice, light work spaces, decent music, and many tables/outlets provide for a great café environment. I recommend. -
Review from Sadie Z.
2/24/2010
I just moved to the area, and stumbled upon the Opposable Thumb because it happened to be the closest coffee place to my door. Man, did I luck out.
Pros:
-This cappuccino (that I am currently drinking, and desire to be currently drinking for the rest of my life) makes me want to...FUCK it's so good. The staff here knows how to foam milk like NOBODY'S BUSINESS. The espresso is strong, and it's molten hot just how I like it. Definitely what inspired this review.
-Despite them being understaffed (usually only one person working at time), he brought me my drink and bagel to my table for me.
-Kettleman's bagels, 'nuff said.
-Jazz is playing now, and it's always something good (bonus points: on two separate occasions i've come in to find it's Curtis Mayfield).
-Gelato, beer, wine, tasty treats, delicious looking food menu.
Cons:
-Like others have said, the seating thing is annoying - but at the same time, the place is so big that there are always other couches or tables open. I have yet to come in when the ONLY place available to sit was one of the "meal tables," in which case i'd be super surprised if I was asked to move.
-I wish the food wasn't so outrageously expensive, I just can't justify paying almost 8 dollars for a pretty small panini
Overall, totally worth it. I come here to study because there's fast wi-fi and TONS of outlets (super important!), but it's the perfect place to meet a friend or a date. You can get a meal, a coffee, a drink, a dessert - it covers all the bases I could ask it to and more. -
Review from Willow W.
2/8/2009
Yesterday I was in here and the reading room was so funny--it was totally full and totally silent. Everyone was in their own world, no one having conversations, noses in books or laptops. The woman next to me was frenetically doing her taxes. I was impressed that a place could be so full and yet so quiet--I wish my classroom was like this! Apparently the cafe was meeting everyone's needs, or the hush was contagious.
A few months ago I had a great panini from here. A bit greasy but good. This time I had gelato, and it was... not staccato gelato. It was kind of grainy and inconsistent. I tasted a few flavors before settling on espresso, which was mediocre. The plethora of food options looked good, so I'll be back for that. And the magazine choices were exciting! I had some quiet time with Janeane Garofalo. -
Review from Paul P.
Portland, OR
12/9/2008
I've yet to make the complete rounds of Portland coffee and cafe establishments, but if Opposable Thumbs is any indication, I know I'll be super content with my decision to move here.
I dug the execution of the cafe+gallery concept. It sounds so easy to pull off, but I've seen some pretty crappy ones, which is puzzling. Put a horse with a horn and you should get a unicorn. Put a gallery with a cafe and you should get a cafe+gallery. Should be simple enough, right? Regardless, Opposable Thumbs does it well. I loved the clean space, the use of the wall in between (giant wall menus are awesome!), and the hip furniture.
Had myself the chicken sandwich, and it was really good, especially for a cafe. The mocha I ordered was well-made, hot, filled to the brim, and carefully brought over to me without a single drop spilling over the edges, an achievement in and of itself. Wi-fi was reliable and never dropped. Electrical outlets were easy enough to access.
On top of all that, the "This table is only for patrons who are eating and is not for sutdying. Setting your laptop or electrical device on it will cause it to explode!" note I saw is enough to bring me back on intrigue and curiosity alone. You know how it goes.. Anyone have a laptop they don't care to blow up? -
Review from Mark H.
7/27/2008
Outstanding panini, nearly as good as in Italy. Soups and salads are very good as well. Prices are very reasonable. Staff are brilliant. Some truly awful artwork on the walls which is actually pretty entertaining.
But: sometimes the music is way too intrusive. Can be hard to find a table for the wifi/one cup of coffee crowd.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Colin P.
Portland, OR
12/9/2009
Just a few short weeks ago, I probably would have given Opposable Thumb a solid 4-star rating. Now, 3-stars seems more appropriate. The space is a nice, typical cafe type of set up. There is a decent selection of free periodicals to flip through while you consume. The paninis are pretty tasty and there are some quality veggie options.
Three problems:
1. Routinely understaffed. There's usually only one person working.
2. Annoying seating policy. Only people ordering "meals" can sit at tables?
3. Small/skimpy food portions for the price. Gossamer layer of spread for bagels, barely detectable by the human tongue. -
Review from Adam S.
Portland, OR
10/24/2009
Great study place, good music, good magazine collection, good food (for a coffee shop mind you). This place would definetely be five stars if it wasn't for the super slow wifi. There are LOTS and LOTS of people here at all hours of the day. That coupled with the DSL they have just doesn't work (download average is 0.30mb, about the speed of dial-up)
PLEASE Upgrade to something faster for wifi!! Otherwise a good place. -
Review from sue t.
Portland, OR
11/20/2009
Thank you for Opposable Thumbs Gallery for being across the street from my apartment. Thank for being a place where I can write in peace while drinking cider and procrastinating from writing by reading your stacks of magazines.
My only complaint is that you need more than one staff member at a time. The gentleman who takes my money should not be the one making my drinks, bringing my said drink, and cleaning up after me. He did it all with a smile but I'm sure that he could use a friend. We could all use a friend. -
Review from Brandy S.
Portland, OR
11/30/2008
Yum and Yum!
Wonderfully clever artwork and seating, that immediately makes you feel relaxed and welcome. The tofu spread on a toasted bagel made my day (and the oatmeal cookie was the best ever). Really doesn't get much better than this! -
Review from Steven W.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2009
I was here often when I lived in this neighborhood. If you're looking for lunch or a hangout spot on Belmont, this is a perfect place.
Postives:
- Fantastic staff who are always courteous.
- Delicious, fairly-priced lunch and breakfast fare with vegan/vegetarian options. Especially good panini with quality ingredients.
- Lots of different drinks, including beer/wine and coffee from Ristretto.
- Comfortable surroundings. Seriously, this place is just nicer to eat and drink in than the other cafes in the vicinity, including Stumptown and the Fresh Pot.
- Decent wifi and plenty of outlets.
Negatives:
- Occasionally understaffed. The staff work quickly, but one person just isn't enough during a rush, so be patient.
- Music sometimes loud. Bring earplugs if you're sensitive.
- Reserving half the tables for "people eating meals." Generally understandable, but the owners seem to have forgotten that it is not really a sit-down restaurant. 90% of the customers come for quiet working, meetings, and the like, not just meals. The table policy sometimes means you are SOL when it comes to a place to sit. -
Review from Steve L.
Portland, OR
4/18/2008
My new digs. Great, great tunes, at a reasonable volume (get off my lawn!) for writers to concentrate but then perk up at a peppy old rockabilly tune or 80s classic. Clean, comfortable, classy. I do feel sophisticated here. I long for booths, but hey, I am a booth guy.
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Review from Chris S.
Portland, OR
9/7/2008
Great cookies. Really scrumptious. The portobella panini melted in my mouth. You couldn't ask for nicer people to serve you. It looks like a comfortable place to bring your laptop and chill out. Highly recommended.
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Review from Lindsey C.
Portland, OR
Updated - 2/19/2009
Thanks to my new job, I got to try some food and got a little fancy with my coffee today. So I only had a chocolate chip cookie to eat, but it was really good, nice and moist. But the latte is what's really worth yelping about. It is literally one of the best I've ever had, and I'm pretty picky when it comes to lattes.
Listed in: my 'hood yo
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2009
I really like it here. It has a nice vibe and is very comfortable. It's a cool place to just hang… Read more »
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Review from Sarah L.
Portland, OR
2/21/2008
The food here is great! I love the atmosphere. It's a great place to grab a cup of coffee and read a magazine or a Saturday afternoon lunch of soup and a sandwich. They have a great magazine selection and fun mid modern century furniture. It's a great place to visit on Belmont.
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Review from Justin N.
Portland, OR
7/26/2008
Was on Belmont and running late (but hungry) so stopped here and grabbed a panini. While I was waiting I couldn't help but feel like I was in a magazine ad for American Apparel. Hard to explain, I guess that makes sense or it doesn't...
Service was good, food was good...but I do wish the portions were a little bigger (I think the salad that came with it was literally 4 small pieces). -
Review from Edward J.
Portland, OR
11/17/2008 2 photos
Opposable Thumb is more of a cafe than a gallery. The place is split into two sections. One side with more crowded space like a cafe, a wall of blackboard written with the menu. Very very cute. (from the photo above) The other side of the cafe is spaced out with couches and magazines for you to read and chill. A lot of cute hipsters and indie locals come here to use the wifi and enjoying a cup of joe. The smoked tomato soup is really good. Not very sour but a bit spicy. The bread side is really soft and crunchy. The jicama salad is really good. I love it. Soft boiled with salt and vinegar. The cous cous salad is not bad. Definitely a bit too blend. $6 for both salad, $3 for a cup of soup. And its all vegan! Excellent! They also have bagel, pastry, coffee, and gelato!!!! Very nice.
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Review from Steve B.
Portland, OR
Updated - 2/24/2009
There are a lot of things I love about this place, I just want them to make the coffee stronger! For serving Ristretto, the coffee is a bit disappointing. Still, the food, service, and atmosphere make it worth it. I guess I'll go Americano here from now on.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2009
Awesome service, great cafe-style menu, descent coffee, cool atmosphere, NY Times always on hand.… Read more »
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Review from Neal W.
Portland, OR
Updated - 4/24/2009
Alright, I'm going back up to five stars! Music level (and selection) has been awesome the last few visits. I was again reminded how good all of the food is. One of my favorite coffee shops for studying/productivity. Great gelato and variety of foods and beverages. AESOME!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/16/2009
Alright, seriously, I can't even go here anymore unless I bring powerful headphones. The music seems… Read more »
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Review from Wiley G.
Portland, OR
4/18/2009
Great sandwiches here. Great beer. Great coffee. Great environment for studying, meeting up with friends. Crowded, but lots of interesting magazines to read. Pretty much my dream library, except filled with hipsters.
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Review from Aaron P.
Portland, OR
2/13/2010
Great place to sit down and get some work done. Plenty of table and couch seating. Wifi has been pretty solid for the past few hours. Had a nice latte and bowl of soup. The space is very open, you can sit against the back wall and have a nice view of the street, barista counter, and the rest of the space. Not much more to say other than it's definitely a place I'd come back to!
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Review from Mitch B.
New York, NY
8/15/2009
Can't be happier here. Discovered it serendipitously, and haven't stopped going since. Their espresso is my favorite in town, actually, and I'm certainly a stumptown snob usually. The music comes seemingly straight from my ipod--Sigur Ros is playing at a pleasing volume as we speak. The food is great--I love the chicken panini. The staff is always very polite and downright sweet sometimes. Lots of outlets, fast wifi--who could ask for more? I could: it'd be nice if it opened before 9, say even 8 or 7:30 for those occasional early rises.
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Review from Nick Z.
Portland, OR
8/2/2008
I stopped in for a quick soup and found the atmosphere very open and relaxed, with a great menu of sandwiches. Perfect for a light lunch or a coffee. You can hang around as long as you like and work/read/talk while you enjoy the tunes.
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Review from Patrick G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2010
just stopped in for a bagel with tofu spread, avocado and tomato.
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Review from jon D.
Portland, OR
1/13/2010
Seems like a nice place, but the owner is the worst sort of capitalist. If you sit at a table and aren't buying enough, you will be asked to move. Apparently this "cafe" would rather bump any person who isn't buying enough product to a less comfortable spot to keep certain tables open for people willing to spend more money. I am annoyed that this practice is accepted. Go three blocks further up Belmont to Belmont and 37th for a real cafe without all the buy-pressure.
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Review from Don P.
Portland, OR
7/7/2008
great place to work from, except the music is usually too loud.
