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Three Friends Coffee House
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Desserts Food Bagels Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Bagels [Edit]
201 SE 12th AvePortland, OR 97214
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Buckman
(503) 236-6411
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
jamie m. said: "I think this was probably my favorite yarn store that I visited in Portland. It had a welcoming vibe, the employees were nice, the selection was fantastic, there were customers hanging out... Great samples all over the store. The…" read more »
45 reviews for Three Friends Coffee House
Review Highlights
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"...had a great time relaxing in the comfy chairs by the window." In 4 reviews -
"Laid back and friendly (and very queer-friendly) with free..." In 5 reviews -
"You made my Saturday morning ten times much better." In 3 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Sel S.
Portland, OR
5/4/2012
I enjoyed this place for the first time when meeting some folks and friends for a book club. The name really captures the feel. Warm, inviting, nice plants, eclectic but tasteful decor, and FRIENDLY folks working the coffee and counter. Just a really nice feel. I had a soy latte, ordered a bottle or organic juice from the cooler, and also had a fruit bar (date, I think?)... my latte was smooth, the soy was not-to-sweet and oh-so-tasty, with the perfect amount of foam on top. It's a plus for me when folks know how to make a good soy froth. My pastry was delicious, moist and crumbly, and the folks at work were totally at peace with our little group camping out for a couple of hours while we discussed Margaret Atwood.
I've come back again for a peaceful morning solo read, and a great cup of coffee.
The perfect little neighborhood spot. -
Review from Joanna M.
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's hard to lure me away from black gold in its purest form. I love black coffee, as black as a moonless night. I seldom order lattes, cappuccinos, or anything similar.
I've always loved chai flavored things, but never think to order one to drink. Not black enough for my taste. Not sure if I've ever asked for a chai in my life, but my Portlandia dwelling friends love chai and live near this cafe, so I thought, "when in Rome...", and ordered a small chai. Thank goodness for ordering a small, because this chai was horrible. Not knowing if I was judging unfairly, I consulted my friends, who concurred that this was some dilute and dismal chai. They assured me that chai is normally wonderful, and that I should try again soon when the mood strikes. I did so a few days later elsewhere, and had a cosmic chai experience, so I can say with the utmost confidence that something was seriously off with this batch. Definitely too watery, and not worthy of a first foray into non-black coffeedom.
The cafe was really inviting, with mismatched couches, cool tunes, and Stumptown percolating...so it's basically like my apartment. I could imagine reading Tolstoy here for hours, having someone knit me a scarf while I read Tolstoy for hours, or some combination thereof. Next visit I may have to stick with what I know, because when it comes to coffee, once I went black, I was never able to go back.Listed in: My Requisite Caffeine List
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Review from Bucky B.
Portland, OR
3/26/2012
There's a very thin line between being an effortlessly comfortable, laid back shop, and being alienating. Three friends manages to do the "dingy couches" and "mismatched mugs" thing without being precious, obnoxious, or too cool. I love that. It's a store that's very comfortable in its own skin, which makes me feel the same when I come here to sit and smoke cigarettes outside without buying anything.
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Review from May L.
Portland, OR
3/7/2012
Good coffee and baked goods selection. It's a cute little quirky cafe but not the best place to do work or study. I'd come here to have coffee and have a chinwag with a friend. The clientele can get a little sketchy sometimes but nothing too alarming.
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Review from Hanaa E.
Portland, OR
9/23/2011
I have been coffee spot-hunting since I moved here back in December. In Portland, I've found that people take coffee VERY seriously, and the level of how serious they are apparently effects how friendly (or very not friendly) the baristas are.
I walked in here on a frigid March morning desperately craving an iced coffee after an unsuccessful burst of job-hunting. I was greeted by a fantastic guy who conversed with me about my job situation. Although my drink is fairly simple, it's easy to make into an undrinkable mess of pretentious, bitter and flavorless nastiness (like the people who might serve you coffee). Not too icy, not too sweet (I like my iced coffee with vanilla). The drink was even nicer after having service I could seriously support. Three Friends is now my favorite coffee spot.
It's nice to come into a warm and accepting place where everyone knows your name, your drink, and never judges you based on the way you look. It's rare to find in a place like Portland, and Three Friends gives off friendly vibes no matter the weather, very genuinely. -
Review from Mike L.
11/6/2011
For real, this place is great. I travel the country and always look for some sweet spot coffee shops. This is my fav in Portland starting right now!!
Friendly staff, good options, quality produces and reasonable prices... Love it!! -
Review from Heather S.
Portland, OR
7/5/2011
Cute cafe with good coffee and great service: at first, I didn't think I had enough change on me -- they only take cash or check -- but the cashier offered to let me come back and pay, even though I'm not a regular (yet).
Pretty unusual and pretty awesome. -
Review from Melissa L.
Portland, OR
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I must have driven past this cafe a hundred times before I realized that it was here, and that it was awesome.
They have free wi-fi, a laidback atmosphere with sofas and comfy chairs as well as tables, and get this: a 16oz americano for less than $2!!
Of course, they only take cash, so this is how they can keep costs low.
They also sell some tasty pastries (even day-old ones for half price) and are generally really nice folks.
This cafe is definitely going onto my Places to Work Outside of my House rotation.Listed in: Laptopistan
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Review from Evelyn S.
7/14/2011
I want to give them 5 stars but I've really only grabbed something to go on two separate occasions, so until I have some time to get back and actually enjoy some coffee in house I'm a fan but not yet ready to say it's as good as it gets.
The people who work there are super nice.
The pastry I grabbed this afternoon should probably been sold as day old, even if it was from this morning, it was dried out and wasn't supposed to be.
The small Mocha to go was good, but not the best I've had.
The atmosphere seems great, but I've got to grab my laptop and go back and hang for a bit before I can confirm.
All in all, it seems like a great place, but is not close enough to me to be a regular hang out. -
Review from Jazmyn S.
Portland, OR
7/8/2011
This is as good as it gets! I don't understand all the four-star ratings. They have done everything right and I am duly impressed.
-no hipster snobbery here! that's right, you can't find that anywhere else in this fine town. you'd think coffee was reserved for gods. these baristas are sweet, adorable, and gracious.
-atmosphere. it really is everything. this place boasts comfy sofas, comfy chairs, cute and unusual seating everywhere. gorgeous wood trim. old building charm. cozy in the winter, breezy in the summer (they leave the door open which is heavenly).
-caters to us vegans. truly, they've got it all: tofutti, delicious bagels in every flavor, and the biggest selection of vegan pastries you're going to find outside of a vegan bakery.
-delicious coffee I can attest to, I am sipping my $1.75 16oz Americano right now. everything is reasonably priced.
-close to everything, including the bus stop.
-to wrap it up, everything I want in a coffee shop and more. Why oh why aren't you in NoPo!? -
Review from Olivia L.
Portland, OR
2/3/2011
This place is cozy, fair prices, cute staff, quick and friendly service, they make a good Chai Latte and they host several Deaf events.
I go occasionally to the DHOR and ASL club meetings they hold there, it's a lot of fun and a good way to practice and socialize in ASL.
Also, I don't feel like I'm a burden or annoyance if I go, buy several drinks and sit and read for an hour or two. -
Review from Ben R.
Portland, OR
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like the variety you get from an independent coffeehouse like this one - there are a lot of menu options and a lot of teas, which is not something you find everywhere. They also use Dragonfly Chai, which is made here in Portland.
3 Friends must be doing something right, as if you look on Yelp for coffee in the area, you see that the relocated Red & Black Cafe, Rimsky Korsakoff and a few others are within a stone's throw of this establishment yet 3 Friends has customers and is open from morning 'til late. (10 pm, I believe)
3 Friends is in an older building so it can sometimes get a bit "steamy" inside in the summer months, but otherwise it's a great space. It's very ecclectic with one computer available, WiFi, and conversational areas of couches, a few tables and chairs and stools. The stools are where I always seem to end up, either for the sun or to look out over the street and traffic going by.
There are some bike racks nearby, but on my last visit, it was such a sunny day that people were chaining their bikes to anything that wasn't moving. If you run into this problem, there is a ramp into Hungry Tiger, Too that includes a nice rail with space for several bikes. -
Review from Sarah W.
Wilsonville, OR
12/27/2011
The owner is an absolute sweetheart. Everything you could want in a neighborhood coffee shop. :)
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Review from Lizette P.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2011
Trusted the reviews on Yelp, and so glad we did! Portland is a great city, but there is a LOT of hipsterdom. Three Friends Coffee House was the best. Laid back vibe, staff was super sweet and attentive, coffee was really great and their vegan pastries (from another local shop) were delicious!
A recommend for anyone traveling in Portland yearning for a good cup of joe and not just hype. -
Review from Melissa S.
Portland, OR
3/5/2012
This is an amazing coffee shop. I've produced community art events here on Monday nights for 4 years, first while Nicolas owned the shop and now while it belongs to Bobbi. It's a very inviting place that has turned into a natural home for creative people. Good sandwiches, great loose tea collection.
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Review from Olivia T.
5/3/2008
I LOVE YOU
and I'm so glad we found each other...
How can I resist your invitation to stop by
and have a 12 oz Cafe Mocha....
I was surprised when I realized 12 oz = GIANT...
and you aren't kidding when you asked ,
"Do you want whip cream with that?"
You really meant it...
and that's what I got....
a total giant deliciousness of strong espresso
and sweetness of creamy whip cream....
Seemed like you can read my mind too...
and presented me with the bagel menu on the chalk board...
How could I say no for a jalapeno cheese bagel ...
with cream cheese...
It's toasty and just right for my belly....
You made my Saturday morning ten times much better...
and I didn't even complain...
When you told me that you accept cash only...
and of course my love and devotion...
Seems like we will have a date...
Every Saturday morning....
We will share this cherish moment....
Till then.... -
Review from Kody L.
Portland, OR
3/5/2009
I love when I have the opportunity to cross the river and visit with friends at Three Friends. I don't know how you'd replicate the feel of the cafe on the West side of the river -- it's really a product of the East side culture.
Everyone is really nice, the atmosphere is cozy and most of the relationships you observe are very familial, maybe because the couches, padded chairs and old building make it feel like you're at somebody's house (sort of). The artwork they display is often very interesting and the music usually is some sort of indie/local/alternative pick by one of the servers.
They serve Stumptown Coffee and DragonFly Chai, really the best local sources of coffee and chai in town. The cafe is a well-known gay hangout (it's partially gay-owned), but I'm guessing a lot of people from the neighborhood are frequent customers. It's a very diverse crowd, for sure.
They also serve sandwiches, loose-leaf teas, pastries and a variety of bagels. Take advantage of the outdoor seating on a nice day -- it gets excellent light.Listed in: Kawfee
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Review from Kelly M.
Portland, OR
5/20/2007 1 photo
Of all the coffee shops I frequent in Portland, Three Friends has the most diverse clientele. That diversity, in combination with it's coziness and good hours (open til 10 in a city that shuts down early!) will make you want to be a local here.
In contrast to the swarms of hip 20-somethings that dominate most other places in southeast, Three Friends tends to host a healthy blend of locals. It's fair share of young Portlanders coincide with families, local characters, and the Radical Faeries that meet here every Saturday morning.
Three Friends serves Stumptown coffee, a vast selection of tea, bagel sandwiches and vegan treats over their long low wooden counter that is a relic from its days as an old hardware store. There are plenty of comfortable couches, board games, and one computer at your disposal.
If you're really lucky, their barista oldies cover band Good Times Great Oldies will be playing a show on the evening you visit.
Beware of being in the bathrooms, though; Three Friends is supposedly haunted and I think the dark hallway by the bathrooms must be the most haunted spot. -
Review from christine s.
Portland, OR
1/23/2008
This was our second stop on our hunt for a new coffee shop for the evening and it satisfied a number of desires.
1) A comfy couch to sit and edit photos and blog
2) Nice baristas
3) Interesting sugar free syrups
4) Free wifi - you know Starbucks charges right?!? As if !!!!
5) A hot latte brewed to perfection
We walk in and a 20 something guy comes running in and plants his left hand on the counter to propel himself gracefully over the ledge to land effortlessly other side. He asks what he can do for us in a very pleasant and not out of breath at all voice. I don't know whether or not to cheer and congratulate him on his landing or act like I didn't see it. I glanced around and everyone was normal so I said in a low voice "so that was cool.." . What kinds of sugar free flavors do you have? He turns around to this decorative wooden bar back of sorts and pulls out these hidden cubbies. Like six of them full of syrups. He starts naming them off and after the fifth one I was so excited I could hardly help myself. Normally their are only a couple to rattle off and I get uber disappointed (Starbucks again).
Anyway, I had a white chocolate and macadamia nut latte on a comfy black couch and happily edited photos.Listed in: It's about more than the brew!
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Review from Jeni M.
2/12/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Best place to get a soda when there's a show up the street.
Best place to get a coffee and do homework when a paper is due.
Best place to hang out with A. when she's workin'
Best place to glare at the idiots that go to hungry tiger.
Best coffeeshop, amirite? -
Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
great espresso drinks and friendly service.
I like the neighborhood setting and the living room feel of the coffee shop -
Review from Dana S.
Austin, TX
9/27/2009
Delicious iced tea.
Pumpkin spice syrup!!
Comfy atmosphere.
Friendly baristas!!
Impressive assortment of pastries.
CHEAP!
This is my favorite coffee shop in Portland, hands down. -
Review from Don K.
Portland, OR
1/12/2012
Really like this place, and it is right near a church that I attend so a few of us stop in afterward. Friendly people, they also have a great open mic with honest voices every Monday. A downer: weak coffee... the balancing upper: great bagels.
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Review from Greg E.
Clackamas, OR
9/10/2010 2 Check-ins Here
For comedic effect I will Be writing the next few lines through the fingers of Samuel L. Jackson.
GOOD MOTHER FUCKING CHOICE MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!!
This coffee is some of the best! Don't agree with me?!??!?! I'll beat yo ass bitch! Contradict me again mother fucker! I dare you! I double dog dare you!
Ok....enough of that.
Great environment. Wonderful and attentive staff. These folks know how to make coffee
Comfy couches, Internet, interesting people watching. I've been here many times. Love it. If you're looking for a new place to park your ass and read the paper in public. This is worth a shot. The people watching is fun too =). -
Review from Virlie B.
Portland, OR
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
very near voodoo doughnuts. great coffees, great prices, good ambiance, friendly people. with so many other coffee shops in this great town, if i'm in the area, i'm definitely going to this place.
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Review from Derek N.
Portland, OR
1/24/2010
I'm always searching for comfortable coffee shops to work at on my laptop. So far, this is one of my favorites in Portland. The wide variety of seating options are excellent. From small tables to couches to comfy chairs to stools at the window, 3 Friends has it all. The overall feel of this coffee shop is really inviting and screams "come in and stay for hours".
The staff is really nice and helpful. The drinks are also reasonably priced and delicious. I was disappointed that they didn't have vegan cream cheese for their bagels, but the tofu pate they have for them is so delicious i stop internally complaining after the first bite. -
Review from Charissa R.
Portland, OR
7/17/2008
This place is nice because it lacks the pretension that lots of coffeehouses around these parts tend to have. The building feels lived-in and homey, and the staff and owner are SUPER nice. And there are picnic tables out front, which I have a little soft spot for.
Sure, the internet could be a bit more consistent...but whatever.
Food & coffee - good. And everything tastes better when you feel well-charmed. -
Review from Michael M.
Portland, OR
7/25/2011
Who knows how many times I drove past this place without seeing it - my bad. Good little coffee shop that I will definitely be back too. Good coffee, good service, very comfortable setting. I imagine it would be significantly less appealing if it were crowded but that's true of any place like this.
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Review from Tom M.
What a great neighborhood find this is. A treasure to be sure. The staff is friendly and the service is great. The best thing about it is that it's apparently hipster free. I didn't even see any behind the bar. Great music at a decent volume with a 70's sound. Huge selection of loose teas. Comfy seats that don't look like they've seen better days. I wish more people would go here than to Starbucks.
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Review from Jen S.
4/4/2011
Really friendly service. Nice open space. Reasonably priced very strong cappuccino. So strong I was shaky... Next time, decaf.
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Review from Carissa W.
Portland, OR
2/2/2007
Three Friends is a cozy little coffee shop on the somewhat busy 12th ave. The rough wood floors, couches, and bar against the window all make for a nice environment. Occasionally jazz bands will set up on the tiny stage and provide pleasant background music. The coffee is served in large glass mugs, and the sandwiches are really yummy.
Somehow, the wi-fi here is some of the fastest I've come across, maybe because there isn't anyone on it. There is always a space to sit at Three Friends, and it's a great spot to put in a few hours of work away from the hustle of most coffee shops. When the sun is out, the outdoor tables are perfect in mid morning. -
Review from Stuart H.
Beaverton, OR
11/18/2008
Gotta love this place, The most friendly servers and Niclos is the perfect host/owner too. This is a place I love to hang my hat at. The stay factor is awesome It's kinda like a being in your house and the library combined.
I had the tuna sandwich,honestly... one of the best I've ever had. I can't wait for the next time I'm there for my next sandwich. -
Review from Jessie M.
1/3/2011
Stumbled into this place pretty randomly. We were just looking for somewhere warm and cozy with something hot to drink. The place was empty when we got there, but filled up pretty fast. It was definitely cozy and warm and our chai tea and latte were some of our favorites we've had. The guy behind the counter was very friendly and didn't hate on us when we told him we had just arrived from California. This is the sort of place I would hang out at a lot if I lived nearby.
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Review from Jenny H.
Portland, OR
8/23/2007
I am a sucker for friendly service, and every time I go to Three Friends I end up wanting to hug the person behind the counter. Come to think of it, I tend to want to hug the people waiting in line, too.
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Review from ZigZag M.
Portland, OR
10/17/2008
Three Friends? It's more like a family. When I walk in to this place I might be alone, but when I leave I feel like Norm from Cheers, and I barely know anyone's name. Friendly, great service and the coffee is divine as well. The only downside is the food could be better, but it is a coffee shop afterall.
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Review from Emily F.
Portland, OR
11/28/2006
I used to go here every week when I was working with an organization around the corner. Laid back and friendly (and very queer-friendly) with free wifi and good coffee and menu.
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Review from Eva J.
Manhattan, NY
2/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times and I love it more and more every time. These people, behind the counter, are friendly and polite and they actually offer you a smile. This place is always got something going on too. I've walked in on a Saturday morning to a coffeeshop full of bears and a family reunion of some sort. Still amongst all the crowds I've never had more than one person in line ahead of me. They have delicious apricot scones, and a tasty chai. They offer dairy alternatives like rice, soy and almond milk. The sandwiches are so fresh and delicious. They only take cash, so heads up, but the environment is cozy and its great for meeting up with friends
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Review from Carla R.
Portland, OR
11/15/2009
Thought I haven't spent much time here (two visits), I can say I'm a fan of 3 Friends Coffee House. The service is laid back, but very friendly, the coffee/espresso is great and I like their variety of deserts with the gluten-free options. Clean, spacious, stylish and that the same time not pretentious.
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Review from Annie M.
Portland, OR
12/12/2009
Love Three Friends, good coffee, nice people. The downside: the baked goods are always disappointing. They look good so I try them once in a while, hoping they'll be better, but nope. Just go for coffee or tea.
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Review from Gina J.
Pomona, CA
4/22/2010
Visited in 12/09 and was duly impressed. Had an excellent cheesy bagel and huge, delicious mocha. The X-Files action figures and other memorabilia were delightfully "Portland Weird" and made both my inner and outer nerd squee. My friend and I had a great time relaxing in the comfy chairs by the window. It's gay-friendly and overall a cozy neighborhood spot with that touch of Portland charm that I miss so dearly, having relocated to Los Angeles for school. I'll definitely be coming back the next time I grab a coffee and catch up with a friend on my visits back to Portland.
