The roasters writing the coffee scene in Portland: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in Portland. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Duane Sorenson's Stumptown opened on SE Division in Portland in 1999. The original Hairbender espresso blend still hangs on the roastery sign and the menu.
Tip: The original beauty-parlour roastery still stands. Public cuppings on Saturday mornings; bring cash for beans.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Wille Yli-Luoma's Heart Roasters in Portland, the 2009 East Burnside roastery whose Nordic-light style influenced an entire generation of US specialty roasters.
Tip: The Eastside Cafe is the flagship roastery and cafe. Filter coffee is brewed on Slayer Steam; espresso runs short.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Matt Higgins's Coava Coffee in Portland, the 2010 SE Grand roastery and cafe whose Kone filter brewer became a third-wave standard. Now four locations.
Tip: The Grand Avenue flagship has the longest bar and bamboo communal tables. Wholesale to most Portland cafes.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, Kenya
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Chris Annear and team's modern fruit-forward roaster on SE Stark in Portland, opened 2017, expanded to the SE 6th roastery taproom in 2022.
Tip: The original SE Stark cafe is open daily. The SE 6th Ave roastery serves retail Mon-Fri 09:00 to 15:00.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Burundi
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Stumptown's downtown Portland counter on SW Stark, the smaller working-coffee location with espresso, drip, and a retail shelf of single-origin beans.
Tip: Easier line than Division. Cold brew is on tap; bagged beans are roasted weekly.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Coava's SE Hawthorne cafe in Portland, the second Coava outpost with single-origin pour-overs, espresso bar, and natural light through the storefront windows.
Tip: Lighter foot traffic than the Grand flagship. The patio has space for laptops and study sessions.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Peak food season in Portland is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Portland rewards trust.