We are Portland, and Portland means caffeinating like we mean business. The Pacific Northwest is well versed in coffee and giving people a coffee experience. And as Portlanders, we’ve all probably gotten a pretty good idea of what that tastes like. However, as college students, we can’t quite get to them all. Here are five coffee shops less that 1.5 miles away from the center of campus for your convenience.
1. No Wave Coffee 0.6 miles
Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
Ideal for: work, studying, meetings, hanging out, standard run-of-the-mill coffee orders, tea, bakery
Not great for: complicated drinks, hipster experience
No Wave offers a simple menu of cheap, quality coffee and pastries. The coffee house is filled by the sound of its record player, and customers can bring their own records to play if they so wish. Don’t let its bright, lime exterior turn you away from the authentic, locally owned, uncomplicated atmosphere within. Find No Wave Coffee on the corner of Portsmouth and Lombard
https://www.facebook.com/NoWaveCoffeeShop/
2. Cathedral Coffee 1.3 miles
Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
Ideal for: work, studying, meetings, dates, hanging out, brunch, lunch, food, complex orders, simple orders, tea, bakery
Not great for: coffee in a hurry
This wooden and brick interior is the very theme of North Portland. Elaborate latte art and delicious pastries, not to mention a must-have weekend brunch option, pair nicely with the rustic decor based around Cathedral Park under our own St. John’s Bridge. The coffee comes from Tanager Coffee Roasters located here in North Portland– go local! And grab a hoodie or t-shirt if you really love what you see. Find Cathedral Coffee right off of Willamette.
http://www.cathedralcoffee.com/
3. The Grind Coffee 1.3 miles
*a.k.a. Sexy Coffee
Yelp Rating:
Ideal for: coffee on the go, “walk-thru”, light bite, an experience, photos, nice days
Not great for: sit down activities, work, studying, rainy days, large groups
This outdoor, walk-thru coffee shop offers a range of coffee and breakfast bite options. There is a covered area opportuning seated options given a sunny day. It’s styled like a lean-to cabin with an iconic stain glass pieces covered wall. Find Grindhouse off Rosa Parks with signs reading Sexy Coffee.
http://www.originalsexycoffee.com/
4. Madrona Hill Cafe 1.4 miles
Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
Ideal for: work, studying, dates, meetings, hanging out, breakfast, lunch, light bite, coffee of all kinds, tea, relaxing, bakery, vegan option, smoothies
Not great for: coffee in a hurry
Your classic coffee shop with extended seating and lunch options. Grab some savory bagel sandwiches or a beautifully topped Mexican Mocha, find a seat, and relax. A simple atmosphere highlighting the coffee and food; great for productivity. Find Madrona Hill on the corner of Greeley and Ainsworth/
5. Poshette’s Cafe 1.4 miles
Yelp Rating: 4 stars
Ideal for: studying, work, hanging out, music, food, lunch, breakfast, coffee, non-coffee options, bakery, outdoor seating
Not great for: quick coffee, quick bites
This cafe highlights their “Po’ Garden”, offering a shaded, outdoor seating area– a cross between a barbeque and tea-party decor. Their menu has a handful of non-coffee specialties like lavender lemonade or smoothies, a variety of sandwiches, beers, wines, and even a cheese menu for all your cheesy needs. Poshette’s also has an ever changing dinner menu for “Fish fry Friday” and “BBQ Saturday” served only between 6pm and 10pm on the given days. Find it on the corner of Greeley and Bryant.
There are far more coffee places extending out in each way, but for the sake of distance needs many a college kid needs, these are close to home and won’t dig too deep into your pockets.