Looking for the best coffee places in Portland?

Look no further.

I am coffee obsessed. It’s safe to say I need it pretty much every day, and I’m fortunate that my home town of Portland is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture as well as being a foodie destination. Home to a vast array of coffee shops that offer so much more than just a cup of coffee, the city rivals any other “coffee capital” of the world. And yes, that means you, Seattle!

Oregon coffee roasters have taken locally roasted coffee and upped the ante. In short; anyone who visits Portland and goes to a Starbucks is doing themselves a disservice.

Here, we delve into some of the best coffee shops in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been to every one of these places (many times) and believe me when I tell you this list is just scratching the surface.

Best Coffee Roasters in Portland

Upper Left Coffee Roasters

Located in the heart of Southeast Portland in Ladd’s Addition, Upper Left seamlessly combines comfort and sophistication, establishing itself as a haven for coffee enthusiasts city-wide.

They source their beans sustainably from all over the globe. Alongside their expertly brewed coffee, they also serve a delightful variety of baked goods and sandwiches. My barista recommended a single-origin coffee from Nigeria, and I enjoyed it’s bold flavor with a fresh-baked croissant.

Upper Left Coffee Roasters exudes a distinctively warm and inviting atmosphere, making it more than just an ordinary coffee shop. The interior speaks volumes about their attention to detail, with its minimalist design and plenty of seating.

The large windows invite ample natural light, creating a serene environment where patrons can sip their coffee while getting some work done. On certain days you may even find coffee bean roasters honing their craft in the corner of the shop.

Dragonfly Coffee House

Another gem in Portland’s dynamic coffee scene is the Dragonfly Coffee House, nestled in the Northwest district. This spot is just around the corner from my place, so I go here often. They are known for an extensive selection of locally-sourced, organic coffees and an array of homemade pastries, sandwiches, and gluten-free options.

The interior is an amalgamation of rustic charm and modern comfort. With its cozy corners, eclectic furniture, and shelves lined with books, Dragonfly oozes a homey vibe that invites customers to linger. The walls display local artwork, adding to the café’s vibrant, creative atmosphere.

On warmer days, there is outdoor seating and even a “to-go” window if you’re in a hurry.

Never Coffee Lab

Never Coffee Lab, with two locations, is a vibrant coffee shop known for its unique blends and eccentric approach to artisanal coffee brewing. The interior has minimalist aesthetics and a colorful palette; an ambience that is both welcoming and inspiring. Besides the standard espresso fare, Never Coffee Lab prides itself on its distinctive range of specialty lattes, each promising a unique sensory experience.

Whether it’s the complex flavors of their famous ‘Holy Grail’ blend or the exquisite richness of the ‘Prince’ – a concoction infused with clover honey and homemade hazelnut milk – each cup is brewed to perfection. The baristas, with their in-depth knowledge and passion for coffee, ensure an exceptional experience, making Never Coffee Lab a must-visit for coffee fanatics.

Heart Coffee

Heart Coffee has made a name for itself by sourcing and roasting their own beans, with a focus on fair and direct trade. They deal directly with local coffee bean farmers. Located on east Burnside St., they offer a simple and savory menu, including locally sourced pastries and an array of toasts.

The interior reflects a modern, yet cozy aesthetic with its sleek wooden furniture, complemented by abundant natural light streaming in through large windows. This makes it a great place to hunker down with a laptop to get some work done.

The walls, adorned with local art, add a touch of creativity and vibrancy to the space. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable baristas contribute to the welcoming environment, ready to share insights about their unique brews or to recommend a pastry from their delectable selection.

Good Coffee

Good Coffee, with several locations around the city (including the airport), source their beans from various local and international growers, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection. They also serve a variety of food options, including a selection of toasts, and oatmeal. Be sure to check out their rotating menu of seasonal coffee creations which can include such unique ingredients as sarsaparilla, smoked cardamom, salted honey, or hojicha vanilla.

The atmosphere in Good Coffee is both inviting and cozy, embodying the spirit of Portland’s vibrant coffee culture. The interiors showcase a minimalistic design with warm, natural lighting creating a serene ambiance.

One of their locations is close to my place, and while it’s not as cozy as Dragonfly, it checks both boxes with respect to great coffee and relaxing vibe. Moreover, the baristas contribute to this welcoming atmosphere with their cheerful demeanor and eagerness to share their extensive coffee knowledge.

Queue Coffee

Queue Coffee, which opened its doors in Portland in the spring of 2018, is a refreshingly modern addition to the city’s thriving coffee scene. They take their coffee seriously, with an ever-changing menu of coffees sourced from reputable growers both locally and internationally.

Their offering spans the spectrum from the traditional espresso-based drinks to more experimental concoctions, ensuring that there’s a brew for every kind of coffee enthusiast.

The atmosphere inside Queue Coffee is as compelling as their menu. The crisp royal blue concrete walls, sleek wooden counters, and an abundance of natural light sets a tone of minimalistic elegance. Spacious yet cozy, you’ll find various seating arrangements catering to those looking for a quiet corner to read, a comfortable space to work, or a communal table to meet friends.

The friendly baristas, always ready with a coffee recommendation or a welcoming smile, further enhance the inviting ambiance. All these elements combined make Queue Coffee a must-visit spot for any coffee lover in Portland.

Prince Coffee

Prince Coffee is female-owned and sources their beans from the best roasters locally and internationally, promising a coffee experience you won’t soon forget. Their minimalist and comfortable space invites you to relax and savor your coffee in a serene setting. 

The atmosphere at Prince Coffee is an embodiment of tranquility and homely warmth. The café is tastefully adorned with simple, uncluttered interiors that exude a Scandinavian vibe, and large windows that invite in an ample amount of natural light. With comfortable seating and a welcoming staff, Prince Coffee also offers a selection of wines and a sophisticated small bites menu.

I’m not sure where they get their pastries, but their croissants are amazing.

Either/Or Coffee

Either/Or is a cozy coffee shop embodying the city’s vibrant coffee culture with a welcoming and relaxed ambiance. The interior is a contemporary aesthetics, with warm wooden tones, minimalist furniture, and local artwork adorning the walls. I’ve been here several times over the years and they’ve got a great breakfast menu as well.

The coffee selection is a delightful exploration of coffee and tea, distinguished by their commitment to sourcing and serving high-quality, locally roasted beans and ethically sourced teas. Signature coffee options include the Tanglewood Chai (try the Tanglewood Flight!) and the popular Either/Or Latte, a unique combination of espresso, steamed milk, and a shot of seasonal fruit syrup.

What sets Either/Or apart in the bustling Portland coffee scene is this is not just a trendy coffee shop. Baristas double as bartenders, as this spot also offers a full bar with craft cocktails. There’s even a DJ set-up in the corner, hosting music when the place is open later in the summer. 

Futura Coffee Roasters

Located in the heart of Portland’s Rosa Parks neighborhood, Futura, true to its name, is a modern cafe with a sleek, minimalist design. They offer a diverse selection of coffee, including their own roasted blends and a variety of single-origin beans. My cappuccino was rich and full bodied – one of the best I had in my quest for a great Portland cappa.

They also serve a range of food items, with homemade pastries and sandwiches being their specialty. For those with a more adventurous palate, the rotating selection of single-origin beans from organic farmers (so Portland!) showcases flavors from various coffee-growing regions around the world.

Wallflower Coffee Roasters

Located on the trendy section of SE Division St. Wallflower Coffee Roasters is known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. I love that they pride themselves on their artisanal roasts, providing an array of unique flavors for coffee enthusiasts to explore. Their menu also includes vegan and gluten-free food options, making it a popular spot for those with dietary restrictions.

At Wallflower Coffee Roasters, the passion for coffee is palpable, with precision and care put into every cup. With my go-to cappuccino, I enjoyed the warm tones of their interior, decorated with local art, created an inviting environment, encouraging customers to unwind and savor. The staff’s knowledge and helpfulness further enhance the overall experience, as they are always eager to provide recommendations or share the story behind each roast.

Proud Mary Coffee

Lastly, Proud Mary Coffee brings a vibrant and lively ambiance to Portland’s coffee scene. They serve a broad variety of coffees, from classic lattes to exotic pour-overs, all sourced ethically from around the world. In addition to coffee, they offer a gourmet food menu, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

This is more of a sit-down spot if you want a great meal in addition to their epic coffee. I took a seat at the bar and had one of the most interesting avocado toasts ever. In this case, the food outshined the made-with-love cappuccino. The couple next to me was deep in the middle of enjoying a flight of tea. Their server stuck with them throughout and explained the origins of each tea and how to properly prepare it.

The baristas, armed with their extensive knowledge about coffee, eagerly engage with customers, explaining the origins, flavor profiles, and best pairings for each roast. The café itself is designed with modern aesthetics, featuring plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and vibrant greenery, creating an environment that’s both upbeat and relaxing.

This is just the beginning of a perfect Portland coffee odyssey. I invite you to explore all the caffeine goodness this city has to offer.