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Coffee Shops

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The Pacific Northwest is known for it’s amazing coffee. How could we not be when Seattle was the birthplace of the now ubiquitous Starbucks? But, with so many incredible and unique coffee shops in the city, who even has time for a chain like that? Not us! Here’s where you should grab your morning (or evening) caffeine buzz instead.

  • Carnelian Coffee 6923 SE Foster Rd This fantastic addition to the up-and-coming strip that is Foster Rd is owned by two rockhounds, so you can sip your exquisitely made oat milk latte while looking at awesome geodes through the provided magnifying glasses.
  • Crema 2728 SE Ankeny St Crema is the perfect spot to go if you are looking for some phenomenal baked goods to go alongside of your Chai, and the bright and airy sitting area is a great spot for a meeting.
  • Extracto 2921 NE Killingsworth This place is known for their precision when it comes to their pours, and are exacting in making sure you get the best possible cup of beans. A great spot for the true coffee nerds!
  • Outlier Coffee 5029 SE Division St Hands down the absolute best place in town to get a Bulletproof coffee. Made with butter (or coconut oil for the vegans) the caffeine molecules bond with the fats for an amazing extended boost. They also have incredible flavor combos like the Liger, which adds ginger and turmeric for and extra fun kick.
  • Ovation 941 NW Overton St This cute little NW shop has wonderful baked goods, and also features amazing Moroccan coffees and teas, some of which are serves in ornate silver pots for added atmospheric immersion.
  • Rimsky-Korsakoffee House 707 SE 12th Ave If you are looking for an after dinner espresso and dessert in a quirky old art house with occasional live music, this is the place to be. Make sure to bring cash and to take a quick peek in the upstairs restroom. You won’t be disappointed.

Did we miss your favorite spot for a pick-me-up? Let us know in the comments!

Rum Cocktails

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Today is National Rum Day! Who want’s to celebrate?? If you said yes and you live in Portland, you are in luck. We have a multitude of fantastic rum-focused bars all across the city for your sipping pleasure.

  • Rum Club 720 SE Sandy Blvd The name says it all. They have rums from all over the world and use them in a variety of ways in their many delicious cocktails. Happy hour 4-6 daily.
  • Hale Pele 2733 NE Broadway If tiki cocktails are more your style, and you possibly want them on fire, stop by this spot that will instantly transport you to island life. Bring friends to share a Volcano Bowl.
  • Acadia Bistro 1303 NE Fremont Sometimes you need just one perfect drink to make the list, and Acadia’s rendition of the classic New Orleans Hurricane is it. A blend of three rums and passion fruit puree, it goes down a little too easily for it’s strength.
  • The Alibi 4024 N Interstate Ave Who doesn’t want to croon along to some yacht rock while downing a few daquiris? Karaoke daily and a serious span of happy hours are hallmarks of this long-standing North Portland spot.
  • Eem 3808 N Williams Ave This too-hot-to-touch BBQ and Thai fusion restaurant just started serving brunch/lunch everyday, so you can get your boozy slushy craving satisfied whenever it may strike.

Did we miss your favorite place to sip some rum? Let us know in the comments!

Montesacro Pinseria Romana

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We all love Italian food, but generally I’ve found that people in the United States tend to oversimplify the wide array of deliciousness that the country has to offer – too often reducing it down to pasta alone. Montesacro Pinseria does a wonderful job of showing off all of the other mouth-watering offerings of Italia.

I actually lived in the Northwestern corner of Rome for 6 months back in 2006, and since returning, had not found a single restaurant that transported me back to those times until sitting down for lunch at this unassuming spot in the Pearl district. However, one bite of the Gambuccio panini (not the pressed white bread variety you may be thinking of) and I was instantly back to a street-side bistro of Trastevere. Perfectly crunchy and soft bread, heaped with a generous portion of prosciutto and burrata, yet it was the zucchine sott’oli (zucchini marinated in olive oil and spices) that honestly brought tears of nostalgia to my eyes. I highly recommend getting the Sbagliato, a wonderfully bright and bitter combination of bubbles, Campari, and Cocchi Torino to cleanse your palate between blissful bites.

I cannot wait to return to try all of the deliciousness on this menu, and relive those days living in the epicenter of amazing Italian cuisine.

Have you tried this place yet? Let us know in the comments!