Oregon’s Hidden Gems: Top 10 Coffee Roasters and Specialty Cafés
Dear coffee enthusiasts of Oregon and beyond, prepare to embark on a java journey where the beans are as mountain-grown as the hills of the Cascades and the roasts are as varied as our scenic coastlines. From pouring the perfect latte heart in Portland to third-wave coffee movements in sleepy southern towns, Oregon’s best coffee roasters and specialty cafés are ready to delight your taste buds.
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
A staple of Portland’s coffee culture, Stumptown Coffee Roasters originated in the Rose City back in 1999. A visit to their industrial chamber of espresso-magic in Southeast Portland is an experience steeped in the rich aroma of their renowned Hair Bender blend. Bonus tip— they often host public tastings. Leave room in your suitcase though, you might find yourself wanting to take home more than one bag.2. Coava Coffee Roasters
Just over the Burnside Bridge, Coava Coffee Roasters is a true ‘made in Oregon’ story. Taking a DIY approach, they transformed a bamboo plywood showroom into a chic coffee sanctuary. Don’t miss their single-origin brews, loved for highlighting the distinct flavor characteristics of each growing region.
3. Case Study Coffee
Case Study Coffee, nestled in the heartbeat of downtown Portland on SW 10th Avenue, offers house-roasted beans with a special knack for nuanced flavors. Rather than just visiting, become a part of the Case Study community by signing up for a coffee tasting workshop.4. Sisters Coffee Company
Farther afield, charming Sisters Coffee Company encapsulates the pioneer spirit of the state, having started out in a small cabin in the town of Sisters. It’s an aesthetic delight as much as a coffee haven, with the snow-tipped peaks of the Three Sisters mountains as a backdrop. Try their roasts while perusing the locally made goods stocked in their store.5. Wandering Goat Coffee
Head down to Eugene and you’ll find Wandering Goat Coffee. This eco-conscious café is passionate about sustainability, working closely with small farms to source ethically produced beans. They roast their beans to the brighter side, letting the raw coffee flavors shine through – a must-try for those who enjoy a cleaner-tasting coffee.6. Water Avenue Coffee Company
Nestled in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District, Water Avenue Coffee Company serves up a batch of goodness in a bright yellow converted warehouse. Look out for their iconic salmon-colored espresso machine, as you sip on their aged Yemeni Mocha Mattari.7. Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
For a coastal caffeine fix, try Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters in Cannon Beach. They’re a small roastery tucked away in the foggy Oregon Coast Range where the smell of salt air, pine, and roasting coffee beans is pure Northwest bliss. Prepare for misty mornings with a warm cup of their Monastery Blend.8. Noble Coffee Roasting
Ashland’s Noble Coffee Roasting is a champion of organic coffee, consistently winning awards for their meticulously roasted beans. Stop by their cozy café on 4th street after a show at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Their Kenya Kangocho brew is an act worth a standing ovation.9. Thump Coffee
Over in Bend, Thump Coffee sources a unique collection of seasonally sourced beans to keep things fresh. A visit here is great when paired with a hike around the Deschutes River trail – you can carry your coffee in a local Hydro Flask to keep it piping hot.10. Heart Coffee Roasters
Last but not least, Heart Coffee Roasters. They create diverse and precise roasts in the Eastside district of downtown Portland. Here, minimalist Scandinavian design meets Oregonian craftsmanship. Don’t leave without trying their Stereo Blend, an offer as harmonious as its name.As you crisscross our beloved Beaver State in search of your perfect cup, remember to inhale that coffee-tech aroma deeply. Take the time to chat with those bearded baristas. Revel in the diversity of Oregon’s coffee culture, from sea-brushed Cannon Beach to the arty corners of Ashland. After all, Oregon and coffee are two peas in a pod – we wouldn’t have it any other way!