Oregon’s Hidden Gems: Best Coffee Roasters and Specialty Cafés

If there’s one thing we Oregonians love as much as our lush hiking trails and vibrant arts scene, it’s a freshly brewed cup of java. We’re fortunate to be home to some of the world’s finest coffee roasters and cafés, each with its distinct ambiance, flavor profile, and chic Oregon charm.

1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

With locations in Oregon City, Portland, and all around the globe, Stumptown has come a long way since opening its first café in Southeast Portland in 1999. Described as the torchbearer of the artisanal coffee revolution, this Oregon institution is famous for its direct trade relationships and sustainable practices, not to mention its delicious, perfect cup of coffee.

2. Heart Coffee Roasters

Founded in Portland in 2009, Heart’s distinct method of light roasting beans for maximum clarity of flavor has earned it a loyal following. Visit their East Burnside location and soak up some classic Portland vibes while sipping on a delicate, aromatic brew.

3. Courier Coffee

Located in Downtown Portland, Courier Coffee is a humble café where the beans are carefully roasted in small batches, old-school style. This joint respects the art of coffee making down to every detail. Pair a cup with freshly baked pastries made onsite – a Courier secret only true locals know.

4. Ristretto Roasters

A visit to Ristretto in northeast Portland offers a blend of industrial chic ambiance and exceptional coffee. Originating from locations like Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Colombia, their beans are roasted in vintage roasters providing a coffee experience that reflects Oregon’s eclectic spirit.

5. Sisters Coffee Company

This family-owned roaster tucked in the picturesque town of Sisters, Central Oregon, deserves a trip. Its rustic cabin-like café is a perfect place to relax after hiking the Three Sisters Wilderness trails. The smell of their organic, estate-grown coffee, mixed with the scent of the nearby pine forest, is a sensory delight.

6. Noble Coffee Roasting

Located in the heart of Ashland, Southern Oregon, Noble is renowned for its commitment to sourcing and roasting the highest-quality organic, fair-trade coffees. Nestled in Shakespeare country, it’s the best place to savor a brew before catching a show at the famed Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

7. Coava Coffee Roasters

Sourcing from single farms and coffee cooperatives, Coava’s focus is on creating the ‘wow’ factor with every cup. Experience this at their main public brew bar situated in the historic Jefferson West neighborhood of Portland. And for home brewers, their coffee school will take your skills to the next level.

8. Upper Left Roasters

Set in the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood of Portland, Upper Left Roasters is all about coffee craftsmanship. Artfully designed spaces, Hawthorne Bridge views, and single-origin espresso make this spot a favorite among locals.

9. Bespoken Coffee Roasters

Bespoken is all about bespoke coffee experiences. Brewing out of Corvallis, their ‘controlled process’ roasting style ensures maximum flavor consistency. Don’t miss their nitro-infused cold brew if you’ve been out enjoying a sunny day at nearby Cradle Lake.

10. Thump Coffee

Born and raised in Bend, Central Oregon, Thump Coffee embodies its origin’s adventurous spirit. Featuring beans sourced globally and roasted onsite, Thump’s two-story café in the heart of downtown Bend is an ideal stop during a visit to the Deschutes River or Mount Bachelor.

Remember this handy guide next time you’re exploring Oregon, looking for a stronger connection with the local coffee scene, because a sip from any of these local roasters is as satisfying, if not more, as hiking our best trails, attending our thriving festivals, or immersing in our rich arts scene. Oregon’s coffee culture is, after all, a delightful world in its own right, waiting to be savored and enjoyed. So, here’s to the next adventure, one cup at a time. You’re in for a treat, my friend. Coffee drinking truly doesn’t get better than this.