Big Growth Spurt In Portland Cafe Scene

August 20, 2013 Sarah Cafés 1

While the Barista Mag crew was at BARISTA on Alberta in Portland for a photo shoot yesterday, I chatted with owner Billy Wilson about the progress of his fourth cafe, due to open in October “if everything goes totally perfectly,” Billy said with a wry smile. Then we all talked about the busy goings-on in the Portland cafe scene: Heart Roasters is nearing completion of its specious new cafe in Southwest Portland within the happening Alder Street neighb, while Coava Coffee steams ahead with build out of its latest at Southeast 26th & Hawthorne.

Ristretto s newest cafe in Portland is streamlined and sophisticated, but maintains the edge Portland's best coffeehouses are known for.
Ristretto’s newest cafe in Portland is streamlined and sophisticated, but maintains the edge Portland’s best coffeehouses are known for.

But one of the best is already open: Ristretto Roasters, whose original and primary space is a cornerstone of the lively North Williams Street shopping district, and which has opened another successful spot on Northwest Nicolai, just swung the doors open a few weeks ago to its latest, located at 555 Northeast Couch.

Raw wood, long architectural lines, exposed piping, and jaunty baristas lead to the mid-century vintage feel of the newest Ristretto cafe.
Raw wood, long architectural lines, exposed piping, and jaunty baristas lead to the mid-century vintage feel of the newest Ristretto cafe.

Besides having excellent coffee and a stellar cast of baristas led by none other than Maggie Davis, the new Ristretto location is home to the only Steampunk not only in all of Portland, but in the Northwest in general right now!

The Alpha Dominiche Steampunk hangs out on the long bar alongside the La Marzocco Strada at Ristretto's Couch Street location.
The Alpha Dominiche Steampunk hangs out on the long bar alongside the La Marzocco Strada at Ristretto’s Couch Street location.

I get emails every day from out-of-towners headed to Portland to check out our amazing cafe scene, asking me what shops are the must-visits on my list. Well, now I’ve added another: Ristretto Roasters at 555 NE Couch. Check it.

Ristretto Roasters in Portland, Oregon.
Ristretto Roasters in Portland, Oregon.
About Sarah 932 Articles
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.
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