Common Grounds is your vibey relaxing neighborhood coffee shop. What This place has going for it: 1) Great coffee 2) Friendly baristas 3) Great service - quick, well made, attention to detail 4) A selection of pastries and breakfast items. What this place doesn't have going for it: 1) I wouldn't change anything about this place. read more

Turned out to be a good place to study on a winter Saturday night. I really enjoyed a cup of mate with some kind of roasted rice, a delicious unusual flavor. It's a cute place with those classic curling wood backed chairs and cute art with warm, mellow lighting. They have a few couches as well. I'd like to give three and a half stars. I like it more than a-ok. read more

How this has so many good reviews, you got me. I came here because of the reviews, and it makes me question people's judgement in Portland. First of all, it was the hottest day of the week in Portland, and the AC was not working. It was so hot and uncomfortable, and people are just sitting there all sweaty, drinking their coffee. The barista was cool and was able to make my specific drink, and I appreciated it. He also pointed out a place to plug in my phone to charge it. Every table had dirty dishes on it, and I assume it is bus your own tables but people here don't realize it? When I went to plug in my phone, it was clear that they don't sweep this place much. I wonder if this is how the front looks, how does the back look. read more

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This place is like an old friend, always there for you. It is reliable, and you know what to expect. Even the chairs are comfortable. Everyone is always nice too. I wish they had better tables for working. read more

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Stop 3 of my sunday Hawthorne Coffee place exploration project. This place definitely looks more hipster and comfy. Got the Hazelnut Iced Mocha which was a little too sweet but good nonetheless. Service was prompt and friendly and wifi speeds were good too. Nice place to hangout on weekends over a cuppa coffee! read more

For the second of two coffee shops doing their own baking (but in this case not their own roasting) an unexpected rain storm before pizza at Apizza Scholls sent me to Common Grounds; an idea clearly shared by many as the store was chockablock full with only one open seat at the bar near the window. Procuring the space and asking an older gentleman to watch my bag while I placed my order I was greeted by a friendly young woman and having only intended to order an Americano she inquired "how about a cookie? They're fresh and delicious," - clearly a suggestion I'd be foolish to ignore and thus leading me to order two, the entirety of the order prepared in a few moments and carried back to my seat for a mere $5 after leaving a $1 tip in the jar. Beginning first with the Americano, a 12oz single shot, I appreciated the nuttiness of the finish but not particularly the upfront acidity - a problem I've noted before with Café Vita and one mostly remedied by a packet of Splenda and immediately was thankful that there would be more to the experience than just the coffee - the first of those being a rich Molasses Cookie, still sticky from the oven and spicy but also substantially sweet...the sort of cookie one can (and I did) dunk in the coffee thereby benefitting both items. Moving next to the larger of the two cookies, also $1, the "Cowboy Cookie" featuring the standard flour, butter, and sugar plus oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips would prove to be a step up from both the coffee and the Molasses in terms of both complexity and flavor - everything well balanced and although easily enough made at home a nice way to pass away some time during a rainstorm while browsing the net. Certainly not a 'destination' coffee house or bakery like so many others in PDX good enough in a pinch, and clearly a popular joint amongst locals. read more

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I love this place. Great coffee and delicious, freshly-baked pastries and food. The ambience is homey instead of hip and sterile. I find the baristas are very nice if you're nice to them, but you won't get fake smiles here. If you want a relaxed space where all comers are welcome and no one is pretending that the world is perfect, try it. I drive out of my way to visit this genuine, neighborhood gem. read more

Great local coffee shop in Portland. The space is roomy and includes a number of tables with chairs. There are also multiple large comfy couches so seating is readily available. My boyfriend and I ordered an americano and a 'dirty' matcha (matcha and espresso). Although the barista did not know what it was she was willing to make it for me and it tasted delicious! They do have almond milk available if you prefer that. I thought the cutest part about this place is they repurpose their coffee bean grounds so that customers can use them for their home gardens! I thought that was so smart and such a great way to use the grounds vs just throwing them out. The location is on a quiet block. Prices are normal for coffee and they do low you to share local events you may be hosting on their community wall. read more

Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place has a pretty chill vibe. It is my first experience here and I will be honest, wasn't welcomed well by the baristas. As I waited for my sandwich I noticed she was familiar with many regulars, so maybe she will be more kind if she becomes familiar with my face? I didn't wait long for my breakfast sandwich, it was kind of cold in the middle. Coffee was tasty, however, also on the cold side. I enjoyed my coffee and sandwich outside on their red benches, surprisingly comfortable. Lots of room to spread out my things! It is about a mile from my place, I don't know if I will make an initial visit to come back. read more

Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Breakfast sandwich (veggie- half eaten) and a cup of coffee $7.50 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Been coming to this place weekly for about 6 months and their avocado toast and pastries hit it out of the ball park every time. It's nice to have a treasure of a cafe in the neighborhood read more

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in Portland. It's old portland, with old portland prices and a great crowd - all ages, tending to the counterculture and intellectual and artistic, but low key. The couches are comfortable and clean, there are lots of tables and some benches outdoors (sometimes people play guitar or chill with their dogs). They have beer, wine, and mimosas as well as food. And they hold community events and have a theater in the back- this place is a gem to the community and is worthy of our patronage! read more

Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The coffee was pretty decent. Had a mocha latte. The service was indifferent, if anything. Not friendly, kinda surly but not mean either. Tried their everything bagel. Definitely did not taste like a real bagel. Had a weird aftertaste to it. Yet another in a long line of bread shaped like bagel but not a real bagel. It does get crowded around noon . Does begin to thin out later. read more

This is the best avocado toast I have ever had, I am addicted. So simple, great bread, fresh avocados, high wuality olive oil and red pepper flakes. I would eat this every morning if I could! read more

Portland coffee culture seems to have taken three decidedly different tacks. 1. Those little mini-roasters that get all crazy in to the most technically perfect cup of brew ever. 2. Regular coffee houses that serve up someone else's roast and make okay-to-decent coffee but have lots of tables, reliable wifi, food that's more substantial than pastries, and often are kind of quaint and arty. 3. The drive-thru/SBux/Dutch Bros/places that specialize in giant, overly-sweet coffee-flavored hot milkshakes. Common Grounds falls squarely within #2. The folks here brew Vita coffee with a decent amount of skill. The space is large and thrown together, with plenty of places for the funemployed, creative class and stay-at-home parents to post up during the day and leech off of the free wifi. It has that art-y neighborhood feel that's perfectly suited to upper Hawthorne. I can imagine that it has a loyal following of 'hood regulars and is the nexus of many a community endeavor. I've always had decent coffee here. It has served me well for a meeting or two. I have no problem with anything per se. I guess it's not really my kind of coffee house. But can I fault them for that? I do enjoy that, like another coffee shop I recently reviewed, Common Grounds lacks the Portland Pretense that oft comes with the #1's of the world. That said, I'm kinda snobby about my cuppa, and so I tend to veer towards the #1 style coffee house above instead of this type. That said, I'm not going to diss this place star-wise since it's simply not my bag. What they offer here is good and they offer it with a friendly smile. In Portland coffee culture, that smile can be worth an extra star alone. Local. Neighborhood. Community. Coffee. read more

The One Where Danni Finally Five-Stars Common Grounds I've been watching a lot of "Friends" reruns lately. A lot. As in, "Could I BE living in the past any more right now?" And I have been nostalgic for Central Perk. Crazy nostalgic. I remember fondly the days when I would sit on a couch all day sipping absurdly large lattes listening to my friend sing "Smelly Cat." Oh. Wait. That didn't happen. But it could have. And it could have happened right here at Common Grounds. Interspersed among cafe tables, they have a minimum of three couches plus big overstuffed chairs that just beg you to sit and catch up and stay and play with your fabulous, quirky, haven't-figured-life-out-yet adult Friends. If you don't have any such friends, or if your friends are all "working" during the day rather than sipping absurdly large lattes, Common Grounds has you covered with reliable WiFi, Cafe Vita beans, a beer and wine license, tasty cafe sandwiches, and a huge selection of magazines and newspapers. So my love of this place has admittedly been cyclical. And for a while there, we were on a break. But I'm back. And we're going to end up together in the end, they way we're supposed to. Because this place is my lobster! read more

I had the oregon chai latte and my boyfriend had the matcha latte, both were so good and reasonably priced. Lots of comfy couches and chairs to sit on as well as desks for working. read more

This is my go-to coffee place. Even though it's about a 30 block walk for me and there are plenty of coffee houses I pass along the way, the baristas here put this place over the top. Knowledgeable, friendly, and above average conversationalists, they help contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that is Common Grounds. Try the homemade ginger bread with your coffee if you're looking to get really crazy. Their roasted veggie sandwich is out of this world as well. read more

After the final kid left the nest, I dreamed of moving from the suburbs to the other side of the river, where life really happens. I left the world of SUV's, soccer mom's, and mini malls straight to Hawthorne. Bonus... I was ecstatic not to see a Starbucks anywhere in sight. I had a guy ask me the other day where the nearest Starbucks was and I was never so proud to say not anywhere near here and sent him across the street to a real coffee shop. Editorial correction: It was pointed out to me that there is a Starbucks on Hawthorne...sorry dude, that I pointed in the wrong direction....i did you a favor. Before my move I pictured myself sitting in a comfy coffee shop sipping coffee out of a ceramic cup with the cute little swirl on top, reading up on what's going on in my community. I moved all most right across the street from such a place. Common Grounds fulfilled my coffee drinking dreams to the fullest. What I didn't count on is that they would have one of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever eaten. Gooey, messy, and I am sure more calories than I can count. No, we don't get the vegetarian sandwich, to qualify as a breakfast sandwich in my world there must be bacon. Thank you Common Grounds for being there for me and my new life of freedom and bliss. Kids, what kids? Oh yes, I did have 2! read more

It was a pleasure to stumble upon this coffee shop. It is just what you'd hope for if you wanted to unwind with a cup of coffee away from home. The atmosphere it very relaxing, like those coffee shops in movies you always wish you could find. They had nice art on the walls and I get the feeling they mix it up with different artists but I could be wrong. The music was also pretty relaxing. I got a medium mocha (2.70$, ouch). It came in a porcelain mug which and had heart on top of the foam for decoration (foam art?), very charming! read more

Not as good as other Portland offerings for espresso. The drinks seem pretty inconsistent, and very dependent on the barista. Mine typically come back bitter and probably overextracted. I judge a coffee shop by their cappuccino, and the milk tends to come back way too foamy and airy, too thick, and not silky. WAY too hot, also. Probably scalded. I had the egg and tomato breakfast sandwich too, and that was fine. The bread was good, nice and crispy. The tomato wasn't the best, but tomatoes are hit and miss. I won't blame them for that. They didn't grow that shit. I do like the atmosphere; it's a fun space and very comfortable. Unless I'm in a hurry and have no idea where I want to go for an espresso in the morning, I'll pass. read more

I have been coming to common grounds for about 9 years. During this time they have been through several remodels and owners but they have always managed to maintain their neighborhood feel. The most recent remodel has made some positive changes in the counter and flow to order and get your coffee and tasty pastries. They rearranged some furniture and brought in a ton of outlets and extension cords for your computing pleasure. They have also recently changed their coffee to cafe vita which is awesome. Definitely our go to spot in the neighborhood to hang out and get caffeinated. read more

I was sad when this place went dark for a few months, but I'm so relieved that the new owners have kept the same vibe and continue to offer decent coffee and delicious snacks (super yummy savory muffins!). To be honest, I'm not a coffee snob so I can't say how good the coffee is. I like it just fine. To their credit they always have a pot of house coffee ready to go. I can't believe how many times I go into a coffeehouse and have to wait for them to brew a fresh pot. What's up with that? I prefer the coziness of this place over the coolness of Stumptown or Albina. I like their magazine selection, the art on the walls and even occasionally, the music. A sweet spot. I hope the new owners have much success. read more

Rotten!! I've been spoiled rotten!! And to think I knew what a "good" cappucino was... I'll never be the same again. My wife and I took an anniversary road trip to Portland. We had done some Yelp research as well as accumulating other internet and friend suggestions as to where to go, what not to miss, etc. We read all about Crema but didn't hear much of Common Grounds. That changed once we stumbled upon the place on a lazy Sunday afternoon. She ordered a Mexican mocha and I wanted to sample the cappucino. The barista was chipper - for a late Sunday morning - and the place was chill. And the Comfy Couch had our names all over it. We settled in to the cozy corner and the orders were up. Now, we had seen the pictures online of great coffee art and we were both completely impressed with the careful attention to detail. Don't we all eat with our eyes as well as our mouths? The embroidered leaf floating on the top of our drinks were a warm welcome to a city where attention to details is king. Yes, I know other cafes include the same topper - but it was just nice to see it up close. We sipped. Our eyes grew wide. Wider. OMG!!! (we actually used the words) This is goooood. Really good. The couch seemed to inhale our bodies as we fell into a flavor coma. If this robust, creamy, goodness is what folks are conditioned to expect in Portland, it's no wonder people move there for the food. Common Grounds was an exceptional and comforting respite - without the buzzy hype - on an overcast afternoon. And after my cappucino was empty I tried a Mexican mocha just so I didn't feel like I was missing out. Thanks for enlightening our tastebuds! read more

I dragged my non-coffee drinking friend out with me for my first experience with CG CH. It's very calming in this place. Lots of college girls knitting and talking harmless smack about some guy named "Shane", game boys with laptops pretending not to undress them in their minds; a few couches, lots of circle tables, and a fun group of stools at the bar window for people or rain watching. The girl behind the counter was Portland-aloof, but very nice. I questioned her avidly on the various chai lattes...she informed that she had no taste for any of them and that she makes them better at home. Hmm...okay, well, then can you make me one the way you would make them? Unfortunately, she had left her travel chai latte kit at home, and thus I settled for the lightest of the chai's on the list and despite it being a bit sweet (as she did warn), it was good :) My friend got a mocha, which he had never experienced before; I don't think they serve them in prison and most of his taste buds have been destroyed by nicotine, so props to this girl for making a power-poppin' mocha with lots of whip cream and powdered chocolate on top. The vibe here is mellow. The colors of the walls keep you even-keel, lighting isn't too sterile or seizure-inducing, and they aren't a gazillion laptop-ers surrounding you, making you feel lost and alone with your lame book and boring coffee in a world that seems to scream, Blade Runner. Sorry, I have no desire to tweet the astronauts on the Endeavor ("How's space, guys?"), nor engage in a five-man battle of Worlds of Warcraft on my computer with princess-lei headphones. Sometimes, all you want is mellow music, non-manic inducing colored walls, a few knick-knacks like at g-ma's, and a fresh cup of coffee while you kick back with "____ for Dummies." My only chagrin, was how stuffy the place was; we got there around 8:30pm and it was very humid inside. I could see the speckles of sweat beads on my pal's forehead as he knocked back his mocha. But, in a town I have realized closes down its coffee shops at like 7pm, as if it's a western town at high noon, I give points to this place for staying open until 10pm. They take credit cards, no minimum I believe, and free water for those of you from LA, where you usually have to pay to be poisoned with lead-based tap water. I'll def. go back provided they crack a window or the door. read more

When I was a Portlandian a few years ago, my last abode was just a stone's throw away from Common Grounds... well actually a short bike ride, but... I loved this coffee place! Tasty brews, with all sorts of milk and flavor options, are served here. They have... newspapers to read and a great selection of magazines... Not to mention I believe they are likely the only Portland coffee joint that has a subscription to Dirt Rag, the MTB mag that beats the snot out of all others. And this is in Portland! Running town USA... Bike Commuter town USA! Can you believe it?! They also boast a diverse menu of food that is prepared fresh for you. I heart their breakfast sandwiches, which are grilled kind of panini style and come with homemade ketchup inside. They are quite sizable and really keep you going. The atmosphere of the cafe is quaint and cozy with a few comfy couches to relax on. I have spent many a morning or evening hanging out there reading for work and pleasure. Very friendly owner and staff who appreciate your business and take care of their mistakes when and if they happen. I miss my Common Grounds... read more

The fine folks at Common Grounds have seen me in some sour states, in particular on Sunday mornings when I tend to stumble in with a hangover. As soon as I get my steaming bucket of hot coffee for only $2, I'm feeling better. And there's no sweeter hangover cure than a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. The service is pretty fantastic, too, which is great considering that it's always packed. My one complaint is the awful, awful tables and chairs. I'd love to see them raid a yard sale and come back with some gems, and then have a giant bonfire for the back destroying grandma chairs. EDIT: They replaced the chairs! Now it's divine. read more

If you've read my reviews on coffee shops, you'll probably note that I don't consider myself the biggest fan of the coffee culture. Personally, I use coffee shops mostly as a convenient venue for informal business-ish meetings. On that note, Common Grounds is a notch or two below some of my faves, though depending on what you're looking for, the place may be more up your alley than mine. To begin with, I'm not a fan of businesses that use silly puns or oh-so-clever plays on words as names - so "Common Grounds" has already rubbed me the wrong way before I even walked in the door. Yeah, ok, ok, I get it Common GROUNDS, coffee GROUNDS [groan]. Anywho, the first thing I would have notice was all the interesting and creative artwork on the walls...I say WOULD have noticed, because before I could begin to appreciate the artwork I had to clear my senses from the auditory assault from the way-too-loud music! To be fair, the music was an eclectic and cool, though not very relaxing, mix of tunes - but turning it up to eleven really put a damper on our discussion, and I'd imagine would not be very conducive to someone who wants to enjoy a peaceful coffee with a book or while surfing the web on their free Wi-Fi. Then again, I'm not sure Common Grounds would be the best place to grab a few relaxing moments with your coffee anyway - they DO have a few comfy looking couches, but overall the seating is a bit tight, the tables are barely large enough to squeeze your coffee next to your laptop, and something about the places just messes with my sense of feng shui. One cool thing though: they have a sort of "bike triage" clinic on Sundays (I think...) where they will help you with simple maintenance and repair, as well as give you pointers and tips on biking around. Very cool! To drink I went with a 16oz house coffee (served in a pint glass), and it was pleasant enough. The baristas were nice and efficiently dealt with the small, but steady line of peeps seeking their coffee fix. Overall Common Grounds is not bad, and if I lived in the neighborhood I might find myself there more often. As it is though, I doubt we'll pick Common Grounds for any future meetings, and can't see myself going back that frequently. read more

Everything about Portland you love! The Portland coffee house, you may as well paint a picture and frame it, because at Common Grounds you've found it. Very nice coffee shop with ambience that's hard to replicate. Old tables and chairs, 80's era couches, and just a touch of must that speaks to a place that's been around because they get it right. People are happy here, and the snobs from the West side looking for their "Portlandia" experience they saw on tv before they moved here will get their fix and get out. This place is SE PDX in a nutshell and isn't going anywhere. They have an excellent selection of coffees, sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and some light lunch items; Very veggie friendly as well. Service is very fine as well. Nice people working hard to get everything done and it isn't easy because it's not a big place and they get very busy. So why only 3 stars if it's so great? A few things that keep me away more often than not. It's crowded and can get loud. Not their fault by any stretch, but it's hard to have a conversation. Mainly though, I drop a star for cleanliness and/or value. It's a clean place, but the coffee and condiment area can be a mess, and they need a better station. I've since been told they're working on it. Value wise, it's so-so for me. They charge $1.25 for a 12 ounce mug of coffee with .75 cent refills. To be honest I would rather pay a bit more up front and have one free refill. It's normal at many places, but to each their own and if it's been working this long at Common Grounds with no complaints, then so be it. Overall, great place, just pick a slow time to relax and enjoy. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. It's a slice of Portland we need to hold on to. read more

Cute coffee place in a great area. Comfortable. Free wifi. OK drip coffee. These were exactly what I was looking for. Music was a bit loud, but then I was sitting right under the speakers. Closes too early for my taste... 10pm. Otherwise a good place to sit, sip some coffee, and get work done. read more

Friendly amazing service. Best Ethiopian coffee I've ever had! A new favorite... The lady working let me try the coffee so I could see if I liked it, I loved it so I bought 2 pounds :) read more

On the cozier end of the coffee shop spectrum, Common Grounds will keep you warm during a midweek snowstorm. I only had a standard drip coffee and bagel w/ PB but it was plenty for me. Their WIFI was quick and I was able to read a few online articles with no problem. I would easily come back and spend a couple more hours in here if I had the chance. read more

I love it here, fun workspace and very cozy. I sat by the air purifier at the bar and did computer work with a tasty drink. Also their stickers are cute read more

I have finally found the best chai latte in town. Thank you, Common Grounds. They have several different varieties, too! I really like so much about this place. The staff is friendly, the sitting area is comfy, and they have a pretty wide selection of food. I've only tried a couple of things so far since I tend to just like a small pastry with my coffee/tea and they don't have the most interesting range in that respect, but the tasty banana/PB/honey breakfast sandwich hits the spot. Cute fox/chicken logo, too. read more

Today marks the second time I've visited this place. The first time I'll admit I was a bit skeptical after reading reviews about the smell and other little miscellaneous things, but it was an overall good experience. When I first came in, I wasn't really greeted but didn't mind too much... just rolled with it. But when I got to ordering the lady was very helpful since I wanted an iced "dirty chai" latte and they give you the option of choosing from 4 different kinds depending on if you like your chai spicy, sweet, or regular. Came back again today and it was better, maybe because I already knew what to expect, but got another iced dirty chai tea (dragonfly) latte and a turkey panini this time. I recommend the panini, it's really good and even has avocado and (non spicy) peppers in them. The chai is good too, so far so good! Positives: Strong wifi, air conditioned, fair amount of seats/outlets, good ambiance, open late. Music is on, but not too loud, and allows me to still focus. It's Hawthorne you have to find street parking, but I haven't had any issues so far. This place definitely gets the job done for me since I'm not too high maintenance. Try it out! read more

There are a lot of good coffee shops in Portland, but Common Grounds is definitely one of the best. Here are my favourite things about it, in no particular order: - Plenty of seating. Even when it's busy, I have no trouble finding a seat. - Excellent magazine selection. I love to sit and relax with a sandwich and the Economist. - As a friend noted, a coffee shop is a strange kind of semi-social space. On the one hand, you want to be alone with your book or laptop. On the other hand, you don't want to do it at alone, or you'd just be at home. Anyway, having other people around can provide inspiration for whatever you are working on. And Common Grounds is a good place for this. There is a pleasing mix of people, not the unrelenting hipster chic of other coffee shops in the SE. - The wifi connection is strong. Always decent bandwidth. read more

Standard Regular Local Coffee Shop. Lots of room, non-complex coffee, good wifi. The food prices are great- but I really just like all the room. It lets me sit by myself and not be too bothered early in the morning. Sandwhich type foods are standard I would warn- I imagine that is to deter too many people ordering them. read more

Pros: -Great espresso and quality drinks--never been disappointed with an espresso drink yet. -Free magazines! And lots of them. -WiFi, naturally. -It's warm enough, which not all coffeeshops are in the winter. -Nice baristas, nice crowd, not too crowded ... but of course this is Portland so that may be par for the course. Cons: -Drip coffee is quite bland. I'm not a Stumptown fan and I hate to say it, but the Bucks has the best cup of drip for my dollar. -Music is generally decent, but the last time I was there I was chased out by a bad back-to-back of CCR, the Eagles, and Skynrd's Freebird, of all too-long, overplayed crap-rock anthems. Baristas, come on! Give your customers a break! So why 4 stars? The Mexican mocha. It's actually spicy. When I want something more than black drip or an americano, the Mexican is the best hot (morning) drink in town. Sweet, delicious and spicy--yum! read more

Nice little coffeeshop with your typical cafe setup: wooden floors, little wooden chairs & tables, some comfy couches. Home-y feel. The soy chail latte I ordered was pretty much your typical Portland-tasting chai. I personally like the more creamy sweet & spicy chai (yes, I'm a Starbuck-er... haha, and iike their creamy concentrated chai lattes), so I was a bit disappointed. But overall, good quiet atmosphere. Maybe not the best place to have conversations since it's quite small/quiet and most ppl seem to be there on their laptops, reading, or doing some other individual activity. More of the type of cafe to sit down and read a book or get some work done :) read more

Great coffee one of best I have found in Portland. However their breakfast sandwiches are not restaurant quality. They charge .75 cents for fake avocado spread! There should be some kind of law against that or a least list a disclose on the menu. Breakfast sandwich: egg, cheese, bacon or ham and processed pretend avocado spread for .75 extra. read more

Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Fake avocado spread... say what? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

As I was sitting on this really old used couch--comfy in that way that happens from use, reuse of butts depressing it, I was thinking of a time in my 20s living in Chicago of another coffee shop, another season, a different me. In a way, coming here, I think I've come full circle to an idea that the Beats caressed in their thumping hearts of travel with no strings and the big wide open country before them. This is what occurred to me drinking my iced morocan mint tea. It's not an altogether bad place to be--physically or dreamily. A small, comfy, place with alternative music, used furniture, and good conversation with friends. It's a clean, airy environment that I was glad to spend an afternoon whittling away the time writing and catching up on my daydreams. Perhaps, I can recapture the ideals of that former traveling Beatnik even as I grew up--leaving that Toys R us Kids behind. read more