Red Square Cafe

I'm a regular at Tov (rhymes with "stove" and means "good") coffee and Joe and his staff are always…read moreterrifically kind. When I don't know what to do with my day, or I have work to catch up on, I go to Tov and go from there. Drink-wise, I often go for a Mucho Caliente, the "Mushit," a mushroom-based chai invention, or a Rose Mocha. I've had mochas all over and none compares to the way Joe and his staff concoct the drinks at Tov. The chocolatey-ness, viscosity, mouthfeel, flavor, sippability, sweetness, always satisfy my palate, and the balance of coffee to other flavors is always to my preference. Their drinks are decadent and may take a bit longer to make than expected, and I find it is well worth the wait. I enjoy getting comfortable on Joe's very colorful red cushions, taking in the purple Egyptian vibes within and the eccentric vibrancy that is Hawthorne outside. Fun fact: Joe doesn't believe in plain old ice, and instead he freezes cubes of milk! The cubes stratify into discrete layers that are fun to crunch through, reminiscent of the layers of baklava. Very enjoyable for someone who normally avoids ice or chewing on ice.

On a Saturday:: I was supper excited to get the traditional coffee, but she said they only do that…read moreon special occasions? Because it takes too long to do. They offered to put cardamon in my espresso but at that point it's a joke ...As a place that specializes in a specific culture ....and can't offer seems sus. It also took about 15 minutes to get my espresso my cousin got a latte that was just milk she ended up throwing it away. For pastries they had cookies and scones you're better off going somewhere else lol @ the owner

0.1 mi•Sunnyside, Belmont, Southeast Portland

Interior

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Egyptian Sahlab-2

Never Coffee

4.2(214 reviews)

Very cute and tiny, this place has very unusual coffees in addition to the traditional. Tried the…read morestrawberry fields on the recommendation of the staff and was pleasantly surprised with the delicious flavors for an iced latte!

Popped by Never this morning. It's still an occasional special treat for me at $8 a signature…read morelatte. But I think they're doing something fun and have some of the most unique coffee drinks in the city. I love their colorful branding, the mugs, the mural, the plants. I got the Rich Kid + Midnight Oil (and wish I had seen their sign for their take on a pumpkin spice called The Yams - I'll need to pay more attention to their seasonal flavors). I always forget which one I like best. I wish they had a flight. I'd also like to come back and try their beans - they have many bags/options - but the lattes are too tempting.

0.7 mi•Hawthorne, Richmond, Southeast Portland

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Inside

Golden Hour Coffee

3.8(34 reviews)

TL;DR: A small, bustling coffee shop on the corner of a busy intersection in the Hawthorne…read moreneighborhood serving interesting beverages. The Experience: I visited Golden Hour with a friend after taking a break from thrifting clothes around the Hawthorne neighborhood. What stood out: Food: I ordered the strawberry matcha latte with oatmilk. The presentation was gorgeous with layers of colors and textures. The drink was a bit sweeter than my usual taste but tasted high quality and refreshing. The crunchy strawberries on top were a yummy surprise. Ambiance: Golden Hour is quite small and sound carries. The workers talking to eachother were fairly loud. If I am in the area in the future, Golden Hour will be on my list to stop at!

Tasty flavored lattes!…read more I felt lucky to find a parking spot right in front of the cafe. Upon walking in, the staff behind the counter were friendly and kind. I placed my order and the barista let me know about a vegan cold foam alternative. The drink was great and the matcha paired nicely with everything in the drink including pandan, coconut flakes, and vanilla. The interior was clean and there were plenty of places to sit. Lots of people hanging out in the shop, some working, some talking, but it seemed like a good spot to get some stuff done. There was music playing that set a welcoming mood. Overall, highly recommend if you enjoy flavored lattes.

0.5 mi•Hawthorne, Sunnyside, Southeast Portland

Inside

The Horror!

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Inside

The Fresh Pot

3.9(132 reviews)

Located inside the Powell's on Hawthorne, this is a great place to spend some time. Tables are…read moreclose together but if you snag a spot, settle in to do some reading or working. They serve Stumptown coffee primarily I believe, and also have a variety of teas and pastries. It's been open here since 1997 which is pretty impressive. They have a second location on Mississippi. I think the shark art is quite fun.

Stopped in for a mocha and an onion bagel with cream cheese while I waited for someone. Nice staff,…read moremocha was made perfectly. Giving 4 stars because they could spruce up the place a bit. It's a small area but they could give it a little more life. Looks a bit run down. Maybe add some plants or something.

0.4 mi•Hawthorne, Mt. Tabor, Southeast Portland

Seating

Menu - January 2026

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Counter

Albina Press

4.0(226 reviews)

My favorite cafe in Portland! Great coffee that's always dialed in to perfection, kind, down to…read moreearth baristas and no millennial Apple Store inspired decor

Maaaaaaybe my new favorite coffee shop!…read more I had been to their other location but for some sad reason never made it here. Located on Hawthorne just past the curve at 50th, they've got plenty of free street parking in the nearby blocks. They don't have much external signage but they do have a lot of outdoor streetside seating, so it makes you wonder what everyone else knows. Inside, they've got Coava coffee, efficient staff, and an old-school cafe vibe. With multiple couches (one of my main criteria for a coffee shop) and free wifi, this is a place to work, meet people, and slow down. Great long hours - they're open 6am-6pm.

1.2 mi•Clinton, Richmond, Southeast Portland

Indoor seating

Olive feta marsant

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Hot chocolate, Honey Latte, Chai Latte (iced)

Wallflower Coffee

4.5(62 reviews)

Cozy, cutesy, vibey and yummy coffee!!…read more The service was great. They make a mean cold brew and I loved the seasonal horchata flavor. It had a good kick of caffeine too and it was served with a cute flower. There's lots of cozy places to sit, work, chat, read and do your thang!

Met up with a friend at Wallflower Coffee on SE Division. The space is bright, colorful, and full…read moreof plants, which made it a fun place to hang out and catch up. There are plenty of seating options, so we had no trouble finding a spot. The coffee was good, the staff were friendly, and there was easy street parking nearby. Overall, just a great neighborhood coffee shop with a welcoming vibe. Enjoy!

0.7 mi•Belmont, Sunnyside, Southeast Portland

Interior

Hot chocolate for a chilly day

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Interior

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

3.9(259 reviews)

Disappearing PDX…read more Once the "Starbucks" of Portland, Stumptown could be found everywhere. Well, you take things for granted and then this happens. Basal Belmont ~ grungy vibe, uppity baristas, the Hair Bender. Was poster announcement central for local events & shows. Cheers to a Portland icon.

Stopped by this cute coffee shop for their hot Americano. The interior of the shop is quite…read morespacious and it's a great place to work from home. The coffee is pretty decent and also not a bad location for a quick grab and go!

1.0 mi•Clinton, Richmond, Southeast Portland

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Chai

Better Days Cafe

4.5(39 reviews)

Better Days Cafe is a cool community-oriented spot located in SE PDX. To get here, street parking…read morewill be your best option and there is a good amount of it around the area. Inside, they have cozy and spacious setup with adequate space for seating. For their menu, they have a nice selection of coffee, matcha, and other bites to choose from. I got a Chocolate Ube Foam drink for today and really enjoyed its flavor profile. All of the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. Better Days are here at Better Days Cafe!

Beautiful and bright! Love the space and design with the…read morevinyl music ambiance. Vanilla bean latte - 4/5 not too sweet with a dark roast espresso latte taste. Great milk to espresso ratio to let you taste the coffee flavor. Strawberry matcha - 5/5 well whisked matcha with real strawberries! I love when places use real strawberry and whisk it into the milk before the matcha is added. I hope they add this to the regular menu because I think it was just a valentines special.

0.8 mi•Richmond, Clinton, Southeast Portland

Counter

Tiramisu latte

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Good Coffee - Richmond

4.5(224 reviews)

I had always wanted to try good coffee as I pass by it often. I finally decided to take the leap…read moreafter reading a pleasant review of their strawberry matcha. Their shop is very curated and is definitely has a "recently here because of gentrification vibe." However, I know it's been in Portland for a while and locals swear by it. With shops like these I find it easy to focus and work. The minimalist and industrial decor is a great place for adhd brains like mine. I was warmly greeted by someone at the register. I was interested in so many choices on their matcha. Horchata iced coffe, orange latte, strawberry Ube matcha. I asked the barista if they do exchanges or remakes for drink if the customer dislikes what they ordered. She mentioned they have a NO REMAKES policy. I knew it was time to lock in instead of trying something Willynilly. She was super patient with me as I wondered what to get and discussed my hesitations. She let me sample a tiny amount of the strawberry uber syrup and lavender to make my decision and it helped. I ended up getting and iced lavender matcha and didn't regret it at all. It's been hard for me to find good matcha in Portland and they didn't disappoint. The syrup was blended in well. The flavor of the matcha wasn't too grassy, bitter or powdery. I'm sad it's a seasonal drink because I'll Miss it. I also got an almond croissant, which was good but not mind blowing. I think I'll try the banana bread next time. They have a bathroom, 1 booth, bench seating and wall seating. It would be a bit of a challenge to bring a group larger than 3 here as they're small and busy. Maybe if you sat outside. Glad I gave this place a chance :)

I went to quite a few coffee shops while I was recently visiting Oregon and this was part of my top…read more3 places this latte was delicious! They thought out the flavors so perfectly it was so unique and worked so well! I loved it! The employees were very nice as well it was just a great experience overall!

1.1 mi•Hawthorne, Hosford-Abernethy, Southeast Portland

Oatmilk cappuccino

Interior

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Little cozy area for quick stop

Coava Coffee Roasters

4.2(175 reviews)

A very balanced cup of pour over. The staff is super courteous and considerate. I got the Ethiopian…read moreSO and it was really smooth. Lots of seating so do check it out

Great coffee in a convenient location. Grabbed a latte and a drip coffee and they were equally…read moredelicious. Highly recommend. Service was exceptional!

Americano

Matcha

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Latte

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8 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Crabby M.

8 years ago

Hey, wait a minute, howizzit that the Fed. at a gas station I frequented *knew* that the cover of Icosadyadria came from a convenience store blocks from here? Forget it! Say it out loud and in front of me so's I can tell -- too late now! Too much and too much owed, besides. Frankly, I don't give a damn. Give up *trying* to be surreptitious, though: part. if you don't know when you're faking "knowing" something or not (or "repeating" something or not), 'cause, once the strain starts to tell, on further reflection, there's a reason for it ... there's *no other* reason, now is there? (Ya in fourth grade? Got a crush on me, you can't contain? I think not.) Ice yourself. Serious: Give it up, all of it, 'fore you get lost and can't be found again. read more

Sarah K.

7 years ago

I stopped here awhile ago and the woman behind the counter was very nice to me. The prices were also very competitive, and there was no muss or issue or stock Starbucks music. People let telling me it was one of the most "Portland" places in Portland. I don't know about that, but I do know it has a feeling about it. They have computers you can use and at least as many options as Starbucks. They also had parking, which is really nice for some of the smaller places in Portland. The only negative is that it's kind of small as a place to hang out and it's a big brick square, so it doesn't have the kind of homey vibes as Starbucks but I liked it. read more

Devon C.

15 years ago

I've been coming here for sometime now, it's close to my house. It's a great little coffee shop with Stumptown coffee and tasty sandwiches. They recently got new tables outside and I can't wait for it be nicer out so I can people watch, I just wish they had beer it would be a great summer sidewalk hangout for me and my friends. Not like that won't stop from coming for my morning fix. read more

Brandy L.

12 years ago

local coffee, local pastries, local art, local local local!!!!! i love this place, it is humble, the baristas are attentive, the ambiance is always amazing, the food is delicious and cheap! read more

Martin C.

11 years ago

They rent out computers for cheap, and You get free usage with purchase of drinks or pastries. If you visit try the chai iced tea ... thumbs up!! read more

Amanda P.

11 years ago

whomever the guy with severe ADD or just aloofness is who works in the morning is horrible to deal with. food is OK but not worth it

Jeff M.

12 years ago

Great local flare, good music, great bagel sandwhiches, attentive and fun baristas! Beer and people watching! HIGHLY RECCOMENED.

IH K.

Elite 9

105

284

17 years ago

Coffee's ok. The space is ok. Service is ok. That's about it.

Red Square Cafe - coffee - Updated September 2026

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I have to be honest, it's REALLY hit or miss here. As a motorcycle rider I sometimes like to come…read morehere and veg out. A few weeks ago, I did just that, and saw a ton of riders here, enjoying the nice weather. Then, like 2 weeks ago I came here on Sunday and there was a homeless guy asleep in the corner and the most unfriendly barista I've ever met that gave me this attitude, like "we don't serve your kind here." So wait.. you don't like paying customers who aren't as miserable as you? Yeah. Pretty bad. So I'm giving it a 3-star review because on sunny days it's nice to get out and come here to St. John and see some different faces/riders. On crappy days, though? Not so much.

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