I attended an awards banquet at The Portico and I was blown away at how spacious it was inside the event venue. There was ample parking available in the parking lot in the rear of the event space. It was amble space in the lobby where a Photo Booth and red carpet was set up (booked separately from the event space). There was Christmas decor set up and it was perfect for the time of year. The inside looks like a grand cathedral. read more

The Portico Cafe - Awards banquet in the event space - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This undiscovered "diamond in the rough" is 100% my jam. You should go here now! Best kept secret: the breakfast burrito. Second best secret: the Cuban sandwich (on La Segunda bread). Even more important: it's a social enterprise that helps people coming back from addiction, homelessness, mental illness and the criminal justice system to find redemption and hope. The breakfast burrito is one of the best games in town. Don't miss it. I crave this! Tell Mindi the manager I said hello! She's an absolute star. read more

The Portico Cafe - There's my star!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I've never been to the cafe, BUT Portico is actually way more than JUST the cafe. They have a service at 10:01 that is truly SO different. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is skeptic or struggling with church hurt. I feel like every time I sit at a table there they nourish me spiritually more than I ever could plan. I'd love to get more involved with them :) read more

The Portico Cafe had been on my list of places to try for awhile so I did several months ago and I decided to stop in again today. First of all, the decor is nice! Sleek modern mixed with industrial style with leather, wood, steel, and bright colors. Murals and artwork from local artists adorn the walls. Cool aesthetics! Today, I got a breakfast burrito and a 12 oz coffee. Wait, that's what I ordered last time, too...hmmm. Well, the prices are reasonable. The breakfast burrito was $7.50 and it has eggs, bacon, cheese, and hashbrowns in a spinach wrap. It came with a side of salsa. It was delicious! The service is efficient and friendly, too. The Portico is not just a a cafe, it is part of a movement with a worthwhile mission to positively and tangibly impact homelessness in our community, engage in advocacy and social justice causes, highlight the artistic expression of artists who are focused on important social issues, and providing spiritual guidance through their inclusive, service driven Church. It's a great place to have a meeting (they have nice meeting rooms that you can rent), do a little studying, and get something good to eat all while supporting a great cause! Come check out the Portico Cafe. You won't be disappointed :-) read more

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Cute little cafe in the north part of downtown Tampa. The restaurant itself is adorable and as neat as a pin. I went in for a late breakfast. There was only one other table occupied. I ordered at the counter, and they brought my food out to me. I had a small latte and a breakfast burrito. The latte was very smooth and not too hot (I hate burning my tongue on the first sip). The burrito was full of egg, the potatoes were crispy, and there was a decent amount of bacon. Very tasty, no pepper or hot sauce needed. There's plenty of street parking available. The neighborhood itself isn't great, but it's easy to get parking right by the restaurant. read more

Portico is a wonderful place, great coffee, great atmosphere! Best place to bring a book, get a great breakfast sandwich & coffee and relax in one of the most beautiful coffee houses in town! Love this place & I am sure you will too. read more

I'm going to get my biggest complaint out of the way right away so that we can focus on how awesome this place is: cardboard coffee cups. Not very sustainable, plus it kinda goes against the cozy, homey feel this place has built into it. Get some real cups please! But ok, you really should come here. The cafe con leche was delicious and hot with the perfect amount of sugar so it wasn't too sweet or too bitter. I got wheat toast with almond butter, bananas, cinnamon, honey, and "local preserves" (which ended up being strawberry). WOW! It was so good! I was literally sopping up the preserves with the last piece of my toast because I wanted more! It was pretty sweet, so if you don't like sweet breakfasts try something different. My friend got the avocado toast which had lime, sea salt, and chili flakes. He said the chili flakes made him wary but he liked it in the end, plus he loved the fact that he could get gluten free toast. The atmosphere here is like I said- cozy and homey. A variety of seating choices, from plush chairs to metal patio tables, make it easy to do homework, visit with a friend, or just take a load off. The service here was incredible! They were so kind and friendly, our food and drinks were served quickly, and everyone from the barista to the cooks seemed like they genuinely enjoyed their job (a difficult feeling to invoke). Lastly, it is worth noting that this café is a nonprofit project associated with the Methodist church. It was nice to know that my money was going to help someone. I would totally come back to Portico given the chance! read more

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Great coffee and lunch joint discovered around my new work! Lived the vibe in there. Lots of working lounge areas but less fancier than Oxford Exchange and everything was under $7! I got large drip coffee and was able to get lots of almond milk..I love that this place gives back to the community and just saw there's community yoga on Tuesdays at 630 Will definitely be back! read more

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Not the greatest experience! Coffee was overpriced and bland. place seems dirty. Service was mediocre. Probably not best of choices for coffee . read more

I have been wanting to check this place out for a while. It is part of Hyde Park United Methodist's downtown campus and it looked like a nice place for a snack or light lunch. It is also minutes away from my job. There is a small complimentary parking lot but if it is full there is street parking all around the block. Today I was on vacation and had errands to run so I planned to hit the cafe between. I arrived about 1230 and it wasn't super busy. There was a group using a meeting room and then a couple other people like myself just ordering lunch. It is a nice, modern space and there is outside seating too. The menu is limited but not bad. There are several breakfast sandwiches to choose from or lunch sandwiches or salads. They also have various coffee drinks and they have a soup of the day. Prices are reasonable and the quality was good. I had the turkey sandwich and it was better than any food item I have had at Starbucks. It came with chips. I also ordered a 16 oz cold brew which was nice and strong. Total costs was just under 10 bucks. I had to wait about 5 min for it to come out and a server brought it to me. I will definitely be back because I like supporting businesses that give back to the community and also because the food was good. read more

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Portico is a lovely Café in the heart of downtown...one good thing is that it has its own parking lot right in the back..so no street parking if you can find a spot! Lots of healthy options to choose from and they have a great mission statement that is unlike others. Great atmosphere, cool place to relax, have a meeting, or to work from. They offer salads, coffee, tea, sandwiches, wraps, fruit smoothies...etc. Really nice spot! *accessible entrance* read more

The Portico Cafe - Inside dining and ordering area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

My daughter, son and I attended an event at the community hall across the breezeway from The Portico Cafe. Before piling back into our car and heading home, I decided to grab myself an iced latte and the kids some travel snacks. The cafe wasn't very busy when we arrived, it was late in the afternoon. We were able to peruse the menu, go to the bathroom, make our decisions and then walk right up to the counter. I ordered an iced latte with soy milk and my daughter wanted some of the chocolate chip cookies that the Portico Cafe offers. I was shocked by how little our order cost. You definitely can't stroll into other coffee shops in town and pay that price. A 20 ounce latte, with soy milk, will only set you back $4.30. I figured, because I wasn't paying premium price, that the coffee wouldn't be anything special. I was wrong. This was a really good latte. So good that when we returned downtown a few weeks later, I parked near the Portico Cafe solely so I could get another drink Aside from offering a good cup of coffee, another major reason to be a fan of the Portico Cafe is their connection to the local community. Everything you buy at the cafe goes to support homeless initiatives in the Tampa area. The baristas are hired through local nonprofit agencies, as the cafe prides itself on giving a second chance to people who are recovering from drug addictions or fighting homelessness. The Portico Cafe also pays some of it's employees a livable wage and offers them healthcare. In short, the Portico Cafe offers a good product at a decent price and all funds are funneled back into the Tampa community. Uh, how could you not like that? read more

I stumbled upon Portico after I came downtown early one morning to meet a friend. It's was one of three coffee shops open within a half a mile radius. The space is very artsy, open, and has table and comfy seating. Local art is hung all over the interior. Mostly small paintings. I got an almond milk latte because milk isn't for me anymore and it was ok! The milk to coffee ratio was a bit off. I love strong espresso and my latte was so diluted that all I could taste was the milk. Staff was extremely friendly and the space was comfortable. I'll def be back to see if I'll have a 5 star experience. read more

The Portico Cafe - Almond milk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I really love the mission the portico church and Cafe. The cafe employs those who are transitioning from a rough situation. As I am writing this review I am walking over for my daily hot black coffee. It's super convenient for and it just couple minutes walk from where I live. This not your ultra fancy coffee shop but the coffee is great and extremely cheap. I pay under 2 dollars for black coffee with an extra shot of expresso. I love the modern look and feel of the place and unless I'm in a hurry I find a comfy spot and enjoy the chilled environment. I love every piece of furniture in here. Yes there is free Wifi! They also serve breakfast all day which I've not tried yet. The staff is amazingly friendly and remembers what I to drink. The always check on me to make sure I'm doing ok. The Portico is the perfect solution for downtown and it brings additional flare to Downtown Tampa. If you work Downtown and it your near the portico, catch the Free Downtowner ride and make this your new regular coffee spot. read more

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This is a small cafe located right on North Florida. Blink and you might miss the parking, which is conveniently free. The employees are very friendly and it had this lovely pancakey aroma. We went for a team offsite and our boss ordered catering in advance. The sandwiches were very well made, the bread was crunchy and the insides were warm and tasted fresh. The conference room area is very comfortable and I really recommend to companies who are looking for a nice local to have a team building session offsite. I believe the conference room is free as long as you purchase meals for at least five people. My one caveat is that there were a lot of fruit flies, an abhorrent amount, but it happens and I am not one to judge for that. Its comfortable, quaint, and has a good productive environment. read more

The Portico Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I keep finding reasons and making excuses to swing by this downtown Tampa cafe. It has convenient parking and is easily accessible to anyone driving to, or through, downtown but I would still patronize Portico Cafe without those plusses. The light-filled indoor space is roomy and inviting. There is a large communal table, intimate seating arrangements and living room-style furnishings for a more comfortable place to plop. The design is such that I don't feel like I am crowding others, intruding on someone's space or eavesdropping on other conversations, intentionally or not. There is a nice outdoor seating area but I tend to stay inside and just revel in the space and the serenity it provides. The menu is a nice mix of breakfast items, smoothies, sandwiches, soup and salads that can all be accompanied by a great selection of coffees, hot chocolate and tea. The packaged baked goods displayed on the counter have been a delicious-looking distraction that I, so far, have been able to resist. Prices are quite reasonable and it is possible to enjoy food and drink for about $10, if not less. That is all admirable and affordable but what is most appealing to me about this place is the sense there is something very special going on here. This is a place for the community where people can find work for a wage that helps them afford a place to live and escape homelessness. This is a place that offers solace to those who may just want to take a moment to reflect, slow down and contemplate. This is a place that is accepting. And this is a place I want to see flourish for any and all who may visit. I may think I come here for the food and beverages. But I really come here because it is a small way to help and, hopefully, make a difference. read more

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The Portico Cafe is located next to a methodist church in downtown Tampa. The space is open and i was greeted by at least 2 people as I walked in the door. There is a menu right on the counter when you walk up, though it would be helpful to have one also hanging behind the counter. I ordered the Strawberry smoothie which was excellent, very tasty. For my meal that I took to go, I got the 2 eggs, bacon and american cheese sandwich, a basic staple at most breakfast places. It was very good, and the heat lasted on my trip back to work. A side of Sweet Potato wedges comes with the sandwich and you can exchange them for a bag of chips. Initially im not a fan of sweet potato, so i got the chips but thinking more i figure i can get cihps anywhere might as well just try them out. I was actually surprised that I did end up liking the wedges, great taste and not overcooked. Overall Portico is a very nice looking shop with a great function in helping out the community. read more

The Portico Cafe - Strawberry Smoothie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Great gem of a coffee shop. Awesome staff, fantastic food and service. Definitely worth a short walk for this cute cafe!

Decent food but the waitress is awful. Couldn't remember anything and got everything in our order wrong.

Clean and spacious cafe to jump start my morning. Staff is warm and friendly. The Everything Bagel is soft inside and crispy outside. Latte is very smooth with long lasting aroma. Also love that this cafe has a mission of helping the underprivileged with job ladders and affordable housing read more

The Portico Cafe - Everything Bagel and Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Amazing coffee!!! Hidden in downtown Tampa. Very spacious as the coffee shop is in a community center. There is a good amount of couches and table. Great to bring someone to chat, study, do work, relax and read, etc. They also have many selections for breakfast. read more

The Portico Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The Portico is the perfect solution to the lack of cafe/coffeehouses in the downtown Tampa area. Oftentimes, I've wished there was someplace I could grab a quick coffee that is convenient/walking distance to the library and finally my prayer has been answered. Upon entering it's artistic, open, and inviting space you instantly feel welcomed. The staff is friendly and polite. Which I commend, because I am adamant about exceptional customer service. I like that the proceeds from the customers' purchases benefit a worthy cause; the homeless initiative. Also that it is built upon God, faith and serving the community. I've only had their coffee thus far, a bit acidic for my liking, but I won't count them out, as they offer quite a few beverage and food options. I look forward to revisiting in the near future. I'd encourage those who frequent the Downtown/Tampa Heights area to stop by and give it a try. Let's spread awareness about Portico and the impact it can/and will make on the city. read more

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Clean convenient with good parking! Great coffee! In downtown it is hard to park anywhere so this made it very easy to go in and out of. read more

The Portico Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I stumbled upon this gem one day and couldn't be more delighted. The sandwich with prosciutto was, the guava pastry and iced latte were all done very well and the environment was very conducive to working, reading, relaxing or talking. Tons of seating and beautiful grounds! read more

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First things first - let me just say that I commend this cafe for its purpose and intention! It provides employment opportunities for at-risk/transitioning individuals, proceeds benefit the local homeless population, and the design of the cafe and some of its events are meant to facilitate and foster a community-oriented space and an inclusive environment - these are all things the downtown Tampa area is sorely lacking in, and I am thoroughly pleased to see an establishment that is answering those many calls, in meaningful ways. I came here one weekend morning to do some studying. Finding parking was a cinch, and the cafe itself is absolutely beautiful - lots of open space, large windows, seating/tables, and artistic decor with calm, earthy tones. I loved the ambience! The staff were very friendly and communal with their customers, which was cool to see. However, the reason for my three stars is because unfortunately what I was not a fan of, was the items I had ordered. I got their specialty drink - the Heath latte, iced - as well as one of their breakfast toasts, with goat cheese, caramelized onions, dried cherries, and sea salt. The iced latte just literally didn't taste like anything - I don't know where the Heath flavors were, but it just tasted more like an iced coffee with milk, and I ended up adding a ton of sugar to make it drinkable for me. The toast was just kind of off for me. I loooove goat cheese, but I was put off by the huge amount of onions (that weren't caramlized, more like just slightly wilted) and cherries piled on there - some bites tasted good, but then it also had a slight smell that was off-putting as well. Ultimately, I didn't end up finishing either the drink or the toast. :-/ But in all fairness, I think they are a relatively new establishment that's still working out some of their menu kinks and training, etc. So I would certainly be willing to come back and give this another shot, and continue supporting their purpose and mission. I would also still recommend giving them a try, at least once, as I think it is important to support this cafe long enough that they have a chance to improve and thrive in the community. I think they are doing great work that I hope will continue and be emulated in other parts of Tampa as well! read more

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I am visiting town and this cafe just happen to be close by to my hotel. Love the feel of the place which has local artists showing their pieces on the walls. Prices were very affordable for a good product. Avocado toast was 6.5 which coming from the northeast usually is about 13. Lobe that there is outdoor and indoor seating. I'd stop back in next time I'm in Tampa. Just did and had the hot cheese toast! Yum! read more

The Portico Cafe - Avocado toast and large coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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A beautiful rustic breakfast spot with an amazing concept. The Portico Cafe is a non-profit ran by the church with homeless initiatives. A portion of the staff are transitioning out of not-for-profits, paid livable wage and offered healthcare. The entire staff was so welcoming on my visit today. Their conference space is free & open to whoever reserves it. I ordered an avocado toast & chai latte (with almond milk) and it was extremely satisfying. I love places with an amazing purpose and that's why I'll be back to The Portico Cafe. read more

What a cool place. Staff was wonderful. A cool concept using the proceeds helping people who need a little help in life. Food is solid. Coffee is awesome. Space is beautiful. Don't think twice and head here, enjoy the space, do a little good, and enjoy! read more

I stumbled on this really nice coffee shop when I was early for an appointment downtown. It's attached to a church and just a couple blocks from the courthouse. Tons of spacious seating in both cushy chairs and standard tables/chairs. I just ordered a regular coffee (very tasty) but they have a nice variety of breakfast and lunch quick bites and the staff is wonderful and friendly. read more

I love being at the Portico. It's in the middle of the city, yet it's not hard to find a place to park. Lots of windows keep you connected to its downtown location, but somehow it feels like an escape at the same time. The atmosphere is great for meeting friends to catch up, meeting colleagues for a working lunch, or scheduling an off site team meeting in one of their reserved spaces to get away for some creative thinking. The food is delicious. Everything I've ordered has been great--I'm afraid it will distract you from your friends until you finish. :-) It is on the historic site of what used to be First United Methodist Church of Tampa. They have taken the worship spaces and made them accessible, reflective settings that are a great place for a moment of quiet in the middle of a busy day. The faithful might lament the closure of a church after a century in downtown Tampa, but the Portico has been designed in a way that remembers and honors that rich history. It's something new and fresh born from something traditional and timeless. It's just a great place to be whenever you can be there. On top of that, the Portico has committed to being a place for community change. They hire staff members who are formerly homeless, giving them a new start and the opportunity to hold their heads up high as they earn their own living. They use the space to celebrate the arts, and hold or host a variety of events that truly care for and encourage the soul of Downtown Tampa. I'm glad the Portico is here, and I hope it's here for a long, long time. read more

The extras in my sandwich were fresh and tasty. The staff super nice. The location was very clean. Allie, bc you replied I recognize you really care. I will update this review and you update yours as well read more

Quick, friendly service and their buttered Cuban bread is delightful! I shared a coffee with my fiance and we were supposed to share the bread but I ate it too fast! The atmosphere is cozy and pleasant - very spacious and great if you need to study. Their menu seems to have a lot of good options if you're on the run and if you Yelp, you get a free coffee for checking in! read more

I was very excited to find out they offer gluten-free bread for all sandwiches ($1 upcharge). I got the egg and cheese blt (#4 breakfast sandwich) and regular coffee. The large coffee was $2.25 and very rich and fresh. Glad I didn't waste money on the higher prices coffee drinks. The ambience is very nice and the staff friendly and wifi is FREE. You don't need to purchase to get the wifi code like a lot of places. read more

The Portico Cafe - #4 breakfast sandwich on gluten-free bread and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

A unique downtown coffee shop, with the added touch of helping the poor. It is in the refurbished original location of 1st Methodist Church that closed due to dwindling membership and has been resurrected by Hyde Park Methodist as a inner-city variation. You are greeted by the "Homeless Jesus" statue on a bench outside, with a view of live homeless at the nearby bus stop. The cafe itself has indoor & outdoor seating with some indoor tables crafted from salvaged panel doors. Live guitar entertainment is provided in evenings in a living-room-like setting to the side. The menu and prices are very similar to Starbucks, and the manager formerly managed a Starbucks. He also gave us a tour of the remodeled sanctuary where daily silent meditation services are held. The sanctuary also has posters/literature promoting adoptions. and an adjoining building proudly displays a mural centered on a proud rooster. The menu leans towards breakfast and lunch....many egg dishes, pastries and sandwiches. The manager says the prices are admittedly similar to boutique coffee shops so the clientele are mostly white collar, high-rise neighbors, with construction workers not wanting to pay for small "frou-frou" sandwiches, but the Manager says they are soon starting to add sweet potato wedges or a slaw to the sandwiches at no extra charge. Service is eagerly provided by trainees hired as part of rehab/rescue. Daily business has surpassed modest expectations and soon the cafe will turn a profit, allowing more to be trained/hired without depleting congregation resources or collections. read more

The Portico Cafe - Homeless Jesus at Portico (note his feet) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Ok. I'm in love with this place. IN LOVE. If any of you yuppies start to crowd up this place, it'll be a dark day in my world. I had the 16 oz chai latte w/ chicken lunch sandwich (ciabatta bread, olive aioli, cheese). Fantastic! I didn't expect this quality of food from a cafe like this. The cafe is beautiful and at a great location, don't get me wrong, but it definitely looks like another cafe in the Sykes building with overpriced mediocre sandwiches. Nope, this was a well-deserved MEAL. I will be conducting business out of this cafe a.k.a Skype phone calls to my buddies in all time zones. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! read more

This place is a great find. Downtown with its own parking. Great vibe and a non-profit. The food is absolutely delicious and very creative. We will definitely visit every time we come to Tampa. read more

The Portico Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Go here! Supports local cause in Tampa, homeless initiatives. Plus, the coffee is great. Parking is available in a lot, a rarity in downtown Tampa! The food is good too. Breakfast sandwiches available all day. The cook came out to check if we enjoyed our lunch. The decor is really nice. Very Tampa focused, comfortable, clean environment. Fast wifi. There is a meeting room available too! read more

I stopped by Portico Cafe for breakfast as I thought its mission to help those transitioning from hard situations is honorable. A few items on the menu were not available due to Irma hitting a few days ago, but I look forward to trying these when I return. Although I saw pictures before arriving, I didn't expect the area to be as spacious and welcoming as it actually is. There are tables and chairs of all sizes throughout the cafe, including what resembles a conference room separated by a rustic barn door. While the food was decent, it was rather cheap compared to other options in the area. Due to the amount of space, availability of plugs, and calming music, I recommend stopping by at least once for a great place to grab a snack or study. read more

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This is such a great place with an incredible mission. Today I had the Grilled Vegetable Salad - oh my! It was sooooo good. I also love their Avocado Toast. read more

The underlying work being done here is the true story of Good people helping those in need. They help reformed convicts, homeless, recovering addicts, et cetera to better help them in their path to success by paying them a true living wage and guiding them into a brighter future. The staff is friendly and the food is fantastic. If you take anything away from your experience here, let it be that you're supporting a small and local business continue to help its community through positive outreach and simply delicious bistro food. read more

The Portico Cafe - Roasted Turkey Sandwich w/ sweet potato wedges - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tampa, Florida