Symphony Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Beaverton

I have been here twice and already LOVE IT. The atmosphere is incredible. Peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. The baristas are friendly, charismatic, and seem to genuinely love and enjoy their jobs.

The food is a 10/10. While it may not be an ideal place for celiac folks, for people with gluten intolerances, their GF bread is pretty delicious. I recommend getting their (croissant) egg sandwich with gluten free bread with some added guacamole. Super delicious, especially with the Chipotle sauce they add!

The only criticism I would have is with their creme brulee. The custard is a 11/10, but the sugar on top is usually melted into the custard and isn't that beautiful caramelized shell that normally comes on creme brulee. It's a minor detail, but it's still so delicious I want to keep coming back for more regardless. I would love if they added a bit of sugar and torched it quickly before giving it to the customer, but I understand that may not be possible due to the busyness of the baristas.

The coffee is also a 10/10 strength-wise. If you prefer sweeter coffee, get their lattes with a bit of extra sweetness. For those coffee lovers who love it dark and bitter like their souls, their cold brew is incredible! It has a nice, strong, bitter taste that is almost citrus-like. I got a cup of their cold brew at 8am before I began moving/packing the first time I went in there, and I was so wired the whole day that I didn't need any more after that! Normally, I have to drink 2, 32oz cold brew coffees to make it through an 8 hour shift. Not with their coffee! A single 20oz was almost too much!

Genuinely, I love this place and will definitely be coming back as much as my income affords. It is peaceful and quite, lots of well taken care of plants add to the aesthetic, and everyone there is...

I had a turkey panini twice here. It also came with a salad and chips. All tasted good and fresh.

I also tried a single origin drip coffee from Guatemala that they were featuring. I loved it!

I haven't tried their pastries yet, but they look excellent.

I'm really happy to have a place like this not too far from my home. Yay!

Edit: I've come to this cafe many times since it opened, and they have maintained the quality. However there are a couple of downsides I want to mention:

1. Prices have gone up a lot - $12.95 for a (delicious) bagel sandwich with no sides. The same sandwich was $9.95 just recently. A 30% bump in price didn't make me happy.

2. The tables and chairs in this cafe are poorly suited for customers, because the legs of the tables make it hard to get in and out of a sitting position. Better would be to have at least the tables use a single central pole. Just that change would make a big difference.

3. Due to some personal medical issues, I'm unable to drink caffeintated coffee for awhile, and this cafe only has decaf in the form of espresso (no drip). Furthermore, the taste of their decaf is quite bland. I know decaf can taste much better than this - for example Marigold in Portland makes a great decaf.

4. The table service is very minimal - they will bring out the dish you ordered, but you need to fetch your own napkins, flatware, etc. Coffee needs to be picked up at the counter. Then they expect you to clean your table, bus the dishes, etc. all of which is fine, but the minimum suggested tip is 18%, and I ask myself, what exactly am I tipping for?

Because of the reasons above, I will be going to this cafe less often, and probably using the custom tip down to like...

Symphony Cafe in Portland, Oregon, offers a welcoming environment for both casual meetups and remote work. The cafe’s aesthetic is a standout feature, with books lining the walls and two cozy couches facing each other, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The seating arrangement is ample, with a mix of indoor tables and chairs, as well as outdoor options, catering to different preferences. The space is well-suited for those looking to chat over coffee or settle in for a productive work session.

The menu provides a reasonable selection of both caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages, appealing to a variety of tastes. During my visit, I tried the Spicy Mexican Mocha, which had a unique flavor profile. However, the chocolate settled at the bottom, resulting in an uneven distribution of flavors. While the spice was prominent initially, the chocolate only became noticeable toward the end, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. Pricing is fair, making it an accessible spot for regular visits.

The staff are friendly and attentive, contributing positively to the overall experience. Additionally, the cafe benefits from ample parking in the surrounding plaza, which is a practical advantage for visitors.

For those seeking a relaxed space to converse or work, Symphony Cafe is a solid choice. Its aesthetic charm, reasonable prices, and accommodating seating make it a versatile option. Overall, it’s a pleasant spot that balances functionality...