Coava Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Portland

This place feels less like a coffee house than a showroom for questionable fashion choices and expensive wooden items (furniture? Flooring? not clear). On this particular day all 4 of the child-men working behind the counter wore beanies perched uselessly on the very top of their head. Conceptually I can't...get there, with this. It's like wearing winter boots, but you only put your toes in. It's like tying a heavy winter coat over your shoulders like some preppy sweater - utterly pointless and you look pretty dumb too. If you think this is unfair, I was with several other grown adults who also struggled to understand the fashion on display. It was actually very distracting, we started taking bets on which beanie would fall of first in a strong breeze. So, the coffee...meh. The poor guy doing the pour-overs (voted least likely to lose his beanie) looked as excited as could be to be standing there, pouring water...slowly...over coffee all day. The counter dude was wearing a navy-blue women's jacket(lol) sort of like a real peacoat, and a black beanie to match (LOL), in an attempt to evoke 'classic dockwoker' but failing miserably as high tight jeans and ankle roll wouldn't last long in manual labor conditions. He wasn't exactly smiling either, something you sort of expect when you're paying $5+ for a cup of coffee. Even the Dutch Brothers staff down the street are perkier, and they're outside literally all day.

Clearly I was too distracted to get a decent feel for the place, but I'll try to move on and examine the space itself. Huge chunks of wood and old equipment are the theme here, as there's a reclaimed wood shop next door. There are tables you're not allowed to sit at in the large open space (it's literally one large cavernous open room) and the unfinished concrete floors (ohhh gritty) give it a definite warehouse vibe. It wasn't very quiet and the limited seating meant at least a dozen customers were left standing during a busy Saturday morning.

This is not a place to come and read a book. It is not a place with lots of places to sit and work on anything. It's really not even inviting as a place to drink the coffee you just bought. Only the barest minimum of effort has been put towards basic customer amenities, something to consider when plopping down your cash for a $4 pour-over. Skip this one. 2 Stars, one of them for simply...

We decided to check out this café after reading a review from a well-known food critic. The atmosphere is really interesting—it has a classic industrial loft style that brings to mind the late 19th or early 20th century. However, I felt it could be a bit more comfortable for guests. I wish they had more individual tables for better privacy, instead of just chairs lined up along the wall where everyone can see what you're doing. Adding some armchairs and couches would make the place feel cozier without ruining the vibe.

The service was the most disappointing part. They don't ask for names when taking orders, which led to an awkward moment when a latte was placed on the counter that wasn't ours—it belonged to someone else. I don't want to accidentally take someone else's coffee, and I'm sure no one else does either. Simply asking for names could easily prevent this kind of mix-up.

When it comes to the menu, they offer pretty basic options. I'm sensitive to sugar and was hoping for a simple latte made with unsweetened almond milk, but they only had the sweetened kind (at least they were aware of that). The person at the counter didn't suggest any alternatives, and I didn't ask because I assumed they didn't have any. I also inquired about nitro coffee, but they didn't have it.

On the bright side, I noticed they serve water alongside espresso, which is a nice touch you don't often see in U.S. coffee shops.

Despite these issues, the regular latte my wife ordered tasted pretty good, and she asked me to come back—which we will, but unfortunately only for her, since they don't have options that work for me.

The prices were reasonable, but they only offer one size for takeout cups.

I understand that simplicity can be beautiful, but sometimes it goes a bit too far. It would be great if the café could be more accommodating to customers like me who prefer coffee...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Coava Coffee Roasters, and I can confidently say that it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Nestled in a vibrant area, the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the rich, inviting aroma of freshly roasted coffee that immediately awakens your senses. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a blend of modern and rustic decor that creates a perfect spot for coffee lovers and casual visitors alike.

What truly sets Coava apart, however, is their dedication to quality and sustainability. Their commitment to sourcing high-quality beans from responsible farms around the world is evident in every cup. I was fortunate enough to try their single-origin pour-over, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The barista took the time to explain the tasting notes, showcasing their extensive knowledge and passion for coffee. Each sip revealed a delightful complexity that left me wanting more.

The staff at Coava are not only skilled but also incredibly friendly and eager to share their expertise. They made me feel right at home, answering my questions and even offering suggestions based on my taste preferences. It's clear that they genuinely care about providing a memorable experience for each customer.

In addition to their stellar coffee, Coava also offers a selection of delicious pastries and light bites that perfectly complement their beverages. I couldn't resist trying one of their freshly baked pastries, which paired beautifully with my coffee.

Whether you're a die-hard coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot to relax, Coava Coffee Roasters is a must-visit. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer service truly shines through, making every visit a delightful experience. I left feeling inspired and excited to...