Coquine Market & Katy Jane's Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Portland

I go here once or twice a week. I live in the lowlands where the streets are mostly potholes, so the top of Mt Tabor is about an hour loop from me, it both looms and entices. More often than not I stop at Coquine on my walk toward the ol’ Tabes for a very nice latte and a cookie (which in my mind is tied for first place among Portland cookies, the other being at Oui Press on Hawthorne).

I also buy hot sauces and sandwiches and the delicious house-made hazelnut chocolate granola sometimes. They’re nice folks and it’s a really beautifully curated little market. Ya like tinned fish? Ya like homemade ice cream? Ya secretly a little fancy, but also you just like supporting local folks? Whammo.

For me, taking a hot coffee up to the park from Coquine on a chilly day is about as good as it gets. I hope that’s not sad. A little secret about me is that I always wanted to be a regular somewhere, like Norm in Cheers. Well, the nice people at Coquine make me feel like a regular even though I’m all sweat and foggy glasses from going up the hill and mis-calculating the number of layers I need....

Coffee or lunch at Coquine is a beautiful experience in a serene neighborhood two blocks from the stairs up the northside of Mt. Tabor.

I had a delicious autogrilled hummus sandwich (vegan) for lunch. It was filled with succulent veggies and spiced up just right. For dessert, a financier in small muffin form was buttery with an amazing texture and just slightly sweet. Service friendly and casual.

The market has a small selection of imported and domestic delicacies, vinegars, olive oil, spices, wine and beer ( including vintage Hair of the Dog), cheese, tinned seafood, etc. A bit of a splurge but the quality is top.

I would like to return for the informal dinners, I have no doubt they...

I’ve been visiting Portland annually and used to look forward to stopping at this café on Belmont Street. Sadly, this morning’s experience was incredibly disappointing. Staff were cold, unresponsive, and showed no basic courtesy—I said “good morning” multiple times and was completely ignored. The cashier was dry, the service was unfriendly, and the atmosphere felt unwelcoming. I was also uncomfortable with how some staff were dressed—exposed stomachs and armpits in a food setting is not appropriate. I spent good money here and received zero hospitality in return. I...