J Vein Caffé — Restaurant in Portland

JJ goes far beyond the barista title; he is an artist. People really need to find out just how amazing his work really is.

Back in 2022, I visited Portland for the first time and just to happen to come across JJ’s iconic airstream coffee shop. Even with a simple cappuccino, he absolutely blew me away with his attention to detail. And yes, the coffee was good. Very good. We had a long conversation about coffee around the world and I’m just blown away at his encyclopedic knowledge of everything having to do with those magic little beans. He’s the only person I’ve met on the west coast that is even familiar with authentic Cuban coffee, a real niche over here! I ended up getting coffee from him every day of my entire stay!

So now in 2025, I’ve moved to Seattle and I took a day trip down to Portland for the first time since 2022. The first thing I did was walk up to JJ, tell him he’s the best coffee artist I’ve ever met in my life, and that he should make whatever he wants for me, to surprise me. He asked me 3 simple questions: any allergies, sweet or nonsweet, and what size.

What came out of that airstream was a foamy cup of miracle juice from the heavens. He infused cardamom into the milk foam and probably even some real magic, I don’t know. But seeing the steam come off the foam heart, smelling the aroma, feeling the perfect texture of the microfoam on my tongue, sipping the magnificent mixture… was an entire experience. And he had the confidence to surprise me with that, too.

JJ goes beyond just serving up a cup of coffee. I mean he certainly can do that, but if you’re an adventurous foodie and want to see espresso pushed to its limits, you’ll find out very quickly why he signs his cups: it’s his artistic signature and what you’re drinking is his art. It’s not just coffee.

If you appreciate fine, world class coffee, you really...

Proper Italian espresso (roasted by Spella Caffé and shots pulled by a Spella alumnus) and drinks? Oh, yes please and thank you! Finally, good Italian espresso centrally locates in mid-Southeast!

It's been 5 years now. We survived CoViD! So, let's add some updates...: The best chai anywhere, a special blend made just for JJ and his tastes which tend toward the fairly spicy side. If you are from India, the person making this with JJ used to be a chaiwalla! Free treats for all dogs, doggos,, doggies, and puppies! Come join the celebratory lineup of canines that often occurs in line! Free hot cocoa for the children, kids, kiddos, and pint-sized people! And what an art it is! Watch JJ foam together cocoa and milk of choice, make handmade whip if desired, grind chocolate on top and add marshmallows! It can get pretty busy on the weekends, so come on in on the weekdays if you don't like long lines! Don't forget: Knock on the metal of the Spartan Manor aluminum trailer and JJ will be right out! Just like Spella, the decaf is amazing, just as good as the regular espresso, unheard of! Handmade gelatto and wow, some of these flavors have never appeared anywhere else on earth! JJ is pretty inventive and has an amazing palette. A large selection of teas, including some of the best sencha and genmaicha anywhere. If you haven't had genmaicha with its roasted rice added to sencha, you have not had the #1 most favored tea in Japan! Only takes 60 seconds or...

Being a visitor to Portland I found myself in need for a hot chocolate. This place was one of the top places that popped up in search. When I arrived I easily found street parking. The area is a cute little place called Rose City Food Park and had a lot of different food truck vendors. There was only couple and adorable dog Lola ahead of me. I immediately noticed the fun conversation the customers had with the owner. He already knew exactly how to make their coffee, which let me know they were regulars. Of course a place having regulars always gives a good vibe. When it was my turn I ordered a hot chocolate and got excited to find out that he hand makes the whip cream and that I could add some marshmallows as well. He was nice and welcoming with a smile as he made my order. The important part is that the whip cream and the hot chocolate were amazing. I definitely don’t doubt my mistake to make a stop here. All the regular customers I noted with their sweet doggos didn’t hurt anything either. He even has some dog biscuits for the furry friends. If I have time while I’m still here I’ll definitely be giving this place...