Simple. Local. Coffee. — Restaurant in Portland

Thrilled to have stumbled upon this great little coffee shop in the Market Theater. I had my usual, a chai latte, which was perfectly adequate and on par with what I expect. The barista was warm, friendly, and conversational and invited me to take a look at the cafe loft which offers additional seating, some of which is in the form of oversized leather armchairs, perfect for enjoying a good book, or if you aren't careful, an unexpected nap. The space is gorgeous, spacious and airy and VERY well maintained. The barista informed me they had been open for three years but you would think they had just cut the ribbon. With plenty of seating and, in addition to the chai latte, what I can only assume is a continuance of a menu of well prepared and tasty beverages. Despite a fairly sparse selection of non-liquid offerings, (I much rather a place stick to one or the other anyway and do it right), there's plenty here to satisfy anyone you happen to bring along for a nice quiet conversation, out of the way, but not. I'll definitely...

Barista (I believe owner) was not happy when I asked restroom code upon arrival, asked me to buy a coffee first, I said im waiting for someone (business meeting) and would rather wait, she gave me the code. While I was waiting 6 days from christmas a downtrodden lady came in and asked for a cup of water, she was turned away saying we dont give out for free, when the lady took a paper cup from the counter (maybe to fill with rain water) she was yelled out of the shop by the barista. Lastly my appointment never showed, I wished her a happy holidays and went to leave and she stopped me saying, you use my bathroom, my chair and my wifi I need you to buy something. I didnt protest and asked for a small coffee, she proceeded to make me a medium and rang it up, I pointed this out, she said I didnt hear you and pushed the card slider forward. I paid and and asked her to keep spreading the Holiday spirit. ...

Lauren has been running this adorable coffee shop for ten years. She is a stylish perfection of Portland chic, without a hair out of place, while simultaneously baking raspberry croissants (the real thing), pulling fast perfect lattes with a line out the door, and engaging in welcoming conversation. In the middle of this multitasking mastery, I asked her for honesty of the downtown revival. She thinks that we are turning a corner but did mention a few incidents- including someone throwing a beer on her while she was pulling espresso shots. My recommendation is skip the marvelous Stumptown to give this place a whirl. My latte was light roasted deliciousness surrounded by historic masonry and layered timber - How...