Steeplejack Brewing - Union on Hawthorne — Restaurant in Portland

The first time I walked into Steeplejack on Hawthorne, Portlandia was playing on the big screen. Not tucked in the corner but front and center, as if the café were auditioning to play itself in a movie. It’s the kind of knowing self-parody Portland does best.

The space is open, airy, and bright, although I’ve been warned I can get a little loud when I’m telling stories. No church bones here, but the building has that “old storefront that dreams about being an old church after everyone’s gone home” vibe. The light hits just right, the acoustics bounce with optimism, and the air smells faintly of espresso, ambition, and maybe oat milk.

It’s the perfect spot to set up with a laptop and call it “remote work.” On my first visit, I met a woman who was literally writing the sequel to her dragon novel. Not metaphorically. An actual dragon novel. I immediately respected the commitment to genre.

A week later, close to Halloween, I came back for a business meeting. Portlandia had vanished from the big screen, replaced by a silent montage of random horror movies. Freddy Krueger. Chainsaws. Fog. My associate tried to discuss strategy while glancing nervously upward. We never figured out if it was a YouTube playlist or a barista art project, but either way, it was perfect.

The food? Excellent across the board. The chocolate chip ricotta bread is cool in the mouth, like a dessert with excellent self-control: soft, rich, and quietly life-changing. I’ve ordered it twice. When I asked for a non-spicy breakfast sando (because I’m a flavor adventurer but a heat coward), the barista said, “They’re pre-made, but the vegan one’s not spicy.” Normally that’s where I retreat to bacon (also too spicy) so I said "sure," and holy crap it was so good it made me rethink my entire philosophy on sandwiches.

And then there was the pumpkin spice latte. I joked about it, and the barista grinned: “Yeah, but this one has an attitude. It’s the Ernest Hemingway of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.” Naturally, I ordered it. Naturally, he was right. Strong, bold, a little moody, and somehow it made me want to buy a cable-knit sweater and write about autumn.

Steeplejack also serves cocktails and has beers on tap in the evening, so it gracefully transforms from laptop lounge to lowkey night spot. The bathroom signs advertise a weekly trivia night that looks like absolute chaos in the best way. I wish I lived within walking distance; I’d be there every week, answering questions about literature while double-fisting a Hemingway latte and a gin fizz.

Parking’s easy enough if you don’t mind walking a few blocks. Both times, I ended up near a little house whose entire driveway had been converted into a used-book store. On my second visit, I found a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook with a handwritten “Sugar Bunnies” recipe tucked inside for one dollar. A side quest from the city itself.

There are also food carts out back that I haven’t tried yet, which feels like unfinished business in the best way. I’ll be back - both solo & also with my work buddy - to eat my way around the patio, order another vegan sando, and see what cinematic fever dream the big screen is running next.

Five stars for great coffee, fun people, spooky background art, and the rare magic of a place that feels like it’s in on the joke and still somehow completely sincere. Steeplejack isn’t just a café, it’s a recurring character in the ongoing story of...

We are huge supporters of Steeplejack and love their Broadway location as well as their canned beer that we always have on hand at home. We were excited to try the Hawthorne location and visited just right after their opening…only one of the carts was open but the place was full. We sat down for a beer (which was amazing) and then had to endure two moms who thought it appropriate to let their toddlers race back and forth from the front door to the back door (right in front of the beer counter and right behind where we were sitting) the entire time we were there. The fact that no employee stopped this not only inconsiderate but unsafe behavior was mind boggling. There’s a place for little kids to blow off energy but a full beer hall is not one of them…

I’m hoping this has...

A Fantastic Experience at SteepleJack Brewery! SteepleJack Brewery is an absolute must-visit! The atmosphere is amazing—laid-back, welcoming, and full of good vibes. Whether you're here for a casual drink with friends or a night out, it’s the perfect spot. The food is top-notch and pairs so perfectly with their fantastic beers. Each dish complements the flavors of the brews, making for an unforgettable dining experience. The variety of beers they offer is incredible, and the staff is always super helpful in making recommendations. It’s an awesome environment for everyone—whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a great place to hang out. Highly recommend it for a fun, tasty, and...