Continuing with my series of cafe wanderings, I dragged my family into Stumptown Coffee, a Portland Oregon based roaster and brewer. They have five locations in this area, and I was excited to find one and try it! So here are my impressions. I was in their Belmont location, a newer venue in the downtown area. They have four other locations, each with its own personality.
- The decor was industrial in nature. There were tables and a long banquette-type seating with people on their computers, but there was a surprising amount of open space. They had some funky barstool chairs that swiveled in a way that made me suspect they were really motorized and wanted my rear end on the floor. I found this entertaining rather than annoying, but with an espresso in my hand everything is entertaining.
- The aroma in the store was perfect: a great blend of coffees scenting the air and unadulterated with anything else such as food preparation. They had some pastries, but nothing that would interfere with the primary purpose of a great coffee venue.
- The staff was well-trained, friendly and quick. Since there was a line in there nearly the whole time we hung out in the shop, they weren’t super chatty. I got the impression that this is an in and out kind of place, not necessarily a Third Place. I would like to know how their other locations are designed.
- The coffee was good. It wasn’t my favorite blend, and I probably should have had a straight coffee rather than an espresso. On the other hand — and this is one of my pet peeves, so to speak — their straight coffee was available only in thermal carafes. It was not fresh-brewed. Call me a coffee snob, but there you are. I like fresh-brewed.
I enjoyed the ambiance of the hustle and bustle, but Stumptown in this location would not be my hang out of choice if I were sitting with my computer or a book. Next stop??????
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Whoa, whoa, whoa…wait a sec…Stumptown doesn’t fresh brew?!?! Do you think it was just that location? I find that stunning. Wow. Huh.
In one of the photos, you can see a brewer with timer next to a 12-cup french press. They probably switch out those coffee carafes on a short cycle and maintain a fresh brew for customer use, maybe? (Beautiful espresso bar!)
Looks good, albeit a touch industrial. Is it true that Portland has the biggest Borders bookstore in the world? I think you would have found me there.
Jeremy you might be right…they may have been french press’s. Didn’t think about that! There were two of them sitting there, though one was empty.
Duncan, I know that Portland houses Powell’s books, which is definitely the largest bookstore I’ve ever seen in my life. It houses both new and used books, which is really interesting. And for some reason no one would let me wander in there this trip! Maybe they didn’t want to lose me for the rest of the day!
Hi Marla,
Got a kick out of the name of this coffee shop. Too Funny!!
Jen
yeah, they do actually make french press and throw it in the thermal caraffe- timers are set for about 20min each time. We also got an awesome chemex from them the other day- Also, I think this is their downtown location by voodoo doughnuts- belmont is completely different. More of a study atmosphere there.