I am sitting here with a perfect cup of coffee. That is why I love Starbucks. Do I have your attention?
For most people these days, their first exposure to coffee comes from one of the mass-market chains such as Starbucks. Starbucks gives them that first addiction, the ‘need’ to get coffee every day. Then one day they are exposed to a better brew. Maybe a friend drags them to a small coffee house. After a few episodes of shock, “Gee, this coffee isn’t sweet and full of caramel”, it suddenly hits them: This isn’t just coffee — It has a wonderful nose, terrific body, subtle nuances, amazing depth; why, it is almost like wine!
Starbucks fuels the initial need. Eventually, many of their disciples graduate and move on to better coffee. This drives smaller cafes and assures them of continued business. How can we complain about that?
Anyone can make an average cup of coffee. A lot of people can make a decent cup. Making perfect coffee takes an artist. Portland is full of coffee houses. There are quite a few places like Stumptown that get into the science and make a pretty darn good cup. They care about the product, make sure to use good quality beans, do regular cupping, know how to make decent foam, and take a bit of time, so everything comes together right. I like to think of them as coffee scientists. Then there are the artists. Passionate about coffee, everything has to be just right. Not only do they care about the beans, but also they care about where it was harvested and how much the pickers were paid. It must be tamped perfectly; the puck must be just right. If the pull, the temperature, or the crema is not perfect, they’ll dump the shot and start over. The fanatics even bring their own tampers from job to job.
At one time there were only a few true coffee artists in the Northwest, and many of them worked at Albina Coffee Press. Opened in 2004, it was the coffee geek heaven, where you’d generally come as close as you could get, to perfection in coffee every time. Time has passed, and coffee devotees have spread across the city, but Albina Press is one of the places that started it all, and they should get credit for that.
I’m drinking a cappuccino. The mouthfeel is rich and buttery with a nearly perfect body. Every so often little gas bubbles burst through the top. The latte art is perfect – an apple of white and tan accents, floating on a perfectly smooth brown crema. I don’t want to give the impression that I think cup art makes coffee better – I’d rather have a good cup of coffee with no art than a bad cup that looks beautiful. It is nice though and shows the barista takes pride in his drinks.
At most serious coffee houses, if you order hot chocolate, you’ll get it with a bit of attitude. Here it may come with a perfect rosette. Conversation at the counter stopped one morning as we all watched the barista take the extra time to create a chocolate flower to adorn the milk. The Albina Press Café Americano made with Stumptown’s Harar looks like brown glass and has great depth of taste. French press is done with just the right grind to minimize leftover sediment. Want an espresso? If they aren’t slammed, be ready to discuss whether you want Hairbender, Stumptown, or Harar, but relax – they’ll help you through it. The baristas know what they are doing, so I always leave it up to them. Either way, when you get your cup, the crema will be perfect, and the brew is complex with lots of subtle nuances. Pay attention when you drink and you’ll find the experience a lot like tasting wine. Once you get used to it, you won’t want sugar anymore.
Albina Press is just past the up-and-coming Mississippi area where Mississippi turns the corner and becomes Albina Street. The interior is rather unremarkable, pretty much your typical laid-back coffeehouse. Still, it is a spacious place to while away a rainy afternoon with the paper. There’s a bar area next to the windows so you can stare out on a rainy day and contemplate life. Plenty of regular tables are scattered around, and there are two areas with soft couches to dive into. Free Wi-Fi is available, with as is a surprising number of electrical outlets to plug in your laptop if need be. The mix of customers runs the gamut, from neighborhood regulars to coffee geeks who come from a distance. College students make up the bulk of the crowd; still, anyone can feel comfortable here.
It may be a bit off the beaten path, but on a lazy afternoon, drop by. Explore the unique shops along Mississippi and walk down the street for your brew. It’s a great local option. As you take your first sip, pay attention to the taste and give silent thanks to Starbucks.
They also have Tao of Tea with 14 blends available. Pastries are a bit different in variety than the usual coffee shop fare, with a step up in quality and size. The music is pretty mellow and not blasting.
- Phone: (503) 282-5214
Address:
- 4637 North Albina Ave, Portland, Or. 97217 Map
Anonymous says
We checked this place out today and i walked away unimpressed. Good espresso, good foam, blahblahblah. I would refer to these cats as “coffee nerds” rather than scientists or artistes. They snobbed me out for asking for whipped cream for my soy mocha, the display of the barista awards is a turn off, the people staring with faux awe at the guy pouring and making a little “design”…UGH. Totally pretentious. Bad atmosphere too. I’ll be supporting the Fresh Pot when in that area and Stumptown every other day…sometimes twice a day!
Jeyo says
Ok.. another typical -Portland douche-bag place.. The tall guy with the tats and piercings was a total jerk to me and had an attitude the moment I walked in like he was better than me and how dare I question him! I’m sorry! you work at a coffee shop chain in Portland, I am sure I contribute more to society than you with my college education and my 100K a year job + benefits, You are a loser who probably makes minimum wage and lives in a hostel and leeches of of the government.
I wanted to try some coffee because I was interested in buying some bags of Ethiopian coffee beans.. well he wouldn’t let me …and told me to go somewhere else like Starbucks if i wanted to actually taste coffee before i buy it…
How messed up and what an elitist attitude. If i owned a coffee shop i would not let employee’s treat potential customers like that. So I DID go somewhere else and I spent over 50 bucks on coffee beans
I guess they aren’t interested in making money but more into being elitist coffee snobs.
I will spend my money on other coffee shop establishments and make sure to tell EVERYONE in my large network to avoid your shitty establishment!
CupaJoe says
Any time you compare yourself to another by how much money you make you are telling the world how shallow and materialistic you are. I worked in a coffee shop for 2 years to put me through college. The owner of AP has hired single moms, helped artists make a living, and provided neighborhood support. If you talk like you write i wouldn’t give you good service either. I have been going to Albina Press for 7 years and i have seen many pretentious people get treated poorly there. Congratulations. You are one of them.
Eric from Portland says
Well said.
Anonymous says
What I think you missed is the fact that these people care about coffee. Someone that orders a soy mocha with whipped cream is like someone who pours ice cubes into fine wine. What’s the point? Just about every coffeeshop these days including Stumptown make a little ‘design’, though maybe you can’t see it through those clouds of whipped cream (which coat the coffee molecules and cut the flavor)
Amanda says
I think it is cool they have a few trophies up. It shows the owner is proud of his employees passions and accomplishments. What would it feel like to work somewhere that the owner would say, “I’m proud of you, now go put those in the back”. Did your mother never put your drawings on the refrigerator when you were a kid? You sound bitter.
I love that place and am sooo glad to find it!
Anonymous says
Maybe I sound “bitter” to you guys but I simply didn’t like it! Is that OK? By the way, I am a huge fan (many say snob) of coffee and believe it or not, will only buy Stumptown beans, have my own Rancho Silvia and even am known to have straight espresso from time to time. And COME ON with the “ice cubes in fine wine” comment–that is completely unnecessary; I didn’t condemn you personally for liking the place. I have never gotten flack from Duane at Stumptown (arguably the most concerned person about coffee in this entire city) about ordering soy mochas with a lil whipped cream. Vive La Difference! And by the way, I am thakrza from other boards; not trying to be “anonymous”…and other than the personal comments back to me about my freakin’ opinion, I am enjoying your site!
Anonymous says
Oooops. I thought it was you. I apologize about my petulant reaction it was just that both comments were rather personal and I had simply given my impressions of our visit. My husband’s Americano was fantastic, by the way. It just isn’t our type of scene. I didn’t even mention that there were employees arguing loudly behind the counter and it was very uncomfortable. I will likely go back at some point as it is close to my house, but we also have many good relationships at the Stumptown cafes…where I have always received whatever I choose to order MINUS the attitude.
Like I said, I am a picky gurl about my espresso…but boo hiss to coffee snots. It just isn’t pretty…same for food snobs! Just like you said, we all have different tastes and no one is “wrong”.
PDXFoodDude says
Wait, hold on, hold on… That comment about ice cubes was not from me so relax. I pretty much let people say whatever they want on here as long as it isn’t out of line or something. The great thing about coffee (and wine) is that no one is wrong. What is important is if you like it! I’m not going to argue with anyone because we all have different tastes.<
PDXFoodDude says
I always use my real name when I leave a comment. Personally I hate to see employees arguing (or the boss berating and employee); Quite the turn-off. I’ve never seen anything like that there and hope it was an aberration.
It is great that people have passions, but one has to make allowances for different tastes and cultures. We all have our strengths and weakness. Hidden way in the back of my freezer are a few Taco Bell bean burritos that I munch on when I am feeling sentimental about college. (Shhh! I am supposed to be above such things.)
Food Dude
Crystal says
I enjoy this place more than I do the Fresh Pot, if only because I feel that the vibe is lighter and less “trendy snob”. the coffe is awesome, which of course keeps me coming back, that and the fact that it’s just around the corner from home is perfect for me. I have also noticed that i enjoy their long hours as apposed to so many other places in the Portland area which close too early for that last late night cup of good java.
The character of the employees really makes this place stand out to me aas well. It feels less like a coffee mill and more like a neighborhood gathering place, which in the Mississippi area isn’t hard to find anymore, but it’s become so trendy that some of us (myself for sure) often feel a bit put off by the wave of (no insults intended here, just comment jargon, sorry) sugar-free vanilla-hazelnut-soy-latte sipping snobby-trendsetters eyeing us and more than likely thinking that our paint covered jeans are SO last year, or whatever…i don’t need those looks from anyone when I’m just stopping to get a cup of coffee or a little treat.
I know many of the regulars at the Press and it’s nice to walk in and get smiles and waves from people I don’t otherwise get to see or talk to. Between the coffee and the atmosphere I enjoy this place and thank you so much for the wonderful review.
Adron Hall says
The cool thing is, this isn’t Communist Russia. If you like the coffee and other features of this establishment, “GREAT”! if not you have other choices. It’s not the only game in this coffee town of PDX.
BTW – Thanks for the artistically written write up. I’ll be heading by here tonight to check out the coffee and possibly do some wi-fi related working.
Thanks!
jim says
Everyone there has been super nice (almost to the point of being a bit shy) every time I have been to AP. Their Americano rocks my socks, and everytime I go in there to work I’ve gotten a whole lot done. It’s one of my favorite coffee places in Portland, and I’ve been to a lot of them!
jim says
Oh, and in addition, it’s a quite spacious place with tons of outlets for people like me who have outdated laptops with dead batteries. I’m a bit shocked that someone called it “cramped”; it this is cramped, spacious would require a warehouse or something.
Angela says
Awesome review on the Albina Press. I will admit first and foremost that *I* am a coffee snob and I won’t go anywhere else for my perfect cup of coffee. I also like the fact that not everyone agrees with me for whatever their reason (attitude, whipped cream, whatever) because it means less crowds to have to deal with…
A few other points:
Super nice staff– not a single one is a jack-ass and I’ve never seen anyone be rude.
Large place, well stocked with chairs, tables and couches (3). Lots of outdoor seating, too.
Wi-Fi and a ton of outlets.
Point blank– if you want to taste nirvana (as Food Dude so eloquently wrote)– this is the place.
Charlie says
Albina is really really good. Having a trophy isn’t pretentious, it’s for the same reason a restaurant has a glowing newspaper review of its food on the door.
Beyond the exquisite latte art, there’s much that is difficult to discern unless you’re drinking a straight espresso. They do superb work and have been nothing but nice to me.
Fresh Pot is decent but I think these guys are better and it’s just a little calmer and quieter.
To be sure, a significant percentage of shops here in PDX make great coffee. So when people talk about certain shops are better than others, most have already cleared a very high hurdle to even stay in business. Shops that, in my experience, are really high end: Ristretto Roasters, Albina Press, Fresh Pot, 3 Friends (hit & miss sometimes), The Ugly Mug, Concordia Coffee Shop, All 3 Stumptown shops, and a little tiny shop 20th & Burnside whose name escapes me.
joel d says
20th and burnside is Blend.
Albina press rocks. someone comes from out of town and I recommend if they only have time for one coffee shop to make Albina press. (granted there are a few i have not been to yet.) behind the coffee nerd there is a passion, and energy, which may be found at both Stumptown And Albina Press, both excellent places. -joel d.
morli says
Best coffee in Portland, hands down. Loved the atmosphere. Enjoyed the vibe better than the Fresh Pot, but it was fun and more “happening and social” then at Albina. The quality and care blow Fresh Pot away, however.
That being said, I agree with Crystal.
Ellie says
We frequented Albina Press for the first year they were open – we, too were amazed at the quality of the coffee. Eventually the attitude eroded our loyalty. The women who work there were always good to us, but the men were about as unhappy as any creatures we’ve witnessed on this planet. Sorry, no coffee is worth that amount of attitude.
Speaking of the best coffee in town, I think Susan and Kyle at Busy Corner make the best coffee around. They use Zoka beans from Seattle. Ristretto is also excellent (and has a great staff.)
Howard says
It is truly a great self-accomplishment when one discovers something so meaningful about life that they can finally take theirself and their existence seriously.
Jewinkel says
I am originally from Portland but have been in Denver for the past five years. I have yet to find a coffe shop here in Denver that rivals any shop other than Starbucks in Portland. Every time I come back home, Albina Press is where I’m at. I truly appeciate great coffee and that’s what they’re about. I don’t care if the barista is in a bad mood or if they say only five words to me…I am there for the wonderful coffee. You cannot truly appreciate the coffee they have there until you come to Denver and can’t find any!
Danielle says
Albina Press is one of the best Coffee places in Portland!
The place has a warm, clean, and open feel. I love the exposed brick, the lighting, and good display of art! The people who work there are always super nice and very helpful when looking for something new or a specific type of coffee. I think it’s the best cup of coffee I’ve had in Portland…of course, that’s my opinion. The late hours are definitely a huge plus!!!
And when it comes to whether or not a barista can make a cool design in your coffee or make your coffee a little different than you might get it somewhere else, that should be a good thing. That’s how they make a name for being who they are and doing what they’re good at…and if you don’t like it, that’s fine.
But I love this place and it will be hard to convince me otherwise!
Lesley says
This might seem like a rant, but maybe it’s just an eye-opener from someone on the inside.
I am moving to Portland and leaving my job as the lead barista in a cafe in Seattle for 6 years. Where I work now, we are capped out at $10 an hour and make about $3.40/hr in tips, on average. My customers and co-workers consider me to be a top barista, but after so long in the business and taking great care in what I do, I’m obviously low-income.
I haven’t been to the Albina Press yet, but I’ll check it out. I take huge pride in the espresso I make and create latte art because it keeps my job interesting after so long. And it makes me feel a little more appreciated when customers take notice. I train my new hires to do it, but it is not required. It is more important to have a cup of coffee that tastes great and is cranked out fast so these people can move on back to work from their coffee break or whatever.
However, i also competed in the National Barista Competition a few years back after having never attended one and was completely shocked at the snobbery. It really turned me off. My job as a barista was to make quality, accurate drinks, as quickly and friendly as possible. I excel at that. I thought making 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 specialty drinks in 15 minutes seemed like child’s play. But of course, I placed near last at the Competition because I didn’t have a monologue planned out for my performance and didn’t dress my drinks up properly and such. I think that this stuff that baristas are supposed to do for show, such as dumping a drink out if the latte art isn’t right, is horrible, especially considering that most baristas start at minimum wage, and that is from a place that wants someone with experience!
Now coming to Portland and looking for another job as a barista, I’m faced with possibly starting down at minimum wage. I can make rosettas day in and day out, in hot chocolate and with whipped cream, pour great espresso, etc. I’m saddened that people are starting to see these things and applaud the coffee shop without thinking about how these baristas are being compensated, here I am getting carpal tunnel syndrome and remaining low income. I’m thinking that those auto-tamp grinders are looking mighty appealing. But they still don’t make great espresso, so you won’t see me using one of those.
I guess what I’m saying is that I do see a lot of snobbery, but I dont’ see a lot of compensation to back up those expectations. A comfortable cafe for me to be in is one where the baristas look like they’re having fun, aren’t stressed to make latte art but do it because it’s a creative outlet, and where the customers are laid back and not looking for a “culinary experience.” As a barista, that’s where I’d like to hang out. I would also like to work someplace like this. When scanning the ads on Craigslist however, it is quite rare to see anyone willing to pay a barista more than $7.50 an hour, but yet they are looking for someone with lots of experience. I even saw an ad today that was holding “auditions.”
So in the end, I am using this example to say that experienced baristas need to get paid more money, dagnabbit, if you’re going to expect a culinary experience and applaud them when they berate themselves for overfilling a cup.
-s says
Sounds like there is no shortage of qualified baristas willing to take $7.50/hr to work. As long as that supply exceeds the number of available jobs, don’t expect to see any movement in wages. And keep in mind that any significant movement in wages generally leads to (1) higher prices in order to recover the increase in wages which can lead to lower demand and/or (2) fewer people hired because the budget for labor may not increase but the cost of labor does.
Ultimately it sounds like you need to go through the decision process that most of us non-trustfund babies have to go through: do something we love for terrible wages, or do something we love less (or for some, hate) in order to maintain a desired standard of living.
Mostly Running. says
Lesley,
I think there is a bit of a dual edged sword with the café scene in Portland in that there are plenty of shops to work at that take espresso and treating their employees well very seriously. There are also plenty of “average” cafes run exclusively for the owner’s profit.
More than any place I have lived, Portland treats espresso as an extension of the culinary experience, and because of this access to the better cafes is gated, much like finding a server position at a high end restaurant. Many of the better cafes never have to post job openings because turnover is low, and when a spot opens up, friends help friends get jobs. It sucks being new to town, but the very things you are looking for, higher compensation, health care and other bennies, mean that this teir of shop receives so many unsolicited resumes that networking is essential to getting a foot in the door.
I think that if you do more research you will find that this is not the case across the board.
Your instincts are perfect in this regard, except, perhaps, for the last part. Stumptown, Ristretto, Fresh Pot, Albina Press, Extracto and a few others are comfortable for me because baristas look like they are having fun, in most cases I know they are being treated very well, and the dedication to doing the job well flows from this, not a top-down standard inflicted upon them. I would argue though that these shops are busy enough to afford health care and other benefits because customers are willing to walk a few extra blocks for a “culinary” rather than a caffeine experience. It’s all these things that make the shops successful and lucrative for the entire staff.
Good luck with finding work and whatever decisions you have to make along the way.
MR
twick says
My friends and I spent the weekend in Portland on a visit from Seattle. We went out of our way to have coffee at Albina Press on the recommendation of a local friend and were not disappointed. Not only was the coffee perfect (my soy latte was possibly the best I’ve ever had), the pastries were good too, the vibe was mellow and the baristas were really nice, even to our group of decidely un-hip visitors. And while secondary to the taste of the coffee, I appreciate the beautiful latte art and presentation. I wish AP was in my Seattle neighborhood!
quincepants says
i had a really bad mocha here. i thought it would be perfect, not too chocolately and that i would still be able to taste the espresso, but i may as well have been drinking hot cocoa. and not very good hot cocoa at that. all the other coffee has been good though.
nopo peep says
i’ve been to Albina press a number of times. the coffee is great. the staff is horrible. from the owner on down. every single time i have been there i am overwhelmed by their contempt. in fact, i saw the owner chew out a regular for talking on the phone while ordering – he nearly turned red and ran over to give her a piece of his mind. tactless on the patrons part, but completely out of line and unprofessional for the owner to make a scene like that. I felt really bad for the woman who was clearly shocked by his outburst. plus, they dont offer stamp cards (ie- buy 10 drinks, get one free). For that reason alone i go to the Freshpot 98% of the time, not to mention the staff is much more friendly and inviting.
AMJ says
I frequent the Albina Press regularly. I’d be more than pleased if those of you who have issues with the supposed “attitudes” of the staff would just stay away. Go to Starbucks or any one of the hundreds of coffee shops in the surrounding area. AP is a great coffee shop– definitely the best coffee in town– and you know what? Its already too busy for my liking.
Oh- and I cannot imagine the owner (Kevin) chewing a regular for talking on the phone. Thats not his style. Next!
Seriously, go to a place for the quality of the product. If you need a friend, join a social club or hop onto Myspace.
;-)
xristrettox says
The Albina Press has four couches.
fishyguru says
okay, let’s face it, most coffee shop baristas and cashiers are overworked, underpaid, and intellectually burdened by existential angst. Some are possibly more educated or bitter about bombs and bad politicians than the average customer.
That said, Albina Press is one of my favorite spots — the attitude there, the snotty part, seems to come as much from the customers as from anyone. In fact, being a coffee house fan for over 15 years (yes, I’m that old), I can honestly say that Albina Press staff put the smile and quirk back into serving a cup of jo.
Many indie places these days just seem angry. And mysteriously pissed off, sometimes at you. Albina actually dares to be friendly. That keeps me coming back, even more than their transcendent shots and pours. Maybe rather than bitching about off-putting attitude, we can cultivate inner joy and peace. Cool concept, huh?
pdxcity-state says
My first trip was right after they opened. The guy at Fresh Pot was really rude to me so I thought I’d give the new guys a try. Kevin and Billy were so out-going that Albina Press became my daily stop–they always remembered my drink and my name. I left Portland for a year–and when I came back–they still remembered.
messy_eater says
The coffee is so good here- especially when wedged in North Portland and you don’t want to trek down Mississippi for a cup before heading to the freeway for work. But that said just because AJ Java makes a weak cup of Joe (and they roast their own??)and serves Costco pastries doesn’t mean that because you’re some of the only decent coffee around that you should snub the customers. I have gone back to AP many times when the addiction kicks in- because though AJ is always SUPER friendly and so near my house I could order from my bedroom window- the coffee and pastries are crap. AP makes some of the best stuff around (though I adore the folks at Norwest Coffeehouse on Burnside even though I am saddened at the change in recipe for the dark chocolate mocha)but their staff like many other Portland institutions (think Powells and Everyday Music)thinks that they are too good for the customers. No matter where they are found the Hipster “I’m too cool for school” attitude ruins any experience. Yes you make good coffee, know about music and read lots of book- you may even have a masters degree and are angry that it’s being rewarded with a $7.50 an hour job and unremarkable tips- but please remember you made that choice not us and we simply cannot pay you what you deserve for your Masters in Biology when you make us a cup of coffee. I will promise to be kind and respectful-refrain from using Starbucks lingo in ordering my coffee and to tip you based on your service- this includes attitude.
I hope those at AP will make room in the judgement filled lives for us regular folk who worship at the coffee altar and just want a decent cup- hold the attitude, please. Your skills are impressive, I bow to your knowledge- now can you get me my mocha?
Rose says
The atmosphere at the Albina Press represents the worst of gentrification. Unfriendly people, pretentious atmosphere, many un-smiling white faces. No wonder the community that lived here before gentrification really took off are annoyed with gentrifiers. Who would welcome places like this if they felt they had a choice? I do think they serve coffee, but it would taste even better if the people working there actually seemed to be enjoying themselves, or managed a ‘hello’ to customers. I’ll be doing my best to direct people to places like Reflections Coffeehouse (4th and Killingsworth), where I have always received friendly service and great coffee!
Mostly Running. says
Is the coffee at Reflections Coffeehouse (4th and Killingsworth) as bitter as you are about gentrification? What, specifically, is wrong with the service you have received at the Albina Press? Do you know which roaster’s coffee is served at Reflections? I hear the complaints about the Press but have never experienced anything similar. Perhaps you can give us a description of your complaints?
Disclosure: I used to work in the coffee industry but have never worked for the Albina Press. I have no vested interest in the discussion, I’m just curious.
Jamie says
I’m going to be visiting Portland in a couple weeks, and I have to say, I’m a little jealous that you guys seem to have such a surplus of even borderline coffeeshops. Coming from Columbia, SC, where there are only four or five places for a good cup of coffee in the entire city, I feel spoiled already.
Regardless, I just wanted to say thanks for a good review of what I anticipate (despite a few negative remarks) to be an incredible coffeeshop. This may be a bad idea to ask a non-article-related question (and I know this original thread is a little old), but does anyone have any recommendations, food-related or not, of places I should visit while I’m in town? I’d greatly appreciate any input.
Food Dude says
Jamie, if you ask that in our forums section, you’ll get lots of answers!
Jamie says
I had posted that before I explored the site a little more, sorry for the ignorance!
Nancy Rommelmann says
Have a great coffee tour in Portland, Jamie. If you get to Ristretto Roasters — my husband’s place — and see a gal in the running clothes reading the New York Times (that would be me), do say hello.
Other great coffee in Portland: Spella Caffe and Cellar Door Coffee
Cellar Door: http://www.cellardoorcoffee.com
Ristretto: http://www.ristrettoroasters.com
Can’t find a site for Spella but Portland Food Cart’s got the skinny: http://foodcartsportland.com/?cat=74
andai says
Congratulations to Kevin from Albina Press for making it to the Northwest Regional Barista Competition finals. Next time I’m in Portland, I will certainly check out Albina Press
bunneys says
coffee served with attitude and unskilled baristas. When you order a dry cappucino …. even from an Italian, that’s what you get. At Albina …. with that typical, arrogant, gentrifying attitude … they say they pour, not scoop their foam. That’s code for we only know how to make one kind of foam and you’ll get what we think you should have … not what you want.
No thanks!
Taythom says
Yesterday I went to Albina Press. I am used to Starbucks coffee so when I tasted their unsweetened taste it surprised me. I had to put quite a bit of sugar in. After I did that I don’t believe the coffee was bad or maybe it was that the barista who served me was so nice and open to a new comer it made the bitter, not – use to coffee, easier to swallow.
I say this because different isn’t bad and those of you who think you are to good for this and not open to the coffee shop then you have not been in Portland long enough to know how we Portlandians are.
Ming says
This place rules! I go there for my Coava fix any time I’m in the hood.