This place is the real deal. Beans tasted great and their ratio on their iced vanilla latte was executed to perfection. Loved the layout of the place and as a tourist wished I could take this place back home with me. Each employee I interacted with was friendly and helpful with local recommendations.
Ryan B.
Excellent honey latte. Perfect microfoam, pretty latte art, great espresso flavor...the coffee was just amazing. The space was odd though, a single large room with some machine shop vibes and a drill press. Very loud and noisy; hard to hear my order called even standing just 3 feet from the barista.
Emily S.
Really great coffee and food selection. I think ended up getting a cortado and a savory breakfast pastry.
Jeb M.
It was a dark and stormy morning. Also, a typical Portland Saturday. April the 6th. I had arranged to meet my special lady friend at 9:30 am. I arrived early because I desperately wanted to peruse the merch section. Over the years, and unawares to me, I had taken up the hobby of buying a diner mug to commemorate a special date. As I said, I was awaiting the arrival of my special lady friend and I knew the date was going to be special, because again, she's a special lady. But, what made it unique was that this would be the first date I would have at my beloved Coava. I first found (literally found as I walked into it while milling about) Coava on Grand in '09 when I moved from the Couve across the river to my beloved SE Portland. It was the bamboo that did it. And then there was the pour over... and finally the Kone filter. I still have mine from so many years ago. It CAN take a pounding. So I picked out a diner mug. It was busy... families and children and post-run people milling about. The whole space is vast. There were groups in line (on line?) waiting to place an order. Another group by the window waiting for their orders. And the singles against the wall or at the machine, earbuds in and faces staring away at screens. Despite what I estimate to be more or less thirty people, the noise level was low, the ambiance (vibe?) chill. I bought a diner mug and got a cup of coffee. I don't remember what it was. It was good. Exactly what you would expect if you have had Coava before and expect something from them. My special lady friend ordered an oat milk mocha. I was able to carry it from bar to table without spill a frothy drop. We talked for a while and enjoyed our beverages. I was over the moon excited. Everything was going better than I envisioned the date playing out in my mind's eye. The only thing left to do was use the restroom before we beat feet. Someone entered just before me. I stood outside, anticipation and excitement building for my turn to use the best bathroom in Portland. If Larry David were with me, this is THE restroom I'd take him too. And I waited. I went and chatted with my special lady friend for a little bit while I waited. And I waited. After what I thought was more than a reasonable amount of time, I decided to abandon my restroom expedition. There was no way I was prepared to come outta that bamboo clad space and off-gas whatever the previous inhabitant unloaded. I know what that sanctuary looks like, and anyway, I didn't need to use the restroom, I just wanted to experience it. So we left. 10 out of 10, will go back. Also, no photos.
Joe G.
This review is for Coava as a roasting business. I am a long time local subscriber of Coava coffee beans and the quality is terrific. Recently Coava needed to raise prices, this is understandable, and as a result I changed my subscription to monthly from every two weeks in order to economize. But, they (nice friendly people all) tell me that it is now impossible to get my coffee delivered on the same schedule as previously unless I have a pre-paid subscription. Pre-paid? Credit card on file is not enough? This seems pretty crazy to me....and a clear message that they do not need my business. Too bad.
Aren S.
Great coffee in a cool space with industrial (and a bit of schoolhouse or library) vibes. Chill staff. They do pour overs as well as the usual fare, and I'll be back for both.
Chris P.
I purchased a bag of beans and got a pour over. Coffee was nice, but the barista was really rude. I'm in the specialty coffee industry myself and am used to a little snobbery, but she was blatantly rude and unfriendly. Left me wishing I hadn't bought anything. Cool vibe in the store and very large and open, but clearly some higher standards of customer service are needed.
Julius G.
Got a cappuccino, latte and cortado. We arrived 40min before closing, it was quiet and love the old wood decor. Great coffee and get you some. Pet friendly.
Yeonji K.
Atmosphere and coffee are both amazing! Service was quite lacking sadly, very cold and distant employees but otherwise a lovely place to get a cup of coffee.
Elaina P.
Very consistent notes in their Ethiopia which we are a huge fan of. For being sort of a "bigger chain" (kind of) compared to other specialty roasters I am always impressed. These are my go-to beans as well when I need to pick up a bag at the grocery store. I've always appreciated their service, they are efficient and kind. Coava is reliable, above average and really cute diner mugs/other merch.
Delicious matcha in a Karen free environment. What could be better than that? I like how open the space is. People mind their own business and keep to themselves here and don't bother you while working.
Iliana G.
probably the worst costumer service I have ever experience. I work in costumer service, and I would never have as much attitude as my barista had. i understand it could have been a long day for them, but I was nothing but bubbly and happy, and I was only ordering an iced vanilla latte togo. not only does it not taste good, it was $6.75 for a 12 ounce, I don't know what they charged me and extra dollar for, but I wont be going back to that location for a long time.
Katherine C.
My husband is a coffee aficionado and in a city known for coffee, Coava is one of his go-tos. We regularly brew their beans at home and, today, when I stopped in, I spilt my mocha before I got into the car. Sheepishly I walked back in to purchase another one but until barista was nice enough to comp me for making another one. Great service, great coffee.
Stacy A.
One of OG coffee houses in Portland still offers delicious coffee in an industrial setting. I like the high ceilings, huge windows and solid furniture. I feel they lend themselves to creativity. I found free parking on a side street, but there's 2-hour metered parking right outside. The only perk of the metered parking is that it keeps the sketchy vans that never leave away- iykyk I still get a kick out the fact Jerry Seinfeld was here. My service experience was prompt-unlike his Portland famous experience
Bea B.
Loved this place. Glad we got to enjoy a few hours preparing for our flight back home at this hipster spot. The atmosphere is welcoming, with lots of windows, plenty of seating are and quality coffee. Since we almost missed the opportunity to experience the highly rated coffee, it was only fitting that I double up on my order and then return for one last one before departing. I generally opt for the oat milk latte but this time I also added the house staple honey latte and it was delicious. Perfect balance of sweetness to the velvety latte that presented with a perfect cremă design on top. Plenty of parking, top rated coffee, great customer service and the best company made for a memorable experience. When in PDX, this will be a must stop on the daily.
This place is the real deal. Beans tasted great and their ratio on their iced vanilla latte was executed to perfection. Loved the layout of the place and as a tourist wished I could take this place back home with me. Each employee I interacted with was friendly and helpful with local recommendations.
Excellent honey latte. Perfect microfoam, pretty latte art, great espresso flavor...the coffee was just amazing. The space was odd though, a single large room with some machine shop vibes and a drill press. Very loud and noisy; hard to hear my order called even standing just 3 feet from the barista.
Really great coffee and food selection. I think ended up getting a cortado and a savory breakfast pastry.
It was a dark and stormy morning. Also, a typical Portland Saturday. April the 6th. I had arranged to meet my special lady friend at 9:30 am. I arrived early because I desperately wanted to peruse the merch section. Over the years, and unawares to me, I had taken up the hobby of buying a diner mug to commemorate a special date. As I said, I was awaiting the arrival of my special lady friend and I knew the date was going to be special, because again, she's a special lady. But, what made it unique was that this would be the first date I would have at my beloved Coava. I first found (literally found as I walked into it while milling about) Coava on Grand in '09 when I moved from the Couve across the river to my beloved SE Portland. It was the bamboo that did it. And then there was the pour over... and finally the Kone filter. I still have mine from so many years ago. It CAN take a pounding. So I picked out a diner mug. It was busy... families and children and post-run people milling about. The whole space is vast. There were groups in line (on line?) waiting to place an order. Another group by the window waiting for their orders. And the singles against the wall or at the machine, earbuds in and faces staring away at screens. Despite what I estimate to be more or less thirty people, the noise level was low, the ambiance (vibe?) chill. I bought a diner mug and got a cup of coffee. I don't remember what it was. It was good. Exactly what you would expect if you have had Coava before and expect something from them. My special lady friend ordered an oat milk mocha. I was able to carry it from bar to table without spill a frothy drop. We talked for a while and enjoyed our beverages. I was over the moon excited. Everything was going better than I envisioned the date playing out in my mind's eye. The only thing left to do was use the restroom before we beat feet. Someone entered just before me. I stood outside, anticipation and excitement building for my turn to use the best bathroom in Portland. If Larry David were with me, this is THE restroom I'd take him too. And I waited. I went and chatted with my special lady friend for a little bit while I waited. And I waited. After what I thought was more than a reasonable amount of time, I decided to abandon my restroom expedition. There was no way I was prepared to come outta that bamboo clad space and off-gas whatever the previous inhabitant unloaded. I know what that sanctuary looks like, and anyway, I didn't need to use the restroom, I just wanted to experience it. So we left. 10 out of 10, will go back. Also, no photos.
This review is for Coava as a roasting business. I am a long time local subscriber of Coava coffee beans and the quality is terrific. Recently Coava needed to raise prices, this is understandable, and as a result I changed my subscription to monthly from every two weeks in order to economize. But, they (nice friendly people all) tell me that it is now impossible to get my coffee delivered on the same schedule as previously unless I have a pre-paid subscription. Pre-paid? Credit card on file is not enough? This seems pretty crazy to me....and a clear message that they do not need my business. Too bad.
Great coffee in a cool space with industrial (and a bit of schoolhouse or library) vibes. Chill staff. They do pour overs as well as the usual fare, and I'll be back for both.
I purchased a bag of beans and got a pour over. Coffee was nice, but the barista was really rude. I'm in the specialty coffee industry myself and am used to a little snobbery, but she was blatantly rude and unfriendly. Left me wishing I hadn't bought anything. Cool vibe in the store and very large and open, but clearly some higher standards of customer service are needed.
Got a cappuccino, latte and cortado. We arrived 40min before closing, it was quiet and love the old wood decor. Great coffee and get you some. Pet friendly.
Atmosphere and coffee are both amazing! Service was quite lacking sadly, very cold and distant employees but otherwise a lovely place to get a cup of coffee.
Very consistent notes in their Ethiopia which we are a huge fan of. For being sort of a "bigger chain" (kind of) compared to other specialty roasters I am always impressed. These are my go-to beans as well when I need to pick up a bag at the grocery store. I've always appreciated their service, they are efficient and kind. Coava is reliable, above average and really cute diner mugs/other merch.
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious matcha in a Karen free environment. What could be better than that? I like how open the space is. People mind their own business and keep to themselves here and don't bother you while working.
probably the worst costumer service I have ever experience. I work in costumer service, and I would never have as much attitude as my barista had. i understand it could have been a long day for them, but I was nothing but bubbly and happy, and I was only ordering an iced vanilla latte togo. not only does it not taste good, it was $6.75 for a 12 ounce, I don't know what they charged me and extra dollar for, but I wont be going back to that location for a long time.
My husband is a coffee aficionado and in a city known for coffee, Coava is one of his go-tos. We regularly brew their beans at home and, today, when I stopped in, I spilt my mocha before I got into the car. Sheepishly I walked back in to purchase another one but until barista was nice enough to comp me for making another one. Great service, great coffee.
One of OG coffee houses in Portland still offers delicious coffee in an industrial setting. I like the high ceilings, huge windows and solid furniture. I feel they lend themselves to creativity. I found free parking on a side street, but there's 2-hour metered parking right outside. The only perk of the metered parking is that it keeps the sketchy vans that never leave away- iykyk I still get a kick out the fact Jerry Seinfeld was here. My service experience was prompt-unlike his Portland famous experience
Loved this place. Glad we got to enjoy a few hours preparing for our flight back home at this hipster spot. The atmosphere is welcoming, with lots of windows, plenty of seating are and quality coffee. Since we almost missed the opportunity to experience the highly rated coffee, it was only fitting that I double up on my order and then return for one last one before departing. I generally opt for the oat milk latte but this time I also added the house staple honey latte and it was delicious. Perfect balance of sweetness to the velvety latte that presented with a perfect cremă design on top. Plenty of parking, top rated coffee, great customer service and the best company made for a memorable experience. When in PDX, this will be a must stop on the daily.