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BARISTA (www.baristapdx.com)

The only cafe on this list that doesn’t roast its own coffee,
The baristas showcase and elevate the best of what everyone
else is doing with a rotating line-up of guest beans from around
the city and beyond. Proprietor and former barista champion
Billy Wilson now has three Barista outlets—all of which vaguely
resemble Victorian era man caves, but none more so than the
Alberta cafe, splendid. I love the setup of the place, a nice little
cafe shop with big windows and wooden floors got a nice cozy/
comfy feeling when you walk in. Their mochas are bittersweet,
just a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the flavor
of their premium coffee.This location also serves craft beer on
tap and has a nice patio to drink it on, though on one of the
most bar-heavy streets in a thoroughly booze-soaked city, you
really should come here for the excellent espresso.

Seattle

So, we had it with Portland, although, it is not just the coffee that is great in Portland, they also have, the Seattle Dog! They
think it’s strange you DON’T want cream cheese on your hot dog. Invented in the ‘80s, the Seattle Dog, comes with grilled onions
and, yes, cream cheese. So, Portland would say, “Portland, Oregon is the best coffee city in the country. You heard me, Seattle.” So!
We went to Seattle to check it out! The city famed for rain and coffee was recently voted the Most Popular City in America, but is it
really?! Seattle is famously home to the first Starbucks and its corporate headquarters, but the city has a mixed relationship with the
coffee chain. For us, Seattle is just plain dreary and gray, Seattle sees an average of 220 overcast days per year, the most of any major
American city. Locals are proud of Seattle’s diverse music scene and rich history dominated by Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.
Seattle is also the hometown of Jimi Hendrix! However, there are countless number of homeless here begging for small changes it can
terrify you! Seattle is also America’s number 1 Most Literate City and the Seattle Public Library system has the highest percentage of
library card-holders per capita in the country.

Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Company (www.zokacoffee.com)

It’s right by University Village and just off the Burke Gil-
man Trail. They offer something like Aztec mocha, which is very
highly recommended by all the reviews. The pastries - yum! They
have all the standard affair: coffee cake, muffins, croissants. They
also have paninis! The space is very extensive as well, with patio
chairs strewn across the side walk, plenty of inside small tables
and a large space for groups. It’s very open and even with a lot of
people inside it doesn’t feel awfully crowded. Speaking of space -
you can reserve meeting tables for your group. For a coffee shop,
this place is huge. Plenty of seating and a variety of sizes of tables
for whatever size group you have. The music selection was great
as well. Gluten-free chocolate decadence and non-fat ginger chai.
Enjoy the view of university students while sipping your coffee
here at Zoka!

Caffe Vita (www.caffevita.com)

This “Caffe Vita” location that we visited was none other
than the one in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. Once
stepping foot inside, it has a dark yet cozy atmosphere. The interior
is graced with a brick wall completed with a menu board displaying
all their varieties as well as brewing equipment, mugs, cool t-shirts,
teas, and ground coffee to take home. With the enormous roaster
inside with men and their big bikes, I was impressed with the fla-
vor, ambiance, and atmosphere and this truly is an authentic and
superior Seattle coffee shop. Amazing cold brew coffee, and also
delicious ham & cheese croissant. A cute little neighborhood cafe
with good music, friendly service, and cool ambiance indeed.
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