Portland $$ *****
I'm actually not in the position to properly rate this place, considering I didn't have an actual meal, but my drink and free bread here have convinced me that I must return for a real meal.
My friend and I came here because she wanted a snack and I wanted a drink. We saw this place, and I had remembered being on its website, on which there were pictures of yummy breads. So in we went, expecting to buy a sourdough roll or something of that sort. It was only about 4pm, so we were the only real customers there. The setting is adorable - very understated yet elegant with large windows that allow you to check out all the cute (gay) guys walking around the Pearl District.
We ordered our usuals: my friend had her coffee, I had my hot chocolate. However, when I asked for a loaf of bread (don't judge me, that's really what I remembered seeing on ESB's website!), our waiter said that's not really what they offer here. So we looked at their menu. Eh. We weren't ready for a full meal. So we said never mind, we'll just have our drinks.
Despite not having a loaf of bread, our drinks were amazing. Their hot chocolate definitely rivals that of First Cup. In fact, I think it's better because it has a lovely aftertaste that I can't quite place my finger on.
The best part was when our waiter came out again and brought us some bread! I know that under normal circumstances, bread is complimentary with dinner (and sometimes lunch). But we had told him earlier we weren't interested in a full meal and just wanted our drinks. And he gave us a nice basket full of bread with olive oil and vinegar anyway. Yay!
So, Everett Street Bistro, we're going to come again when we're craving a large meal.
Everett Street Bistro (Pearl District)
1140 NW Everett Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
Mon-Thu 11:30am - 9pm
Fri-Sun 11:30am - 10pm
Alright, we admit it - my friend and I went to Starbucks every day while in New York. However, we did manage to go to a non-chain (at least, that's what I hope) coffeeshop. On our way from our hostel on the Upper East Side to midtown, we popped into Juliano's, a small, cozy espresso bar. My hot chocolate was delicious and cheaper than Starbucks. Plus, the old Jewish baristas were adorable.
I'm actually not in the position to properly rate this place, considering I didn't have an actual meal, but my drink and free bread here have convinced me that I must return for a real meal.
We ordered our usuals: my friend had her coffee, I had my hot chocolate. However, when I asked for a loaf of bread (don't judge me, that's really what I remembered seeing on ESB's website!), our waiter said that's not really what they offer here. So we looked at their menu. Eh. We weren't ready for a full meal. So we said never mind, we'll just have our drinks.
So, Everett Street Bistro, we're going to come again when we're craving a large meal.
My favorite coffeeshop ever! They serve Stumptown and the best bagels I've ever had. They have a wide selection of bagels: asiago, parmesan basil, whole wheat, jalapeño, etc. You can't really compete with that. Their hot chocolate is amazing.
I've been coming here every week and am due for a free coffee soon (I have one of those frequent customer cards).
My only (but very important) complaint is that their hours suck. Why why why do they close at 5pm? I am a firm believer that any coffeeshop located within two miles of a college should be open 24-hours, or at least until the sun sets. Jeez.
First Cup Coffee House (Eastmoreland)
