Portland Coffee Shops: Something for Everyone

I love coffee! Absolutely and positively cannot live without it. That's what I tell everyone, and it is true. I have tried giving it up while pregnant and couldn't do it. I only had to think of it and I salivated. That sip of frothy perfection they call a cappuccino, that ideal espresso, rich and thick, slipping down my throat, all the taste buds open in anticipation of pure bliss. So, I've decided to admit my addiction to myself and continue in my pursuit of this love affair. And why not? We get but one life.

As luck would have it I live in Portland Oregon, home of countless such places to indulge my caffeinated cravings. But because there isn't room to eulogize about all the coffee shops I love, I will settle on three for good reason. The first one is a reminder of my future, the place I strive to be in, in a few years time. No, I'm not hurrying it along, but they say it's important to have vision, to have goals. The second of my present. The crazy world of motherhood with it's constant joys, a few tears, lots of questions, and the attitude that I must be doing something right after all. And finally the third, of my past. And we all like to romanticize that a bit, don't we?

1. ST. HONORE BOULANGERIE: One day I'll move to Paris, get myself a cute little puppy that I'll spoil to death, and run around the cobblestone sidewalks in my Christian Louboutin's which will perfectly compliment my Hermes silk scarf. Until that day comes I go to St. Honore's Boulangerie, order a double cappuccino and cafe eclair for myself and a brioche for my kids, which i end up eating, because they want something different, and frankly I meant it for me, anyway. I love the ambiance in this place. The old world courtesy of it's patrons. The long pine table, the sandblasted beams, and that sinful display case. It's a perfect place for people watching. And the cappuccino is superb!
2335 NW Thurman / 503.445.4342 / 7am - 7pm (M-Thurs & Sun) 7am - 8pm (F- Sat)

2. SIP & KRANZ: A COFFEE LOUNGE: Running around after kids is a lot of work. One needs all the fortification one can get in dealing with infinite childhood "whys" and "hows" only people under a certain age can come up with. The espresso at this place, and the separate glassed in, TV screened, toy filled and pillow stuffed kids only room, offers the calmness and sanity mothers need in an effort to catch up with whatever gossip other mothers have up their sleeves while seated in super cool wicker armchairs.
901 NW 10th / 503.336.1335 / 7am - 9pm (M-Sat) 8am -8pm (Sun)

3.STUMPTOWN COFFEE: Cool. Which I'm sad to say I don't even know what it means to be so anymore, although I do pretend. Beer and wine are also options for those who don't drink coffee. Or maybe a beer or glass of wine alongside your coffee? Just watch what the people at the table next to you are doing and do the same. And don't stare so hard!
128 SW 3rd Ave. / 503.295.6144 / 6am -9pm (M-F) 7am -9pm (Sat) 7am-8pm (Sun)