The Top 3 Independent Coffee Shops in Astoria, Oregon

A robust cup of coffee, homemade pastry, and a charming locale combined with the arts is what speaks to me when I think of a truly outstanding coffee shop experience. As it turns out, Astoria, Oregon boasts several locally owned coffee shops that offer up all of the above. Each one has its own features that set them apart, and having spent time in many wonderful coffee shops from New York to Hollywood to Cannes; I can honestly say that the quality of coffee and atmosphere that I have experienced at my top 3 picks can rival any of these other locales. The following 3 are the ones I would recommend to anyone living here or traveling through; there is something for everyone who enjoys coffee and ambiance.

Three Cups Coffee House
279 W. Marine Dr. Astoria, OR 503-325-7487
Summer Hours: Sun - Thurs 7am -5pm, Fri -Sat 7am - 7pm

According to Leah, one of three friends who own and run Three Cups, the coffee house name is taken from a Middle Eastern tradition. She explains, "Your first cup you're a visitor, second cup you're a friend and you're third cup means you're family." The coffee house is located in the Columbia River Coffee Roaster building, and they took over almost one year ago. Partner Carly is the baker of their amazing pastries and TJ runs the office. Of course, Columbia River Coffee Roaster coffee is one of the big features of this open ceiling-ed coffee shop, starring their hallmark dark blend, Thundermuck.

The coffee and espressos here are superb, as evidenced by their being voted "Area's Best Coffee" by Coast Weekender magazine. Some of the blends include Willapa Bay (medium blend of Columbian and Sumatran beans), Oregon Breakfast-the House Blend (medium-bodied Mocha Java) Rainy Day Blues (Guatemalen blue beans mixed with chicory) plus several straights and organics. On my most recent visit, I had the Clatsop Spit, their French blend. It is a combination of Columbian dark, Sumatran and Thundermuck, and was both strong and smooth - an excellent flavor. My last trip I had an Americano with an incredible espresso that left me craving more. They also have wonderful featured lattes and my partner had the Werthers, which lived up to our caramel expectations.

If you are in the market for accompaniments to your coffee, Three Cups does not disappoint. There are wonderful berry scones, tarts, cookies, muffins and I tried their "not your usual" granola bar. I cannot even begin to describe how yummy this was! It was like a big chewy cookie bar with raisins and oats and seeds, and everything about it was perfect, from the texture to the flavor. The last time I went I had a bagel and cream cheese, and we also tried a danish that was fresh and homemade. If you show up around lunch time, you can also try their homemade soup du jour or panini sandwiches.

To round out your coffee house experience, Three Cups also holds events supporting the arts. On the third Saturday of every month, they host an open mic featuring local poets and musicians; call to verify times and details. Every 6 weeks, local artists are featured on the walls of the coffee shop, and there are pottery and other gift items for sale. Comfortable couches, Wi-Fi access, and a kid-friendly "swing chair" are all part of the scene.

What finally makes Three Cups Coffee House stand out for me is the wonderful location. The building is right under the south side of the Megler bridge, and you have a picturesque view of the bridge and the river. One can't help but feel they are living the good life when they relax with a big mug of locally roasted coffee, surrounded by friendly people and gazing out at the historic Columbia River.

Blue Scorcher Bakery Cafe
1493 Duane St. Astoria Oregon 97103
503-338-7473
Hours: 8am - 5pm, 7 days a week

At the Blue Scorcher they feature local, organic and fair trade espresso that has been roasted by the Astoria Coffee Co. In addition, they have a terrific variety of loose leaf teas if you would like to expand your hot drink repertoire. To top everything off, owner Iris Sullivan explained how everything is made on the premises, or "handcrafted". Not only their pastries and breakfast and lunch fare, but they even make their own chocolate syrup and brew their own Chai. There is a strong emphasis on community, sustainability and embracing life and all of its aspects. Certainly, an organic gourmet cup of coffee paired with a homemade pastry or some Northwest Cherry hazelnut granola is a great start. But the Blue Scorcher has other aspects that add to this coffee shop experience.

Events and the arts also play a big role at the Blue Scorcher. In the spirit of community and sustainability, they have had events that bear this in mind. One recent Sunday evening featured a local woman who gave a talk on keeping chickens, even bringing some live chicks to the event. Other events have featured classical music brunches, and for the summertime there will be pizza nights and teatime with pastries. Call for times and details.

On my first visit to the Blue Scorcher I was really taken with the surroundings. There were magazines available that I hadn't seen in quite awhile; they are the only local venue where you can find such titles as American Scholar, Homeopathy Today and Woodworker. Iris is also open to taking suggestions from customers on hard to find titles. But I was also impressed with the fact that they had Agave syrup available for my coffee, and gluten-free and vegan options. Apparently Friday is the best day for that. But any day is a good day at the Blue Scorcher because you will always find pure, "lively food" such as organic yogurt, their own seasonal homemade jams, tempeh, quinoa salad, daily soups, veggie burger and sandwiches. Finally, the coffee is what you came here for, and you know you can always count on a flavorful, locally roasted cup.

Alley Cat Espresso
389 12^th Street, Astoria, OR 97103
503-338-6376

It was tough to decide who would hold the third spot on my top 3, because Astoria has an amazing amount of worthy contenders. I had to give the final spot to Alley Cat Espresso primarily for ambiance and heart. Located in the same space, and a part of Bach 'n' Rock, it is a non-profit for a no-kill animal shelter. It is in the downtown area, so if you are walking around and taking in the shops, go off the beaten path a little past the historic Hotel Elliot, and you won't be able to miss it. There is a delightful collection of plants and stained glass adorning the outside and inside, and if you go through the music store entrance, you will be greeted by house Australian Shepherd, Bonnie - the sweetest thing on four legs.

If you go through the Alley Cat Espresso entrance, you will think you just accidentally stumbled into your Aunt Martha's living room. There are the overstuffed easy chairs with a clash of doilies and odd furniture that is a frequent highlight of a good independently owned coffee shop, but the plants are what do it. Add the creeping vines to a truly amazing selection of new and used CD's, vinyl, DVD's, incense, doo-dads, fairy statues, co-owner Tim Fleming's horn collection, and you cannot beat this for atmosphere.

Of course, one must have coffee to have a coffee shop, and there is a basic fare of espressos and brews, along with several flavoring syrups. Tim explained that the espresso came second - it was a way of giving people a chance to relax and enjoy themselves while in the store; you are welcome to browse while sipping your brew. I just really enjoyed the fact that this was a place I could come to and get completely lost. Since it is not on the main downtown path, you are less likely to be dealing with large crowds or fighting to get the spot on the couch. At Alley cat, you could just drift away and vibe with the coffee and the music. But make sure to pat Bonnie on the head before you leave, she's a good kid.

All three of the coffee shops on this list are worth a visit, and maybe one of them will become for you like a second home. In Astoria the community spirit is strong, as well as the coffee.