2.15.2010

Cruisin' Cafes: Portland, OR

It’s really quite simple dolls…I blame the music. Declared as the “indie rock mecca” by Slate magazine back in 2007; Portland, Oregon has earned the reputation of harboring one of the most incredible music scenes in the country. Therefore, as an individual who holds fast to the notion that “every moment in life deserves a soundtrack” I see it of the utmost importance to take a detour through Downtown Portland on one’s quest for caffeinated complacency.

Unlike so many locales boasting promising harmonious talent; Portland is one of the very few that nurtures an aesthetic which balances perfectly between grungy and glittering. A sense of atmosphere that allows one to cast aside their cares, mellow out, and fully and completely embrace their inner Penny Lane – shaking out their hair, trailing their fingers along the unseen air as they drive alongside the Willamette River, and candidly soaking up the creative culture. I hope you’re wearing your American Apparel Wool Floppy Hat darlings, for our road trip is just beginning!

Three Friends Coffee House Don’t fib my loves; we’ve all encountered him. You know exactly the one that I’m talking about. The kid whose house everyone would congregate at after school on Friday afternoons for the sheer fact that his mother provided the best snacks (and kept them coming!), coupled with the verifiable truth that he was always in possession of the latest toy that our parents refused to buy specifically for us. Three Friends Coffee House is the foodie-loving adult counterpart of that very person; sans the presence of an overbearing parent, to be sure.

From the moment you swing the front door open be prepared to meet your second family, for Three Friends Coffee House, with its basement-like interior, is destined to become your home away from home. A tiny stage sits snuggly beside a bar along the window, creating the perfect platform for the occasional jazz band to set-up and lull you into a caffeine-laced trance; while plush couches (a prime place for the techie looking to settle in and blog for awhile) sit atop roughhewn wood floors which add a sprinkling of rustic refinement to the atmosphere. It is the charming little picnic tables sitting out front, however, that offer the absolute best seating – and an ideal place for people-watching along 12th Avenue. Don’t miss the White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Latte…it is heaven on earth! 201 SE 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97214.

Crowsenberg’s Half & Half Like its title would lead one to believe, Half & Half is an unconventional location that bridges the gap between cute and hipster, without ever going too far in either direction. Situated downtown, just a stone’s throw away from Powell’s Books, Jackpot Records, and Reading Frenzy – some of my very favorite Portland haunts – Half & Half makes for the perfect place to pop into whenever you feel the desire to tap into your creative side; or simply to indulge in a warm cup of pure bliss.

The quintessential Portland coffee shop, Half & Half retains a DIY-inspired design courtesy of the rotating art and wide array of tattered flyers announcing various events taking place around town adorning the walls; an indie blueprint made even more prominent by the haphazard jumble of various knickknacks for sale – such as buttons to commemorate your visit, which, oddly enough, you will find yourself incapable of resisting – sitting along the countertop. Yet it is the sunshiny, yellow ceramic mugs that your drink du jour arrives in that will put a spring in your step regardless of how gloomy the weather outside is! Come for the Espresso, stay for the Fluffernutter Sandwiches, Deviled Eggs, and Homemade Cookies. 923 SW Oak St., Portland, OR 97205.

Which of these Portland cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.
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81 comments

KP said...

I like your new page set-up and I would love to go to Portland xo

Leah said...

Happy Monday Erika!

I love the cozy and homey feeling of the Three Friends Coffee House. :-)

www.janetteria.com said...

Mhmmmm...yummy!

P.S.: ♥Please don't forget to join the Howbeadyful giveaway!♥

Good luck!

Diane said...

i've been wanting to venture off to the northwest for some time now. Crowsenberg’s Half & Half sounds like my cup of tea...errrr...coffee :P

i really could use some today. had some this morning that just didn't taste quite right.

Anonymous said...

i really like the wool floppy hat from american apparel! i live in a tropical country where it burning hot and i've been searching for a hat like that forever!

Anonymous said...

Awesome photos!<3

xoxo M.

Rock Couture said...

Great Post...I love Portland (although I have not been in years) I would go to 3 friends, just cause I like the name :)

Ellie said...

Oh gosh, I may have to start planning my america trip soon! Portland will definitely be on my 'To Do' List! x

Sara said...

Three Friends sounds awesome! I am totally in the mood to plan a road trip now! lol. :)

Joanne said...

It's Three Friends Coffee House for me. Here's what did it - That tiny stage creating the perfect platform for the occasional jazz band. Perfection. I'd linger there for hours.

FASHION SNAG said...

Three Friends, as long as the yummy snacks keep coming! xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Viva La Fashion said...

your new page layout is soooo cute. love it. :)

Couture Carrie said...

Yay for fluffernutter sandwiches!

Another fab post, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Michelle Schraudner said...

Portland is my fave. I went to school in Eugene and we always went to Portland on the weekends.

Dina's Days said...

Holy new layout! I love it, I've been thinking about changing mine, and this has officially inspired me!

Denisa L said...

this week I'm cruisin Crowsenberg’s Half & Half :)

Francy said...

Oh my, I lived in Portland for about a year a little while back, and I miss it so much. The culture is so unique. Thanks!!

And another thanks for stopping by my blog! Feel free to come again.

pixiedrivein.blogspot.com

Kira Aderne said...

There is nothing better than Coffee!!!

Caramell said...

you made me crave for sth yummy ;D
btw, love the new look of your blog- it's more clear *-*

meraldia said...

The Three Friends sounds wonderful!

Sarah Whitney said...

Ahh! One of my best friends lives in Portland, I'll have to see if she knows about any of these places!

The Blonde Duck said...

That sounds amazing! I want to go to all of them!

tess said...

I've always wanted to go to portland!

Cafe Observer said...

Luv these cafe posts!
Plus, I luv We Heart It pics!

A Happy post-Valentines to you, too!

FashionJazz said...

Happy Monday sweet heart! I read the comment you left on sexylegsandbody, thank you sooo much!! U are such a sweetie, it really means alot to me! Portland sounds so cool! xxx

Fashion Court said...

i've always wanted to go to portland too haha :p .. i'm baking homemade cinnamon rolls today so hopefully i can create my own little cafe atmosphere!

ellie said...

oh..wow, that hat. a 70ish thrill, for sure. I so want a coffe warmer mug now and I might could make one with the leftovers of a sweater a cut up for arm warmers and a hat. Thanks for the inspiration..and the note too.

Unknown said...

Both these choices sound so good that I don't think I could chose--I'm also very hungry right now and could indulge in some baked goods in a heartbeat! Hoping you have having a wonderful Monday Erika!

xo Mary Jo

Emz said...

haha, somehow, Portland, Oregon, is making its way up my "to-go" list lol. It's adorable!

Analisa said...

I was in Portland for about a week last summer, I do agree they have a great music scene haha. A lot better than where I live in California! These photos are so cute.

Melissa Blake said...

Oooooh, I love your new layout! How'd you do it??? :)

Clare said...

I want to visit these lovely shops! Portland seems like a great place!

French Lover said...

Thank you so much for your sweet comment ! Your blog is absolutely lovely, I'll definitely come back for more :)

Jen Hsieh said...

awwww i love these cafe posts so much. now i want to travel around the world sipping coffee and tea at cafes :)
i'm loving this new layout by the way, the color scheme is gorgeous.

All Women Stalker said...

Coffee, music, (and treats) in one place. A mecca, for sure :)

Lindsay With An "A" said...

Girl, I am LOVING your blog! Thanks for visiting Lindsay Loves It All and commenting! :) I was in Portland this past August for the 1st time and really liked it. I wish I had gone to Three Friends while there. I did visit Voodoo Donuts (SO GOOD!!) & rooftop bar at The Nines Hotel (Very cool!)

http://lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com/

L said...

I leave for a few days and come back to a beautiful new layout and all these new entries — love! It's so girly and elegant! Also I'd love to go to Portland at some point. I have typical places like NY and Milan on my list of must visit places, but I've heard a lot about Portland and it all seems to be good. I definitely should check it out and have a think about which songs would play the soundtrack to the moments in my life!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

Thank you for the great comment and songs on my blog - I'm so happy to find your blog! :)

Tiffany Kadani said...

My heart is always in Portland. I also love how that cinnamon stick is in the shape of a heart.

Jessi said...

Well, hells bells... it's a sign that you've been gone for far too long when you return to one of your fave blogs and the entire look is changed!! Love the new look, darling! :)
xoxo J

Josie said...

It's my first time on your blog and I absolutely LOVE it! You feature lovely things and I am a big fan of your writing style... Can't wait for more!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Sierra said...

Portland is amazing, I've been there in the past to visit my relatives and there is so much there to explore! I love your blog too, thanks for stopping by mine. :) Can't wait to read more!

Maddy said...

Portland is actually one of those places I'd love to visit. - must be the "indie rocker" in me! Hope you had a fab weekend doll!

BTW - Thanks for the info! I'm definitely going to check her site out.

Victoria said...

Aww Thank uu !! ^^
I love soundtracks !! Wish my life would have one.. oh, I should make it myself ;D

Blicious said...

cute post! hope you have a great day!

xoxo

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

Oooh - I'm loving the new layout. It suits you and your blog %100!

And I love cafes. They're so much fun just to lounge around and do "homework" (I tend to drift off and start people watching, but shhhh...)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com

chantelle said...

i'm not so much a coffee lover but i love my chai lattes ;) love those pictures, so pretty, x o x o

Bonnibella said...

Portland, OR is on my list of places to visit. The Three Friends Coffee house sounds like my kind of place since they have a macadamia latte!

Emily said...

that sounds so perfect! I love both those places, Portland sounds wonderful..I really want to go. The indie vibe it has draws me in.

M said...

Dear Cafe Fashionista, I seriously dislike you for ever bringing treasured places like these up on my radar, especially since I don't believe I'm going near Portland or the States in my nearest future... That is just plain mean!

P.S I might like you more tomorrow.

Ela said...

You always have the best photos! Love the knit cozy for that cup :) And LOVE your new *look*, so pretty
Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

E said...

The way you describe Three Friends, it sounds like a need-to-see. I'm bookmarking this for my trip to Portland this summer!

Jesspastry said...

thanks!You have a fabulous blog, great post too :)xxxxxxx

Olive said...

A perfect post as I am planning a vacation to Portland :) Also, your new colours and layout are lovely! Great choice.

Meg said...

That white chocolate and macadamia nut latte sounds super yummy!

JoaNNa said...

thanks for your comment. lovely blog you have there! hope you had a great Valentine's Day! xoxo

rainbowinthegloomysky.blogspot.com

S.Elisabeth said...

Ooh I absolutely adore the former cafe, as I'm always a sucker for those homey feelings =)

Danielle Barbe said...

your elton john comment made you even MORE fabulous in my eyes.

http://www.daniellebarbe.blogspot.com

Grumpy old man said...

Fabulous post and some really great info. Me? I am not much of a coffee drinker, maybe one or two cups in as many weeks.

Thanks for your lovely comment on my last post, I obviously agree with you on both your statements, Jasna is a fabulous person, and my wife is gorgeous, so yes, I am a lucky guy.

HOpe your valentines day was great, and hope your week started off well.

Colin.

Nikolett said...

Oooo, amazing new layout! Reminds me of coffee for some weird reason haha. I love the sound of the first coffee shop -- Portland, here I come! Hope you've had an amazing weekend, girl <3

E said...

I want to visit Portland someday. I hear how it's such a cool town. And these drinks sound delicious.

Love, Youa said...

Cool! Thanks for sharing. I visit Portland frequently and run to the nearest Starbucks! LOL. Next time I will stop by Half & Half! I'm surprised I've never seen it because I love Powell's Books and stop by everytime I'm in town.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Wow, both sound awesome! I was a mocha so bad now haha!

Joanne Faith said...

I love the new layout! Gorgeous. xx

White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Latte sounds DELICIOUS.

http://www.joannefaith.com

miriam said...

Three Friends Coffee House look intriguing!

Arushi Khosla said...

OMG HOW LATE AM I OVER HERE? You changed your layout?!! Who did it? It looks amazing, E!

Princess Liberty said...

I like the new presentation of your blog, it's lovely ♥

the healthy ghost said...

Thanks for your comment. Love the coffees.
xx

Missy said...

thanks for the coment and visit!!! i really like your blog!!! i follow!!!

GraceFace said...

Not only do wel like the same clothes, we both love coffee. <3

Unknown said...

The new page it is really nice. Thanks for your comment. I'd like to add you to me blogroll, coul you also add me in your favourites? Kiss. Stella

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

The Three Friends Coffee House sounds fantastic, and more appealing to me. But being a major bookworm, I think it's likely to say that any coffee house near a great bookstore or two would probably have me as a fairly faithful customer :-)

COCAMIA said...

Portland sounds like it would be a chill and cool vacation!!!

naveen said...

wow is that coffee for mee

B a la Moda said...

Love the little cup warmer. How can it be so cute?

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

Hi! Thanks for coming by my blog! Your blog design in superb and the entries look cool... i'll get lost in there ;) Happy Tuesday!

Diary of a Young Designer said...

Mmmm! Def heading for one of those cafes if I ever hit Portland =)

xo
Sophie

Sherin said...

Portland sounds like such a cool place. I'm a huge music fan, so Portland sounds like a dream!
Three Friends coffee house seems really amazing. The interious does sound so comortable!

liz said...

I'm embarrassed to say I live so close yet haven't been to these lovely places. I'll have to correct that...

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

My house was always the place for my friends and I to hang out! Actually, it still is. Haha! So the Three Friend Coffee House sounds perfect for me. It already has me craving some coffee!

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