Brady Vinlove / The Mossy Log
I am an expert on many things — what your Portland dispensary of choice says about you, classic literature recommendations for a generation idiotized by the internet, how to break your wrist by falling off a bunk bed (purely hypothetical), to name a few. But one of the things I pride myself on the most is my palate for a classy little drink.
Instead of spending money on dinner, going out for coffee or boba with friends is a great way to celebrate the sunshine and overcome the anxiety of end-of-the-year academics. And since I was a barista in highschool (I was really bad at my job), you could say I know my stuff (sort of).
So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite spots around Portland to grab a bitchin’ bev.
This cute little boba shop on SE Hawthorne is my go-to on a spring evening when the sun is shining down on the city after a day of rain. Their tapioca pearls are consistently the perfect texture — chewy but not too firm — and their milk tea strikes just the right balance between creamy and flavorful. The cozy, airy vibe makes it an ideal spot to sit down with a friend and debrief on the latest hot gossip or existential crisis. My order here is a Thai tea with tapioca pearls, half-sweet with oat milk.
If you are in need of something that will really cultivate that Portland polysexual vibe, their matcha ice milk tea with boba is also a solid choice — earthy, slightly sweet and a little stronger than the average matcha latte.
Though this Pearl District cafe has a space larger than some other coffee shops, DO NOT BE DECEIVED — every time I have visited, the place has been popping. Although its popularity can make it a little hard to stake out a table for a group homework session, the quality of their espresso and fare make it absolutely worth visiting.
All of the beverages served at SCC use coffee from their roastery in Sisters, Oregon. According to their website, the company’s coffee blends tend to lean medium to dark roast, while single-origin beans are roasted to bring out their unique flavors. If you are someone who prefers their coffee on the sweeter side, they also make a variety of syrups by hand that can get you exactly where you need to go.
SCC has it all: the staff are friendly, the vibes are bangin’ and they make the best cortado I have had in the Pacific Northwest. I usually order a black cold brew and a slice of toast with their house-made jam — an utterly delectable way to start the day. The iced Daydream vanilla latte is one of Features Editor Paige A. Anderson’s favorites, even though the amount of sugar would likely send a Victorian child into cardiac arrest.
Situated right across from Portland State University, BOBACAT is a bustling hub of students and downtown Portland residents with the opportunity to enjoy some scrumptious libations. On the side of the building is a mural of two cats against a green and blue background. The top of the store is festooned with lush leaves that glow in the sunlight. There is some seating inside, but I prefer to take a drink to-go and stroll around the city. Lovejoy Fountain Park is only ten minutes away, perfect for sitting on the steps of the pavilion and enjoying a sweet treat.
The variety of drinks BOBACAT offers never fails to astound me. In addition to refreshers, a multitude of milk teas, flavored teas and lattes, they also boast a rotating collection of monthly specials. Most recently, they featured a Triple Strawberry drink with strawberry milk tea, strawberry purée and heart-shaped strawberry jellies. If you are like me and prefer something a little more dignified, I recommend a half-sweet Sugarcat Fresh Milk Brown Sugar drink without whipped cream. They also offer four alternative milk options, a godsend for the unlucky few of us bestowed with a Jewish stomach.
The next time you find yourself in the University District, I recommend swinging by BOBACAT to try out one of their drinks and gawk at the whimsy of their storefront. It is a positively charming experience that will delight even the most belligerent of dog-lovers.
Keeper Coffee is just about the most darling little cafe I have ever visited. Located in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood near Reed College, this coffee shop is gorgeously decorated with marble tables and vintage furniture. The staff behind the counter are personable and sweet, just like the interior’s quirky atmosphere.
As you walk up to order, you will be blessed with a view of a glass case full of house-made pastries like lemon tarts, rose pistachio shortbread, sticky buns, and marionberry galetes. Their coffee is locally sourced, but if java is not your cuppa, so to speak, they have a variety of tea blends that sound absolutely beautiful. When I visited to crank out some homework before a run to the nearby Trader Joe’s, I drank a large Americano that was utter perfection, served in a mug that was grandma-coded in the best way. Though I did not indulge in a pastry or sandwich, my friend ordered a sticky bun that virtually glimmered in the mood lighting. If you find yourself frequenting the Reed Trader Joe’s, consider popping into Keeper beforehand to soak in the good vibes and support a woman-owned business.
After all, we have an eccentric city of artisans and kind strangers at our disposal. I, for one, am grateful for every opportunity to adventure out, and a slurpable treat will always be well worth it.
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