Courtesy of Yours Truly
The fall semester calls for many new beginnings. Whether it is your first or last year here at Lewis & Clark, getting into the groove of things is a slow and grueling process. The first few days — and even weeks — can feel repetitive and uneventful. Because of this, it is important to find time to treat yourself by going out and exploring the beautiful city of Portland.
I decided to take my own advice and spend a day in Sellwood exploring some of the many different cafes downtown.
My first stop was Cafe Cinco Siete, located on the corner of 13th Ave. and Umatilla. I was first struck by how much smaller it felt than it looked, which gave the space a cozy, understated energy. Both windows in the cafe were floor to ceiling, the sunlight illuminating the whole room. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the baristas behind the counter sweet and welcoming. They allowed me to try a sample of their Dulce de Leche caramel, but in the end I ordered a panelita, something else they had recommended from their menu. The drink was a latte with notes of bay leaf, cinnamon and clove — perfect flavors for autumn. I ordered the drink with oat milk in an iced 12 ounce, which came out to around eight dollars. Although I loved the space, seating inside seemed inadequate for studying as the tables were a bit too small to fit a laptop. This cafe felt more like a “grab and go,” rather than a “sit and sip.”
My next stop was the Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters which was right off 13th Ave. and Lexington. Walking into the cafe felt like a breath of fresh air, the ceilings high and the music low. There was a certain charm to the cafe that I found hard to pinpoint. I ordered an iced rose latte with oat milk, and took a seat at one of the high tables that was against the far wall. Looking around, I could see friends and families sitting together and enjoying each other’s company.
There was a bulletin board that was advertising local artists, events and organizations. The coffee I ordered felt a lot lighter than the previous one, aromatic and sweet, which was a nice change of pace. This cafe was more accessible as it had an easy entry with a ramp and accessible seating options. I could see myself spending an afternoon here, jotting down notes or drafting a story.
Heading down 13th, I noticed Yours Truly Cafe. The interior was set up like a bar, complete with a large table for baristas, and a wall of drinks behind. The design gave the space a relaxed quality, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a late afternoon sip. The cafe doubles as a wine bar and coffee shop, and I noticed a group at the bar who were wine tasting. I asked the barista for a recommendation, and told her I was looking for something sweet. Per her suggestion, I ordered another iced drink, a lavender cardamom latte with oat milk. There was seating both inside and outside of the cafe, as well as a window seat inside, separate from the bar and other tables. There was a ramp attached to the side of the cafe for easy entry. I loved Yours Truly’s understated and youthful vibe, and the latte was a perfect mix of floral and fresh without being too heavy.
My last cafe of the day was Slow Pour located on 13th Ave. and Malden. Walking in, I noticed the large, spacious design. The furniture was mismatched and slightly worn, which I found charming. There were some high tables with stools, as well as round tables with plush seats. I noticed a small corner outfitted with couches and armchairs, as if we had walked into a grandmother’s home. I decided to order something from their seasonal menu, and got an iced pumpkin pie latte (a classic!) with oat milk for about eight dollars. Compared to the other cafes on the strip, this one felt slightly less intimate. Maybe it was because of how spacious it was or the barista who did not engage much. Unfortunately, the drink itself was also a bit of a let down. For the price and its seasonal hype, the expectation was high for this drink. To my dismay, it tasted like the pumpkin puree had been forgotten and all that was left was an iced glass of oat milk. The space was easy to maneuver, however, as there was a lot of room and many seating choices. All in all, this cafe was beautiful to sit and chill out, study or just have time with your own thoughts. The only downside is the coffee being a little bland and underwhelming for its price.
I hope my day in Sellwood inspires you to explore the many wonderful cafes and coffee shops in the Portland area. After all, Portland does not just have good coffee, it has a community that loves to come together. Whether that be going to the same beautiful college, living in the city block, or something even as simple as reading in the same cafe. Take advantage of this amazing city, explore new places and, most importantly, get off campus!
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