Your Guide to the Best Coffee Roasters in Portland (2024)

If you’re looking for the best coffee scene in the Pacific Northwest (let alone on the West Coast), look no further than the City of Portland. In the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s caffeine culture, Portland stands as a beacon for coffee enthusiasts where every cup is a meticulously crafted masterpiece and every sip a journey through the diverse world of flavors. The city’s vibrant coffee scene continues to evolve, with a multitude of roasters vying for the title of the best. 

From the bustling streets of downtown to the cozy corners of its neighborhoods, Portland’s coffee landscape offers an array of experiences that cater to all coffee lovers. In this guide, we embark on a flavorful exploration of the best coffee roasters that define Portland’s coffee renaissance, inviting both locals and visitors to savor the artistry and essence of great coffee that is distinctly Rose City. Whether you’re looking for cold brew, drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, or just the best coffee beans…you’re in for a treat with these local coffee shops that Portland has to offer.

So, without further ado, here is your guide to the best coffee roasters in Portland:

La Perlita

Nestled amidst the eclectic charm of North Portland, La Perlita (formerly known as Kiosko) is a powerhouse hidden gem in the Portland area. Le Perlita is First Gen POC owned and specializes in Mexican coffee and the True Mexican Mocha. They do a great job of bringing in their local community. La Perlita slings Reforma Coffee for its drinks, and they have Cafe de Olla available for patrons to put into their coffees.

Oh, and also, if you’re looking for one of the best conchas in town, this is the place to go. We know this is an article about the best coffee roasters in Portland, but we truly couldn’t resist. La Perlita gives out their conchas for free on Sunday with the purchase of a drink. You’ll thank us for mentioning this!

The PNW Report Tip

La Perlita doesn’t charge for milk alternatives, so go crazy with your oat milk and/or almond milk!

📍La Perlita | 5620 N Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR 97217

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Stumptown Coffee serves exceptional coffee as part of its commitment to the third wave coffee movement. Stumptown’s commitment to sustainability is a testament to their belief that great coffee should not come at the expense of the planet or the people involved in its production. The baristas at Stumptown are highly trained professionals who understand the art of brewing, and they are more than willing to guide you through their diverse selection of coffees, brewing methods, and flavor profiles. Though they’ve exploded in popularity in recent years, this is still one of the best coffee roasters in the Portland area.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters has several locations throughout downtown Portland.

📍 Stumptown Coffee Roasters | 1026 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland, OR 97205

📍 Stumptown Coffee Roasters | 3356 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

📍 Stumptown Coffee Roasters | 4525 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206

📍 Stumptown Coffee Roasters | 128 SW 3rd Street, Portland, OR 97204

Upper Left Roasters

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Portland, Upper Left Roasters is a must-visit location for coffee connoisseurs. This distinctive roastery has carved its niche with a focus on collaboration, community, and authenticity. 

With a meticulous approach to sourcing and roasting, Upper Left elevates coffee to an art form, coaxing out intricate flavors that captivate the senses. Upper Left Roasters has a people-first mentality, focusing on cultivating relationships with those individuals who create their house blends to their unique micro-lots. This reflects on their commitment to both excellence and ethical practices from seed to cup. The team at Upper Left Roasters makes their own plant-based milk, even furthering their commitment to ethical practices and excellence.

If you’re planning on spending the day at Upper Left Roasters (which we highly recommend you do) – you’re in luck! The team at Upper Left serves up a curated food menu that can be deliciously paired with distinctive small-batch roasts. We highly recommend grabbing a pastry and checking out their signature drink: the Ube latte. If you’re looking for some truly excellent coffee, this is the place to go. Oh, and there’s free street parking in the neighborhood, so your decision to go to Upper Left Roasters just got a whole lot easier.

The PNW Report Tip

Only the side tables have outlets, so choose your seating wisely if you need power!

📍Upper Left Roasters | 1204 SE Clay Street, Portland, OR 97214

Coava Coffee Roasters

If this is your first time stepping in to Coava Coffee Roasters, you’re in for a treat. Their Hawthorne location comes complete with high ceilings, big garage doors, concrete beams, a welcoming atmosphere, and most importantly…a good cup of coffee. Located in Portland’s adorable Hawthorne neighborhood, Coava Coffee Roasters is a beacon of innovation and precision in the city’s thriving coffee scene. With a philosophy deeply rooted in craftsmanship and sustainability, Coava’s approach to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee is nothing short of artistry. Their commitment to showcasing the true essence of each bean is reflected in every meticulously brewed cup, where distinct flavors and aromas are brought to life.

The minimalist elegance of their cafes provides a serene backdrop for coffee exploration, allowing patrons to focus on the intricate details of their brews. Coava’s dedication to quality doesn’t stop at the coffee itself; it extends to their emphasis on ethical partnerships and environmentally conscious practices. As an integral part of Portland’s coffee landscape, Coava Coffee Roasters embodies a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and a profound respect for the craft, enriching the city’s coffee culture one exquisite cup at a time. They’re most well-known for their pourovers, so be sure to snag one while you’re here.

📍Coava Coffee Roasters | 2631 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Cathedral Coffee

Nestled within St. Johns, Cathedral Coffee stands as a haven for those seeking both exceptional coffee and a soulful ambiance. On their website, Cathedral Coffee advertises their core values as being: connection, service, intentionality, contribution, stewardship, and excellence. All of these values can be seen in their dedication to sourcing high-quality beans and their meticulous roasting process that result in deep brews ranging anywhere from blends to single-origin. Their house blend, which originates from Minas Gerais, Brazil and Jinotega, Nicaragua, is truly a coffee blend to write home about.

Cathedral Coffee has lots of cozy seating (both indoors and outdoors), plenty of outlets, and a charming little book nook. There’s some sweet and savory pastries available for purchase as well (vegan and gluten-free options are available).

📍Cathedral Coffee | 7530 N Williamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203

Roseline Coffee

Located in the quaint Buckman neighborhood, Roseline Coffee embodies the intersection of precision and passion within the Portland’s bustling coffee landscape. With an unwavering commitment to quality, Roseline meticulously sources, roasts, and brews its beans to create a symphony of flavors that captivates the senses. Roseline Coffee sources their beans from sustainable growers located in Africa and South America, overseeing the entire process to ensure maximum flavor. We highly recommend their Catapult Blend (50% Ethiopian coffee / 50% Honduran coffee) and their Poolside Blend (70% Colombian Blend and 30% Honduran Blend). Of course, if you want to get a deeper look into the single-origin coffees that Roseline offers, we highly recommend checking out their single origin coffee sampler. You’re welcome!

📍Roseline Coffee | 1015 SE 11th Ave #100, Portland, OR 97214

Heart Coffee Roasters

Heart Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffee shops in Portland, and this is singlehandedly due to the fact that the Heart Roasters team prioritizes building high-quality relationships with their specialty coffee producers located in Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala. Transparency and ethical sourcing are key to the Heart Roasters team. To ensure this, the Heart Roasters team pays a visit to their coffee producers at least once per year to maintain a transparent and open working relationship.

All of Heart’s coffee offerings have a dedicated roast profile that accentuates the unique flavors in each bean. During the roasting process, Heart focuses on even roasting development to maximize the sweetness without baking the coffee dry or over-roasting it. This results in a keen pronunciation of the fruit tones and richness. All roasted bags are tagged with a batch number and roast date, so that the final product can be checked for quality. 

As an integral part of Portland’s coffee culture, Heart not only delivers a remarkable coffee experience but also cultivates a sense of belonging at their Hawthorne location, where every sip becomes a celebration of the city’s love for both the bean and the community.

📍Heart Coffee Roasters | 2211 E Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214

Sterling Coffee Roasters

Nestled in the heart of Nob Hill, Sterling Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to the art of coffee. With a focus on precision and flavor, Sterling sources beans from around the world and crafts them into exquisite blends that captivate the palate. We recommend getting one of their famed coffee flights if you want to try out several of their different roasts and flavor profiles. Or, just get a black coffee…it’s fantastic! The mark of a truly good coffee house is how good their basic black coffee is.

The cozy and intimate ambiance of their cafes invites patrons to embark on a sensory journey, where every cup becomes a unique experience. Sterling’s dedication to sustainability and direct relationships with farmers adds an ethical dimension to their craft, reflecting their holistic approach to coffee culture. 

As a beloved fixture in Portland’s coffee landscape, Sterling Coffee Roasters not only delivers exceptional brews but also embodies the city’s genuine passion for both the craft and the connections forged over a shared appreciation for a well-brewed cup.

The PNW Report Tip

Sterling Coffee Roasters is very pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your fuzzy family members! They also have dog treats available for purchase.

📍Sterling Coffee Roasters | 518 NE 21st Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

Deadstock Coffee

If you’re a sneakerhead, there’s no better place to grab a cup of joe in Portland than Deadstock Coffee. Located in Chinatown, Deadstock Coffee seamlessly melds the worlds of coffee and sneaker culture together. Deadstock’s cozy and creatively designed space reflects the synergy of these two realms. With streetwear merch for sale, sneaker-inspired art, and a highly curated selection of music, this is a sneakerhead’s paradise. 

Beyond the sleek aesthetic, their dedication to sourcing high-quality beans and innovative brewing methods results in cups of coffee that are nothing short of remarkable. Deadstock’s fusion of caffeine and culture goes beyond the brew, as it serves as a gathering place for those who appreciate the intersection of style, community, and craftsmanship. There is no menu besides Deadstock’s drinks of the month. But, the baristas advertise that they can make just about anything you ask for. If you’re not sure what to order, the baristas have great recommendations…or, they could even surprise you.

In the heart of Portland’s diverse coffee scene, Deadstock Coffee shines as a testament to the city’s spirit of creative collaboration and its penchant for crafting spaces where art, coffee, and camaraderie collide.

The PNW Report Tip

Order the Nike Shoe Crema if you want a totally Instagrammable drink!

📍Deadstock Coffee | 408 NE Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209

Prince Coffee

Prince is a woman-owned coffee shop and wine bar in NE and NW Portland. With an unwavering commitment to serving impeccable coffee, Prince sources beans from around the world and transforms them into carefully brewed masterpieces that delight the senses. Prince Coffee features a rotating global roaster that changes every year. In 2023, Prince Coffee is working with roasters from Europe. In addition to working with global roasters, Prince Coffee also showcases several local favorite roasters. 

Their brick-and-mortar location has a refreshingly European ambiance, with wooden furniture and bright lines. The street parking in the neighborhood is easy, which is always a plus for Portland drivers.

One surprising aspect of Prince Coffee Shop is that all of the drinks are the same price point. So, whether you get a small, medium, or large…it all costs the same. Might as well get a large, right?

​As a cherished gem in Portland’s bustling coffee scene, Prince Coffee not only exemplifies excellence in taste but also embodies the city’s love for cultivating spaces that blend a passion for coffee with a sense of belonging.

The PNW Report Tip
Prince Coffee serves fresh Stroop Waffles on the weekends…trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this!

📍Prince Coffee | 4523 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213

Thornton Family Coffee Roasters

Looking for a family-owned coffee roaster that has a deep-rooted commitment to quality? Look no further than Thornton Family Coffee Roasters. Technically located in Beaverton, we couldn’t help but add this mom-and-pop roaster to this list of local roasters because it’s just that good.

TFCR cares very deeply about the bean-to-cup process. Before even making purchase decisions on their green coffee, the Thornton Family samples and cups multiple lots to ensure the highest quality beans are relayed to their customers. The Thornton Family purchases all their coffee through sustainable practices and direct relationships. Once the beans are back on site, the beans are roasted on the family’s manually operated solid drum coffee roaster to increase radiant heat, convection, and airflow. Thornton Family Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the art of sharing exceptional coffee with a touch of familial love.

📍Thornton Family Coffee Roasters | 12420 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97005

Water Avenue Coffee Company

Nestled on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland’s Southeast Industrial District, Water Avenue Coffee Company roasts some truly delicious coffee. The founders, Bruce and Matt, started Water Avenue Coffee Company with a vintage French 1974 Samiac coffee roaster. 

Water Avenue transforms each cup into a masterpiece of flavors and aromas by sourcing the finest beans and utilizing meticulous roasting techniques. Located in the same building as the American Barista and Coffee School, the passionate baristas at Water Avenue Coffee Company curate a sensory experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Once you visit Water Avenue Coffee Company, you’ll not only get to enjoy the richness of their brews, but you’ll also join the city of Portland’s collective journey of celebrating exceptional coffee as an art form and a shared passion.

📍Water Avenue Coffee Company | 1028 SE Water Ave #145, Portland, OR 97214

Nossa Familia Coffee

Nossa Familia Coffee, nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, encapsulates the essence of familial connection and a profound dedication to sustainable coffee practices. With a name that means “our family” in Portuguese, this coffee company intertwines its ethos with the warmth of kinship. Sourcing beans directly from their founder’s (Augusto Carneiro) family-owned farm in Brazil and the rest of Central America, Nossa Familia pays homage to the origins of their craft. Through meticulous roasting on Loring machines and brewing, they channel the flavors and stories of the regions they represent. Beyond the exceptional coffee, Nossa Familia’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility shines through, fostering a community-driven approach that resonates with Portland’s values. In a city known for its devotion to quality coffee, Nossa Familia stands as a testament to the intertwining threads of heritage, sustainability, and a shared love for extraordinary brews. This is a great spot for community, and it’s also a great place for good coffee. Win-win, right?!

📍Nossa Familia Coffee | 1633 SE 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97214

As you journey through the aromatic trails of Portland’s finest coffee roasters in 2023, it becomes evident that this city’s dedication to crafting exceptional coffee experiences is an ever-evolving tapestry of innovation and tradition. Each roaster we’ve explored has woven its unique story into the city’s rich coffee culture, inviting you to take a step beyond mere coffee consumption and into a realm where every sip carries the essence of passion, craftsmanship, and community. So, whether you find yourself drawn to the velvety depths of a classic espresso or the intricate notes of a single-origin pour-over, remember that within each cup lies a blend of Portland’s spirited devotion to quality and the simple joy of a well-brewed cup.