8 Best Black Owned Coffee Shops in Portland: The Wire(d)

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The older I get, the more I realize I am somewhat of a contradiction. I like nature, but I hate being outside. I am perpetually exhausted, and yet I avoid sleeping. And the fact that I always seem to be in a coffee shop somewhere…but I don’t even like coffee lol. BUT YANNO WHAT I CAN EXPLAIN THIS ONE. First, I order tea (usually a chai latte). Second, I go for the *~*vibes*~* which is arguably half the experience anyway. So as someone searching for supreme vibes, especially being Black in Portland, I of course came across some dope Black owned coffee shops in Portland.

Pour One Out

Before we get into all of the amazing Black owned coffee shops in Portland, I did want to take a moment to acknowledge and remember the Black owned coffee shops in Portland that are no longer with us. With a food and beverage scene like Portland, one that changes faster than the seasons, it is with mixed feelings that we are always surprised with fresh new concepts…but at the same time some of our favorites close up shop.

In any case, I hope the owners and their wonderful employees are onto the next great thing in their lives. Thank you for the good times.

• Concourse Coffee
• Koken Coffee Roasters

Black Owned Coffee Shops in Portland

Okay, now we can get into the nitty gritty of the post. Unless you’re white (and maybe not even then), you’ve noticed the STARK lack of diversity in the coffee industry. Ironic since coffee literally originated in Africa.

Ethiopia to be exact.

Coffee has never been a “white thing,” and honestly never will be. Don’t let the Italians fool you now!!! The hands STILL cultivating the coffee crops share your history, your present, and your future. You may not always see yourself represented in local businesses, especially in Portland, Oregon, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Black owned coffee shops in Portland DO exist, so check them out! And no, you don’t have to be Black to visit, lol.

Finding a new favorite coffee shop is like trying out a new bed – you have to find one that makes you feel comfortable. And have great coffee, of course. My hope with this list, along with wanting to highlight more Black owned businesses in Portland who are overlooked by larger publications, is to give you guys more possibilities for finding a new favorite spot. That’s the real trick to making a city feel like home.

Now without further ado, here are some amazing Black owned coffee shops in Portland!

Deadstock

address: 408 NW Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209

Chinatown | Old Town

I have to start with the one, the only, the coffee shop that almost needs no introduction – Deadstock Coffee Roasters. Holding it down in Portland’s Chinatown/Old Town, Deadstock is a staple for both caffeine enthusiasts and sneakerheads. You’ll notice the distinct style that Deadstock pulls upon – street chic. There isn’t too much room inside the small coffee shop to sit and sip, but you can browse the rotating art, merch, and shoes decorating the space.

Deadstock doesn’t only serve the freshest kicks though. The have all the favorite drips, coffee included, as well as teas, steamers, and refreshers. They also have more unique drinks like their signature LeBronald Palmer (lemonade + sweet tea + cold brew). After the first sip, you’ll fall in love and be coming back for more.

Because honestly, coffee SHOULD be dope.

Kiss Coffee

address: 3016 NE Ainsworth St, Portland, OR 97211

second location: 2800 NE Liberty Street (UO PDX Campus)

NE Portland

Kiss Coffee is the kind of humbly loved spot that makes you want to start house shopping in the neighborhood. It truly embodies the “hidden gem” vibe that first put Portland on the map, but that doesn’t mean it’s a secret. You’ll find both neighbors and commuters who regularly frequent Kiss Coffee, and after you visit, you’ll see why.

Setting themselves apart in the VAST Portland coffee scene by providing delicious food. I absolutely love their sandwiches, they are my go-to when I’m out and about in NE Portland, but they also have great breakfast bagels and pastries. But this is about Black owned coffee shops in Portland, so let’s talk coffee. They brew Seven Virtues Peru and their drinks are very customizable so you can get whatever you need for the day.

Above Grnd Coffee

address: 1100 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Central Eastside

Not gonna lie, Above Grnd is QUICKLY becoming THE SPOT. First of all, it’s open late, which is a Godsend for night owls like myself. Located super conveniently by both car and public transit, Above Grnd is tucked away on the top floor* of a sneaker store. Above Grnd is a spacious, yet cozy cafe with gorgeously airy decor.

Drawing from their Somali background, the menu features multiple Somali and Arabian recipes like housemade chai (my favorite) with variations like matcha chai (fan favorite). However, their coffee is also out of this world. If you’ve never had it before, I recommend ordering Qahwah and trying their unique specialties like the date seed late and their twist on a Spanish latte with condensed milk. There’s also plant-based energy refreshers (the hibiscus!!!) as well a caffeine-free version of their date latte and delicious snacks!

I also want to shout out that they are a sober 3rd space, something you can never have too much of, especially for places open late. It’s just really nice and refreshing to meet up somewhere after work that isn’t a bar. It’s a great space to work (one of my new favorite workspace cafes in Portland), study, or even socialize. On weekends, they often host game nights and other activities. They’re really cultivating a community – and they haven’t even been open a year!

L’Atelier Yaffe

address: 111 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232

Central Eastside

SPEAKING OF great third spaces, L’Atelier Yaffe is part cafe, part art gallery, and part crepe plug serving up some of the best breakfast bites in Portland. And it is fully one of the best Black owned coffee shops in Portland. But let me back it up a min. L’Atelier is my go to recommendation when you’re in the Eastside, so everyone on that side of the river for conferences and whatnot – GO HERE to start the day (they even have grab &go items) before you get locked up in the convention center. Plus, it’s right across the street from the KEX Portland hotel, one of the best hotels in Portland imho.

They have all your fav classics, as well as fun flavor spins like hazelnut, lavender, pistachii, peach…like the list goes on. But my favorite thing as a primarily non-coffee drinker is their Moroccan mint tea. BABYYY how I miss the tea in Morocco, but bless them for bringing me back if only in spirit. All of that amongst the backdrop of a carefully curated art gallery.

At night, L’Atelier Yaffe transforms into one of the hottest spots in the city. The cocktail *(and non-alc) menu comes out and things get more interactive. Various events find residence at L’Atelier Yaffe throughout the week, from open mic poetry, to vintage markets, to drag brunch, you really feel immersed in Portland’s true art and culture scene.

Café UNITED

address: 118 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209

Chinatown | Old Town

Cafe United is such a great sit-down spot in Chinatown. There’s not toooo many of the out there, Black owned or not, so this spot is a neighborhood treasure. That said, my other favorite sip and sit-down cafe in Chinatown is actually the Barnes and Morgan teahouse…which IS Black owned lol.

Anyways back to Cafe United! They have a very open yet cozy dining space with a full roastery bar (is that what they’re called??) with tons of drink options – both coffee, tea, and steamers, making them a great family cafe too. They regularly host various events like open mic jams, comedy shows, and live performances from local artists. One of their foundational ethos is to bridge racial divides and intentional offer and inclusive and welcoming environment to everyone. In a city like Portland, that is NEEDED.

Drip Drop Coffee

address: 932 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Downtown

Drip Drop is one of the newer Black owned coffee shops in Portland, and it’s already making waves. Aside from having a stunning cafe, their coffee and teas are delicious and somehow their staff is even kinder! Their decor is bright but really cozy, and you have a choice of tables or couches so it fits whatever vibe you’re going for. Would also be a great spot to catch up with friends.

I haven’t tried their food menu yet, but when I do I’ll update you (I’m sure it’s tasty tho)!

I usually try to stop by every time I’m in the area and they’ve been consistently amazing. You’ll also find a couple pop-up events here and would make for a really great workspace as well!

Yigebe Coffee

address: 5730 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 *no elevator

Northeast Portland

Yigebe Coffee is a little far for my normal commute, but I’m so glad I found it for when I’m in the area. Especially since they are one of the few Black owned coffee shops in Portland! They have plenty of free street parking as well as the Nike share bike docking station outside, which is super convenient. The downstairs portion of the cafe is not the most spacious, but it is well decorated with lots of natural light. If you want to spread out a bit, maybe get some work done, then they also have an upstairs area* with lots of tables and still great natural light.

I actually accidentally crashed a older men’s friendship meetup when I went upstairs, and they were nice enough to invite me over into their chat. They had A LOT of thoughts on AI hahha. Anyways, the upstairs is a great spot to work either collaboratively or independently.

In terms of drinks, they have a great range of options. I ordered a tea latte and a pastry, but I’d love to try one of their breakfast items the next time I visit, they smelled amazing!

Java Rising Coffee

address: 431 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204

Downtown Portland

Of course, downtown HAD to hold it down when it came to Black owned coffee shops in Portland. Located in the new(ish) Midtown Beer Garden food cart pod, Java Rising Coffee is one of my favorite carts there and also my favorite place to get caffeinated beverages. I’ll be honest though, while Midtown Beer Garden isn’t my favorite pod in Portland, they do have covered seating (with heaters I believe?) which is needed protection regardless of the season. It’s also a great pod for large groups!

Anyways back Java Rising Coffee! It’s a wonderful family owned cart and their kids that worked there (I’m assuming) were super friendly and had great suggestions. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners and she whipped me up a special tea latte (she didn’t know I had a blog, I think she’s just really sweet). They really seem like great people and I had a great experience.

Plus, the drink was fantastic!

Woodstock Cafe

address: 4103 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

East Mooreland

I absolutely LOVE Woodstock Cafe and it possibly the most unique.They are a Deaf operated cafe, one if not the only in Portland, and so so critical to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community! As someone also learning ASL, it’s wonderful to have such an incredible space in Portland!

Not only do they serve up awesome food (get their breakfast sando and homemade poptart!!), but they also hold ASL nights for the Deaf community and ASL learners of all levels, and it’s super inclusive and welcoming. The owner is such a kind (and hilarious) person, so if you get the chance to meet him, definitely introduce yourself! He’s amazing!

Soulful Sips

address: 5261 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211

Northeast

Full disclosure, I haven’t been to Soulful Sips yet since it is the newest cafe to open, but so far I’ve heard really great things so I’ll probably check it out this weekend and report back! If you’ve already been, let me know in the comments below!

Treat Yourself at Home!

Now, going out for a daily beverage isn’t always easy (or affordable), but you can have a little taste of the Black owned coffee shops in Portland by taking home a bag (or three) of beans to brew yourself! There might be more in the Portland area that I’m unaware of, but to get your started, here are some great spots to order coffee and tea bags!

• Kann Coffee: From the geniuses of Deadstock and Kann (one of my favorite restaurants in Portland), grab you a bag of their coffee!
• Mamancy: One of my favorite teahouses in the Portland metro area! Blog post coming soon, but for now just know that they have some DELICIOUS leaf blends!
• Above Grnd Coffee: coming soon!!!

Conclusion: Black Owned Coffee Shops in Portland

And there ya have it! I bet you never thought you’d find two Black owned coffee shops in Portland, let alone nine! And I’m sure there’s more to treat the residents and visitors of the city – I just haven’t been there yet! I believe there’s also Keia and Martyn’s coffee in the Lloyd Center, but I havne’t been able to catch their opening hours!

If you know of any more Black owned coffee shops in Portland, let me know in the comments below so I can check them out!

Have you been to any of these Black owned coffee shops in Portland? If so, which one? Or which one would you be interested in checking out? They’re all fantastic in their own right so I hope this post helps inspire you to visit these Black owned coffee shops in Portland and potentially find a new favorite cafe to suit whatever you’re looking for. As always, thanks for reading and keep supporting local!

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