5 Best Workspace Cafes in Portland for a Productive Day

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I don’t work from home or remotely – I feel like I should start with that because it’s something a lot of folks assume because I’m a travel blogger. You might even assume that I know all the best workspace cafes in Portland because I diligently craft my aesthetically pleasing content from them every morning.

But, I am not a full time blogger – in fact, I don’t make any money at all from blogging haha, this is a hobby. However, I am a fiction writer and I have found that I am a more productive writer when I don’t have the distractions of home (aka Hulu, video games, bothering my cat, etc etc). So I do have a handful of workspace cafes in Portland that I frequent, but it wasn’t planning on doing a whole blog post about it until a friend asked.

Last year when she was still deciding where to move, my friend Anela from Feed the Malik asked me about my favorite cafes in Portland to work at during her visit. I rattled off a few of my favorites, but I noticed that MY favorites weren’t necessarily the best for people who need to park up for a bit and really dig into the sand and get some work done.

So over the past year (and some change), I’ve branched out to try out a LOT more workspace cafes in Portland that would be suitable for the average everyday remote worker. I’ve also…done a lot of writing haha, so you’re hearing it here first, the first draft of my next book WILL be done by the end of the year. But anyways, after months and months of popping into new cafes (because this city has SO MANY geezus), I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite workspace cafes in Portland that I would recommend to residents and visitors alike!

Criteria

Alright alright alright, but what does all that mean? What makes “good” workspace cafes in Portland?? Well, just like any roundup list, it’s all arbitrary. So, to add context to why the following establishments made it to my list, I thought I’d let you know what criteria I was specifically looking for to make it a good experience to work in.

If you don’t care about all that tho and just want some recommendations for the best workspace cafes in Portland, feel free to skip ahead to the next section haha.

#1. Large Tables

When I work, I’m a spreader. Even if it’s just me and my laptop, I gotta have my snacks, like 3 different beverages, and my monster pencil case (even tho I’m not gonna use it). I NEED SPACE. So for this list of workspace cafes in Portland, I wanted to find cafes that at LEAST had a mix of small AND large tables so that no matter your work, you could find space for it!

#2. Strong WiFi

This one is a bit self-explanatory. Since a lot of our work these days requires us to be connected to people and information, especially for remote-workers, strong WiFi is a MUST. I personally tested the WiFi at each of these spots by loading my own slow website for speed comparison haha. If it took longer to load than at my house with my own cheap WiFi…then I’m sorry, it didn’t make the cut for best workspace cafes in Portland.

#3. Caffeinated beverages – with options!!

It’s requireddd for work. So not only do these workspace cafes in Portland need a good brew, but I also want OPTIONS! Good coffee, good teas, good lattes, good froths…I want the works! Not everyone likes one type of drink, and usually…if I’m gonna be there a while, I want to mix and match! So a varied drink menu is needed.

#4. Nourishing food

The next factor is something I didn’t necessarily consider a deal breaker, but after hearing about Anela’s workspace preferences as a fulltime remote worker, I know know how important it is for those who work longer than two or so hours at a cafe.

So, FOOD. And not just pastries and baked goods. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE baked goodies, but also…they usually aren’t MEALS. And you kinda need brain food to do your work. So, to help narrow down this list and consider those who will be working during meal times, these workspace cafes in Portland also have a bangin’ food.

Anela is great btw! You gotta sign up for her newsletter and follow her!

#5. Trustworthy environment

And lastly, you’re here to work, but even while working you may need to step away from your table. Either to use the restroom, pop outside to take a call, or even wait in line to reorder something. It’s not fun to have to pack up all your stuff and take it with you whenever you get up, or have to constantly look back over your shoulder to make sure your stuff is still at the table.

So the last trait I factored in for these workspace cafes in Portland is how trustworthy the environment is. Will you feel comfortable walking away for a bit and be confident the person next to you isn’t going to dip into your bag? Are the staff relatively vigilant enough to keep an eye out for funny business, or are they too in the weeds to do a quick room sweep? Is the in and out traffic too hectic to really be confident someone won’t swipe something when you look away?

#6. Step-free (including bathrooms!)

Okay, this one is not normally considered, but I wanted to make sure that the workspace cafes in Portland that I listed were step free so it wouldn’t be a barrier for anyone using a wheelchair, stroller, or walking aid. BATHROOMS INCLUDED. I’ve literally been on the verge of bursting only to find out I’d have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the restroom….

Yeah…no.

With the psuedo-exception of oneeee place (which I’ll get into later), these workspace cafes in Portland are all step free, from parking (curb cuts for street parking) to entrance to restroom – and back.

Workspace Cafes in Portland

Those are all very important aspects to me in what makes a cafe a good working environment. Not to say that if a cafe doesn’t fall under those umbrellas – or that I didn’t list it – then it means it’s a bad place to work. Not at all. But it’s just my preference.

Again, arbitrary and whatnot.

Anyways, I’ve rambled long enough and you have work to do! So below are my personal favorite workspace cafes in Portland that I recommend to everyone from writers, to artists, to project managers…you’ll be covered! So in no particular order…

Concourse Coffee

Hours: Daily, Weekdays 8am-4pm, Weekends 9am-4pm

Bus stop: NE Couch & 7th

Serving: Concourse Coffee (new), Deadstock Coffee

Stand-out perks: variety of AMAZING food trucks outside, space rental

Okay I lied, there is a particular order – Concourse Coffee is the workspace I frequent the most…well, frequently. So to start off, the street parking is free and I’ve never had to circle the block for a spot, so it’s already a win in my book. There are a mix of tables, chairs, and couches, so it works for both solo work as well as group collaboration.

You can even rent space for a workshop, teambuilder, or meeting – though I’ve never done that before. During cafe hours, you can rent a 1 desk/2 chair room for $15/hr, or even hire the space for an after-hours event. It’s one of the only workspace cafes in Portland that I’ve heard of doing that, so even not “work-work” related, it’s good to know!

The menu at Concourse Coffee is extensiveee. I’m talking coffee, teas, hot chocolate, steamer, and even specialty drinks like cold brew and southern sweet tea, sparkling lemonades…and even wine, cider, and craft beers (it is Portland after all). It’s a bevvie b*tch dream tbh, so I was hooked just from that. What is REALLY the cherry on top of an already great space is the food trucks parked right outside, which also happen to be some of the best food trucks in Portland – Matta, Baon Kainan (+ Balong pop-up, my fav!!!), and No Q No Taqueria!

I don’t know much of the sports, the main theme of the cafe, but I do think it puts a unique twist on the vibe. Plus, I got to watch a few World Cup games!

Esperanza Trading Company

Hours: Daily, 8am-4pm

Bus Stop: SE Woodstock & 43rd

Serving: Reforma Roasters

Stand-out perks: beautiful studious environment, wine nights (Th-Sat 4pm-9:30)

My second most visited of the workspace cafes in Portland – THE BEAUTIFUL ESPERANZA!!! This cafe is just absolutely gorgeousss, and the vibes alone make it one of the best workspace cafes in Portland. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Esperanza Trading Co has a small parking lot in front (like, 2 or 3 spaces), but lots of free street parking. Although it isn’t in the city center, it’s still easily accessible by public transit and the bonus is that you get more of a chill environment.

The layout of Esperanza is slight compartmented, which is very nice if you’re someone who might get easily distracted by movement. There are literally SO MANY places to sit. You’ve got bench + table combos, super sturdy single-person work desks (with cute lil lamps and cork placemats!!!), bigger tables, more private tables in a separate nook, bar seating that looks out to the street, and even outdoor seating. Something truly for everyone.

Along with their fantastic selection of drinks that nod to Mexican flavors, and pastries from Matutina (who are listed in my will because their baked goods are baked THAT GOOD), Esperanza is also imho one of the BEST breakfast in Portland. They start serving at 9am (until closing/sell out I believe), and between you and me it’s the best place to get a filling (and creative) porridge/oatmeal in the city!

Something else that makes this one of the most unique workspace cafes in Portland is that they do a fantastic wine night (who else is doing that in the cafe game??) so you can close your laptop at the end of the workday and get right down to the fun stuff!

Behind the Museum Cafe

Hours: Daily 11am-5pm

Bus Stop: Art Museum or SW Jefferson & 10th Westbound

Serving: Extracto Coffee

Stand-out perks: matcha and delicious Japanese cooking

Behind the Museum Cafe is so STINKIN QUAINT. Like, that is the one adjective that perfectly describes it – and I love them for that!!! Since they are located downtown (quite literally behind the ART museum), the street parking isn’t free, but just use the Parking Kitty app and you can easily pay + extend your parking meter from your phone.

If you’re a tea lover, especially green teas, this will instantly become one of your favorite workspace cafes in Portland. You can even order your matcha ceremony-style with omanju (Japanese sweets). Speaking of Japanese sweets…omg I’m talking Japanese soft serve, hojicha parfaits, wasabi popcorn…and that leads me to my next point. THE FOOD. IT IS SO GOOD!! A variety of sandwiches, onigiris, and an assortment of Japanese bites.

Yeah, yeah, I told you you’d fall in love.

They have a lot of individual tables, half with outlets and half without, and one super large table at the end, so you can pick and choose what is right for your needs. Just a heads up that it’s usually on the quieter side (probably on average the quietest of these workspace cafes in Portland with no headphones), but don’t feel initimated – you can definitely speak and talk and collaborate too.

Portland Cà Phê

Hours: Daily, Weekdays 8am-6pm, Weekends 9am-5pm

Bus Stop: NE M L King & Knott*

Serving: Bon Mua Oregon, Future Coffee Farm, Mercon Specialty Coffee

Stand-out perks: bright open environment, delicious bánh mì

Portland Cà Phê is an amazing place, but when it comes to workspace cafes in Portland, *SPECIFICALLY – I mean the one on MLK blvd. All love no shade, but the first location on Holgate doesn’t have the best parking situation. The location on MLK however has plenty of free-street parking. I do want to point out that while it is technically step-free, the front entrance is at a notable incline.

The space is very airy which, at least personally, is very motivating and energizing for working. One of my favorite thing about Portland Cà Phê, and literally what put it on the NATIONAL radar, are their super original seasonal drinks. I JUST had their eggnog chai latte and it literally changed my life. Combine that with their staple flavors like ube, black sesame, and coconut cream and you will never run out of new drinks. Their food menu equally steals the show, showcasing both classic Vietnamese dishes and items with a twist.

Plus, they just might have the best bánh mì in Portland.

There’s a wall of single tables, and one long bench with tables that could be used for a group or spaced out for more individual spaces.

Favela Brazilian Cafe

Hours: Closed Mon & Tues, Wed-Fri 11am-6pm, Weekends 10am-6pm

Bus Stop: SE Foster & 52nd

Serving: (I’m actually not sure lemme get back to ya)

Stand-out perks: enamoring environment, heated patio

Favela Brazilian Cafe is another one of the workspace cafes in Portland with multiple locations, but I recommend the location on Foster, which also happens to be their flagship. There is plenty of free-street parking which is great.

There are a few smaller tables, but much more larger tables. The majority of the tables are in their outdoor covered patio area, and I am SO grateful that they have patio heaters as well. Heads up if you don’t want to sit outside, that’s where the majority of their seating is so get there earlier. Very thoughtful touches, and if moody atmospheres get you in a productive headspace, there’s no better spot that writing on their covered patio on a rainy day.

But that’s about the only possible thing about Favela that could EVER be described as moody. This place has such wonderful, lively, charismatic energy. If I weren’t so deathly afraid of human interaction, I’d stop by just to chat with the staff because they are so charming and friendly and really make you feel welcomed.

Out of all the workspace cafes in Portland, they have the most extensive food menu, and it’s all fantastic. Sandwiches on sandwiches, and they’re ALL good. Favela is the only spot in Portland that has more cake than me and their juicesss!!! Honestly the juices alone…easily one of the best juice bars in Portland. (give me a sec to update that post tho lol). Speaking of drinks though, they’re great. I especially love the attention to detail of the presentation.

Okay I’m trying to wrap this up but I just really love Favela haha. BUT it’s such inspirational energy because it really is a spot for community. They have regular community events, Portuguese learning workshops, and game nights. You can finish up your work and stay for the fun! If y’all see me speaking Portuguese, you’ll know why.

40 LBS

Hours: Mon-Tues 7am-5pm, Wed-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-2pm

Bus Stop: SW Main & 2nd

Serving: Stumptown Coffee, Coava Coffee (I think?)

Stand-out perks: spacious, cocktails & mocktails

40lbs is actually the most recent workspace cafes in Portland to bury its way into my heart, but it was truly love at first visit. Located downtown, you do have to pay for street parking, but as long as you having the Parking Kitty app is easy to pay + extend from the comforts of the cafe.

They do have a coffee-exclusive spot a few blocks down, called 40 LBS Coffee Bar (the first location), but they don’t have food and it’s a lot smaller. It’s right in the heart of the financial district (does anyone call it that? lol), but all the plants inside give it a cozy feel.

I loveee that there is a ton of seating, which is the first thing I noticed. Bar seating, bench tables, big tables, little tables, enclosed tables, open tables…you are truly spoiled for options. Their breakfast menu is also available all day, which for late risers like myself – I APPRECIATE!! I can’t wait to go back and try more of their menu, but the two times I’ve visited, their breakfast sandwich and their bagel sandwich were great!

If You Don’t NEED Food…

Heyyy if you don’t NEED food-food and are good with just delicious baked goodies, or you just plan on staying for a short working sprint, then I’ll list some other great workspace cafes in Portland that have excellent drinks and sitting areas, but don’t have a full food menu.

Electrica Coffee: A new cafe in the Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co building, open daily and serving up Mexican coffee and Japanese tea in the cutest little space. Tons of large tables, which is AMAZING, and super helpful and friendly staff. Free street parking.

Bison Coffeehouse: They LITERALLY have my favorite chai in this entire city – it’s sweet, just like me 🙂 Tons of sitting space and a little outdoor table under a gazebo for when the warmer weather rolls in. Free street parking.

La Perlita: Ah, the coffee spot that started so many great new friendships in Portland for me. They just relocated to their new location and have tons of space and tables to work in – but they kept the same amazing energy! Free street parking

Close Seconds

The following workspace cafes in Portland are solid choices, but didn’t quite meet all the qualifications for this particular list. But, if you’re looking to branch out or try something new, I also recommend these spots as long as you keep a few key things in mind. Plus, they all have free street parking.

Lolo Pass – So, I didn’t even know this place existed, let alone that it had a cafe in the lobby, but then my good friend Sojourner from Sojournies stayed there. She is the hostel QUEEN btw, so check out her content if you need hostel tips and tricks! ANYWAYS, they have a ton of space and she ranked it as one of her fav hostels in the country, so if you’re visiting from out of town, Lolo Pass sounds solid! I personally just feel nervous going in if I’m not staying there so…I still haven’t been to test it out haha.

KISS Coffee – KISS Coffee has some GOOD food. Like…best one of the Black owned restaurants in Portland good, and lots of space! And it’s in a lovely neighborhood with super lovely staff! So…why didn’t it make the original list? Well…because there’s no WiFi. And, no shade, I also had weak cell service inside (outside was fine though). BUT HEAR ME OUT on why it’s a close second. Since I didn’t have WiFi, it was actually kind of a nice break to go through my planner and get things scheduled and organized. I also got a lot of reading done! So if you need a distraction-free area to do work sans internet…

Capitola Coffee – A lot of people who list Capitola Coffee as one of their favorite workspace cafes in Portland (they have food before 2pm, great drinks, lots of space), AND I GET IT…but okay, this is going to be really petty so feel free to disregard me knocking a point off but…it feels too bright to me in the afternoon??? Like, all the individual tables are against the window and it just gets reallyyy bright for me. And their doors are like, really heavy?? Is it just me?? Anyways, I’d recommend trying it out!

Shoutout to…

Before we wrap this up, I do want to give a special shoutout to some of the Portland foodies that I look to for inspiration. If you don’t like my list you have bad tastes, feel free to take some of their suggestions because they’re always finding new and great local spots to try!

First, Giovanni from Coffee Feed on instagram. Their entire page highlights different coffee spots around town! I just started following them a few weeks ago and is how I found out about 40 LBS!

I also gotta give it up to one of my closest personal friends in Portland and one of the most talented local foodies, Michael and his incredible IG account micbanh! My favorite bevvie buddy <3

And last but certainly not least, Morgan aka HeyMorgs on instagram! Her videos are what got me into the idea of finding workspace cafes in Portland (before this blog post) and I trust her with my LIFE…and, well, pointing out a good cup of caffeine haha.

Conclusion: Workspace Cafes in Portland

As per usual, I talk too much so thanks for getting through this with me haha. I hope this list has given you some new spots to add to your never ending Portland TBE (to-be-eaten) list. But at least with these, you might find some new favorite workspace cafes in Portland!

If you’ve been to to the city, do you have any workspace cafes in Portland that you would recommend or add to this list? Let me know in the comments below! In the meantime, let me get back to that novel I’m supposed to be writing….

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