There are few things better in life then getting the chance to sit back, relax and savor fabulous coffee paired with a mouth-watering dessert. As Portland offers practically an endless list of options, we’ve narrowed it down for you by featuring some of our favorites.
Miss Zumstein Bakery, Coffee Shop, Cakes & Dessert
Not only is Miss Zumstein’s a great place to meet up for a chat with its chill atmosphere, it’s a bakery and coffee shop all in one. Enjoy perfect pastries, heavenly coconut macaroons, pear tarts or even gluten-free chocolate cake paired with a range of outstanding coffee drinks or a matcha latte, some of the best you’ll find in the city.
Papa Haydn
Papa Haydn’s east brought the very first espresso machine into Portland, but it’s best known among locals as the go to spot for dessert. Both the east and west side locations offer at least 26 desserts to choose from on a regularly basis in addition to seasonal desserts. If you’re craving that chocolatey coffee taste, go for the Cafe au Chocolat, a Cappuccino brownie topped with milk chocolate espresso mousse and crunchy Valrhona croquants, topped with with dark chocolate espresso ganache. There’s also the White Chocolate Mint Torte, Triple Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Truffle Cake for all the chocolate lovers out there.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Rimsky Korsakoffee House
One of Portland’s true hidden treasures, while visitors rarely come upon the mysterious Rimsky Korsakoffee House, this locals’ favorite is nestled inside an unmarked Victorian home in the city’s southeast Buckman neighborhood. It’s especially beloved for its to-die-for housemade desserts like the lemon chiffon and mocha fudge cake, that can be paired with creamy lattes, but it’s also famous for its live classical music and ghostly atmosphere. It doesn’t haven to advertise, there are limited hours, and it’s cash only, but the atmosphere is what’s kept it open and busy for nearly three decades. Owner Goody Cable swears that the place is haunted by its former tenants, a pair of writers who bore witness to the Russian revolution, which is why each table is named for dead composers.
Palio Espresso and Dessert House
Located in Southeast Portland, on one of its most picturesque streets, SE Ladd Avenue, Palio Espresso and Dessert offers a low-key atmosphere and late hours for late-night reading and enjoying a bit of solitude with a vanilla latte and a delectable, over-the-top dessert. Indulge in a massive slice of German chocolate cake, a slice of berry pie or one of a number of tasty vegan options.
Pix Patisserie
A popular late-night spot in Northeast Portland’s Kerns neighborhood, Pix Patisserie is renowned for its bottomless coffee and award-winning handcrafted French desserts, with some two dozen to choose from. Pix serves Nossa Familia coffee – and some of the world’s best sparkling wines. Perhaps start with a glass of bubbly and finish with your favorite cup of java? Some of the dessert options include Croquembouche, a traditional French cake made from a tower of caramelized Grand Marnier cream puffs, the Purple Rain, a light, creamy pistachio mousse with strawberry meringue, mixed berry coulis and pistachio cake soaked in Kirsch, and the Shazam, a rich and creamy caramel mousse, salted almonds, dense chocolate almond cake, and more caramel. No matter which you choose to indulge in, you can’t go wrong here.
Acadia
While it’s not exactly a coffee/dessert shop, Acadia is a restaurant that many head to in order to enjoy the chicory coffee paired with homemade ice cream and warm, sweet, and sticky bread pudding. It’s made with vanilla beans, topped with toasted pecans and finished with a generous spoonful of salted caramel.
Baker & Spice
Baker & Spice, in the suburb of Hillsdale offers a cafe for espresso and treats as well as home-baked bread, along with a cake shop. Locals call it a “piece of heaven on Earth.” Enjoy everything from seasonal tarts, pies and pastries to cookies and cakes, including bread pudding, chocolate croissants, lemon tartlets and the Whoopie Pie, two bite-sized cakes sandwiched with marscapone cream filling.