The South Store Cafe

Published by Dawn On January 4, 2020

Do you love a bit of history? Love a place that shows its age? Love a comfortable, mismatched vibe? The South Store Cafe may just be your home away from home.

Hidden on the outskirts of west Portland where the urban growth boundary meets rural Oregon, The South Store Cafe is a welcome stop after the urban hustle and bustle. As you head out the back country roads to explore the rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country, you can stop by and fuel up with breakfast or lunch, or a hot cup of caffeine to keep you going.

We stopped in for a quick lunch and enjoyed the laid back, casual atmosphere created by the family style wood tables, couch by the fire, and discount if you bring your own coffee cup. Mismatched colorful dishes and 50s style oilcloth tablecloths on a few tables add splashes of color to the otherwise aged wood interior. The building feels old – and it is. It’s been around since 1903 serving farmers in the area as a general goods store selling coffee and flour by the sackful, now selling espresso coffee drinks and fabulous baked goods. It’s always been a community gathering place, and continues that today. Times have changed – you are more likely to see bicyclists stopping by for a visit during their ride than a horse-drawn wagon, but it isn’t hard to imagine this store as it was. It is a building full of character – including a slight tilt to the side as a result of the Columbus Day storm of 1962.

In the summer, the location is perfect for a day out – across the street is Smith Berry Barn where you can purchase a flat of freshly picked raspberries or strawberries and stop here for lunch afterwards.

In the winter or all year round you can still enjoy a lovely drive through the rolling hills visiting many wineries located in the Chehalem Mountain region including Ponzi Vineyards, Raptor Ridge Winery, Tresori Vineyards, Alloro Vineyard, Ruby Vineyards, or Blakeslee Vineyard.