Fresh Pot
3729 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR, 97214
Fresh Pot Menu
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Address :
3729 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR, 97214 - Phone (503) 232-8928
- Website https://www.thefreshpot.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Mark H.
Some time ago, I gave this place something of a bad review. Mainly because they had one employee that in five trips got my order wrong four times, and never once greeted me. Well they did the right thing and fired the jerk, so now this place rules! Good coffee, easily on a par with Peat's better than Starbucks, for sure.
(5)Renee H.
Fast and friendly service. Small Americano and a GF muffin for 5.25, pretty good pricing. Fast wifi and a few window seats. I would say seating is the only issue, I think there was maybe 7, or 8 tables, so it fills up fast sharing space with Powells. It's a quick walk from my place, and I will definitely come back.
(4)Gene M.
Perhaps the best Americanos in Portland. I know that's saying a lot. I did put a 'perhaps' on there just in case. However I really don't think I need it; I'm just adding it so you don't think I'm being flippant here. My criteria: excellence in shot pulling, willingness to kill a shot, and consistency. I've been going for 10 years (10? Really?! Damn I'm old...) and I can count on one hand the times a less-than-stellar shot made it into my cup. In the immortal words of Miley Cyrus, "That's pretty cool".
(5)Anne R.
This is my first time at Fresh Pot and it may well be my last. There is a blackboard sign above the counter that says "Welcome to Fresh Pot." Is that just more of that Portland hipster irony? It's 1:59 pm PST on Sunday, May 10, 2015, and the woman working here (the only woman working here at this time) just tried to give me the bum's rush after I literally just sat down. Not only that, but when I tried to give customer feedback about it, she got defensive and tried to argue with me about it. I have been on this planet 51 years and in all that time NO ONE working in any kind of dining establishment has ever tried to rush me off. Especially after having just arrived. I noticed that she did it in response to some white guy prompting her to do it. You know, lady, this is Portland in 2015. Just because some entitled white man wants you to do something, doesn't mean you should do it. You should be smashing the patriarchy, not upholding it. She claims she did the same thing to 3 other tables. I wouldn't know; I was busy trying to meditate before making a very difficult life decision. But that was rudely interrupted. That's right, lady, you *were* rude. This isn't Lutece; this is a coffee shop. Who designated you the customer spending quota nazi? This kind of treatment of customers is incredibly stupid. It's not conducive to customer enjoyment, digestion, or *likelihood of return business,* and therefore it's not good for Fresh Pot's bottom line. If you are more likely to create a hostile environment than a welcoming one in a food service establishment, then maybe you should rethink your career choice.
(1)Amanda S.
I regularly haunt this cafe, thanks to the great music, perfect single origin americanos, and comfortable seating. The proximity to Powell's means you can get inspired, and then ride a caffeine buzz while typing away. However, this place has never been good at noticing what makes it special, and what made it special for the longest time was a barista named Bethany. She was the queen of customer service, and took the time to learn the names of regular customers, and would ask questions about what we were doing. Some dreary winter evenings I'd really look forward to going there, because her upbeat attitude would just cheer me up. With Bethany gone, the customer service is on par with every other cafe in the southeast: detached, disinterested, depressed. Hipster, hollow, superficial. Bummer. They had something, if only for a second. Edit: the customer service has improved, but the new hires cannot pull shots. Head up the street to Albina if you're looking for quality espresso.
(2)Cherry S.
I come here every now and then, mostly because of Powell's. Sometimes the staff will decorate your beverage in a way that makes smile. I ordered a medium/12 oz cup of hot chocolate for $3.00 Having worked in the food service industry, I tip a-buck-drink. Total: $8.00 for two hot chocolates. REALLY? Even without a tip--REALLY? Regardless, espresso drinks are good here, menu is small, and there are some pastries. Seating is limited and crammed. The place is appropriate for a short stop (if you must--en route to something else when you don't have time to wander other cafes nearby. On a Sunday night, the noise is pretty average. But most of the time, it's "buzzy" and lots of distractions and foot traffic.
(3)Nico D.
It's just a little cafe inside the Powell's Hawthorne bookstore. Few seats. Pretty dark in there if you are not close to the outside window. They serve Stumptown coffee. Service is very cold, as pointed out by other Yelpers.
(3)Kathleen M.
We were early for an appointment and needed a place to kill time and get something for breakfast. Yelp pointed us to Fresh Pot. It did give us a place to hang out. It is a kind of minimalist spot with maximum signage scolding you for one thing or another. We were there before the book store opened so the stern not telling you to enter through the bookstore didn't apply. So many signs! It is a scruffy place with fairly slow service but it got the job done, caffeine delivered. And a tasty muffin.
(4)Adam W.
Stumptown? More like GrumpTown if you ask me. Mr. Dark-Hair-in-a-Ponytail Hipster Barista is consistently cold, unfriendly and curt and for Portland, that's really saying something. While Pete's across the street might be an eeeeeeeeeevil corporate chain, at least the employees are always friendly. I want to hang out at this Fresh Pot but every time I go, I get the distinct feeling that I am not welcome. So I go to Pete's instead. The coffee is just ok. I'm not a coffee snob so I'm not qualified to judge. But I've had better coffee elsewhere. It's pretty pricey too.
(2)Elea C.
There aren't a lot of coffee shops nearby that are open past 9pm, but Fresh Pot happens to be connected with Powell's (in fact, you can usually only enter through the bookstore and not separately) and thus is my saving grace when I need some caffeination and wifi later in the night. The baristas are friendly and the coffee is consistently good - although the background music can be hit or miss (occasionally it's been slightly grating) - so count me as a fan!
(4)Nikki H.
This was literally the best coffee I have ever had. I just got a plain coffee and my boyfriend got a hot Chai. His cup was massive and almost overflowing but they had the perfect about not to spill over the edge; it was beautiful. The Chai smelt so good, but I didn't try it. My coffee was just their regular coffee with half and half with one packet of natural sugar; it probably didn't even need that much because it was so flavorful. We had also gotten two gluten free cakes. I got the blueberry lemon cake with frosting, while my partner got a lemon poppy seed cake. Both where so moist and delicious that I wanted to get another. The texture wasn't grainy at all and the frosting was a very nice touch. There wasn't too much to over power the whole cake. The lemon poppy seed didn't have any frosting, but was just as moist as the blueberry. Like I said, I wanted more! The only thing I didn't like is the fact that you have to go threw another store to get to it. You can't just walk in from the street. The entrance is in the bookstore next door, which is nice for people that love books. For me it was just a little awkward to walk into a different store to just go get coffee.
(4)Noel Y.
The name is clearly false advertising. I cannot speak for the coffee, but the awning led me astray. Guess i figured it was something else...
(5)Caroline N.
I was looking for a caffeine fix while I was on Hawthorne with some friends, and Fresh Pot popped up on my search. Great choice! Genuinely friendly staff, and Stumptown Coffee is always a win in my book. Since it's connected to Powell's, it had a pretty quiet scene - everybody was either reading or on their computers. In other words, great place to read or study, not a great place to carry on a conversation like I was trying to do. Sorry neighbors! Actually, in regards to studying, the place is more dim than I would like, so I probably wouldn't try to read for too long here, but laptop stuff would be great!
(4)Melissa M.
Pretty cool place. Basically Starbucks but more pretentious (in a good way!) and a little more expensive. Granted, their coffee does tastes like they care more than Starbucks and they also have more non-dairy options than just soy which is nice. They also have gluten free baked goods which was awesome!! The gluten free coffee cake was very delicious. The place was a big grungy but that's Portland for you...check out their bathroom while you're there! It's covered in drawings and quotes-- I happened to have a sharpie in my bag and added a few things myself :)
(4)Brad H.
Attached to Powells and good seating to work with open wifi. Nice people hanging out and working here. They serve Queen of Sheba for their chai. But the music was electronica which, with caffeine involved, makes me want to shoot myself instead of getting work done.
(3)Shila B.
It's a coffee place, however, I am a tea whore. This place has a good selection of herbal and non teas to hit the spot. How hard is it to put a tea bag in hot water. The staff was friendly and the prices were fair market. Very clean and welcoming.
(4)Alexa R.
This is a fantastic spot to enjoy great coffee (go Stumptown!), peace and quiet, or the company of friendly baristas and fellow book worms. This cute little side cafe off of Powell's Books on Hawthorne has gluten free and vegan pastry/bagel treat options and has free wifi! I highly recommend The Fresh Pot.
(4)David C.
What do you know about this music? :) Hey New York, it wasn't the B-side of Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue (Time Warp). It was Metro Area! It was killing me the rest of the night, trying to figure it out. Thanks for the great music, and I hope I didn't come off as a know it all. And thanks for the coffee...I truly got a Fresh Pot. :) Cheers.
(5)Mark B.
Surprisingly good coffee at this full-service establishment! Friendly service.
(4)Holly D.
Early Saturday morning. It was quiet. How do they do those little designs in your coffee and hot chocolate? The barista was nice, but not happy-peppy, seemed to know the regulars, which we were not. It seems to be designed as a "go-to" because it is connected to Powell's literally. Tables a little close together for our liking, but we were there for another purpose. I will go back just to watch her make that design in my whipped cream.
(4)Ethan D.
I went up to the counter and ordered a "French press coffee" (which was on the menu). My French press broke and while back, I have yet to replace it, and I was eager to have a French pressed coffee once again. And besides, it was on the menu right in front of me! The Barista's response to my order seemed to be one of laziness. She had a "why must you make life difficult?" look on her face, pointed to the dispensers of brewed coffee, and said "we have coffee brewed already." Really? So you don't have a clean, empty French Press carafe back there, some coffee grinds, and hot water? Because that's all it takes, friend. This was my first and only experience with Fresh Pot. I want to love any establishment that is connected to Powell's but I was not given very friendly or helpful service. I will definitely come back to Fresh Pot at some point, and when I do, I will re-write this review. But as of right now, my experience didn't leave the best taste in my mouth.
(3)nisha n.
Okay, so the coffee is decent to good, but not amaze-balls enough to excuse for snotty. detached service. Some of the people are friendly enough, but lately the emo-tude stinks. Also, what is up with the slow, dark synth music? On repeat? With awkward lapses of silence between boring songs? Seriously, if you are in your mid thirties and still can't make peace with your job enough to not stink on my coffee, go work in a warehouse or something where you don't have to deal with the people you obviously are too cool for.
(3)Jens J.
I was in need of a quick caffeine fix this past weekend and just wanted straight espresso. I love that the barista at Fresh Pot refused to sell me a three-shot espresso to go. She insisted on me taking my espresso in chinaware, the way espresso is supposed to be drunk. I also loved how she preheated my espresso cup with a little hot water before pouring in the espresso. The true rich flavor of coffee, like I experienced with Fresh Pot's Stumptown beans, can only be appreciated as espresso, not drenched in latte, mocha or capuccino.
(5)David J.
I'm an admitted coffee snob. I worked as a barista in a place that has been known for it's mastery of bean drinks since 1984. I learned from some very talented people, and developed a rather picky palette. As a result, I'm choosy about where I spend my coffee bucks. For those in the know, I care enough about the quality of shots that I have semi-pro Rancilio Silvia with PID boiler controller, Rocky grinder, and an espresso parts naked portafilter. While there are plenty of people (with a lot more disposable income than me, to be sure) who have nicer personal setups, it does show the lengths I'm willing to go through for a great shot. Anyway, this is supposed to be a review right? Back on track - Portland has a lot of great coffee, but I get tired of seeing Stumptown coffee served everywhere. I'm all for supporting local businesses, but an outside visitor to PDX might come away thinking there are only two kinds of coffee in Portland: Stumptown (for those who know) and Starbucks (for the rest). Nothing could be further from the truth, but I digress.... The guys and gals at FP do serve Stumptown (which I do enjoy, BTW). But if I'm in SE-PDX and want a couple of shots, I will go to FP 9x out of 10. I like the people. I like the lack of pretense. I like the atmosphere (dark). And most of all, I like the shots they produce. I've gone there for a decade now, and nothing has changed. It is still as awesome as the first time I went. Cheers to Fresh Pot for staying true to their roots.
(5)Danni D.
How has it taken me damn near seven years to cross the threshold of this coffee shop that is a short roll out of bed from my house? Is it wrong to eat a flourless chocolate chewy cookie with walnuts for breakfast? Do I care? Have you ever tried this freaking delicious cookie alongside a yummy Stumptown latte? Are you crazy? Is my life permanently altered because I have discovered what can only be described as the breakfast of champions? Am I crazy? Can I really write an entire review full of questions? Did I just do that?
(4)Elena M.
Let me just say, this place is awesome. It was my last day in Portland, it was raining, and we wanted a cup of hot chocolate before it was time to head to the airport. Three options: Peet's, Starbucks, or Fresh Pot. Clearly, we chose Fresh Pot. The barista took her time (in the best way) making our hot chocolates with love and created the cutest designs with chocolate sauce. I, of course, took photos and posted them to yelp immediately. Super nice and friendly, and best of all, a damn tasty hot chocolate!
(5)Amy L.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful coffee art on my latte, large variety of coffee options. They serve Stumptown, that's always a winner with me
(5)Charli L.
I went into Fresh Pot because I had just missed Bus 14, and I was freezing. Given that it was late, it did not seem wise to buy coffee. I sided on a hot chocolate. I asked her to make it with soy milk, and she did a fabulous job! I am not sure about all the hype about Stumptown; but, thus far, I am finding that the product quality in surrounding coffee shops such as Fresh Pot are much better. Maybe its the surrounding knowledge of the books that seeps into the great taste of the Fresh Pot products; anyway, I enjoyed myself.
(3)Kara R.
Yummy coffee and cookies, and you get to look at books :) Only problem is there are never any seats left.
(4)Tami A.
These people make a damn good latte. Sometimes they're a little slow, but trust me it's worth the wait. Honestly, probably the best lattes I've ever had have come from here. Good stuff!
(5)Michelle H.
Shhhh. It's another one of those coffee shops that turns into a library because it is attached to a bookshop. That's so weird how that happens. But they serve Stumptown, are attached to a Powell's, and serve some "is that really vegan?" cookies.
(3)Kira B.
It was an odd 90 degrees in Portland and the bf and I needed something cold to drink between our vintage store browsing. Fresh Pot provided that. He had an iced coffee, I had an iced chai latte. We shared a surprisingly delicious gluten free brownie. The people watching here is top notch. Very hipster, but not pretentious.
(5)Kiera H.
This is one of my favorite cafes to go to in SE. +1- Friendly Baristas +1- Non-invasive music that I can study to. +1- Stumptown coffee +1- Open late. However, it is attached to Powells and at times, it can be difficult to get a seat.
(4)christopher s.
Great cup of coffee. Great place to study. Great place to practically steal books by reading them in portions over several visits. Always good music playing too. I would LOVE if they had more seating though, nothing they can do about that though.
(4)Preston P.
Best lattes anywhere! These baristas work magic with the espresso machine. I recommend trying my fave - the 16 ounce quad shot caramel latte. They use beans by Stumptown Coffee. There is free wifi so you can your work done.
(5)Aleksandra E.
The "Fresh Pot" sign in the front caught my attention, and the smell of coffee sucked me in. Great tasting lattes, pastries from local bakeries, good music, free Wi-Fi, it's attached to Powell's and there are a few cozy window seats for your people-watching pleasure. Why would ANYONE choose Starbuck's???
(5)Josh V.
This is a smallish, no-frills (in terms of decor) coffee shop attached to the Powell's annex bookstore. I stopped in here for a mocha. It was delicious and beautifully presented, but it could have been a little hotter. The space isn't huge, but there are a fair number of tables. They thoughtfully provide power-strips for the laptop users that hang out there, and there is free wi-fi. The staff seemed friendly enough. They serve Stumptown coffee, which might be the best coffee I've ever had. It certainly beats any of the national chains hands down. Starbucks, what's that?
(4)Allie K.
Found exactly what I'm looking for. After the closer Stumptown coffee switched bakeries, I got in touch with their old one. Luck be with us, but they pointed me to Fresh Pot. It's a little farther from home, but I was able to continue a Sunday morning tradition by picking up some good Stumptown coffee and the fantastic lemon poppyseed scones supplied by the Nuvrei bakery. Now I just need to get a cupholder for my bike so I can make the trip a little faster.
(4)Jarrod S.
This location is a bit far for me to visit on a regular basis, but I stopped in because, Fresh Pot (Mississippi location), has made for me on more than one occasions, what I call. BEST COFFEE EVAR!!!!!!!! This location was so close to that, close enough, pretty fuckin close.
(4)Stephanie D.
I adore the Fresh Pot. The Hawthorne location was "my" coffee spot during my four years in PDX, and I'll tell ya why: 1. Fantastic coffee. Stumptown beans without the snooty stumptown attitude. I live in Paris where great espresso abounds, but a decent cup of filter brewed American joe is impossible to find. The dark lovely smelling stuff at Fresh Pot is what I dream about on hung-over mornings here. 2. Free books and magazines to peruse (from the attached Powell's annex) while you sip your drink. They also get the NY Times. 3. Friendly service. Unlike some other boutique coffee places in PDX (I'm talkin about you Stumptown), the servers at the Fresh Pot Hawthorne where always very cool, even letting me buy coffee when I was short 25 or 50 cents on a few occasions, with the promise to pay extra next time. I'm not as keen on the N. PDX location, service is a bit spotty and the uber- hipster scene is pretty tiresome.
(5)Lena W.
Amazing coffee, an array of cold drinks to choose from, and a scrumptious case filled with baked goods makes stopping into Fresh Pot something nice. But what makes Fresh Pot EXTRA nice is that you can read books you've perused through in Powell's while you're drinking your macchiato. Books + coffee never fail to disappoint!
(4)Nick D.
Good coffee. Had cappuccino and breve late. I would make this a 5 starrating if the place was cozier.
(4)Lisa T.
Several years ago, I enjoyed many a cup of coffee at this Fresh Pot, while perusing books that I might want to purchase. However, I stopped for the first time in a while (Albina up the street is a favorite) the coffee was excellent, as usual, but the cashier was decidedly unfriendly. I am not asking you to become my best friend during our two minute exchange, but generally some indication that I am not the worst part of your day might be nice. I can't bring myself to up the star rating, I am petty maybe, but the snotty teenage-like attitude of the cashier is sticking in my mind much more than the latte. There is always a lack of seating, but this is a symptom of all Powell's adjoined coffee shops.
(3)Kimberly V.
Still the record holder for First Coffee Shop I Visited on My First Walk on Hawthorne on One of My First Days in Portland Ever. It's a long title. Couldn't fit it all onto the trophy. So instead, I settled for this accolade: Americano Strong Rawr The rawr actually came from me and also did not make it onto the trophy.
(4)Joshua C.
Humblest, quaintest, best-est coffee shop around. The fanciest decor in the joint is what they serve the coffee in! I had the cold-brewed iced coffee. I'm a fan of simple things done right and this was a refreshingly wonderful cup(glass)-o-joe. Subtle, earthy-oak, crisp with a tinge of citrus. And unlike most coffee, it played well with others (i.e. my gut). There was free Wi-Fi, the service was great and the baristas were most definitely legit. All set in a fantastic locally-owned book store? 20 stars.
(5)rochelle h.
A lot of places serve Stumptown coffee. But these guys do it right. Every single time my latte has been perfect. A nice smooth shot, not too long and not bitter at all. Perfectly fluffy free pour milk in a beautiful design at the right temperature! (Most places will scorch their milk and I will have to specially request milk that is not burned and disgusting!) And I love the 8 oz standard size. I love that they don't serve espresso drinks in cups larger than 16oz. (Seriously who needs 24oz of milk!? Either it gets cold and goes bad, or your drinking it waaay too fast. ) This place rocks. The only thing I don't like is that there is limited seating... but oh well! It's great for a latte on my way to work :)
(5)Ben V.
Fresh Pot is kind of like Portland's 'Old Money' coffee establishment. They're not the newest spot on the block, but they know what they're doing, and do it well. Their two locations are on opposite ends of town from one another, and this review is more focused on the Hawthorne location than the one on Mississippi. As a daily+ coffee drinker, I am partial to my Americanos, and know that I'm putting my drink order into good hands at Fresh Pot. The baristas are attentive and talented, and they use good quality Stumptown beans. You'll usually have to wait 2-3 minutes for your drink because they are methodical, and time their shots, etc. The espresso here is always smooth, rarely any trace of bitterness. When they're 'on', it's hard to beat. Occasionally, it's super packed, and there's nowhere to sit, so you mingle, lean against a wall, and hover for the next table to open up. At the Hawthorne location, you must enter through Powell's, which is actually a benefit. The co-mingling smells of new books and espresso combine to make a really phenomenal aroma, and one that will cement this Fresh Pot location in my mind forever. The drawbacks are the sometimes long lines, the crowded tables, and the wi-fi, which has been down a number of times I've visited. But all that said, Fresh Pot remains top notch, and will saunter on for years as Portland coffee elite.
(4)Ashley B.
Fresh pot gets me every weekend. They have great coffee, yummy pastries from Nuvrei, and they let you bring your dog in to grab your drink. The problem is it is pretty spendy. A 12 oz latte and pastry will set you back about 7-8 bucks, which seems like a lot for just coffee and a pastry. Despite the price I find myself back there every weekend, it's just so good and convenient and my dog loves getting treats every time we go :)
(4)Wendy C.
The coffee is Stumptown. The bagels are Kettleman. The muffins are Sweetpea. The donuts are Voodoo. The barista was nice. The music was good. The wait for a coffee during rush hour on Monday morning was zero minutes.
(5)Pegleg M.
I feel I should visit this place more often before I review, but I'm here, so... Because most people have said what needs to be said, I'll just state that the chai latter I had was very good. Light, but flavorful; not that chai that burns out your nose hairs with its cinnamon assault, nor too light making you realize you are basically drinking warm milk for $3.50. Seemingly decent tea and tea beverages selection on a laminated sheet on a clipboard for viewing. The guy behind the counter was nice and helpful; let me do my choosing without pressure. I asked many annoying questions: how much fat in that? Do you think that's real oatmeal? What's the total calorie count, do you think? The only downer is the $5 minimum on credit cards or else a .50 charge. This NEVER ceases to annoy me. Businesses are not losing much on per/card usage fees, and when you are located in a touristy area, you need to recognize that the cards are your bread and butter. That aside, I purchased a very very very good oatmeal/fruit brick that had a tad of sugar on the outside. It was very tasty alongside the chai. The customers of this FP seemed very laid back and mellow; either totally involved in reading/homework, or sipping a drink and smiling around them. Good vibes. Try and get a seat by the window where you can watch people doing there thing. There's a restroom in this area that's not the one in Powell's, which is helpful, but also I find kinda icky for those few seats packed back near the doors to the facilities. There is Wifi, but I did notice many people talking amongst themselves over whether or not the other had reception; seemed very spotty while I was there. All in all, a fun little place to bring books over from Powell's (3 max) and have a beverage and relax.
(4)Claire W.
Good music and tasty quality tea (same found at Palio's Dessert House) made for a good Saturday night study spot. I really like the Scarlet tea, a tangy red herbal brew, and Fire, a biting ginger brew. Stays open until 11 on Saturday unlike other coffee shops that close around dinner time. Woo!
(4)Brock K.
Being in this part of Portland more often now has lead me on the hunt for a great coffee shop with good atmosphere and a great latte. Fresh Pot is always on my list when I'm in the mood or need to meet up with a business partner. Great Baristas who can make some terrific foam.
(4)Danielle K.
You know guys, I think I've finally done it. I've finally become a hipster. Know how I know? It's not because of my hair, and it's not because of my horn-rimmed glasses. It's because I was complemented several times on my Sufjan tee-shirt today while on Hawthorne, the first encounter happening at the Fresh Pot. The baristo and I had a nice conversation about Michigan while he meticulously made my iced mocha. Apparently the weather there is nice this time of year, he told me when as he pulled my three shots. The coffee is okay. It's not exceptional, but it definitely isn't bad, either. But I dig the scene. The baristas have always been really cool, and you can get free Wi-Fi if you can snag a table. Being connected to Powell's, it's also cool to grab a book and sit and read it with some java. Oh, and the music is on-point!!
(4)natasha a.
This is one of my favorite places to get coffee in Portland. They consistently make delicious lattes and they have rice milk, which is my favorite kind of milk. The staff is also really friendly. The only problem I have is that I've never been able to actually have a seat in there, like some other reviewers mention, because it's inside Powell's, so it's usually pretty busy. But, even if there are a lot of customers, there's never a long wait to get your drink. I definitely recommend it as a place to grab a quick coffee (bonus points if you actually get to have a seat).
(4)Suzanne F.
This is my neighborhood hangout when I'm busily checking out books or magazines at Powell's. Today my children who claimed to be 'starving to death' & were in desperate need of a snack (the way small boys can only be truly desperate) wound up here & it was so pathetic: the only baked goods left were some vegan gluten-free muffins. Maybe I'm out of line here, but if you can't deal with gluten, what's the point of a muffin, for God's sake?! Anyway... the guy behind the counter was kind enough to give the guys the heads up on the tastelessness factor which was considerate. They opted for some vegan cookies which were probably only a small step up on the tastiness scale, but there didn't seem to be complaints. I had a perfectly executed cappuccino. It's a tiny, relatively dark place & there are always a lot of people who seem to be nursing a single cup of coffee & working frantically on either their journaling or their laptops. I wouldn't spend a morning here, but for a decent cappuccino while I pick up the NY Times, it's a good spot.
(4)Kimberley D.
Friendly baristas, supercute clientele, comfy workspace with outlets and free wifi, music I enjoyed (Tribe Called Quest went well with the sunny afternoon).
(4)Amanda S.
Me and my peep Sara were gawking over the Hawthorne District and decided to hold ourselves off from spending exorbitant amounts of money and instead grab my laptop and head to the Fresh Pot! The Fresh Pot and Powell's Hawthorne are connected so it would be an ideal plus to head into this cafe, order a nice iced mocha and read over the small press and local Portland author books while contemplating which one to buy. There is free wi-fi setup, albeit not secured so watch out. Fresh Pot serves Stumptown Coffee, which I love dearly and the barista does a nice job upholding to the coffee standards. The coffee was really smooth and actually tasted like coffee and not burnt crap.
(5)Anthony V.
Never mind that it's in Powell's, which is pretty great, but also they serve Stumptown coffee which is served on par with the the actual Stumptown locations. Also, its location is solid, right in the heart of the Hawthorne district. And the many times I've been there, I have yet to have had a bad experience. The staff is nice and tend to (at least from a customer's stand point) remember faces.
(4)Laura M.
Mmm! My simple vanilla latte was executed perfectly, and I always appreciate the lovely latte art in my steamed milk. It's the little things! The baristas were friendly and chatty, and the location is fantastic. Next time I'm in the 'hood, I'll be sure to stop by again.
(4)Stone C.
One of my two favorite coffeehouses in the neighborhood. Surrounded by Powell's, the place feels cozy. The close seating means you might end up talking to someone you hadn't intended to meet. There are bagels and vegan treats in the case and the coffee is excellent. It is a great place to get work done as long as you are able to focus with a lot of distraction. Excellent people watching.
(5)Ladan R.
This place is kick ass. Why people continue to go to Starbucks when this coffee shop is down the road is a mystery to me. AMAZING coffee and great music too; it always changes and keeps you on your toes. Nice baristas and if youre bored and need some reading, its located inside Powells on Hawthorne so you can just go and find a good book to read while you sip. It does get crowded though... so you might have to wait to get a table.
(5)Julie D.
I am simply reviewing the ginger juice. I didn't actually step foot in the shop at all. I saw it from the Bagdad while I was eating lunch. My husband brought the ginger juice to me while I got a tattoo. My first sip and I could taste just a little ginger lots of "juice". I realized that the ginger was at the bottom of the cup and got a surprised when I gulped down the last few drops. I loved it. Next time I will stir my ginger juice so I can experience intense ginger taste through out my drinking experience.
(5)Lorelei C.
Zero complaints! I'd been to the Hawthorne Powell's more than once, but had never tiptoed over to the coffeeshop attached. Fresh Pot has one row of tables and chairs and a few tables/chairs lining the window. It can get busy, but generally speaking there is always somewhere to sit... if you're by yourself or with one other person. Delicious coffee, of course, and irresistible pastries. You can even bring books from Powell's over to read while you sit and sip. I always feel like everyone who is there is a regular, and even though I've only been there a few times I always get that vibe myself too. Cozy.
(5)Sarah C.
Amazing coffee and great service!
(5)ToniAnn M.
I'll admit it, I'm more of the D.I.N.K. crowd than I am the Hipster crowd, but that doesn't mean I didn't absolutely enjoy the delightfully crafted latte from Fresh Pot!! After all, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone from the new angst teen mad at the world for no reason to your Grandmother who isn't entertained by the little designs in the foam! They have a great menu featuring Stumptown coffee, with a nice assortment of sweets/treats. The only down side, it was a bit of a wait. But good things come to those that do, huh?
(4)Scott B.
Fresh Pot is the quintessence of Portland coffee shops, maybe of coffee shops anywhere. Coffee is terrific, staff is laid back but knowledgeable, and the place is surrounded by Powell's, so you can browse the shelves and read whatever while there! Due to the location and bookstore, the people-watching is unparalleled as well. This place is 10 times better than the coffee shop in the big Powell's, and you don't have to struggle for a seat. The only weakness is the pastry case, which serves that odd Portland brand of super dense and not so tasty bricks of stuff, or overly sweet giant cookies. Maybe it's vegan stuff and that's why, I dunno... This is actually a plus in my book, since i love this place so much I would surely grow gigantic if there were irresistible sweets...
(5)Jessica C.
Fresh Pot has become my new little Wi-fi/coffee/job searching hangout. The coffee is pretty good, wi-fi is always up to speed and the service is nice. It's a nice little place to people watch everyone enjoying Hawthorne. I have to admit, the little sign outside is pretty cute, to!
(3)danielle l.
while i've only twice had the displeasure of receiving a bad shot here (with a five-to-six weekly drink habit), i've never had poor service. the people here are happy and love their job, and it shows. i like that. the prices are a little steep (when compared to stumptown, whose beans they use), but since i work practically around the corner from this gem, they usually get my extra quarter. bonus for providing a library cafe ambiance when powell's books is open.
(4)Devon D.
Hawthorne has a plethora of coffee. Starbucks? gross and corporate. Peets? a lesser evil; far from outstanding. and Acme, despite its ideal environment, fails to impress. Fresh Pot will give you a great cup of Stumptown (second only to Ritual of San Francisco, CA), and a delectable assortment of goodies. Due to their limited "one shot at a time" capabilities, I would feel uncomfortable ordering anything other than a cup of coffee. All things considered, the service is pleasant, the coffee is fabulous, and we should all be happy to support (in the little ways of the consumer) the non-corporate venues.
(4)Paige H.
Within a block of both a Starbucks and a Peet's, this place holds it's own, and I was so glad to have a non-commercialized option to choose. The close proximity to lots and lots of books is of course an added bonus. I was impressed that there were plenty of tables on this Saturday morn too. Really, I thought my espresso tasted a little muddy, but I liked that it was in a real mug and that it had that pretty swirly picture thing with the milk that good baristas do, but I can't figure out how to do at home. I also liked that while the people behind the counter were very cool, they weren't too cool to be nice to me, which I always appreciate. That way I could watch them while I sipped in an admiring way, and not an, "God why do they have to be so snotty?", way. I'm excited to try to cheddar bacon biscuit, but I was on my way to breakfast so I didn't try it today. Overall, definitely a winner.
(4)Jen W.
Extremely friendly service! Townshend Teas!
(4)jaine p.
I prefer the location on Mississippi, but this one is very good. Great treats, coffee, music, etc.. An excellent reprieve from being on Hawthorne.
(4)Allison L.
Cute little place tucked right adjacent to Powell's. I loved my Queen's thyme iced tea (Adam made a face when he tried it, though), and his single press pot looked good too. We shared a bagel and the total came to $6.75, which seemed cheaper than what I'm used to in the Bay Area. I prefer slightly larger cafes, but the ambiance here was great and if I lived here, I'd come back. I may anyway.
(4)Eric A.
It takes a lot for me to write a bad review, and Fresh Pot hit that threshold for me. I used to regularly hit Fresh Pot as I live just a few blocks away. The other day, I went in and sat down for very literally 3 minutes before I was confronted by the barista to come buy something in an unpleasant tone. I'm not one to sit and loiter without buying something, but I did want to catch my breath after a bike ride there. I was flustered at the confrontation, and the barista seemed unapologetic while the other barista in the back seemed embarrassed. Just afterwards, I spoke to a friend about it, and she confirmed that she has had similar experiences. They won't get my business anymore.
(2)Mavis B.
the potential is here, but wobbly tables and lukewarm hot chocolates do not a decent cafe make.
(2)b.a. r.
The Fresh Pot pulls the best shots in Portland. Period. Accept no substitutes.
(5)Kelly M.
Fresh Pot has all the trappings of a well-loved Portland coffee shop--it looks cute and comfy in there, it's filled with Portland 20-somethings, they serve up stumptown coffee and vegan and non-vegan sweet treats, and it's nestled into one of the main thoroughfares. What gives the Fresh Pot a heads up over others of its species is its location within the Hawthorne branch of Powells. Books and coffee go together hand and hand and the generous Powells staff don't balk at you taking books and magazines into Fresh Pot for unlimited browsing. Don't forget to return them to the provided cart when you leave!
(5)Melanie M.
Best soy mocha of my life! My barista was a true artist. DEFINITELY coming back here when I'm in the neighborhood.
(5)Abe I.
Stumptown coffee, vegan treats, and lots of great magazines and books. If your in the Hawthorne location, you're attached to a Powell's, so you should have all you want to read right there. Personally, I think the Mississippi location is a little better, but that's just the scene and the space, the coffees great all around.
(5)ninja p.
just a good coffee shop.. vanilla soy latte was nice and tasty & the bagel was fresh and good consistency - not all hard and starchy like u find at some coffee shops
(3)roper r.
Good coffee but some of the employees are so slow as to be reminiscent of tree sloths.
(4)vanessa s.
no complaints. well i do sort of hate all the laptop people who hang out and mooch free wifi for hours but sadly thats just a part of our "culture" now. fresh pot serves stumptown coffee. we all know how delish this stuff is. freshpot has great vegan baked goods and excellent tea. you can read magazines or books from powells and even if you are a klutz and you spill water all over a book you have no intent to buy a nearby customer will probably show you this cool napkin-page-layer trick so you dont ruin said book. when im feeling low i treat myself to a soy cappucino and bury my face in astrology or photography books. no one even looks at me wierd if i tear up while thumbing through the nan goldin. love it here.
(5)