Finally stopped by Temptations Cafe after working .10 miles from it for the past year. Tried to stop by there at 6:30 a.m. several months ago when it's supposed to open, but I suppose that 6:30 a.m. was flexible and it was not open yet. The location is great and I suppose that's why my tasty 20 oz. decaf mocha was $4.85. No wait - It was because using my debit card cost an extra 35 cents (charged to charges under $5) and using soy milk was an extra 50 cents. I get that business have to pay a percentage to the credit card/debit card companies, so I guess I can understand that. But then again, you are located right across from the Lloyd District Max Stop, so your prices aren't already high enough to cover that possible 35 cents loss. Ugh, forget it, I'll probably be back anyway paying my extra 35 cents (that is if I forget to go the ATM and pay their $2 fee first).
(3)
Asil R.
Coffee AND chinese food? I think its heaven. Right by max tracks, quick and large portions.
(4)
F. Explora L.
amazing bubble milk tea!! cute and fun atmosphere :)
(5)
evelyn j.
I love this place and am so thankful it is the closest restaurant to my office. I have eaten there several times a month over the last 8 months and it is consistently good quality. The Chicken Noodle Asian style soup is one of my favorite things on earth. All the portions are large enough for two meals and for 5.50 to 6.50 a pop, you can't beat it. They have 8-10 lunch options, chicken bento with steamed broccoli, pad thai, kung pow chicken, curry chicken. Everything is delicious, fresh, healthy and made to order. They have great Oregon roasted coffee, beer and wine, a full service barista bar, breakfast sandwiches, a few muffins, donuts, yogurt and bubble teas. The music is always great. They do charge 35 cent for charges less than 5 dollars but that is pretty standard these days. Buy something extra and support you local small business owner. Oh and the family that owns the place are some of the nicest people I have met since moving here.
(5)
Fai C.
This place has the best tapioca milk tea drinks in Portland, and a good deal for $2.75. Quickly accumulating stamps on my frequent buyer drinks card! Free wi-fi and convenient location just across from Lloyd Center MAX. Family-owned and friendly staff.
(4)
Rachel M.
This spot is not your typical looking restaurant. It's near the train station, and they have mostly Asian fare. The waitstaff here were super nice, and the food comes out rather fast. They also have coffee and tea they can make for you - I suggest the honey green tea. It was delish!
(4)
alexa r.
It was slow when we went in at about 2:30 on a Wednesday. We ordered a classic boba milk tea, less sweet and paid $3.25 for a 16 on drink. The service was prompt and professional. The tea had a good amount of ice and was flavorful. The boba was very soft but we prefer boba that is more flavorful. Overall, though, we were satisfied.
(3)
Alyssa C.
Something about muffins being wrapped in plastic wrap just turns of me off at cafes. I had planned on getting a bite here, but instead went with an Americano, which was fine. This place has a lot of seating and a great place to meet a friend, but I didn't love the ambiance.
(3)
Elissa M.
I've been coming here since freshman year high school and it's my second year in college. Delicious place! Order chicken fried rice!
(5)
Ruth C.
What a sweet, little cafe. They've got a wide variety of drinks to pick from and the lunch menu is consistently yummy. The staff is kind, quick to greet you, ask about your day, and genuinely listen. They're one of the main reasons I keep coming back. The lunch menu isn't vast or extravagant in any way, but it will settle for a quick, delicious lunch for around $6-8. The chicken bento, soup, and udon are my go-tos (Udon for when I'm reallyyyy hungry). Try the bubble tea! On most occasions, it's sweet, flavorful, and full of squishy tapioca balls. Though, every now and then, I'll get some still-frozen balls. Mmm. Cold balls. The one downside with this cafe is the coffee. They have a great machine and they serve Stumptown, but something is off... I think if you're not as picky as I am, you'll probably like the coffee.
(4)
Gina S.
Staff is always very friendly. They just upgraded their menu and it is so delicious. The ginger chicken, is AMAZING. Their curry chicken is just as good. I eat here a few times a week. They are also very accommodating of special requests.
(5)
Jeanie L.
Skip the milk teas. The almond milk tea was underwhelming. It was watered down and had not quite dissolved creamer floating in the drink. If you're a bubble tea enthusiast, head to karma cafe instead.
(2)
Brandon K.
We recently dropped in on our road trip from Seattle, WA to Florence, OR and this little pocket was very special to us. Not only were their breakfast sandwiches and croissants hot and delicious, but they had amazing workers there who provided us with directions and made some of the friendliest conversation we've had since entering Oregon. I'd say that if you're looking for a place that feels homely and you are in the mood for something sweet to drink and something hot to eat to start or end your day at work, then Temptations Cafe is the spot. I can honestly say that even if the food isn't up to your standards, then their customer service will always stand out. Amazing people, quick service, and they have an awesome and unique lunch menu. Check it out!
(5)
Ben J.
1st time trying bubble tea. Not my thing, but tasted all right minus the balls of jelly. The noodle bowl was average. More flavor is needed. Glad I scored teriyaki and chili sauces to help it. Price is on point though.
(3)
Patrick D.
It's always been a relaxing atmosphere there for me. I only wish I could spend more than 20 mins to enjoy my lunches whenever I'm there. The food is good and the portions are generous. The boba is ok. Its quality tends to differ on who is preparing it. The people who work there have always been friendly though they don't seem to be in any rush to get your drink out.
(4)
Phamala L.
I was craving for some bubble tea near work. Saw this place when I was riding the max, their milk tea bubble tea is delicious and their tapioca balls are soft and chewy. Their food also smells good so will have to try next time for lunch! I was eyeing the spicy ramen.
(4)
JW R.
A cafe with Megatouch? Sold. The counter girl was friendly and bouncy. When she raised her voice she sounded like the chorus of waitresses at Sushiland when they shout Japanese greetings. All by herself. I bet that's something at 7am. She seemed to know most of the people who came in. I got a bagel breakfast sandwich and it was pretty good, with a can of Coke it was $3.75. Nice little spot but it's close to Benson (mini-reunion c/o '67, '93 and '12 today) so it might get stupid and teenage-y at lunch time.
(4)
E M.
Been coming for years so I thought I would finally write a review... I love the stumptown coffee, croissant sausage breakfast sandwich, and for lunch - stir fry curry noodles (special order, not on menu) with an ice honey green tea. Service is very friendly and always welcoming. Can get loud at times, particularly when the blenders are on but it doesn't bother me much since I mostly do takeout.
(5)
Cora P.
I love their breakfast sandwiches, even though they're the antitheses of a Portland breakfast. I find myself craving the salty goodness of melted 'merican cheese mixed with Sysco foods "spread" on a perfectly toasted factory processed english muffin, egg and bacon. Also - the staff is great. They're folks I don't mind in the morning, and that's saying a lot. I don't like anyone in the morning.
(4)
D F.
Rather than writing a very useless review like ZK, I'm gonna write something that worth reading. If you are going into a cafe expecting a quick lunch, this is the spot to be. Atmosphere is great, you have music playing in the background (not obnoxiously loud either) and you have food cooked to order. Their milk tea is not too bad, but it would taste better if it was individually made. As far as asking the people behind the counter questions about stupid things, Don't ask where the food is from, they make it, you eat it, as simple as that. If you do ask and if you already have an answer in mind, then all you are is just a d-bag. Their cafe smells like it does anywhere else, not your "shrieking raw - duck sauce stench," as if you would know what that smells like. This place is a simple, family owned cafe, not some Michelin star restaurant. Oh by the way, the reason I know your full of crap (could say worse but yanno..) , Z K., is that their wifi has been protected, and has been since day one when they opened (yes I have been going there since day 1.)
(5)
Jenny E.
The noodle soup will satisfy your hunger and fill up your hungry stomach. Good bang for the buck. It can get pretty busy at lunch time but the food order still comes up fast. The curried chicken is tasty, served with fresh broccoli and warm rice. The chicken comes with dark meat only, which I don't mind. The bubble tea is inconsistent, though...sometimes good, sometimes too sweet. You can add jellies to the bobbas if you want (your choice of mango, lychee, strawberry, apple.) Very little space to eat inside, so go there before the lunch crowd. Otherwise, better have your order to go. The service is fast and very friendly.
Quick Lunch? Quick drink? Come here, it gets a little busy at lunch time because of the High school nearby. However it's a great place to go if you're looking for a lunch that fill you up and taste good with a cheap price tag :) I try to come here as much as a I can since I prefer this place more then any other place most of the time that are in the neighborhood.
(5)
K L.
Ate here while staying at the Doubletree. It's close and within walking distance. There is not much around. The staff is very friendly. I have no idea why this place is labeled as Chinese. It is a coffee, boba place and serves some bento lunches. Ate the chicken bento with veggies and brown rice. It was hot, fresh and inexpensive. I'd come back for a quick take out lunch.
(3)
Mike K.
The best thing about Temptations Cafe is its location, right at the Lloyd Center MAX stop and very near a building where I frequently have meetings. The food is OK, but in my opinion there are better coffee options nearby...sometimes nearby isn't close enough though, so this place has basically become my "safety net" when I'm not running early for a meeting.
(2)
Joe M.
Ever since I started working near Lloyd Center almost 3 years ago, I have been coming to this great Chinese cuisine! Not only do they offer some tasty Chinese food, but they serve breakfast in the morning, serve espresso drinks, and offer pastries. They serve lunch from 10:30 AM till about 2 PM or so. The prices are reasonable and they rotate certain items every week. I usually stop by a couple of time's a month get the kung pao chicken. it comes with tender and moist boneless chicken with a spicy sauce, scallions, and peanuts topped with white rice. Recently you can upgrade to brown rice for 50 cents more. The service is quick with the food arriving fresh from the kitchen. They are also very friendly and kind to their customers. Last week I ordered a 16 oz. chai latte. Shortly when I got back to the office, I spilt it all over my desk... so embarrasing. I took my cup back to the cafe and told them what happened. They simply gave me a new no charge but I gave them another tip for the appreciation. That and they knew I was a regular too. They are only open during the week and closed during the weekends. The cafe is open very in the morning, 6 I believe and they close around 4 PM. I highly recommend this Chinese cafe as you will get plentiful portions at a great price!
(5)
Ann K.
Date Visited: Thursday 8/11/11 (Lunch) I may update this rating at a later date, but a 3-star beginning is necessary for right now. The cafe isn't far from my work, so I walked down and had a look at their daily specials. The vegetarian (tofu and broccoli) Bento instantly stood out. For $4.50, I figured I would give it a shot. I also ordered a coconut bubble tea - hold the bubble. While the guy made my drink, I looked around and thought the place looked like a nice restaurant to have a lunch with co-workers at. My food came out quick. I missed a lot of questions asked my way because of the music that must have been playing. I don't remember music, but I remember having a hard time (more than usual, anyway) hearing. In any case, I grabbed my lunch and walked back to the office. It was good. The sauce was tasty. The tofu was cooked well. The broccoli was okay. The coconut/milk drink was good. I wish I could say more, but that's it (for now). I didn't LOVE it, but I certainly didn't think it was bad. I'll try different foods at different times and we'll see. I'm glad this place is nearby though.
(3)
Doug M.
Very popular as an alternative to the Lloyd Center food court and the Bonneville Power Administration cafeteria for workers in the Baja Lloyd District. It's a family run operation speeding a limited menu of bento-type dishes out to the counter and to go. They're unfailingly cheerful, even when slammed at noon. They rotate the menu items each week. I like the Kung Pao chicken, but doctor it with teriyaki sauce and a little extra chili sauce. I really like the curry chicken available on alternate weeks. If you want to see your favorite bureaucrats in the utility and environmental world, this is the place to hang out...
(4)
Claire W.
When heading to the airport from the MAX stop at Lloyd, Temptations Cafe is a great spot to pick up food to bring with you. It is right across the street and I hate airport pricing ($4.50 for a bagel sandwich? Pssht). This cafe is a steal in comparison. Also, the service is friendly and fast. Breakfast sandwiches are available 6:30-9:30 am. I got an English muffin with sausage egg and cheese for $2.65 and a Noah's asiago bagel with cream cheese for $1.60. The lunch bento also sounds delicious.
(4)
Z K.
I really think that the friends and family of the owners of a business are really doing it - and mainly - the rest of us customers a great disservice by blindly rating a lucky-if-it's-called-mediocore "Chinese Coffee Shop" (LoL!) that does not have one Chinese dish on it's menu with such high ratings and "cookie cutter" reviews that rave on it's" airport convenience" and other niche qualities. You will read that there are, in fact, rotating Chinese dishes such as the Kung Pao chicken mentioned in a previous review, an apparent favorite is their Bento offerings. What you won't read of, till now my dear lovelies, is the shrieking raw - duck sauce stench that is so caustic to the nose uncooked. If you are like me and do not like to introduce such exotic whiffs to your pallete barely a half hour after you woke up kinda late to work, toothpaste and mouth wash, shave gel, Johnson Baby Powder & Cool Water cologne residue still clogging your nostrils. Dying for that caffiene buzz to zap you back to you corporate-drone normalcy; after all, you work in the Lloyd District or are a sixteen year old at the nearby high school if you even know where this place is- NOT AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES MOGUL- rushing to airports for work. I personally, don't like the smell of uncooked highly vinegarized, soy sauced Dishes with my morning coffee after a night of partying in front of my computer screen with my new buddies I met on WOW. Especially when the seller DOESN'T KNOW of which national origin Bento even comes from. I asked the overly chipper to everyone but me- young lady if it was a Vietnamese favorite, since she proudly told me that her family that own and, all of them- literally- run it were of that origin. Then a young high school kid Googled it on his i-Phone and educated us that it is in fact a Japanese treat having to do with the way it is prepared in a little compartmented box. Neat-o ! The "House" coffee itself was subscribed through a national supplier that I guess is up to par with a freshly brewed Plaid Pantry blend. Freshly being the imperative keyword here. And another Neat-o moment was when she handed me an empty cup and pointed at the three thermoses at the end of the counter, so yes you plunge it yourself out of the Regular, Decaf and EXTREME blends... blah They do have a professional espresso. Slash cappuccino slash looks Italian coffee machine but that would require spending a lot more than I'm willing to at this whimsical little mongrel multinational attempt of a bento serving kung pao coffee house with every single part of the family there, from grand parents to infants on the counters and teenagers taking up most of the seating. They do have PASSWORD PROTECTED wi-fi though, which is how I'm writing this review. I'd pass on this one, unless unauthentic is your flavor, or of course you are lost and can't find PDX...the airport.
(1)
Andy S.
Best coffee shop ever! Good coffee and great food for people on the move. Always friendly and helpful. Take time and get to know this wonderful cafe!
(5)
R Z.
Watered down coffee and they always treat me with thinly veiled contempt for some reason. Just a bad vibe. If it wasn't close to offices I'm not sure how they'd stay open. Skip it.
(1)
michelle j.
The bubble tea was way way way to sweet and the boba was frozen, guessing they don't make it themselves, or are making a lot and freezing it., but that's my favorite part and couldn't even eat it. The people working there are nice, going back sometime to try their food it smelled amazing.
(3)
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Address :1130 NE Holladay St,Ste A
Portland, OR, 97232
Richard R.
Finally stopped by Temptations Cafe after working .10 miles from it for the past year. Tried to stop by there at 6:30 a.m. several months ago when it's supposed to open, but I suppose that 6:30 a.m. was flexible and it was not open yet. The location is great and I suppose that's why my tasty 20 oz. decaf mocha was $4.85. No wait - It was because using my debit card cost an extra 35 cents (charged to charges under $5) and using soy milk was an extra 50 cents. I get that business have to pay a percentage to the credit card/debit card companies, so I guess I can understand that. But then again, you are located right across from the Lloyd District Max Stop, so your prices aren't already high enough to cover that possible 35 cents loss. Ugh, forget it, I'll probably be back anyway paying my extra 35 cents (that is if I forget to go the ATM and pay their $2 fee first).
(3)Asil R.
Coffee AND chinese food? I think its heaven. Right by max tracks, quick and large portions.
(4)F. Explora L.
amazing bubble milk tea!! cute and fun atmosphere :)
(5)evelyn j.
I love this place and am so thankful it is the closest restaurant to my office. I have eaten there several times a month over the last 8 months and it is consistently good quality. The Chicken Noodle Asian style soup is one of my favorite things on earth. All the portions are large enough for two meals and for 5.50 to 6.50 a pop, you can't beat it. They have 8-10 lunch options, chicken bento with steamed broccoli, pad thai, kung pow chicken, curry chicken. Everything is delicious, fresh, healthy and made to order. They have great Oregon roasted coffee, beer and wine, a full service barista bar, breakfast sandwiches, a few muffins, donuts, yogurt and bubble teas. The music is always great. They do charge 35 cent for charges less than 5 dollars but that is pretty standard these days. Buy something extra and support you local small business owner. Oh and the family that owns the place are some of the nicest people I have met since moving here.
(5)Fai C.
This place has the best tapioca milk tea drinks in Portland, and a good deal for $2.75. Quickly accumulating stamps on my frequent buyer drinks card! Free wi-fi and convenient location just across from Lloyd Center MAX. Family-owned and friendly staff.
(4)Rachel M.
This spot is not your typical looking restaurant. It's near the train station, and they have mostly Asian fare. The waitstaff here were super nice, and the food comes out rather fast. They also have coffee and tea they can make for you - I suggest the honey green tea. It was delish!
(4)alexa r.
It was slow when we went in at about 2:30 on a Wednesday. We ordered a classic boba milk tea, less sweet and paid $3.25 for a 16 on drink. The service was prompt and professional. The tea had a good amount of ice and was flavorful. The boba was very soft but we prefer boba that is more flavorful. Overall, though, we were satisfied.
(3)Alyssa C.
Something about muffins being wrapped in plastic wrap just turns of me off at cafes. I had planned on getting a bite here, but instead went with an Americano, which was fine. This place has a lot of seating and a great place to meet a friend, but I didn't love the ambiance.
(3)Elissa M.
I've been coming here since freshman year high school and it's my second year in college. Delicious place! Order chicken fried rice!
(5)Ruth C.
What a sweet, little cafe. They've got a wide variety of drinks to pick from and the lunch menu is consistently yummy. The staff is kind, quick to greet you, ask about your day, and genuinely listen. They're one of the main reasons I keep coming back. The lunch menu isn't vast or extravagant in any way, but it will settle for a quick, delicious lunch for around $6-8. The chicken bento, soup, and udon are my go-tos (Udon for when I'm reallyyyy hungry). Try the bubble tea! On most occasions, it's sweet, flavorful, and full of squishy tapioca balls. Though, every now and then, I'll get some still-frozen balls. Mmm. Cold balls. The one downside with this cafe is the coffee. They have a great machine and they serve Stumptown, but something is off... I think if you're not as picky as I am, you'll probably like the coffee.
(4)Gina S.
Staff is always very friendly. They just upgraded their menu and it is so delicious. The ginger chicken, is AMAZING. Their curry chicken is just as good. I eat here a few times a week. They are also very accommodating of special requests.
(5)Jeanie L.
Skip the milk teas. The almond milk tea was underwhelming. It was watered down and had not quite dissolved creamer floating in the drink. If you're a bubble tea enthusiast, head to karma cafe instead.
(2)Brandon K.
We recently dropped in on our road trip from Seattle, WA to Florence, OR and this little pocket was very special to us. Not only were their breakfast sandwiches and croissants hot and delicious, but they had amazing workers there who provided us with directions and made some of the friendliest conversation we've had since entering Oregon. I'd say that if you're looking for a place that feels homely and you are in the mood for something sweet to drink and something hot to eat to start or end your day at work, then Temptations Cafe is the spot. I can honestly say that even if the food isn't up to your standards, then their customer service will always stand out. Amazing people, quick service, and they have an awesome and unique lunch menu. Check it out!
(5)Ben J.
1st time trying bubble tea. Not my thing, but tasted all right minus the balls of jelly. The noodle bowl was average. More flavor is needed. Glad I scored teriyaki and chili sauces to help it. Price is on point though.
(3)Patrick D.
It's always been a relaxing atmosphere there for me. I only wish I could spend more than 20 mins to enjoy my lunches whenever I'm there. The food is good and the portions are generous. The boba is ok. Its quality tends to differ on who is preparing it. The people who work there have always been friendly though they don't seem to be in any rush to get your drink out.
(4)Phamala L.
I was craving for some bubble tea near work. Saw this place when I was riding the max, their milk tea bubble tea is delicious and their tapioca balls are soft and chewy. Their food also smells good so will have to try next time for lunch! I was eyeing the spicy ramen.
(4)JW R.
A cafe with Megatouch? Sold. The counter girl was friendly and bouncy. When she raised her voice she sounded like the chorus of waitresses at Sushiland when they shout Japanese greetings. All by herself. I bet that's something at 7am. She seemed to know most of the people who came in. I got a bagel breakfast sandwich and it was pretty good, with a can of Coke it was $3.75. Nice little spot but it's close to Benson (mini-reunion c/o '67, '93 and '12 today) so it might get stupid and teenage-y at lunch time.
(4)E M.
Been coming for years so I thought I would finally write a review... I love the stumptown coffee, croissant sausage breakfast sandwich, and for lunch - stir fry curry noodles (special order, not on menu) with an ice honey green tea. Service is very friendly and always welcoming. Can get loud at times, particularly when the blenders are on but it doesn't bother me much since I mostly do takeout.
(5)Cora P.
I love their breakfast sandwiches, even though they're the antitheses of a Portland breakfast. I find myself craving the salty goodness of melted 'merican cheese mixed with Sysco foods "spread" on a perfectly toasted factory processed english muffin, egg and bacon. Also - the staff is great. They're folks I don't mind in the morning, and that's saying a lot. I don't like anyone in the morning.
(4)D F.
Rather than writing a very useless review like ZK, I'm gonna write something that worth reading. If you are going into a cafe expecting a quick lunch, this is the spot to be. Atmosphere is great, you have music playing in the background (not obnoxiously loud either) and you have food cooked to order. Their milk tea is not too bad, but it would taste better if it was individually made. As far as asking the people behind the counter questions about stupid things, Don't ask where the food is from, they make it, you eat it, as simple as that. If you do ask and if you already have an answer in mind, then all you are is just a d-bag. Their cafe smells like it does anywhere else, not your "shrieking raw - duck sauce stench," as if you would know what that smells like. This place is a simple, family owned cafe, not some Michelin star restaurant. Oh by the way, the reason I know your full of crap (could say worse but yanno..) , Z K., is that their wifi has been protected, and has been since day one when they opened (yes I have been going there since day 1.)
(5)Jenny E.
The noodle soup will satisfy your hunger and fill up your hungry stomach. Good bang for the buck. It can get pretty busy at lunch time but the food order still comes up fast. The curried chicken is tasty, served with fresh broccoli and warm rice. The chicken comes with dark meat only, which I don't mind. The bubble tea is inconsistent, though...sometimes good, sometimes too sweet. You can add jellies to the bobbas if you want (your choice of mango, lychee, strawberry, apple.) Very little space to eat inside, so go there before the lunch crowd. Otherwise, better have your order to go. The service is fast and very friendly.
(4)Greg L.
I have quite a few clients who work at BPA and when I come down to the area to meet with them I have traditionally met with them at Temptations Café. The majority of the time I buy them lunch or coffee, then we sit and talk for a bit. This particular time (today) I met with a new client. He happened to be in a mechanical wheelchair. When he arrived I rearranged the table in order to make room for he and his chair. A few minutes into meeting with him he began coughing a bit and asked if I could get him some water. I went to the counter and asked for a cup of water and the response I received was "sure....if you buy something...." I mentioned I had been in there quite a few times in the past meeting with people and the majority of the time made a purchase or two but this time was simply asking for a cup of water for my guest as he was coughing. The worker didn't budge. I then noticed next to me at the counter a water dispenser with plastic cups (which having plastic cups there made it appear obvious I did NOT need to purchase something to get my guest a cup of water). I told them never mind I'd just help myself. The worker then proceeded to "stare me down" and finally he walked over to our table and embarrassed himself. He stated "I'm trying to run a business and if you're going to meet here you need to purchase something." I again reiterated I had been in there quite a few times before and normally do purchase something but this time was not going to. In front of my client he then mentioned he was going to call security - which I encouraged him to do so (and of course he did not). Well Temptations Café, due to the short sightedness of one employee (and the fact there are several other small coffee shops near by) you just lost me, and the business of my clients whom I'll share this story with. On the other hand, had you done the RIGHT thing and fully understood customer service and offered up the water as you could clearly see my client who was coughing. Was losing a customer and future business really worth giving up $.02 worth of water over? Pretty pathetic way to "service" clients.
(1)Jay P.
Quick Lunch? Quick drink? Come here, it gets a little busy at lunch time because of the High school nearby. However it's a great place to go if you're looking for a lunch that fill you up and taste good with a cheap price tag :) I try to come here as much as a I can since I prefer this place more then any other place most of the time that are in the neighborhood.
(5)K L.
Ate here while staying at the Doubletree. It's close and within walking distance. There is not much around. The staff is very friendly. I have no idea why this place is labeled as Chinese. It is a coffee, boba place and serves some bento lunches. Ate the chicken bento with veggies and brown rice. It was hot, fresh and inexpensive. I'd come back for a quick take out lunch.
(3)Mike K.
The best thing about Temptations Cafe is its location, right at the Lloyd Center MAX stop and very near a building where I frequently have meetings. The food is OK, but in my opinion there are better coffee options nearby...sometimes nearby isn't close enough though, so this place has basically become my "safety net" when I'm not running early for a meeting.
(2)Joe M.
Ever since I started working near Lloyd Center almost 3 years ago, I have been coming to this great Chinese cuisine! Not only do they offer some tasty Chinese food, but they serve breakfast in the morning, serve espresso drinks, and offer pastries. They serve lunch from 10:30 AM till about 2 PM or so. The prices are reasonable and they rotate certain items every week. I usually stop by a couple of time's a month get the kung pao chicken. it comes with tender and moist boneless chicken with a spicy sauce, scallions, and peanuts topped with white rice. Recently you can upgrade to brown rice for 50 cents more. The service is quick with the food arriving fresh from the kitchen. They are also very friendly and kind to their customers. Last week I ordered a 16 oz. chai latte. Shortly when I got back to the office, I spilt it all over my desk... so embarrasing. I took my cup back to the cafe and told them what happened. They simply gave me a new no charge but I gave them another tip for the appreciation. That and they knew I was a regular too. They are only open during the week and closed during the weekends. The cafe is open very in the morning, 6 I believe and they close around 4 PM. I highly recommend this Chinese cafe as you will get plentiful portions at a great price!
(5)Ann K.
Date Visited: Thursday 8/11/11 (Lunch) I may update this rating at a later date, but a 3-star beginning is necessary for right now. The cafe isn't far from my work, so I walked down and had a look at their daily specials. The vegetarian (tofu and broccoli) Bento instantly stood out. For $4.50, I figured I would give it a shot. I also ordered a coconut bubble tea - hold the bubble. While the guy made my drink, I looked around and thought the place looked like a nice restaurant to have a lunch with co-workers at. My food came out quick. I missed a lot of questions asked my way because of the music that must have been playing. I don't remember music, but I remember having a hard time (more than usual, anyway) hearing. In any case, I grabbed my lunch and walked back to the office. It was good. The sauce was tasty. The tofu was cooked well. The broccoli was okay. The coconut/milk drink was good. I wish I could say more, but that's it (for now). I didn't LOVE it, but I certainly didn't think it was bad. I'll try different foods at different times and we'll see. I'm glad this place is nearby though.
(3)Doug M.
Very popular as an alternative to the Lloyd Center food court and the Bonneville Power Administration cafeteria for workers in the Baja Lloyd District. It's a family run operation speeding a limited menu of bento-type dishes out to the counter and to go. They're unfailingly cheerful, even when slammed at noon. They rotate the menu items each week. I like the Kung Pao chicken, but doctor it with teriyaki sauce and a little extra chili sauce. I really like the curry chicken available on alternate weeks. If you want to see your favorite bureaucrats in the utility and environmental world, this is the place to hang out...
(4)Claire W.
When heading to the airport from the MAX stop at Lloyd, Temptations Cafe is a great spot to pick up food to bring with you. It is right across the street and I hate airport pricing ($4.50 for a bagel sandwich? Pssht). This cafe is a steal in comparison. Also, the service is friendly and fast. Breakfast sandwiches are available 6:30-9:30 am. I got an English muffin with sausage egg and cheese for $2.65 and a Noah's asiago bagel with cream cheese for $1.60. The lunch bento also sounds delicious.
(4)Z K.
I really think that the friends and family of the owners of a business are really doing it - and mainly - the rest of us customers a great disservice by blindly rating a lucky-if-it's-called-mediocore "Chinese Coffee Shop" (LoL!) that does not have one Chinese dish on it's menu with such high ratings and "cookie cutter" reviews that rave on it's" airport convenience" and other niche qualities. You will read that there are, in fact, rotating Chinese dishes such as the Kung Pao chicken mentioned in a previous review, an apparent favorite is their Bento offerings. What you won't read of, till now my dear lovelies, is the shrieking raw - duck sauce stench that is so caustic to the nose uncooked. If you are like me and do not like to introduce such exotic whiffs to your pallete barely a half hour after you woke up kinda late to work, toothpaste and mouth wash, shave gel, Johnson Baby Powder & Cool Water cologne residue still clogging your nostrils. Dying for that caffiene buzz to zap you back to you corporate-drone normalcy; after all, you work in the Lloyd District or are a sixteen year old at the nearby high school if you even know where this place is- NOT AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES MOGUL- rushing to airports for work. I personally, don't like the smell of uncooked highly vinegarized, soy sauced Dishes with my morning coffee after a night of partying in front of my computer screen with my new buddies I met on WOW. Especially when the seller DOESN'T KNOW of which national origin Bento even comes from. I asked the overly chipper to everyone but me- young lady if it was a Vietnamese favorite, since she proudly told me that her family that own and, all of them- literally- run it were of that origin. Then a young high school kid Googled it on his i-Phone and educated us that it is in fact a Japanese treat having to do with the way it is prepared in a little compartmented box. Neat-o ! The "House" coffee itself was subscribed through a national supplier that I guess is up to par with a freshly brewed Plaid Pantry blend. Freshly being the imperative keyword here. And another Neat-o moment was when she handed me an empty cup and pointed at the three thermoses at the end of the counter, so yes you plunge it yourself out of the Regular, Decaf and EXTREME blends... blah They do have a professional espresso. Slash cappuccino slash looks Italian coffee machine but that would require spending a lot more than I'm willing to at this whimsical little mongrel multinational attempt of a bento serving kung pao coffee house with every single part of the family there, from grand parents to infants on the counters and teenagers taking up most of the seating. They do have PASSWORD PROTECTED wi-fi though, which is how I'm writing this review. I'd pass on this one, unless unauthentic is your flavor, or of course you are lost and can't find PDX...the airport.
(1)Andy S.
Best coffee shop ever! Good coffee and great food for people on the move. Always friendly and helpful. Take time and get to know this wonderful cafe!
(5)R Z.
Watered down coffee and they always treat me with thinly veiled contempt for some reason. Just a bad vibe. If it wasn't close to offices I'm not sure how they'd stay open. Skip it.
(1)michelle j.
The bubble tea was way way way to sweet and the boba was frozen, guessing they don't make it themselves, or are making a lot and freezing it., but that's my favorite part and couldn't even eat it. The people working there are nice, going back sometime to try their food it smelled amazing.
(3)