As I’ve said before, I owe a debt to coffee houses which provide free wi-fi and allow me to sit for hours, sometimes, and work on my website. In that spirit I dedicate this column to those establishments, and provide a small review of each.
The Gold Rush Coffee Bar is my favorite place to blog. It is small, and sometimes very busy, so it’s often not easy to find a table. Since my laptop doesn’t have a working battery (and I can’t afford a new one), I have to claim a table near an electrical outlet, making it even more difficult. Even with this drawback, the neighborhood atmosphere and friendly barristas make it worth while.
The Gold Rush is hip, but not hipster. The music is eclectic, to say the least. If you can’t stand going from Johnny Cash to the theme from The Addams Family in one sitting, you might not like it. The main thing it has going for it, for me, is that it’s my neighborhood place, and I can walk.
My rating: stars
place
This is a close second to The Gold Rush in my book. Not only are they a socially-conscious workers’ collective, they are super friendly, play great music, and have excellent food. I would go there much more often, if it wasn’t quite a trek across town.
My rating: stars
The Urban Grind on NE Oregon is very spacious, with lots of tables where you can sit with your laptop, and lots of extension cords. The atmosphere is friendly, the music is good. A great place to go and spend some time.
My rating: stars
Costello’s is another spot I like because it is fairly near home. It has become very popular of late and only offers wi-fi during weekdays. They also shut it off for occasions such as the World Cup finals which are currently airing on their widescreen monitors.
My rating: stars
place
Fuel Cafe
1452 NE Alberta St, Portland, 97211
1452 NE Alberta St, Portland, 97211
Where I am writing this article. Very friendly little place in Alberta Arts district. Good coffee and sandwiches. Outdoor seating for those whose laptop batteries work!
My rating: stars
Too many hipsters, but that’s downtown for you. Coffee is primo, but no food to speak of – just bagels and sweets. Music is usually fairly loud. But I go here sometimes for the variety, and it’s close to the max (did I say I don’t own a car, so have to use my legs and public transit?)
My rating: stars
So, that’s my mini-roundup of places I go to blog. Try them out.