Stumptown Coffee Roasters
100 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97214
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Menu
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Address :
100 SE Salmon St
Portland, OR, 97214 - Phone (503) 467-4123
- Website https://stumptowncoffee.com/location/portland/the-annex/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
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Roger M.
Coffee buzzzzzz! Wife & I toured Stumptown Coffee Roasters Headquarters (HQ) at 100 SE Salmon. Now I know why I know I love this coffee. Great taste! High standards of quality in roasting and sourcing farmers! Here is what I learned ... All stores remove date stamped bags of coffee beans off shelve past 5 days. These are donated to non-profits, i.e, missions--yes, homeless enjoy a great cup of coffee in the mission! This expired coffee may be better than most coffee drinkers sip day in out. Fair trade coffee means minimum wage. Stumptown wants the best coffee! So, they incentivize farmers with quality. With a Direct Trade model pickers are paid higher wages for select cherries (yup, cheery is what you call the coffee bean on the tree). After picking, the cherries sit in a warehouse for two months to dry, isolated from any foreign smells that can be absorbed by the cherries. Dry coffee is mold free and best for anyone with allergies. On the other hand, companies that engage in wet processing could develop molds. Stumptown HQ is 37000 sq. ft. Here all PDX barista's go through training. There are two large roasters (one processes 200 lbs). Nothing like the smell of a fresh, hot coffee beans right off the roaster--you gotta take the tour for the buzz! The smell is heavenly. And we left with coffee beans right off the roast. The quality control room is the place I want to work--QC tastes cups upon cups of the roast in process to ensure the acidity, sweetness, clarity and body is balanced. Stumptown has a tasting room with a museum of some antic espresso machines and wooden bikes that Rwanda pickers used before Stumptown provided some more advanced bikes. Yes, Stumptown cares for the farmer & picker as much as it cares for giving the customer a great cup of coffee. And i f you work there, there is ping pong, basketball, break room with a big screen TV, showers and indoor bike parking. I may consider coming out of retirement for the coffee perks. We tasted and compared plenty of coffee blends, including nitro and cold pressed. Stumptown coffee is trying hard to do it right from the cherry on the tree to the cup for you and me--sipping coffee at the Ace Hotel or having a pour over with me at home. Note: they have roasting facilities in LA, Seattle and Manhattan too!
(4)David C.
I came to the Stumptown HQ to experience the tour of the facilities and had an incredible time. I'm from LA and this has definitely been a highlight of our entire trip. We ended up spending two hours hearing about the Stumptown story, tasting coffee, and talking to our tour guide. Liam (our tour guide) was super knowledgable and passionate about Stumptown and coffee, and we learned a TON. We got to try three different coffees, some cold brew, and left with 1/2 lb of coffee that we watched the roaster roast. $15 well spent. I'd say it was a very complete tour and well worth the money. I have tons more respect for Stumptown and will continue to be a supporter of their business.
(5)Jacob V.
Good but if your not a local people will stare
(3)Vanessa V.
Stumptown Annex would've received a few more stars from me, but I wasn't too thrilled about my drink -- a cafe au lait ($3.00) which I subbed out regular milk for rice milk ($.50). The cafe au lait was weaker to others I've drank, but I'm unsure if that has to do with the rice milk. The friendly barista was generous to fill my drink up to the brim of my mug, but that became a problem when I had to walk out to my seat outdoors. My cafe au lait spilled onto the floor and created a little pool in my saucer. Other than the spillage and the weak drink, the staff at this location is great. The interior is a little spartan, but spacious and could probably accommodate for a few additional seats. There's also outdoor seating, which is perfect for people watching. Decent shop to grab a cup of joe, but I'd probably order something else on my next visit like the vanilla latte, which is what my friend ordered, over the cafe au lait.
(3)April F.
Ordered a medium mocha and a cappuccino (standard 8oz), spent about $8 total not including tip. My mocha was delicious! The drinks came out fast while being still individually made. The foam was thick and the latte art on top was so lovely! Definitely a must when in Portland!
(5)RK W.
Stumptown is excellent coffee. The annex is great because they will brew you a pour-over cup of any coffee they have. You can buy in bulk as little as 1/4 pound of beans. I left with a collection of these little bags so I could sample several. The guy working there was friendly and helpful.
(5)Vivian H.
This is the (new) Annex, attached to the HQ. You can buy come coffee, pick up some beans, attend their daily cupping, just marvel at the Stumptown/coffee history goodness, whatever. We made it to their cupping and it's quite an experience to stop and think about your coffee and what you like and don't like, regardless of the beans' origin and whatnot. Our guy was super nice and definitely a coffee nerd. What a perfect job.
(5)Penelope A.
Excellent coffee. This is the annex so it's not a coffee shop but you can order a pour over which is the only reason why this is 4 stars and not 5. They offer educational tours and they fully explain their process, flavors, etc. Great find to stumble upon as we explored the industrial area on our visit to Portland. Grabbed a few bags of single origins. Yum!
(4)Shaedyn M.
Idk where all these pictures of lattes and a coffee house are coming from because I walked in and it was a bare room with a front desk and coffee beans for sale. They weren't making any espresso drinks, and there was nowhere to sit. So confused.
(2)Chris B.
Three Haiku's for the NEW Stumptown Annex O Stumptown Annex Your clean lines and hot coffee Always drew me in You've ditched the cafe The cupping ends without me Buying a latte Liam's a good host He teaches to sniff and slurp But where's mine to go?
(3)Valery C.
Stumptown, at the top of the list of coffee roasters to try in Portland. Their expresso has slowly infiltrated NYC in the last few years, turning up in select restaurants, including a collaboration with the Frankies' at Cafe Pedlar, and now a standalone shop at the Ace Hotel. But their start was in Portland, where there are numerous locations, a sure sign of their success. We stopped in their sleek Belmont location. Spare and a bit cold, there is exposed brick on one wall, white-washed everywhere else, accented with dark wood furniture and industrial fans and lighting. Spacious enough to include several tables in the back, and bar seats with corner window views up front, plenty of natural light brightening up the place. Their macchiato was smooth, with good texture and clean finish, but not too much flavor. Decent artisanal coffee, but among the least memorable of the coffee roasters tried on this trip.
(3)Kim N.
Stumptown is something that is hard to get in the SF Bay Area. There's one cafe I know and I've seen it from time to time in restaurants here and there. As any type of food culture, things get fanatical and as all taste, it's totally subjective. I think the folks at Stumptown do a great job of providing a high quality product for us fanatics. Now if I can only get the Cold Brew shipped to my house on a regular basis!
(5)evan r.
CLOSED! The annex has closed and they've moved cuppings to their new warehouse. The coffee shop is open next door still, but the wonderful annex is gone.
(5)David K.
We went and thoroughly enjoyed the free coffee cupping. Very neat story about the company and appreciate that they treat their farmers well. Good coffee and good people
(4)Anna N.
I came here with a group of friends last Saturday, because we had a friend who loved coffee and I'm glad we stopped here. The place was small and cozy, but if I was ever in the area and wanted to buy coffee, then I would buy it here. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable and there is a large variety of coffee here as well. Note: They do brew cups of coffee, but it only comes black. Also they will brew a small taster for you as well. If you do not like your coffee that way, they will allow you to buy coffee from Stump Town next door and bring it over. The main thing to note about this place other than the selection of coffee is the coffee tasting. A group of nine of us stayed for the tasting that was run by Haley and Liam. The tasting was really fun and the staff was really knowledgeable. I would encourage anyone going to this to ask questions because I found it enjoyable learning more about the coffee roasting and tasting process. They go over information about tasting, the differences between fragrance and aroma, serving the coffee, etc. I really enjoyed and was impressed by the demonstrations by Liam and how he answered everyone's questions about coffee. My favorite coffees from that tasting were the Ethiopia Yuko, Costa Rica Valle de Los Santos, and the Panama Duncan Estate.
(5)Don B.
When I hear the word "cupping" I think about naughty things... or at least touching people where the swimsuit covers (and if you don't remember from those old school PSAs, that's "Bad Touching"). At Stumptown Annex, cupping means something totally different. It's like wine tasting, only with coffee. Different roasts of different beans from different continents provide vastly different flavors, even when ground and brewed in the same manner (and we won't even get in to how grind, humidity, altitude, and brewing affect the flavor profile). Stumptown Annex offers you the ability to come in and do cuppings of their coffees, buy beans, or even grab a cup and chill out at one of the few tables. The vibe in the Annex is much quieter and less frenetic than the scene next door in the main Belmont Stumptown. Less shouting, clacking, clanging, tamping, and... did I say less shouting. It's the quiet library version of Stumptown. If you're learning about coffee and want to see what different beans taste like next to each other, stop in here for a cupping. Just don't cup the employees - they'll probably call the cops on you. Or at least throw hot coffee in your face.
(5)Kim V.
If you order a drink that they have to make, then a solid 4 stars, but if you get their house brew, I'd say 1 to 2 stars. The first time I came here I had a mocha. It was just the right balance of chocolate to coffee. The next time I decided to get their house coffee. As I was on the go, I added my cream and Splenda and headed out the door. The house coffee was sour. I don't know if it's because of the coffee or the creamer, but since many others used the creamer, I could only assume it was the coffee. I find this to be very disappointing as even friends from Seattle raved about this chain as one of the "best" places for coffee. I had such high hopes.
(2)Cristen T.
As always, Stumptown coffee is amazing. The vibe here is wonderful: love the music, love the art and the baristas are friendly and great at what they do. I got a beautiful heart in my coffee. My guy and I visited this delightful place after a breakfast at Pine State. It was cold, dreary grey morning and visiting Stumptown Annex made the day a little brighter. I really enjoyed my first experience here and I'm sure we'll be back. It was one of the few mornings that I felt relaxed and happy. We looked through the Oregonian with our tasty warm beverages and talked about nothing in particular. It's been a while since we've slowed down long enough to do any of that. Thank you Stumptown Annex for allowing us to slow down and spend those special moments there.
(4)Oleg H.
How much do you know about coffee? No. Stop it. Being able to order a frapucino (or some other syruppy concoction) without a starbucks barista yelling at you does not qualify as knowing coffee. Do yourself a favor and head down to the Stumptown Annex and take part in their cupping demo any day at 12 and 2 and learn from the pros. And like all education should be - ITS FREE! Amongst other things you'll learn about differences in varieties of beans. Tasting/Cupping process (minus pretentious douchbaggerry you'll find at wine tasting (and now in bay area coffee tasting events)). Info about how the industry works as well as what is good about starbucks (well i dont know if you will but i got to). This is one of the things that makes Stumptown stand above the likes of blue bottle and dare i say it? Philz. Besides their coffee is sooooo whatsup. Another Portland win yall!
(5)Danni D.
We go to the annex because we can get actual one-pound bags here. Those dime bags that are sold in retail locations around town just do not cut it for us because we have to re-up way too often. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning and realizing that the stash has run dry and your guy is not open yet with the fresh supply. This happens significantly less frequently when we can buy two pounds at a time. We go through it quickly enough. Some might say we have a problem, but this is Portland, and its mass consumption is encouraged here. I rarely drive without it. You can count on The Annex to have samples, too. Sometimes you want something more exotic than the usual. Maybe some fine Columbian or some Guatemalan. They either have it, or they can get it. The Annex is the place to go to solve all your morning coffee cravings. Of course I'm talking about coffee! What?
(5)Sarah A.
Stumptown coffee is usually a sure bet, but I have mostly frequented the shop downtown by Voodoo Doughnuts. We took my family here on Mother's Day, since we are all coffee addicts. Ordered my standard latte and it was... pretty good. My previous lattes from Stumptown led me to brag about their coffee to my mom and make claims such as, "It is the best coffee you will ever drink". Yeah, apparently we should have driven over to the other side of the river. Mom wasn't overly impressed. Live and learn.
(3)Jen I.
While I bought my au lait next door at the actually coffee shop, I bought my beans here at the annex and the man who helped me choose which beans to bring home to San Francisco, had long and elegant hands. And a very pleasant smile. And a great knowledge of what he was selling. And...and...and...i bought a 1/2 pound and walked out $17 poorer but oh so more heavenly feeling.
(5)Katy R.
Here at the annex, staff have long since shed the shell of coffee snobbery, and are genuinely enveloped in the process of educating and providing great coffee to the world. I come here with my work not just because of the superior coffee and atmosphere. I come because their artistry and presentation of the product influences the quality of my work by osmosis. Try it.
(5)Ron S.
I wish there was a 6 star rating for this rare case. I was not a coffee lover before I started traveling to Portland. All coffee was was a burnt flavored hot drink with caffeine. The cold weather forced me to find other means of warming up. A friend introduced me to Stumptown and that was it. I had found a cup of truly exquisite coffee. I have been to several cupping's and now Stumptown is my bench mark for coffee. I have found nothing that can truly match there simplicity and perfection. I am officially a coffee-snob.
(5)Justin S.
My favorite stumptown, even if I do live right next to the original Division location. It's not hard: Good/Great coffee, reasonable prices, Wifi that actually works, and room to sit. They tend to have all those bases covered, despite being a pretty tiny place.
(4)Jennifer C.
Excellent coffee, authentic independent vibe.
(5)Derek M.
surprisingly unimpressed. after a quick lookup on yelp for a new cafe to try, this place was at the top of the list. but within 10 minutes we were disappointed. the good: obviously if you love coffee, then you either really love stumptown coffee, or you really hate it. I'm not a fan of stumptown, but I thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail here. I also enjoyed a poppy seed New York bagel. the bad: the process of which you order is simply stupid. you have one person ringing up the order, and then telling the barista to make the drink. the barista promptly forgot our order and then had to ask 2 times for it. think what you may about starbucks, but their process was incredibly streamlined compared to these clowns. also, there was a long line of people, but 2 staff were standing around chatting. i was shocked (yes, shocked) that when the barista made a macchiato and served to his customer, he literally spilt the foam onto the saucer. he basically said 'sorry' and then gave it to him. hey buddy, I AM sorry, but gotta make a new one! the ugly: who only drinks 10oz of drip coffee for over $2? that's a crazy price. i guess it's 'gourmet' coffee, but that's crazy talk! the real ugly came regarding the food. my friend ordered a pastry because it sounded amazing (guerrier cheese & ham croissant). however, they didn't heat it up! didn't even ask. because the service wasn't particularly fast and the line was long, we decided to just forget it. my friend was very disappointed in his cold, almost $4 pastry. bottom line: i don't love stumptown coffee enough to validate spend $10 on 2 coffees, a cold pastry, and a bagel with cream cheese (not including tip). i won't be coming back.
(3)Skylar L.
My Uncle Mike and I decided we just had to go to the coffee tasting at Stump Town. Of course, the unk thought it was at the main roasting center and since I'm writing this review about the Annex, obviously it wasn't. Luckily, we were running slightly early and were able to get to the Annex only a minute late. The woman running it (I forgot her name, which I feel horribly about as she was so nice) had fortunately lost track of time and so we didn't miss a thing. I had worked at a coffee roaster (just in the retail/barista side) and had done casual coffee tastings before, but nothing this elaborate. The woman in charge of the tasting set up 12 bowls with four different coffee roasts. She went over the different stages of the tasting (smelling the dry grounds, smelling the wet grounds, breaking the skin of the grounds, and finally tasting it -- kind of gasping in the coffee from a spoon). The entire experience was enjoyable. It took about thirty minutes altogether, totally worth it. I mean, when else am I going to sample a $90/pound roast? Extra points for the woman playing the entirety of Architecture in Helsinki's "Fingers Crossed." It's a great album that always makes me happy.
(5)Hemesh P.
went here for coffee tasting...its free and they teach you how to slurp the coffee ... aerate it...and taste it how its supposed to be tasted was a fun experience the guys were really knowledgable about coffee
(4)Dan P.
I have wanted to check out this annex ever since moving to Stumptown. First I should preface this review by telling you that I'm no coffee pro, In fact I've sadly been content with inferior product over the years. Although now with my exposure to the beverage industry I've developed a yearning to learn more about this caffeinated green bean, that's so celebrated here in Portland. Really its not just quality that has swayed my interest but that a cup of Joe brings out my sensitive side, to caffeine that is. If we've never met let me make one thing clear, I already talk A-lot and have high energy. If you know someone similar imagine the influence a few cups of liquid dope will make, it can be scary. My most recent memory was a trip to the Newport Seafood and Wine festival where I got to unfortunately experience just what a depth charge is. What's this, you don't know? Imagine someone deciding it was ok to spike my store bought Frappuccino with a packet or two of Starbucks Via instant coffee. What happens you ask? I went from hungover tourist to tripping like a wannabe Hunter S. Thompson in minutes, gaining the power to not only see into the third dimension but talking like a god damn speed reading champion! An hour later I was bouncing around like an out of control pinball, causing my friends to think I had met up with a Newport dealer the night before. So the fight continues as this Irishman totally got his ass kicked by some pit inside a fruit. I know many bean heads, coffee geeks or whatever the reference, perhaps the correct term is barista. While I don't currently share their passion for this berry I have plenty for evaluating wine and beer. Since coffee has more flavonoids than either its a perfect candidate for this taste tester and black coffee drinker. I've never been fond of fancy pants drinks instead I have always chose simplicity. Here at this tasting lab you'll learn the same but through a series of demonstrations and hands on techniques. They perform free classes called cupping, daily at noon and 2pm. You'll learn about aromatics and how to scrape the crest, before getting to show off your slurping techniques. Right now I'm pissed I forgot our hosts name but he was a very knowledgeable, well dressed, coffee fellow. While waiting for the coffee to cool he taught us the basics of roasting beans and more elaborate ways they can be processed. He brought me up to speed on Stumptown practices and how working closely with farms influences their selections. He also put any false facts to rest like using your freezer to keep the beans fresh longer. Once the coffee has cooled and is ready you do a series of taste evaluations between about seven from around the world. If your mind went somewhere dirty when I said "cupping" please skip this sentence as I encourage you to also spit and swallow. I mostly spit since I made four passes and tried to extract every last characteristic in detail. By the end I thought they were all very different but I ended up enjoying a cup of Colombian. This was a great learning experience, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, it was easy to see their passion! I highly recommend this for anyone looking to do something different or elevate their caffeinated bean standards. Before I left I decided to return the favor by giving the resident barista a beer recommendation. Perfect for a coffee lover I said, "Try the Espresso Oak Aged Yeti by Great Divide" it's an Imperial Stout that drinks with authority. From its dark black color or roasted aroma its head looks more like crema than foam. It hits the front of your tongue with some fruit intensity and a blast of vanilla before pinching the sides with the bitterness of an acidic coffee. This Imperial breakfast of champions is so good it might just send you into a bean seizure! Alas we parted as I was zinging but not before we praised Stumptown together as a place where geeks of all sorts can celebrate and savor a city that's so much more than just coffee and beer!
(5)Renee N.
Oleg H. is all about pretentious coffee, so when we went up to Portland over Thanksgiving I made sure that we stopped by Stumptown so he could get his coffee snob on. Last time I was in Portland we went to a Stumptown location downtown and I found it (understandably) annoying. It was full of hipsters and staffed with jerks, no one wanted to be helpful, and I don't care how good your coffee is, it doesn't make up for that. But this place totally did. Though staffed with hipsters, they were far from jerks. In fact, they were helpful and personable and answered every one of Oleg's questions on the beans, the roasting process, and the qualities one should look for when trying to find increasingly pretentious coffee. It totally erased the bad taste in my mouth from the previous Stumptown experience, and what a nice thing to be able to say. Definitely recommend the FREE tastings, whether you're a coffee snob or not. Informative, fun, and at the end you can buy some coffee knowing that you'll be taking home something you enjoy.
(4)Jennifer W.
Stumptown offers coffee tasting next door. I have been to food tastings, cheese tastings, wine tastings, never coffee tastings...hmmm...I got to to try this...People gathered around the speaker. He was talking about the types of coffee beans and the regions of the beans. After all the explanation of the different types of coffee beans and how many times it's filtered, or how coffee is filtered, people went down the line of the coffees on the counter from one cup to another with a teaspoon and a paper cup. There were loud slurps everywhere. The speaker did say, "the louder the slurp, the better!" Let's go down the line to taste the differences. Too be honest, I was worried about how sanitary it was since people are dipping their spoon into the coffee, and putting it into their mouths. All I can think of was, I don't want back-washes. So, my friend and I were smart. We were the ones in the front and were the first few that went for it while people hesitated. You can't hesitate, or else you're going to get the backwash! So, we dived in and tasted some differences...glad that I tried it! :)
(5)Keith B.
This is such a cool place. The workers here are very knowledgeable about everything coffee. They help make coffee accessible to people like me who know very little about the subject. There are so many choices it is nice to have some guidance. I love chilling here. It's usually quite and is a great venue to kick back with some hella good coffee and do whatever it is you like to do.
(5)Michelle E.
I drink about twelve pounds of coffee a year, and more if I am honest with myself, but I never had a perfectly perfect cup of home brewed coffee until I got the beans here. It was Guatemalan grown and came from a batch of only 20 bags which Stumptown wisely bought all up. And it was perfect. I will never go back to grocery store coffee. Go to the Annex to geek out on coffee. They do tastings every day at 11 and 3. The staff is really helpful, even if you don't know what the hell you are talking about. If you are prone to feeling overwhelmed when someone asks you what you like in a cup of coffee or balk at the idea of paying $16-$20 a pound for your fix, go back to the grocery store.
(4)Todd V.
It's November 3rd and the big box stores are already full of snowflake-laden xmas decorations. WTF? Nevertheless, outside it's sunny, breezy, and in the high 60s outside, a beautiful autumn day. The dining partner, aka wife, and I wandered into Pine State to share a Reggie Deluxe and some fried tomatoes, there was no line, and there was even a table open. Could the day get any better? Well yes, in fact, it could. The nice lady at Peets gave us samples of cookies and her favorite chocolate mousse dessert with our coffees. And then, as you've probably already predicted, it just happened to be 2 p.m. as we strolled by Stumptown, so we went in for a very cool free education in how to really appreciate your single origin hand-picked Civet-pooped roasted coffee tree fruit. There were only 2 other participants, so this was kind of like the equivalent of those incredibly expensive private colleges that boast "4:1 student to teacher ratio!" except it didn't cost $40,000. Now this level of coffee knowledge is pretty far above me so when our teacher said, "I'm tasting, let me see ... green peppers!" and I could actually recognize the flavor he had found, I was pretty proud of myself. Is this a useful skill? I have no idea. But how cool to be able to learn to prepare a cupping and evaluate coffees against each other. Thanks Stumptown! I am definitely a better citizen of the Republic of Portland now. But could the day get any better? Why yes ... an awesome sunset and now homemade tempura right around the corner. Peace out.
(5)Brandi S.
Great coffee and service. Friendly staff!
(5)Julia L.
Hands down this is one of the best things I've done since moving to Portland! We stopped in on a rainy Saturday for the 3:00pm cupping and turned out to be the only people who showed! I have to admit I was a little nervous going in because in my mind I was picturing this crazy hipster who laughed at my coffee knowledge. Yes, I agree, a bit outlandish, but I've been on some wine tastings and have felt quite uncomfortable when asking about an expensive bottle they were pouring - probably for the upscale clientele. Pah! Anyhow, Matthew was amazing and was happy to answer all of our questions and give us the basics of coffee to build on. As much as he facilitated and lead the cupping, he really let us delve in and form our own opinions before he planted the seed of what to expect. I didn't realize buying and tasting coffee was so involved and some can be so different. It has peaked my interest and I am excited to learn more on my own and through other cuppings. I enjoyed myself so much I vow to bring any visitors/guests here and hopefully return a time or two (or more) on my own.
(5)Brandon H.
Not much I can say here that isn't a repeat of everyone else's. Great place, great staff, great experience. It's a drip-only kind of coffeeshop--they've got 20-or-so different varietals (usually $2.50-$5 per cup) on-hand and grind and drip your coffee to order. It's quiet, intimate, and pleasantly bare-bones. There isn't really anything else in the store--even cream is at the "full" Stumptown coffeeshop at the corner. They also do "cuppings"--basically the arabica-equivalent of wine tasting. They're fine and gastronomically informative--bring an out of town guest for a cool experience. And did I mention the staff is great? Zero pretention, all friendly helpfulness. I'm a fan.
(5)Jodi S.
So, I was in Portland visiting a friend and we were trying to come up with a list of things to do. I always like to try new things when I am visiting an area, so I turned to Yelp for some advice. One of the more popular things that came up was what they called a coffee "cupping." Having no idea what this meant, I had to try it! Stumptown is a fun place to visit anyway, so it was a good place to start. We got to the Annex a few minutes before the cupping was to start, so we just hung back and watched. It looked pretty much like a regular coffee place, just with more exotic sounding beans. Then one of the employees started setting out small cups full of coffee beans on the counter. Each different kind of bean had a sign behind it kind of describing where the bean came from. Once the cupping began we weren't supposed to voice any of our opinions about the coffee out loud until the end. First we smelled the beans. They ranged in aroma from chocolatey to poopy smelling, I kid you not. The next step was to grind the coffee beans and then smell them again. This didn't change it too much for me except make all of the smells more prominent. Then hot water was added to each of the cups and we all smelled again. After it had cooled off a bit we were each given a spoon and a spit cup. Before actually tasting it we used the spoon to gently break the surface scum and sniff again. It was amazing how much aroma was trapped in that film layer that forms on the surface. To taste, we delicately scooped the coffee without going too deep and stirring up the grounds, then we sipped as loudly as possible! The louder you slurp, the more air you get in, and therefore the more flavor it releases. Swish and hold in your mouth, then spit out and rinse your spoon. Needless to say, we went around and around doing this. And the beans that smelled poopy now tasted better than the ones that smelled chocolatey. I never knew there was such an art to coffee selection and tasting, but it was a lot of fun and it makes you feel a little silly thinking you actually knew anything about coffee!
(4)Stacey G.
Your Staff is Exceptional as is your coffee. I love you stumptown.
(5)Kelly M.
If you're truly a coffee know-it-all, stop at the annex to get your fix. Here you can get a custom brewed cup of any of their beans. That means you can even buy a cup of the coveted Esmerelda coffee which runs about a gazillion dollars a pound. (I think it's liquid gold!) The Annex also offers cuppings two times a day, at 11 am and 4 pm where their friendly and knowledgable staff guide visitors through a taste-tour of their beans. Also a good bet for buying brewing supplies--they stock everything from french presses and espresso machines to impressive-looking glass vaccuum pots. Frequently quieter and calmer than the main Stumptown two doors down, it is a better place to hang and study, too.
(5)Julie H.
were it not suggested by a friend i would not have differentiated enough between stumptown and the stumptown annex on my recent trip to portland. fortunately, i have awesome friends as missing a visit the annex would be a mistake. the idea is simple: two shelves of freshly roasted stumptown coffee. you order and a helpful barista will then grind your beans to order and make you a delicious cup of coffee. if you prefer you can also get the beans to go in 1/2lb and 1lb quantities. i still don't have particular preferences or in-depth knowledge when it comes to coffee so i deferred to the man behind the counter. "try this," he suggested, pulling one of the large glass jars off the shelf, "i've been recommending it to everyone." i asked him what it tasted like. he retrieved his cup from a table, took a sip, and regaled me with a description that i won't try to recreate here. suffice to say i was sold. i paid around $3 for an 8oz cup - steeper than one might normally expect but worth every penny. it made my regular cup of coffee later that morning pale in comparison, and stayed in my mind for weeks afterward when i was back home in DC.
(4)Laleh E.
The Stumptown Annex on Belmont is right nextdoor to the Stumptown coffeehouse, and I think it's excellent as a quieter place to simultaneously enjoy both coffee and conversation. Twice a day, the annex is home to coffee tastings, and this stuff is too good to pass up. I'm disappointed that I wasn't around for these tastings on my trip to Portland, but I'll be planning for one next time. At the annex, you can also purchase beans, and assorted coffee paraphernalia like espresso machines and french presses. Delightful! I can pretty much guarantee nobody at Stumptown will accidentally say the word, "expresso," so you can feel safe. I do.
(5)sara r.
This is really more of a stumptown the company review than a commentary on this particular location... it is so awesome to say in all honesty that the coffee roasters with the best ethics and intentions also produce the best coffee. The founder of this company personaly visits every farm and collective they buy from and insures that they have the best growing and drying methods in place. They go above "fair trade" pricing and try to promote good healthcare and sustainable wages for the pickers. The staff from the buyers to the tasters down to the baristas are all passionate about their coffee. When these shots are on they are the sweetest, smoothest, tastiest shots ever. Plus you can drink them with a guilt free concience.
(5)Danielle K.
This place has made me fall in love with black coffee.
(5)Deb G.
Great coffee but come on.....we're in PORTLAND for God's sake and there's plenty of great coffee to be had!! My husband loves the beans so as the dutiful wife, I head to the annex for his weekly bean fix. One of the regular employees is awesome, King of multi tasking doing his best to measure those beans and offer up a free cup. More often than not, there's a smug air about the person behind the counter. Almost elitist. I'm sorry, I thought I was PAYING for this coffee and service. Be careful Stumptown.... you certainly are not the only (or best) coffee in town.
(3)Steven A.
Great coffee and free wi-fi. The snacks left a little bit to be disired but overall it was a really nice place.
(4)Filip T.
I think that regardless of which coffee roaster you favor, I think we can hold our heads high as Americans for essentially making the best cup of coffee in the world. I spent a year in Italy and NEVER had a macchiato as good as those at Stumptown. The annex is primarly a learning experience and place to buy beans. Unless you've devoted serious time to studying coffee, you can't lose.
(4)Aaron L.
I vividly remember the smell of the Annex, being introduced to Stumptown coffee for the very first time, stunningly dazzled by the wealth of encyclopedian knowledge spewed forth from the young man behind the counter. He said we wanted the Los Delirios, and we accepted that. I think it was the confidence I sensed in his voice and the Minor Threat tattoo I saw on his forearm that reassured me that I could trust this man. I was confused when I was handed the single cup of freshly brewed coffee, and it was explained to me that a taste of the beans I was purchasing was all part of deal. This delighted me, as I like "free" things. The steam came dancing off of the surface ever so seductively. I gave one last look to the cold, gray sky outside the window, and drew the cup beneath my nose, inhaling what smelled like liquid victory. With as much care as my anxious anticipation would allow me, I sipped. These words alone can not adequtely describe to you, my dear readers, the joy I felt in that moment, but know that when I tell you that my heart soared high above those rain clouds that day I mean it with every ounce of my soul. I looked over to Sarah, and I said with the same confidence exuded by the man behind the counter, "This is the best cup of coffee I have ever had in my entire life". Nothing truer has since been uttered from my lips. She smiled, as if to say, "I know it is, Aaron. I know it is." God bless America.
(5)Gregor H.
My local coffee shop uses Stumptown so a pilgrimage here seemed to be in order and perhaps because I had such high expectations I was really a bit disappointed. The cappuccino was a let down compared to 9th Street in NYC and not nearly as good as I can do at home with their beans. So much high hopes.
(3)Zac H.
For highly caffeinated individuals, this is coffee mecca. A cupping of six different roasts at Stumptown Annex was the highlight of my last trip to Portland. The combination of trying so many blends and being walked through the process from cultivation, washing, roasting etc and the fact that you ingest about two fresh and strong cups of coffee in about five minutes was an eye-opener for sure. It certainly knocked out the food coma I had from Pine State Biscuits.
(5)julia m.
being a coffee professional, i am used to a certain level of shit talking when it comes to places that do a really good job. i kind of expected stumptown, who are rated far above most every other coffee shop in the usa regularly, to be snobby and maybe a little pretentious. dudes and ladies, this is not the case at all. we walked into the annex to buy some beans and the fellas who were working asked us to join in a cupping, talked to us about beans for ages, were super interested in engaging us... and not just us but every single person who walked into the store. the stumptown folks are rated so superior because they do an exceptional job and are really truly passionate about coffee. i love it and i loved being in the annex. i wanted to be adopted by them and drink coffee and nerd out regularly. and of course, the guatemala finca el injerto was the best. it was jasminey and chocolatey and delicious next to the campfire.
(5)Jen C.
I hope you have your PhD in the study of coffee beans before walking into this place! It is for serious coffee connoisseurs people. I made the mistake of saying something about flavored coffee to the barista/coffee bean expert and he obliquely told me "I was fighting a losing battle". Hmmm. Anyway, yes, this place can, at times, fall into the category of coffee snobbery... Just own your level of coffee expertise, what ever it may be. That is what I do. And once you get past the technical terms and pretense, the place is pretty cool! Jars and jars of coffee beans adorn the walls with their geographical location and cost per pound next to them. It is pretty pricey at mostly $18+ and up per pound, so this isn't the type of coffee you would drink every day. I had a number of people I was purchasing for, all with different backgrounds, and the coffee expert was very helpful as to which region I should buy for whom and why. I ended up spending $80 on coffee as gifts for 4 people, so not cheap, but pretty good gifts...and you get several brew books with each pound, so the recipients can learn how to brew coffee the CORRECT way. A little presumptuous aren't they? ;)
(4)Mike K.
Stumptown Annex is just different. Different from other Stumptown stores, different from any coffee bar. Skylar and I went there for the 11 a.m. cupping and got to taste four different, wonderful coffees. It's an experience not to be missed, and others have talked about it quite a lot here. But I wish that Stumptown Division had its own annex, because it was so nice and calm there. If there's a downside it's that I'd probably spend every hour of every day in that simple but comfortable space.
(5)Tamara Y.
drip coffee at its absolute best. so good. and they know everything about coffee.
(5)Jason K.
Coffee Geeks behind the counter. I like it. Latin American Coffee is their strength IMO. Hey you can order online and have coffee delivered monthly.
(5)kate m.
Let me start by saying that I would sell my soul for Stumptown coffee, so this may not be the most objective review ever. I stopped at the Annex to pick up some beans for Christmas presents. Despite my vague and unusual requests "the craziest coffee you've got", "boring decaf for my mother in law" and "something really, really good," they managed to match a coffee to my every gifting need. They guy that helped me was fantastic and super enthusiastic about the coffee, and the cup he made for me before I left was AMAZING. And let's not even talk about how good my car smelled for the rest of the ride home. Or the fact that I smelled the coffee bags every day until I wrapped them up and sent them back to Ohio. It's that good. Really. It is.
(5)Devon D.
that coffee tasting was mind blowing, and i will never ruin another cup with milk or sugar.
(5)Hoot's K.
what else is there to say? the coffee is amazing, just amazing.
(5)Min T.
I may have not gotten a piece of paper today from Stumptown saying I'm officially a coffee jerk because I went to one of their cuppings but that's what I feel like. They do free tastings at the Annex and after sniffing, tasting and making funny noises, I am now even more confused about coffee. Does it taste good? Does it smell good? I don't know! Should I feel there are fruit undertowns? Why is this so sour to me? Oh, you mean this should be labeled "high in acidity?" While there, a guy was asking how the crops were doing in Ethiopia. And he had his own cupping spoon. I don't know if he worked there or not but he took it upon himself to help with the cupping. I eventually decided after many sips, I possibly was overstimulated and needed a cup. But that delirious notion passed and I quietly stuffed some money in the tip jar and sailed out. Oh, you can buy beans here and get a free cup when you do. They do drips here but nothing overly fancy as far as I can see. You can go next door to their actual shop and get more types of coffee. And yes, they do have frequent buyer cards that are fun. The one thing I took away from this experience is burning hot coffee can't really be tasted. You need to wait for it to cool down to about the temperature of your mouth for you to really taste it. During the cupping, we were slurping it up with a lot of air. It reminded me of wine tasting where you the air helps open up the flavors.
(4)Matt V.
Great coffee great knowledgeable staff this is what a coffee house should be but, wtf is up with the $95/pound coffee? Not a joke...and yes, they do have cheaper stuff :)
(5)Boris G.
Ask any questions. The guy that always seems to be here knows his coffee.
(5)Lumberjackal O.
I love European espresso. This place was better than everything I've had in Europe. Also a record player and draft beer? Amazing!
(5)D W.
This is the best coffee shop and java anywhere. The sheer number of coffee bean options alone is a bit too much - and then you get into the different grind settings and coffee pot types if like me you go the drip route. But the staff, unlike at SIXBUCKS actually know what they are talking about - and helpful. It is all available online as well if you are not in Portland or NYC: stumptown.com . The Annex location will sell 1lb bags and larger. Ten pounds (of beans) later..favorite new drip coffee?.......Holler Mtn.
(5)Alison H.
Hmm... While visiting a friend in Portland a few weeks ago, several folks suggested that I pick up some coffee from the Stumptown Annex to take back home with me. Their recommendations were so positive, that I just *had* to come here and check it out. The store itself is just lovely and so are the employees, but sadly, I think their product is a bit overrated. I can only speak for the "Guatemala Finca El Injerto" roast, though. I purchased a large bag 'o beans, and couldn't wait to try it with my husband when I came home. The verdict: smells great, but tastes really sour. Bummer.
(3)Chrysanthemum A.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters are everywhere. You can get their signature cold brewed coffee at Target, Whole Foods, Fresh&Easy... even places like Healdsburg's Noble Folk and St. Helena's Farmstead. Coffee so great, even places that pride themselves on locally sourced artisanal foods outsource the coffee to them. Stumptown is so masterful with its coffee, that its regular kind doesn't need much cream and/or sugar. Its cold brews are superb, especially the chocolate one. It has a depth of artistry you don't find with a Starbucks. The Pacific Northwest made coffee into an art and a science.
(5)Kent M.
We went for the "cupping," which was a fun Portland experience. Learn about coffee and how the pro's making buying decision. It's only an hour long, and you can get pretty jacked up on coffee if you choose not to spit out your coffee. Hehe. After the cupping you can buy as many beans as you want. We didn't, though, opting instead for a delicious chocolate cold brew. DAMNED GOOD.
(5)Cheryl R.
I've been to Stumptown several times now.... and I'll keep coming back. Typically the lines are long but fast moving. The drinks are prepared quickly and correctly. Fairly priced. Local. What's not to love? The only real downsides are a lack of electrical outlets and there is not a bathroom.
(5)Marisa S.
Great coffee shop in a very hip neighborhood. The baristas are very friendly and the coffee was very good. The leaf design on top of the coffee was great. We got very good recommendations from people there. Everyone was very nice.
(4)Jessie K.
Delicious latte, brewed correctly. Crema, less than 10 seconds til mixed with milk, foamed with tiny bubbles. Lovely. I plugged in my headphones, and got a ton of grading done. The atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and decent indie rock. Good people-watching, especially from the window-bar seats. Speaking of seats... better be willing to wait around and hover until you get a table, because they are always packed.
(4)Neal W.
Perhaps I'm part hipster scum, but there's nothing I love more than sitting at a coffee shop drinking coffee and doing hipster stuff on my Mac. Yeah well if you're not into that maybe you shouldn't go to Stumptown Annex. However, I would suggest Stumptown Annex over Stumptown Cafe. While Stumptown Cafe is the place where there are already a million regulars and the tables are packed as soon as the doors open, Stumptown Annex is the place that the COOL people go who are too cool to hang out with the other cool people! That's where I come in! A self-appointed cool person. I enjoyed the interior of the Stumptown Annex much more than the normal Stumptown cafe. In fact I took one look at Stumptown cafe and wanted to throw up all over my shoes, and well, I have great shoes. People taking up every table, bombs exploding, people exploding, coffee beans exploding, terrible. When I checked out the Stumptown Annex, a cozy little corner booth spot called out my name. The employee working there was knowledgeable and suggested two delicious coffees. I am giving 5 stars without even having done the cupping. Speaking of which, I was sitting there, working on my computer when the 11AM cupping occurred and I completely missed it. I feel like a freaking idiot. Doesn't really make sense since I'm also a cool person. Well the two suggested coffees were incredible, and the internet was fast, and the booth was comfy, and the music was good and NOT TO LOUD (I'm talking to you Opposable Thumb Cafe). FIVE STARS!
(5)Ashley B.
This is my go-to spot when I need to get something one, or do nothing at all. The baristas are super friendly and accommodating, there's free wi-fi, and the location is great. I don't drink coffee, but they are one of a few places with a good selection of loose leaf teas, and they give you an entire pot for $2.50. The raspberry hazelnut scones are pretty delicious as well.
(5)Eric L.
Yup, after a trip next door to the Stumptown coffee shop on Belmont, the Annex was a def must do. Perfect timing for us because they had just started the daily coffee sampling which is at 12 and 2. I'm no connoisseur, nor do I try to fake the funk about being one, I just love the taste of coffee and I love the caffeine high after pounding a *venti $tarb*cks*. So, after becoming a Stumptown convert this one sunny Portland day, we came here to learn more about coffee. The guys were knowledgeable but to be quite frank, it's nothing like wine tasting. You just sip on different types of coffees and you don't get tipsy. No fun. But, it was a good experience. If you're in the Belmont area and you decide to try this absolutely wonderfuly Godsend of a coffee, hit up the Stumptown Annex next door for a tasting lesson in coffee.
(5)kate m.
Let me start by saying that I would sell my soul for Stumptown coffee, so this may not be the most objective review ever. I stopped at the Annex to pick up some beans for Christmas presents. Despite my vague and unusual requests "the craziest coffee you've got", "boring decaf for my mother in law" and "something really, really good," they managed to match a coffee to my every gifting need. They guy that helped me was fantastic and super enthusiastic about the coffee, and the cup he made for me before I left was AMAZING. And let's not even talk about how good my car smelled for the rest of the ride home. Or the fact that I smelled the coffee bags every day until I wrapped them up and sent them back to Ohio. It's that good. Really. It is.
(5)Devon D.
that coffee tasting was mind blowing, and i will never ruin another cup with milk or sugar.
(5)Hoot's K.
what else is there to say? the coffee is amazing, just amazing.
(5)Min T.
I may have not gotten a piece of paper today from Stumptown saying I'm officially a coffee jerk because I went to one of their cuppings but that's what I feel like. They do free tastings at the Annex and after sniffing, tasting and making funny noises, I am now even more confused about coffee. Does it taste good? Does it smell good? I don't know! Should I feel there are fruit undertowns? Why is this so sour to me? Oh, you mean this should be labeled "high in acidity?" While there, a guy was asking how the crops were doing in Ethiopia. And he had his own cupping spoon. I don't know if he worked there or not but he took it upon himself to help with the cupping. I eventually decided after many sips, I possibly was overstimulated and needed a cup. But that delirious notion passed and I quietly stuffed some money in the tip jar and sailed out. Oh, you can buy beans here and get a free cup when you do. They do drips here but nothing overly fancy as far as I can see. You can go next door to their actual shop and get more types of coffee. And yes, they do have frequent buyer cards that are fun. The one thing I took away from this experience is burning hot coffee can't really be tasted. You need to wait for it to cool down to about the temperature of your mouth for you to really taste it. During the cupping, we were slurping it up with a lot of air. It reminded me of wine tasting where you the air helps open up the flavors.
(4)Matt V.
Great coffee great knowledgeable staff this is what a coffee house should be but, wtf is up with the $95/pound coffee? Not a joke...and yes, they do have cheaper stuff :)
(5)Boris G.
Ask any questions. The guy that always seems to be here knows his coffee.
(5)Lumberjackal O.
I love European espresso. This place was better than everything I've had in Europe. Also a record player and draft beer? Amazing!
(5)D W.
This is the best coffee shop and java anywhere. The sheer number of coffee bean options alone is a bit too much - and then you get into the different grind settings and coffee pot types if like me you go the drip route. But the staff, unlike at SIXBUCKS actually know what they are talking about - and helpful. It is all available online as well if you are not in Portland or NYC: stumptown.com . The Annex location will sell 1lb bags and larger. Ten pounds (of beans) later..favorite new drip coffee?.......Holler Mtn.
(5)Alison H.
Hmm... While visiting a friend in Portland a few weeks ago, several folks suggested that I pick up some coffee from the Stumptown Annex to take back home with me. Their recommendations were so positive, that I just *had* to come here and check it out. The store itself is just lovely and so are the employees, but sadly, I think their product is a bit overrated. I can only speak for the "Guatemala Finca El Injerto" roast, though. I purchased a large bag 'o beans, and couldn't wait to try it with my husband when I came home. The verdict: smells great, but tastes really sour. Bummer.
(3)Eric L.
Yup, after a trip next door to the Stumptown coffee shop on Belmont, the Annex was a def must do. Perfect timing for us because they had just started the daily coffee sampling which is at 12 and 2. I'm no connoisseur, nor do I try to fake the funk about being one, I just love the taste of coffee and I love the caffeine high after pounding a *venti $tarb*cks*. So, after becoming a Stumptown convert this one sunny Portland day, we came here to learn more about coffee. The guys were knowledgeable but to be quite frank, it's nothing like wine tasting. You just sip on different types of coffees and you don't get tipsy. No fun. But, it was a good experience. If you're in the Belmont area and you decide to try this absolutely wonderfuly Godsend of a coffee, hit up the Stumptown Annex next door for a tasting lesson in coffee.
(5)Filip T.
I think that regardless of which coffee roaster you favor, I think we can hold our heads high as Americans for essentially making the best cup of coffee in the world. I spent a year in Italy and NEVER had a macchiato as good as those at Stumptown. The annex is primarly a learning experience and place to buy beans. Unless you've devoted serious time to studying coffee, you can't lose.
(4)Jodi S.
So, I was in Portland visiting a friend and we were trying to come up with a list of things to do. I always like to try new things when I am visiting an area, so I turned to Yelp for some advice. One of the more popular things that came up was what they called a coffee "cupping." Having no idea what this meant, I had to try it! Stumptown is a fun place to visit anyway, so it was a good place to start. We got to the Annex a few minutes before the cupping was to start, so we just hung back and watched. It looked pretty much like a regular coffee place, just with more exotic sounding beans. Then one of the employees started setting out small cups full of coffee beans on the counter. Each different kind of bean had a sign behind it kind of describing where the bean came from. Once the cupping began we weren't supposed to voice any of our opinions about the coffee out loud until the end. First we smelled the beans. They ranged in aroma from chocolatey to poopy smelling, I kid you not. The next step was to grind the coffee beans and then smell them again. This didn't change it too much for me except make all of the smells more prominent. Then hot water was added to each of the cups and we all smelled again. After it had cooled off a bit we were each given a spoon and a spit cup. Before actually tasting it we used the spoon to gently break the surface scum and sniff again. It was amazing how much aroma was trapped in that film layer that forms on the surface. To taste, we delicately scooped the coffee without going too deep and stirring up the grounds, then we sipped as loudly as possible! The louder you slurp, the more air you get in, and therefore the more flavor it releases. Swish and hold in your mouth, then spit out and rinse your spoon. Needless to say, we went around and around doing this. And the beans that smelled poopy now tasted better than the ones that smelled chocolatey. I never knew there was such an art to coffee selection and tasting, but it was a lot of fun and it makes you feel a little silly thinking you actually knew anything about coffee!
(4)Stacey G.
Your Staff is Exceptional as is your coffee. I love you stumptown.
(5)Kelly M.
If you're truly a coffee know-it-all, stop at the annex to get your fix. Here you can get a custom brewed cup of any of their beans. That means you can even buy a cup of the coveted Esmerelda coffee which runs about a gazillion dollars a pound. (I think it's liquid gold!) The Annex also offers cuppings two times a day, at 11 am and 4 pm where their friendly and knowledgable staff guide visitors through a taste-tour of their beans. Also a good bet for buying brewing supplies--they stock everything from french presses and espresso machines to impressive-looking glass vaccuum pots. Frequently quieter and calmer than the main Stumptown two doors down, it is a better place to hang and study, too.
(5)Julie H.
were it not suggested by a friend i would not have differentiated enough between stumptown and the stumptown annex on my recent trip to portland. fortunately, i have awesome friends as missing a visit the annex would be a mistake. the idea is simple: two shelves of freshly roasted stumptown coffee. you order and a helpful barista will then grind your beans to order and make you a delicious cup of coffee. if you prefer you can also get the beans to go in 1/2lb and 1lb quantities. i still don't have particular preferences or in-depth knowledge when it comes to coffee so i deferred to the man behind the counter. "try this," he suggested, pulling one of the large glass jars off the shelf, "i've been recommending it to everyone." i asked him what it tasted like. he retrieved his cup from a table, took a sip, and regaled me with a description that i won't try to recreate here. suffice to say i was sold. i paid around $3 for an 8oz cup - steeper than one might normally expect but worth every penny. it made my regular cup of coffee later that morning pale in comparison, and stayed in my mind for weeks afterward when i was back home in DC.
(4)Laleh E.
The Stumptown Annex on Belmont is right nextdoor to the Stumptown coffeehouse, and I think it's excellent as a quieter place to simultaneously enjoy both coffee and conversation. Twice a day, the annex is home to coffee tastings, and this stuff is too good to pass up. I'm disappointed that I wasn't around for these tastings on my trip to Portland, but I'll be planning for one next time. At the annex, you can also purchase beans, and assorted coffee paraphernalia like espresso machines and french presses. Delightful! I can pretty much guarantee nobody at Stumptown will accidentally say the word, "expresso," so you can feel safe. I do.
(5)sara r.
This is really more of a stumptown the company review than a commentary on this particular location... it is so awesome to say in all honesty that the coffee roasters with the best ethics and intentions also produce the best coffee. The founder of this company personaly visits every farm and collective they buy from and insures that they have the best growing and drying methods in place. They go above "fair trade" pricing and try to promote good healthcare and sustainable wages for the pickers. The staff from the buyers to the tasters down to the baristas are all passionate about their coffee. When these shots are on they are the sweetest, smoothest, tastiest shots ever. Plus you can drink them with a guilt free concience.
(5)Danielle K.
This place has made me fall in love with black coffee.
(5)Aaron L.
I vividly remember the smell of the Annex, being introduced to Stumptown coffee for the very first time, stunningly dazzled by the wealth of encyclopedian knowledge spewed forth from the young man behind the counter. He said we wanted the Los Delirios, and we accepted that. I think it was the confidence I sensed in his voice and the Minor Threat tattoo I saw on his forearm that reassured me that I could trust this man. I was confused when I was handed the single cup of freshly brewed coffee, and it was explained to me that a taste of the beans I was purchasing was all part of deal. This delighted me, as I like "free" things. The steam came dancing off of the surface ever so seductively. I gave one last look to the cold, gray sky outside the window, and drew the cup beneath my nose, inhaling what smelled like liquid victory. With as much care as my anxious anticipation would allow me, I sipped. These words alone can not adequtely describe to you, my dear readers, the joy I felt in that moment, but know that when I tell you that my heart soared high above those rain clouds that day I mean it with every ounce of my soul. I looked over to Sarah, and I said with the same confidence exuded by the man behind the counter, "This is the best cup of coffee I have ever had in my entire life". Nothing truer has since been uttered from my lips. She smiled, as if to say, "I know it is, Aaron. I know it is." God bless America.
(5)Deb G.
Great coffee but come on.....we're in PORTLAND for God's sake and there's plenty of great coffee to be had!! My husband loves the beans so as the dutiful wife, I head to the annex for his weekly bean fix. One of the regular employees is awesome, King of multi tasking doing his best to measure those beans and offer up a free cup. More often than not, there's a smug air about the person behind the counter. Almost elitist. I'm sorry, I thought I was PAYING for this coffee and service. Be careful Stumptown.... you certainly are not the only (or best) coffee in town.
(3)Steven A.
Great coffee and free wi-fi. The snacks left a little bit to be disired but overall it was a really nice place.
(4)Gregor H.
My local coffee shop uses Stumptown so a pilgrimage here seemed to be in order and perhaps because I had such high expectations I was really a bit disappointed. The cappuccino was a let down compared to 9th Street in NYC and not nearly as good as I can do at home with their beans. So much high hopes.
(3)Zac H.
For highly caffeinated individuals, this is coffee mecca. A cupping of six different roasts at Stumptown Annex was the highlight of my last trip to Portland. The combination of trying so many blends and being walked through the process from cultivation, washing, roasting etc and the fact that you ingest about two fresh and strong cups of coffee in about five minutes was an eye-opener for sure. It certainly knocked out the food coma I had from Pine State Biscuits.
(5)julia m.
being a coffee professional, i am used to a certain level of shit talking when it comes to places that do a really good job. i kind of expected stumptown, who are rated far above most every other coffee shop in the usa regularly, to be snobby and maybe a little pretentious. dudes and ladies, this is not the case at all. we walked into the annex to buy some beans and the fellas who were working asked us to join in a cupping, talked to us about beans for ages, were super interested in engaging us... and not just us but every single person who walked into the store. the stumptown folks are rated so superior because they do an exceptional job and are really truly passionate about coffee. i love it and i loved being in the annex. i wanted to be adopted by them and drink coffee and nerd out regularly. and of course, the guatemala finca el injerto was the best. it was jasminey and chocolatey and delicious next to the campfire.
(5)Jen C.
I hope you have your PhD in the study of coffee beans before walking into this place! It is for serious coffee connoisseurs people. I made the mistake of saying something about flavored coffee to the barista/coffee bean expert and he obliquely told me "I was fighting a losing battle". Hmmm. Anyway, yes, this place can, at times, fall into the category of coffee snobbery... Just own your level of coffee expertise, what ever it may be. That is what I do. And once you get past the technical terms and pretense, the place is pretty cool! Jars and jars of coffee beans adorn the walls with their geographical location and cost per pound next to them. It is pretty pricey at mostly $18+ and up per pound, so this isn't the type of coffee you would drink every day. I had a number of people I was purchasing for, all with different backgrounds, and the coffee expert was very helpful as to which region I should buy for whom and why. I ended up spending $80 on coffee as gifts for 4 people, so not cheap, but pretty good gifts...and you get several brew books with each pound, so the recipients can learn how to brew coffee the CORRECT way. A little presumptuous aren't they? ;)
(4)Mike K.
Stumptown Annex is just different. Different from other Stumptown stores, different from any coffee bar. Skylar and I went there for the 11 a.m. cupping and got to taste four different, wonderful coffees. It's an experience not to be missed, and others have talked about it quite a lot here. But I wish that Stumptown Division had its own annex, because it was so nice and calm there. If there's a downside it's that I'd probably spend every hour of every day in that simple but comfortable space.
(5)Tamara Y.
drip coffee at its absolute best. so good. and they know everything about coffee.
(5)Jason K.
Coffee Geeks behind the counter. I like it. Latin American Coffee is their strength IMO. Hey you can order online and have coffee delivered monthly.
(5)Jacob V.
Good but if your not a local people will stare
(3)Cristen T.
As always, Stumptown coffee is amazing. The vibe here is wonderful: love the music, love the art and the baristas are friendly and great at what they do. I got a beautiful heart in my coffee. My guy and I visited this delightful place after a breakfast at Pine State. It was cold, dreary grey morning and visiting Stumptown Annex made the day a little brighter. I really enjoyed my first experience here and I'm sure we'll be back. It was one of the few mornings that I felt relaxed and happy. We looked through the Oregonian with our tasty warm beverages and talked about nothing in particular. It's been a while since we've slowed down long enough to do any of that. Thank you Stumptown Annex for allowing us to slow down and spend those special moments there.
(4)Oleg H.
How much do you know about coffee? No. Stop it. Being able to order a frapucino (or some other syruppy concoction) without a starbucks barista yelling at you does not qualify as knowing coffee. Do yourself a favor and head down to the Stumptown Annex and take part in their cupping demo any day at 12 and 2 and learn from the pros. And like all education should be - ITS FREE! Amongst other things you'll learn about differences in varieties of beans. Tasting/Cupping process (minus pretentious douchbaggerry you'll find at wine tasting (and now in bay area coffee tasting events)). Info about how the industry works as well as what is good about starbucks (well i dont know if you will but i got to). This is one of the things that makes Stumptown stand above the likes of blue bottle and dare i say it? Philz. Besides their coffee is sooooo whatsup. Another Portland win yall!
(5)Cheryl R.
I've been to Stumptown several times now.... and I'll keep coming back. Typically the lines are long but fast moving. The drinks are prepared quickly and correctly. Fairly priced. Local. What's not to love? The only real downsides are a lack of electrical outlets and there is not a bathroom.
(5)Marisa S.
Great coffee shop in a very hip neighborhood. The baristas are very friendly and the coffee was very good. The leaf design on top of the coffee was great. We got very good recommendations from people there. Everyone was very nice.
(4)Jessie K.
Delicious latte, brewed correctly. Crema, less than 10 seconds til mixed with milk, foamed with tiny bubbles. Lovely. I plugged in my headphones, and got a ton of grading done. The atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and decent indie rock. Good people-watching, especially from the window-bar seats. Speaking of seats... better be willing to wait around and hover until you get a table, because they are always packed.
(4)Chrysanthemum A.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters are everywhere. You can get their signature cold brewed coffee at Target, Whole Foods, Fresh&Easy... even places like Healdsburg's Noble Folk and St. Helena's Farmstead. Coffee so great, even places that pride themselves on locally sourced artisanal foods outsource the coffee to them. Stumptown is so masterful with its coffee, that its regular kind doesn't need much cream and/or sugar. Its cold brews are superb, especially the chocolate one. It has a depth of artistry you don't find with a Starbucks. The Pacific Northwest made coffee into an art and a science.
(5)Kent M.
We went for the "cupping," which was a fun Portland experience. Learn about coffee and how the pro's making buying decision. It's only an hour long, and you can get pretty jacked up on coffee if you choose not to spit out your coffee. Hehe. After the cupping you can buy as many beans as you want. We didn't, though, opting instead for a delicious chocolate cold brew. DAMNED GOOD.
(5)Neal W.
Perhaps I'm part hipster scum, but there's nothing I love more than sitting at a coffee shop drinking coffee and doing hipster stuff on my Mac. Yeah well if you're not into that maybe you shouldn't go to Stumptown Annex. However, I would suggest Stumptown Annex over Stumptown Cafe. While Stumptown Cafe is the place where there are already a million regulars and the tables are packed as soon as the doors open, Stumptown Annex is the place that the COOL people go who are too cool to hang out with the other cool people! That's where I come in! A self-appointed cool person. I enjoyed the interior of the Stumptown Annex much more than the normal Stumptown cafe. In fact I took one look at Stumptown cafe and wanted to throw up all over my shoes, and well, I have great shoes. People taking up every table, bombs exploding, people exploding, coffee beans exploding, terrible. When I checked out the Stumptown Annex, a cozy little corner booth spot called out my name. The employee working there was knowledgeable and suggested two delicious coffees. I am giving 5 stars without even having done the cupping. Speaking of which, I was sitting there, working on my computer when the 11AM cupping occurred and I completely missed it. I feel like a freaking idiot. Doesn't really make sense since I'm also a cool person. Well the two suggested coffees were incredible, and the internet was fast, and the booth was comfy, and the music was good and NOT TO LOUD (I'm talking to you Opposable Thumb Cafe). FIVE STARS!
(5)Ashley B.
This is my go-to spot when I need to get something one, or do nothing at all. The baristas are super friendly and accommodating, there's free wi-fi, and the location is great. I don't drink coffee, but they are one of a few places with a good selection of loose leaf teas, and they give you an entire pot for $2.50. The raspberry hazelnut scones are pretty delicious as well.
(5)Roger M.
Coffee buzzzzzz! Wife & I toured Stumptown Coffee Roasters Headquarters (HQ) at 100 SE Salmon. Now I know why I know I love this coffee. Great taste! High standards of quality in roasting and sourcing farmers! Here is what I learned ... All stores remove date stamped bags of coffee beans off shelve past 5 days. These are donated to non-profits, i.e, missions--yes, homeless enjoy a great cup of coffee in the mission! This expired coffee may be better than most coffee drinkers sip day in out. Fair trade coffee means minimum wage. Stumptown wants the best coffee! So, they incentivize farmers with quality. With a Direct Trade model pickers are paid higher wages for select cherries (yup, cheery is what you call the coffee bean on the tree). After picking, the cherries sit in a warehouse for two months to dry, isolated from any foreign smells that can be absorbed by the cherries. Dry coffee is mold free and best for anyone with allergies. On the other hand, companies that engage in wet processing could develop molds. Stumptown HQ is 37000 sq. ft. Here all PDX barista's go through training. There are two large roasters (one processes 200 lbs). Nothing like the smell of a fresh, hot coffee beans right off the roaster--you gotta take the tour for the buzz! The smell is heavenly. And we left with coffee beans right off the roast. The quality control room is the place I want to work--QC tastes cups upon cups of the roast in process to ensure the acidity, sweetness, clarity and body is balanced. Stumptown has a tasting room with a museum of some antic espresso machines and wooden bikes that Rwanda pickers used before Stumptown provided some more advanced bikes. Yes, Stumptown cares for the farmer & picker as much as it cares for giving the customer a great cup of coffee. And i f you work there, there is ping pong, basketball, break room with a big screen TV, showers and indoor bike parking. I may consider coming out of retirement for the coffee perks. We tasted and compared plenty of coffee blends, including nitro and cold pressed. Stumptown coffee is trying hard to do it right from the cherry on the tree to the cup for you and me--sipping coffee at the Ace Hotel or having a pour over with me at home. Note: they have roasting facilities in LA, Seattle and Manhattan too!
(4)David C.
I came to the Stumptown HQ to experience the tour of the facilities and had an incredible time. I'm from LA and this has definitely been a highlight of our entire trip. We ended up spending two hours hearing about the Stumptown story, tasting coffee, and talking to our tour guide. Liam (our tour guide) was super knowledgable and passionate about Stumptown and coffee, and we learned a TON. We got to try three different coffees, some cold brew, and left with 1/2 lb of coffee that we watched the roaster roast. $15 well spent. I'd say it was a very complete tour and well worth the money. I have tons more respect for Stumptown and will continue to be a supporter of their business.
(5)Vanessa V.
Stumptown Annex would've received a few more stars from me, but I wasn't too thrilled about my drink -- a cafe au lait ($3.00) which I subbed out regular milk for rice milk ($.50). The cafe au lait was weaker to others I've drank, but I'm unsure if that has to do with the rice milk. The friendly barista was generous to fill my drink up to the brim of my mug, but that became a problem when I had to walk out to my seat outdoors. My cafe au lait spilled onto the floor and created a little pool in my saucer. Other than the spillage and the weak drink, the staff at this location is great. The interior is a little spartan, but spacious and could probably accommodate for a few additional seats. There's also outdoor seating, which is perfect for people watching. Decent shop to grab a cup of joe, but I'd probably order something else on my next visit like the vanilla latte, which is what my friend ordered, over the cafe au lait.
(3)April F.
Ordered a medium mocha and a cappuccino (standard 8oz), spent about $8 total not including tip. My mocha was delicious! The drinks came out fast while being still individually made. The foam was thick and the latte art on top was so lovely! Definitely a must when in Portland!
(5)RK W.
Stumptown is excellent coffee. The annex is great because they will brew you a pour-over cup of any coffee they have. You can buy in bulk as little as 1/4 pound of beans. I left with a collection of these little bags so I could sample several. The guy working there was friendly and helpful.
(5)Vivian H.
This is the (new) Annex, attached to the HQ. You can buy come coffee, pick up some beans, attend their daily cupping, just marvel at the Stumptown/coffee history goodness, whatever. We made it to their cupping and it's quite an experience to stop and think about your coffee and what you like and don't like, regardless of the beans' origin and whatnot. Our guy was super nice and definitely a coffee nerd. What a perfect job.
(5)Penelope A.
Excellent coffee. This is the annex so it's not a coffee shop but you can order a pour over which is the only reason why this is 4 stars and not 5. They offer educational tours and they fully explain their process, flavors, etc. Great find to stumble upon as we explored the industrial area on our visit to Portland. Grabbed a few bags of single origins. Yum!
(4)Shaedyn M.
Idk where all these pictures of lattes and a coffee house are coming from because I walked in and it was a bare room with a front desk and coffee beans for sale. They weren't making any espresso drinks, and there was nowhere to sit. So confused.
(2)Chris B.
Three Haiku's for the NEW Stumptown Annex O Stumptown Annex Your clean lines and hot coffee Always drew me in You've ditched the cafe The cupping ends without me Buying a latte Liam's a good host He teaches to sniff and slurp But where's mine to go?
(3)Valery C.
Stumptown, at the top of the list of coffee roasters to try in Portland. Their expresso has slowly infiltrated NYC in the last few years, turning up in select restaurants, including a collaboration with the Frankies' at Cafe Pedlar, and now a standalone shop at the Ace Hotel. But their start was in Portland, where there are numerous locations, a sure sign of their success. We stopped in their sleek Belmont location. Spare and a bit cold, there is exposed brick on one wall, white-washed everywhere else, accented with dark wood furniture and industrial fans and lighting. Spacious enough to include several tables in the back, and bar seats with corner window views up front, plenty of natural light brightening up the place. Their macchiato was smooth, with good texture and clean finish, but not too much flavor. Decent artisanal coffee, but among the least memorable of the coffee roasters tried on this trip.
(3)Kim N.
Stumptown is something that is hard to get in the SF Bay Area. There's one cafe I know and I've seen it from time to time in restaurants here and there. As any type of food culture, things get fanatical and as all taste, it's totally subjective. I think the folks at Stumptown do a great job of providing a high quality product for us fanatics. Now if I can only get the Cold Brew shipped to my house on a regular basis!
(5)evan r.
CLOSED! The annex has closed and they've moved cuppings to their new warehouse. The coffee shop is open next door still, but the wonderful annex is gone.
(5)David K.
We went and thoroughly enjoyed the free coffee cupping. Very neat story about the company and appreciate that they treat their farmers well. Good coffee and good people
(4)Anna N.
I came here with a group of friends last Saturday, because we had a friend who loved coffee and I'm glad we stopped here. The place was small and cozy, but if I was ever in the area and wanted to buy coffee, then I would buy it here. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable and there is a large variety of coffee here as well. Note: They do brew cups of coffee, but it only comes black. Also they will brew a small taster for you as well. If you do not like your coffee that way, they will allow you to buy coffee from Stump Town next door and bring it over. The main thing to note about this place other than the selection of coffee is the coffee tasting. A group of nine of us stayed for the tasting that was run by Haley and Liam. The tasting was really fun and the staff was really knowledgeable. I would encourage anyone going to this to ask questions because I found it enjoyable learning more about the coffee roasting and tasting process. They go over information about tasting, the differences between fragrance and aroma, serving the coffee, etc. I really enjoyed and was impressed by the demonstrations by Liam and how he answered everyone's questions about coffee. My favorite coffees from that tasting were the Ethiopia Yuko, Costa Rica Valle de Los Santos, and the Panama Duncan Estate.
(5)Don B.
When I hear the word "cupping" I think about naughty things... or at least touching people where the swimsuit covers (and if you don't remember from those old school PSAs, that's "Bad Touching"). At Stumptown Annex, cupping means something totally different. It's like wine tasting, only with coffee. Different roasts of different beans from different continents provide vastly different flavors, even when ground and brewed in the same manner (and we won't even get in to how grind, humidity, altitude, and brewing affect the flavor profile). Stumptown Annex offers you the ability to come in and do cuppings of their coffees, buy beans, or even grab a cup and chill out at one of the few tables. The vibe in the Annex is much quieter and less frenetic than the scene next door in the main Belmont Stumptown. Less shouting, clacking, clanging, tamping, and... did I say less shouting. It's the quiet library version of Stumptown. If you're learning about coffee and want to see what different beans taste like next to each other, stop in here for a cupping. Just don't cup the employees - they'll probably call the cops on you. Or at least throw hot coffee in your face.
(5)Kim V.
If you order a drink that they have to make, then a solid 4 stars, but if you get their house brew, I'd say 1 to 2 stars. The first time I came here I had a mocha. It was just the right balance of chocolate to coffee. The next time I decided to get their house coffee. As I was on the go, I added my cream and Splenda and headed out the door. The house coffee was sour. I don't know if it's because of the coffee or the creamer, but since many others used the creamer, I could only assume it was the coffee. I find this to be very disappointing as even friends from Seattle raved about this chain as one of the "best" places for coffee. I had such high hopes.
(2)Danni D.
We go to the annex because we can get actual one-pound bags here. Those dime bags that are sold in retail locations around town just do not cut it for us because we have to re-up way too often. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning and realizing that the stash has run dry and your guy is not open yet with the fresh supply. This happens significantly less frequently when we can buy two pounds at a time. We go through it quickly enough. Some might say we have a problem, but this is Portland, and its mass consumption is encouraged here. I rarely drive without it. You can count on The Annex to have samples, too. Sometimes you want something more exotic than the usual. Maybe some fine Columbian or some Guatemalan. They either have it, or they can get it. The Annex is the place to go to solve all your morning coffee cravings. Of course I'm talking about coffee! What?
(5)Sarah A.
Stumptown coffee is usually a sure bet, but I have mostly frequented the shop downtown by Voodoo Doughnuts. We took my family here on Mother's Day, since we are all coffee addicts. Ordered my standard latte and it was... pretty good. My previous lattes from Stumptown led me to brag about their coffee to my mom and make claims such as, "It is the best coffee you will ever drink". Yeah, apparently we should have driven over to the other side of the river. Mom wasn't overly impressed. Live and learn.
(3)Jen I.
While I bought my au lait next door at the actually coffee shop, I bought my beans here at the annex and the man who helped me choose which beans to bring home to San Francisco, had long and elegant hands. And a very pleasant smile. And a great knowledge of what he was selling. And...and...and...i bought a 1/2 pound and walked out $17 poorer but oh so more heavenly feeling.
(5)Katy R.
Here at the annex, staff have long since shed the shell of coffee snobbery, and are genuinely enveloped in the process of educating and providing great coffee to the world. I come here with my work not just because of the superior coffee and atmosphere. I come because their artistry and presentation of the product influences the quality of my work by osmosis. Try it.
(5)Ron S.
I wish there was a 6 star rating for this rare case. I was not a coffee lover before I started traveling to Portland. All coffee was was a burnt flavored hot drink with caffeine. The cold weather forced me to find other means of warming up. A friend introduced me to Stumptown and that was it. I had found a cup of truly exquisite coffee. I have been to several cupping's and now Stumptown is my bench mark for coffee. I have found nothing that can truly match there simplicity and perfection. I am officially a coffee-snob.
(5)Justin S.
My favorite stumptown, even if I do live right next to the original Division location. It's not hard: Good/Great coffee, reasonable prices, Wifi that actually works, and room to sit. They tend to have all those bases covered, despite being a pretty tiny place.
(4)Jennifer C.
Excellent coffee, authentic independent vibe.
(5)Derek M.
surprisingly unimpressed. after a quick lookup on yelp for a new cafe to try, this place was at the top of the list. but within 10 minutes we were disappointed. the good: obviously if you love coffee, then you either really love stumptown coffee, or you really hate it. I'm not a fan of stumptown, but I thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail here. I also enjoyed a poppy seed New York bagel. the bad: the process of which you order is simply stupid. you have one person ringing up the order, and then telling the barista to make the drink. the barista promptly forgot our order and then had to ask 2 times for it. think what you may about starbucks, but their process was incredibly streamlined compared to these clowns. also, there was a long line of people, but 2 staff were standing around chatting. i was shocked (yes, shocked) that when the barista made a macchiato and served to his customer, he literally spilt the foam onto the saucer. he basically said 'sorry' and then gave it to him. hey buddy, I AM sorry, but gotta make a new one! the ugly: who only drinks 10oz of drip coffee for over $2? that's a crazy price. i guess it's 'gourmet' coffee, but that's crazy talk! the real ugly came regarding the food. my friend ordered a pastry because it sounded amazing (guerrier cheese & ham croissant). however, they didn't heat it up! didn't even ask. because the service wasn't particularly fast and the line was long, we decided to just forget it. my friend was very disappointed in his cold, almost $4 pastry. bottom line: i don't love stumptown coffee enough to validate spend $10 on 2 coffees, a cold pastry, and a bagel with cream cheese (not including tip). i won't be coming back.
(3)Skylar L.
My Uncle Mike and I decided we just had to go to the coffee tasting at Stump Town. Of course, the unk thought it was at the main roasting center and since I'm writing this review about the Annex, obviously it wasn't. Luckily, we were running slightly early and were able to get to the Annex only a minute late. The woman running it (I forgot her name, which I feel horribly about as she was so nice) had fortunately lost track of time and so we didn't miss a thing. I had worked at a coffee roaster (just in the retail/barista side) and had done casual coffee tastings before, but nothing this elaborate. The woman in charge of the tasting set up 12 bowls with four different coffee roasts. She went over the different stages of the tasting (smelling the dry grounds, smelling the wet grounds, breaking the skin of the grounds, and finally tasting it -- kind of gasping in the coffee from a spoon). The entire experience was enjoyable. It took about thirty minutes altogether, totally worth it. I mean, when else am I going to sample a $90/pound roast? Extra points for the woman playing the entirety of Architecture in Helsinki's "Fingers Crossed." It's a great album that always makes me happy.
(5)Hemesh P.
went here for coffee tasting...its free and they teach you how to slurp the coffee ... aerate it...and taste it how its supposed to be tasted was a fun experience the guys were really knowledgable about coffee
(4)Dan P.
I have wanted to check out this annex ever since moving to Stumptown. First I should preface this review by telling you that I'm no coffee pro, In fact I've sadly been content with inferior product over the years. Although now with my exposure to the beverage industry I've developed a yearning to learn more about this caffeinated green bean, that's so celebrated here in Portland. Really its not just quality that has swayed my interest but that a cup of Joe brings out my sensitive side, to caffeine that is. If we've never met let me make one thing clear, I already talk A-lot and have high energy. If you know someone similar imagine the influence a few cups of liquid dope will make, it can be scary. My most recent memory was a trip to the Newport Seafood and Wine festival where I got to unfortunately experience just what a depth charge is. What's this, you don't know? Imagine someone deciding it was ok to spike my store bought Frappuccino with a packet or two of Starbucks Via instant coffee. What happens you ask? I went from hungover tourist to tripping like a wannabe Hunter S. Thompson in minutes, gaining the power to not only see into the third dimension but talking like a god damn speed reading champion! An hour later I was bouncing around like an out of control pinball, causing my friends to think I had met up with a Newport dealer the night before. So the fight continues as this Irishman totally got his ass kicked by some pit inside a fruit. I know many bean heads, coffee geeks or whatever the reference, perhaps the correct term is barista. While I don't currently share their passion for this berry I have plenty for evaluating wine and beer. Since coffee has more flavonoids than either its a perfect candidate for this taste tester and black coffee drinker. I've never been fond of fancy pants drinks instead I have always chose simplicity. Here at this tasting lab you'll learn the same but through a series of demonstrations and hands on techniques. They perform free classes called cupping, daily at noon and 2pm. You'll learn about aromatics and how to scrape the crest, before getting to show off your slurping techniques. Right now I'm pissed I forgot our hosts name but he was a very knowledgeable, well dressed, coffee fellow. While waiting for the coffee to cool he taught us the basics of roasting beans and more elaborate ways they can be processed. He brought me up to speed on Stumptown practices and how working closely with farms influences their selections. He also put any false facts to rest like using your freezer to keep the beans fresh longer. Once the coffee has cooled and is ready you do a series of taste evaluations between about seven from around the world. If your mind went somewhere dirty when I said "cupping" please skip this sentence as I encourage you to also spit and swallow. I mostly spit since I made four passes and tried to extract every last characteristic in detail. By the end I thought they were all very different but I ended up enjoying a cup of Colombian. This was a great learning experience, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, it was easy to see their passion! I highly recommend this for anyone looking to do something different or elevate their caffeinated bean standards. Before I left I decided to return the favor by giving the resident barista a beer recommendation. Perfect for a coffee lover I said, "Try the Espresso Oak Aged Yeti by Great Divide" it's an Imperial Stout that drinks with authority. From its dark black color or roasted aroma its head looks more like crema than foam. It hits the front of your tongue with some fruit intensity and a blast of vanilla before pinching the sides with the bitterness of an acidic coffee. This Imperial breakfast of champions is so good it might just send you into a bean seizure! Alas we parted as I was zinging but not before we praised Stumptown together as a place where geeks of all sorts can celebrate and savor a city that's so much more than just coffee and beer!
(5)Renee N.
Oleg H. is all about pretentious coffee, so when we went up to Portland over Thanksgiving I made sure that we stopped by Stumptown so he could get his coffee snob on. Last time I was in Portland we went to a Stumptown location downtown and I found it (understandably) annoying. It was full of hipsters and staffed with jerks, no one wanted to be helpful, and I don't care how good your coffee is, it doesn't make up for that. But this place totally did. Though staffed with hipsters, they were far from jerks. In fact, they were helpful and personable and answered every one of Oleg's questions on the beans, the roasting process, and the qualities one should look for when trying to find increasingly pretentious coffee. It totally erased the bad taste in my mouth from the previous Stumptown experience, and what a nice thing to be able to say. Definitely recommend the FREE tastings, whether you're a coffee snob or not. Informative, fun, and at the end you can buy some coffee knowing that you'll be taking home something you enjoy.
(4)Jennifer W.
Stumptown offers coffee tasting next door. I have been to food tastings, cheese tastings, wine tastings, never coffee tastings...hmmm...I got to to try this...People gathered around the speaker. He was talking about the types of coffee beans and the regions of the beans. After all the explanation of the different types of coffee beans and how many times it's filtered, or how coffee is filtered, people went down the line of the coffees on the counter from one cup to another with a teaspoon and a paper cup. There were loud slurps everywhere. The speaker did say, "the louder the slurp, the better!" Let's go down the line to taste the differences. Too be honest, I was worried about how sanitary it was since people are dipping their spoon into the coffee, and putting it into their mouths. All I can think of was, I don't want back-washes. So, my friend and I were smart. We were the ones in the front and were the first few that went for it while people hesitated. You can't hesitate, or else you're going to get the backwash! So, we dived in and tasted some differences...glad that I tried it! :)
(5)Keith B.
This is such a cool place. The workers here are very knowledgeable about everything coffee. They help make coffee accessible to people like me who know very little about the subject. There are so many choices it is nice to have some guidance. I love chilling here. It's usually quite and is a great venue to kick back with some hella good coffee and do whatever it is you like to do.
(5)Michelle E.
I drink about twelve pounds of coffee a year, and more if I am honest with myself, but I never had a perfectly perfect cup of home brewed coffee until I got the beans here. It was Guatemalan grown and came from a batch of only 20 bags which Stumptown wisely bought all up. And it was perfect. I will never go back to grocery store coffee. Go to the Annex to geek out on coffee. They do tastings every day at 11 and 3. The staff is really helpful, even if you don't know what the hell you are talking about. If you are prone to feeling overwhelmed when someone asks you what you like in a cup of coffee or balk at the idea of paying $16-$20 a pound for your fix, go back to the grocery store.
(4)Todd V.
It's November 3rd and the big box stores are already full of snowflake-laden xmas decorations. WTF? Nevertheless, outside it's sunny, breezy, and in the high 60s outside, a beautiful autumn day. The dining partner, aka wife, and I wandered into Pine State to share a Reggie Deluxe and some fried tomatoes, there was no line, and there was even a table open. Could the day get any better? Well yes, in fact, it could. The nice lady at Peets gave us samples of cookies and her favorite chocolate mousse dessert with our coffees. And then, as you've probably already predicted, it just happened to be 2 p.m. as we strolled by Stumptown, so we went in for a very cool free education in how to really appreciate your single origin hand-picked Civet-pooped roasted coffee tree fruit. There were only 2 other participants, so this was kind of like the equivalent of those incredibly expensive private colleges that boast "4:1 student to teacher ratio!" except it didn't cost $40,000. Now this level of coffee knowledge is pretty far above me so when our teacher said, "I'm tasting, let me see ... green peppers!" and I could actually recognize the flavor he had found, I was pretty proud of myself. Is this a useful skill? I have no idea. But how cool to be able to learn to prepare a cupping and evaluate coffees against each other. Thanks Stumptown! I am definitely a better citizen of the Republic of Portland now. But could the day get any better? Why yes ... an awesome sunset and now homemade tempura right around the corner. Peace out.
(5)Brandi S.
Great coffee and service. Friendly staff!
(5)Julia L.
Hands down this is one of the best things I've done since moving to Portland! We stopped in on a rainy Saturday for the 3:00pm cupping and turned out to be the only people who showed! I have to admit I was a little nervous going in because in my mind I was picturing this crazy hipster who laughed at my coffee knowledge. Yes, I agree, a bit outlandish, but I've been on some wine tastings and have felt quite uncomfortable when asking about an expensive bottle they were pouring - probably for the upscale clientele. Pah! Anyhow, Matthew was amazing and was happy to answer all of our questions and give us the basics of coffee to build on. As much as he facilitated and lead the cupping, he really let us delve in and form our own opinions before he planted the seed of what to expect. I didn't realize buying and tasting coffee was so involved and some can be so different. It has peaked my interest and I am excited to learn more on my own and through other cuppings. I enjoyed myself so much I vow to bring any visitors/guests here and hopefully return a time or two (or more) on my own.
(5)Brandon H.
Not much I can say here that isn't a repeat of everyone else's. Great place, great staff, great experience. It's a drip-only kind of coffeeshop--they've got 20-or-so different varietals (usually $2.50-$5 per cup) on-hand and grind and drip your coffee to order. It's quiet, intimate, and pleasantly bare-bones. There isn't really anything else in the store--even cream is at the "full" Stumptown coffeeshop at the corner. They also do "cuppings"--basically the arabica-equivalent of wine tasting. They're fine and gastronomically informative--bring an out of town guest for a cool experience. And did I mention the staff is great? Zero pretention, all friendly helpfulness. I'm a fan.
(5)