If you’re like my wife you don’t need an excuse to discover a new coffee shop. But if you do, the cold wet days that can show up when you are living in Lake Oswego can provide just that.

And luckily for you, we live in a high-octane caffeinated region. A recent Wallet Hub survey listed Portland as the fourth-best coffee city in the United States and tied it for first place along with the big guys like San Francisco and New York as the city with the most affordable coffee shops, houses and café’s.

Here in Lake Oswego we’ve absorbed some of that coffee fanaticism by osmosis. I mean consider this—we are home to eight Starbucks just within our city limits with only a population of 39,500.

But when you’re wanting to venture out beyond the behemoth chain here are some other recommendations. Watch for a roundup of Portland coffee shops in an upcoming blog!

Chuck’s Place. Owner Chuck Ryan describes his place as the “local living room in downtown Lake Oswego” and it’s that ambiance that has made it a popular neighborhood hangout. Patrons praise the food offerings (breakfast and lunch with gluten-free options) too including the Timber and fried egg sandwiches and bacon and herb scone. Features Illy coffee and specialty lattes include a S’more and peppermint mocha. Hours: Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 148 B Avenue, 503. 675.7861.

Blue Moon Coffee. This local shop moved from its Meridian Park location to downtown Lake Oswego over a year ago and shares a storefront with Washington Federal Bank on A Avenue. If Stumptown is your bean of choice, then make your way here to see how they brew it up. Hours: Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 220 A Avenue, Suite 100. 503.744.4914.

Peet’s Coffee. Full disclosure—my wife and I are Peetniks. She actually trained with Alfred Peet back in the day when all they served was drip coffee. If you like your coffee rich and full-bodied, this is your place. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 345 1st Street, Suite 111, 971.236.9140.

Kyra’s Bake Shop. If what you have WITH your coffee is as important as the coffee itself, then you might want to try Kyra’s which serves gluten-free breakfast and lunch until 4:00 p.m. Don’t let the gluten-free dissuade you. This place cranks out award-winning pastries, winning the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars four times! There are muffins, doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to vie for your attention as well. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. 599 A Avenue, 503.212.2979.

Nola’s Doughnuts. The doughnuts are the stars here but if you’re in the mood for something different in your cup, try their chicory coffee from Urban Grind. It ties in with their New Orleans vibe (hence their signature La’ssants) where chicory coffee is standard fare. Seems chicory was used to stretch coffee when it was in shortage but managed to gain enough respect on its own accord to hang around. Hours: Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 365 N State Street, 503.278.7312.

Ava Roasteria. This too is a chain, but on a much smaller scale with the roastery and tasting room in Beaverton, and other locations in Portland and Hillsboro. If you prefer your coffee late into the night, this is your spot as it is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Located in Kruse Village at 4847 Meadows Road, #147 503. 305.6328.

Café Marzocca Italian Espresso Bar. Don’t be surprised if you see a Vespa parked out front. This place takes its Italian heritage seriously serving Illy coffee from Trieste and offering a Bocci court and outdoor seating popular during the summer. It also doubles as a wine shop with tastings offered every second Saturday of the month from noon to 3:00 p.m. for $10. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 6:30 am. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located across the parking lot from Riccardo’s Ristorante at 16045 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.5001.

Coffee Plus. This neighborhood spot has been helping locals kickstart their day for over 15 years featuring Panache coffee in all its offerings. Loyalists love supporting this local ma and pa business and praise the grilled breakfast sandwiches. Hours: Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Happy Sparrow. Want a kolache to go with that coffee? What’s a kolache you ask? It’s a soft, sweet, yeasty bun borrowed from the Czechs and stuffed with sweet and savory fillings like bacon, sausage, cheese, salmon, scrambled eggs and nutella. They are popular enough to sell out so get there early. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 503.305.5968.

Too Sweet Cakes. This is the new kid in town with an additional location in Bend. Again, show up here and you may find your coffee taking a back seat to the pastries. Presentation is big from the feel of the space to the display case to the artfully crafted coffees. And, having tasted a few morsels, I have to say they have the goods to back up the looks. This place is tucked away off the main drag so you’ll have to seek it out. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. 5755 Willow Lane, 503.305.8381.

Starbucks. What hasn’t been said? You’re either a fan or you’re not. But one thing’s for sure, you’re never too far from one in Lake Oswego.
47 S. State Street, 503.699.8581
1175 McVey Avenue, #7, 503.675.1334
401 A Avenue, inside Safeway, 503. 675.4480
3 Monroe Parkway, #2, 503675.9097
8 Centerpointe Drive, 503.624.7065
5800 Meadows Road, Suite 190, 503.598.9846
15645 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.2266
16199 Boones Ferry Road, inside Albertson’s, 503.635.3429

Consider this your resource for finding out what to do when living in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

And if you’re in the market to move in, out or within Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you!