Backspace

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KariLJ

Joined 4 years ago

Coffee Yum. They brew up some wonderful Stumptown coffee, and have great treats as well. The prices are fair, and the staff friendly enough.

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shaelacat

Joined 8 years ago

The best thing that ever happened to Old Town. I've been going to Backspace for three years and still love it for the Stumptown coffee, the wonderful vegetarian food and vegan soups, and the friendly, relaxed, unassuming atmosphere. I love the art, the giant windows, and the people it attracks - laid-back professionals, freaks and geeks, artsy weirdos - everyone fits in here. And they have beer now! Tasty, trendy beers! Yum.

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starmoon

Joined 8 years ago

Coffee... yum. I really like the coffee at Backspace - a little too much, judging by the money I spend there. Anyway, they follow the "Stumptown method", which means good espresso, dense foam on the lattes, a cute lil' leaf pattern on top, etc. REALLY good. That said, apparently the Stumptown Method doesn't involve heating the milk above about 80 degrees, because I get a cold latte EVERY time. Having worked as a barista back in the day, I can see it coming when they steam the milk for 6 seconds, and I've even asked for a warmer drink. No dice. Also, while I appreciate the relaxed nature of the place, there is a point after which I want to smakk (stupid Citysearch filters!) some heads. For example, this morning, when the young lad at the counter tried to wrap his head around fetching a pastry AND ringing people up. Really, it took about 10 times longer than necessary, and he seemed like he might fall over in the process. I know, I know, you're "layd back" (thanks again, Citysearch mommy filters), but a weekly shower and one less joint might do wonders. Just sayin'.

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pdxsteph503

Joined 6 years ago

Awesome vegan food and videogames. The vegan quesadilla was incredible. I can sit and check my email and drink a cup of coffee and feel like I am at home. No complaints here.

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oogmar

Joined 6 years ago

Old favourites and covering new ground.... Backspace been the perfect location in the 3.5 years its been open for good coffee, great staff, and a fun place to play some games or check your email.

Now they have new computers, new games, a vegan/vegetarian kitchen, and a stage. So not only you can play a game of chess or some pool, you can catch the cheapest all-ages show in town while eating some pretty tasty food.

Sad to say the Smokey is gone, but the Gobbler is definitely worth a shot.

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trispower

Joined 7 years ago

Coffee and geekery...what more could you need?. I stumbled into Backspace one day in search of an ATM and what a happy accident that was. Stumptown coffee, gaming, chess, pool, art...and to top it off, staff that is not "too cool for you." The friendliness of all the people that work there makes this hang-out even cooler. I live in SW and still make the trek over on the weekends for the great coffee and friendly, nerdy small talk.

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lilgrlblue

Joined 8 years ago

Chill. Internet, free wi-fi, gaming, vintage arcade games, STUMPTOWN COFFEE, board games, very cool people, art gallery that changes it's display every month, hot lips pizza, voodoo donuts, pool. I'm sure I'm missing something. The atmosphere is awesome and it's a great place to go if you want to go out late, but not to a bar, especially at such a convenient location on 5th and Couch. If you want to see all the art, be sure to walk around the back hallway. Super friendly, cool employees.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Arcade with old-school games including Pac-Man and Joust, an Xbox room, pool tables and wireless Internet access.

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lazerous

Joined 8 years ago

owns face!. fun and laid back people. love it, good job guys!

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slsebby

Joined 11 years ago

A Geek's Paradise. Release your inner geek! We stopped at Backspace before hitting the bars on a Saturday night. My friend and I were the only girls in the building, but that did not stop us from ordering some coffee and hitting the arcade. (Aside from the electronic offerings, they also provide boardgames like chess and Stratego.) Once I had the top score on Qbert, we left in search of alcohol. However, after a few drinks we tried to return to Backspace. So much for "open until 4am." They were locked up tight at 2. Maybe it was a slow night.