Backspace

01/03/2008 Posted by starmoon

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'.

Pros: GOOOOOOOOOOOOD coffee, good pastries

Cons: Lattes are cold, staff could use a bath and shot or twelve of espresso.

12/28/2007 Posted by pdxsteph503

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.

Pros: coffee and food

Cons: n/a

10/20/2007 Posted by oogmar

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.

Pros: Stumptown coffee, great atmosphere, great staff.

10/29/2006 Posted by trispower

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.

Pros: Great coffee, great people

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/18/2005 Posted by lilgrlblue

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.

Pros: late-nite, goood coffee, relaxed

Cons: more seating

05/07/2005 Posted by lazerous

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

Pros: coffee, atmosphere

Cons: bathrooms

07/25/2004 Posted by slsebby

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.

Pros: 25-cent arcade games, Great coffee

02/07/2004 Posted by hoose

This place is such a refreshing alternative to the bar scene. With LAN computer gaming, old school arcade games (love the JOUST!), pool tables, and a killer x-box room this place has a lot to keep you entertained. This place is soooo cool and has the best coffee (stumptown). Ahhh yeah. open late! check it out. gawd...oh yeah and free wi fi

Pros: coffee, service, wifi