Urban Grind Coffee House

09/15/09

I WISH it were a better place to study

by portlandmdgirl

I have come to Urban Grind maybe 20 times to have some coffee and study/work/write. It is close to where I live and has internet access, good food options and great cofffee..... unfortunately, the music they play makes it IMPOSSIBLE TO THINK. Swanky blues, upbeat surfer music, house/techno.... all played loudly enough that I can't block it out with my headphones or even earplugs. Meaning, I can't get S&%! done...... the entire reason I came. Maybe 18 of the 20 times, I've left after an hour or so, without ordering lunch/dinner as planned, because the music was driving me insane. Instead I ended up going home or to another cafe. I understand that while working at a cafe you might want to listen to this type of music, at this volume...... but as a customer who comes in to try to work, I DON'T. I WISH WISH WISH they would change this, because I'd love to come here more often and stay longer/order more/get more done!

• Pros: good food, great coffee, nice people
• Cons: OBNOXIOUS MUSIC

12/15/07

this citysearch site is worthless if....

by seapower

....it doesn't include the hours the shop is open.

That is why I - and many others - increasingly use citysearch and the wider web: we're looking for useful information, for example hours of operation.

As for Urban Grind, I love it. Best coffee shop in Portland.

But this site helps me 0% if I don't know what time they open.

• Pros: lighting
• Cons: you leave smelling like burnt bread. service is slowwwww (both are ok if that's what you're looking for)

09/27/07

The best coffee in a city known for its Jo!

by skisuit

When was the last time you saw a barrista dump a shot and start over because it "didn't pour right"? (Yeah, I'm looking at YOU Starbucks!) That's the attention to quality that the good people at Urban Grind put into their work. I like my mud strong but firm and these people know how to serve it up without the acidity that reminds you of when you licked a battery on a dare (oh c'mon! I'm not the only one!). Honestly, the best Americanos I've ever had.

• Pros: Great coffee, great food, comfortable couches and an inclusive scene. Everyone's welcome.
• Cons: Construction outside is blocking windows. But that's temporary.

08/05/07

Excellent coffee, excellent atmosphere, excellent service

by galgas

Urban Grind is the best coffeehouse I've been to here in Portland. Their coffee is excellent- there's very few places that know how to make a mocha that isn't cloyingly sweet, Urban Grind's is just perfect. The food is usually very good, especially their hearty breakfast and roast beef panini. The atmosphere is cosy, and the staff is hella friendly. Highly recommended.

• Pros: Staff, cosy atmosphere, great paninis
• Cons: Desert selection lacking

03/30/07

You Can Smile At 6 A.M. ? More Power To You.

by bunnybunnyrabbit

Even at the most horrifically early hours, the Urban Grind employees have never failed to give me a friendly good morning. They know the regulars by name and order, and even in the weird demographic of the Pearl District (yuppies, nouveau bohemians, graphic designers, REI shoppers, etc.) they manage to promote a sense of camaraderie and comfort.

Try the savory tarts as a nice alternative to a bagel's dough-overload, and don't hesistate to taste the pastries; like all Urban Grind's food, they're made locally by eco-conscious companies.

• Pros: good food, lots of comfortable places to sit
• Cons: a little more coffee and a little less room in my cup!