Dragonfly Coffee House

This is my favorite place in the whole Portland metroplex to have coffee or tea, alone or with friends. The coffee is fine by me, the tea menu truly outstanding, and the selection of other treats, including the really delightful ""lunch cookies,"" is varied and yummy. What this place really offers that corporate coffeehouses and most other places I've sampled do not is an ambiance like the most comfortable country cottage you ever visited--the one decorated with tables and chairs that are less about Ikeaesthetics and more about charm. It's a great place to hang while you're getting to know that intriguing fellow cat-lover you recently met at your vet's, plowing through that pile of thank-you notes you owe your generous co-workers, trading dating ""what was I thinking?"" stories with your oldest friend, or getting lost in that classic novel you finally decided to take off the shelf. There is a variety of seating, including several outdoor tables on bustling Thurman Street -- with quieter options around the corner on 25th. And yes, it can get crowded--because I'm not the only fan who adores it. But if you're wanting a break from chains, or just from minimalist decor, check this place out. You'll leave smiling! more

Note that the menu info on this page is not current; they do not make sandwiches anymore. They do, however, have an excellent selection of excellent pastries, as well as yerba mate, which I don't see at a lot of places. The Dragonfly also boasts a very personable lineup of baristas, who besides being awesome are talented at making espresso drinks. The seating can feel a little cramped during busy hours, but it's usually not too bad unless some moron decides to sit in the middle with their wet dog. It's also not the brightest of coffee shops in the back, but sitting by the south-facing windows solves that nicely. In summary, I really like this place. Good people, with good drinks and food. A great place to stop on the way back from Forest Park. more