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Cafe Reese is closed.
Having a third place is important. It's not where you live, it's not where you work—it's the place you hang out. Third places are highly accessible, within walking distance for many, usually offer inexpensive food or drink, and serve as an informal "anchor" for the community it serves. A multitude of people use it for a variety of purposes: meetings, work, social gatherings or just hanging out. Most of all, a third place has to be welcoming and comfortable. But as easy as this sounds, a third place is more than the sum of these ingredients—a good example is Cafe Reese in Northwest Portland.
Cafe Reese is a fairly new addition to NW 23rd Avenue. You may remember the space as the former home of Fruition—or not, because sadly, Fruition just wasn't that memorable. Regardless, there have been many improvements to the interior that make it feel, well, good!
Cafe Reese is open, bright and spacious. Best of all, it offers a variety of seating situations: squishy sofas and club chairs, dining tables and bar seating. As you might suspect, this variety of seating gives way to a variety of uses. While we were there, we saw informal meetings (NWDA President Juliet Hyams was there—I'd take this as a GOOD sign!!!), students with laptops (WiFi!!!), ladies lunching and folks just hanging out. Yep, Cafe Reese definitely smacks of a third place.
Cafe Reese is an espresso, beer and wine bar.They serve 100% organic coffee roasted by Eugene-based Cafeto Coffee Company. They have a nice selection of reasonably-priced wines by the glass and bottle. They also have beer—don't fret.
The menu boasts a nice selection of soup, salad and panini sandwiches. I'd show you a pic of what we had, but we were starving and forgot to take a photo. Sorry! We tried the St. John's (fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes topped with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, $7) and The Broadway (house-made Dijon mustard aioli, ham and Swiss, $8), both served with a side of fresh greens drizzled with the house Dijon vinaigrette. A tasty lunch well under $10—we'll take that!
Cafe Reese has a full organic espresso bar. They serve a light breakfast menu in addition to their regular fare. They also have fresh blended smoothies, juices and teas.
Cafe Reese has ample outdoor seating. It's a great place to hang out! Definitely swing by during happy hour (4:30–6:30 p.m.) for red or white wine wine ($5), selected pints ($2.50) and a variety of bites ($3-$4). If you're in the mood for music, Cafe Reese offers live jazz on Thursday evenings.
And, before I forget—the staff is really friendly and attentive.
So, what do you think of Cafe Reese? Or, if you live elsewhere, what is your third place?
Cafe Reese
1037 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210
503.219.0633
weekdays, 7am–9pm
weekends, 7am–10pm
Photography © Kenneth Aaron, Neighborhood Notes
I agree with the review! This cafe has been a great addition to the neighborhood. The tables and chairs are cozy, and most importantly, the coffee and staff are excellent.
Cafe Reese rocks! Great staff, great food, great coffee, great beer and wine. A copious number of plugs and decent wi-fi. Pleasant and relaxing, not like a lot of other neighborhood establishments that serve as magnets for winos and hippies. IMO, the best in town in terms of ambiance....
Cafe Reese is GREAT! I love the atmosphere! The food is delicious! The owner is extremely friendly! Two thumbs up!!!
super cute place, but the coffee is horrible!
The staff keeps changing - as soon as I get to know a server and they get to know me, they are gone. What happened to Aaron?