Neighborhood Notes

Caffè Umbria appeared on the scene a few months ago, with all the flash and glamour you’d expect for a major restaurant opening. Getting through the door and fighting my way through the mob, it was hard to believe all of this fuss was for yet another coffeehouse.

This new cafe is in the Casey Building, at the corner of NW 12th and Everett St (Across from Everett St. Bistro). They put a lot of thought into the design and it shows; black granite counters, new glass display cases, both stand up and sit down tables, and high quality fixtures throughout. According to one of the employees, many of the design elements were shipped over from Italy. Every detail has a slick “planned” feel. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It fits the neighborhood, and is the only coffee house I can think of in the Pearl District, that isn’t part of a huge corporate conglomerate. I can’t imagine how much money they spent on the build-out, but rumor on the street, is they are paying upwards of $38 dollars a square foot.

Read the full review at Portland Food and Drink...

I have to disagree with Dude about Umbria being "the only coffee house I can think of in the Pearl District, that isn’t part of a huge corporate conglomerate". Urban Grind, World Cup, Cafe Allora, Sip & Kranz, and Acorn Cafe are either independents or very small family owned chains.

A great selection of small, locally owned coffee shops to choose from, what more could you want!