Water Avenue Coffee

1028 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR

★★★★★4.5(705 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Water Avenue Coffee is a beloved Portland neighborhood hub where serious espresso craftsmanship meets genuine hospitality, drawing everyone from Friday run clubs to remote workers who appreciate a genuinely comfortable space to linger. The thoughtfully designed spot punches above its compact footprint with a welcoming outdoor area and consistently excellent traditional drinks, whether you're after a meticulously pulled espresso or a well-executed pour over. What keeps people coming back isn't just the quality coffee—it's the warm, unhurried vibe where the staff actually seem happy to see you, making it feel less like a transaction and more like dropping in on friends who happen to make great coffee.

What to expect

Light foodTraditional drinksLaptop friendlyEspresso focusedPour overOutdoor seatingMeetingsSlow sitParking

Google Reviews

Kendra Ritchie
★★★★★2 months ago

This is my fave coffee spot in Portland. I meet my run club here most Fridays and enjoy a great cup of coffee after our run. The staff are always so friendly and kind even when we all pile in at the same time and keep them busy. The coffee is always good even just a simple drip doesn’t disappoint. Love the outside tables for when the weather is nice. I also love that they still do the old school punch cards to get a free coffee after you fill the card. I’m never disappointed here and will always recommend. Thanks Water Ave for being a great community meeting spot.

Samantha Bachman
★★★★★3 months ago

The coffee drink I had was amazing. The ambiance is comfortable. Great place to work for a couple hours. “Pay to Park” and “2-Hour” parking options available nearby on the street. Near other bars and restaurants!

Traci Blackwell
★★★★★5 months ago

Not your run of the mill coffee shop. Food and coffee were great. Nice outdoor seating area too

Nicholas Pun
★★★★★a year ago

Decent coffee, not a whole lot of pastry selection, and small location. Got their batch brew and it seemed a bit dilute for my taste. Perhaps the ratio was a bit off. Nevertheless, 'twas a decent coffee, but I've had better. Not a whole lot of pastry selection, really wanted something to enjoy my cup of joe with, but alas. The location doesn't have a whole of seating inside to chill. There's seats outside though! Ok spot to come in and grab a coffee quick, but otherwise, I'd recommend a different coffee spot around town!

Yü Wu
★★★★5 years ago

Fast and friendly service with a decent cup of coffee. I also had a burrito which was so warm and delicious. The store is lovely decorated, and there is a display case on the side wall, exhibiting some one hundred espresso cups collected by the owner, definitely worth a look! There are lots of seats outside, over which the sun would slowly set on a sunny day. An excellent place to meet friends or read a book by oneself.

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