Bipartisan Cafe (East Mt. Tabor)

When we first visited Portland prior to moving here, we were captivated by the local restaurants / coffee shops ("local flair" as Robert would call it). Everywhere you turned, whether downtown or east of the Willamette River, there were countless numbers of local businesses. So many, that for someone more used to strip malls filled with national chains and franchises, it was overwhelming. How would be ever visit all these places! Well, although we've now been here 18 months, we've still only scratched the surface. Great food and coffee (and beer and wine) is everywhere!

This morning we were out taking care of a couple errands (including dropping the hounds off for grooming). We were in search of someplace to enjoy good coffee, a bite to eat, and newspaper reading. Driving through the East Tabor neighborhood on Stark St., we spotted a corner coffee shop at 79th St. that appeared to have strong potential. As soon as we walked through the door of the Bipartisan Cafe, we were glad we stopped in. (some pics posted on their MySpace page)

This was it. This was the quitessential Portland coffee shop...a diverse crowd, Stumptown Coffee (for those out-of-town readers, it doesn't get any better than this), Wi-Fi, and character (the type that can't be bought). We thoroughly enjoyed our coffee, Latte, outstanding bagel sandwiches (1 jalepeno and 1 Asiago bagel, with egg, tomato, and Chevre cheese), and a scone (Lemon/Marionberry). On our next visit we will try the fantastic looking homemade pies. Folks, this is the real deal (did I mention the steam-warmed coffee cup), and it's places like this that put Portland in your blood.

Being in this area of town, it wouldn't be fair not to mention Cooper's Coffee (continue west on Stark St. to 60th St.). Coopers' display case includes the largest pies we've ever seen, and many of the same qualities of Bipartisan.