Here at Mad Fish, we’re all pretty into coffee. Since becoming fully remote in 2020, our flexible working schedule and distributed team means that we frequently work remotely from coffee shops around our cities. We got our start in Portland, Oregon, however, so we’ll always have a soft spot for some of the local favorites. Combining great food, fast Wi-Fi, and awesome atmosphere, these are a few of the best Portland coffee shops for working. 

Coffeehouse-FiveMFD best coffee shops in portland

This literary pun of a coffee shop is a local haven, drawing punks, college students, and locals together to work, play, and drink amazing coffee. The friendly atmosphere and unpretentious nature of the shop makes it stand out from Portland’s coffee scene which, while unparalleled, is sometimes a little painfully hip. We suggest grabbing a chocolate croissant or bagel with hummus, a cup of drip coffee served in one of their eclectic mugs and getting to work.

See See Motor Coffee

If you love café racers, this is the coffeehouse for you. Decorated with motor-themed décor and sitting adjacent to the motor company store, See See Coffee offers an airy, light space with delicious coffee and food. They serve Stumptown and have a breakfast burrito that comes with a green sauce we could basically drink. Enjoy!

Cathedral Coffee

Cathedral is a locals only kind of place. During the week, they have savory and sweet baked goods that pair perfectly with the locally roasted coffee they serve. During the winter, cozy up in one of the velvet chairs by the bookcase, in the summer, sit at the bar in front of the open glass garage door. You’ll be sure to enjoy the atmosphere. Bonus: their music isn’t too loud and it’s usually an amazing mix. Big ups to the DJ baristas.

Portland Cà Phê

Founded as a way to bring Vietnamese-grown coffee beans to a market lacking Southeast Asian representation, Portland Cà Phê Roasters boasts top-notch coffee and a selection of delightful Vietnamese treats. Both the flagship SE and brand-new NE locations are spacious and airy, with a welcoming vibe and outlets near every seat. For those looking for unique, high-quality coffee to fuel a work day, you don’t want to miss Portland’s first Vietnamese speciality coffee house. 

The Dragonfly Coffee House

For the ultimate in cozy coffee shop vibes, check out Dragonfly Coffee House. An eclectic mix of decor with seating nooks in every corner, you’ll find it easy to get lost in your work while sipping delicious coffee or tea and munching on exceptional pastries. Plus, they’re located just off of busy NW 23rd Avenue, so you can take a midday brain break jaunt before returning to a quieter part of NW Portland. 

Keeper Coffee Co

Keeper Coffee Co is a well-kept secret treasure in SE Portland. The beautiful low-slung building welcomes visitors into a funky, warm interior with plenty of tables for focused work. Offering a local favorite, Coava Coffee, high-quality teas, and out-of-this-world pastries, you’ll be coming back for refills and snacks all day long. On warm days, sit outside and enjoy this quieter part of SE Portland. 

Portland Coffee Shops for Your Remote Work Life

We hope this list inspires you to try a new coffee shop for your remote work or even just grab a great drink and snack. Here’s to discovering gems in our hometowns.

Want to grab a cup of coffee? Our team would love to meet with you to talk about our services, our team, or our B corporation community.

Updated January 30, 2023