The coffee snob that lives a hearty life inside me generally says “Starbucks” as much as Harry says “Voldemort.” But I am attracted to the only Starbucks in the world outside Seattle that is offering food, wine, and a different atmosphere from the Starbucks I fled years ago.

This company has taken its lashes from this town. In SE Portland rocks were thrown through a shop’s windows, and the neighborhood rose such a stink that the store closed up. Today, I walked in what used to be the Pearl District’s Adidas store, and was surprised to see what is happening. Basically Portland is being tested. Do we want this in our lives? Are there enough people indifferent to the flavor, meaning, and origin of their hot bean juice?

If the honor is in the source, is it enough that the materials in the actual shop are sourced from Oregon, but not the product?

Well that’s not totally fair. Coffee isn’t sourced from Oregon, or the Pacific Northwest. OK perhaps it’s fair to say the Corporation isn’t local. Well it’s regional. Ok this is a losing battle, because the beer in Starbucks Reserve is all local, and most of the wine selection is too. What we’re bitching about as a group is that it’s Starbucks. Can I realize that for a second and just peek inside the new store? Probably.

2pm meeting? Why be ordinary and just get coffee? The coffee sipper in the corner could actually be an alcoholic, since drinking in a coffee bar feels about as comfortable as dressing in drag. They were smart enough to stash the bar off to the side with dim lights however, so it does feel like a semi-private affair. And on a salvaged Oregon Walnut bar!

I never thought I’d see this logo on a wine glass. And you nearly can’t because I couldn’t get my focus on it for the life of me, sorry folks. I would feel so weird sipping from this, I will admit. It’s like if a shot glass had the word “crochet” on it, just hard to fit the two separate ideas in my feeble mind simultaneously.

In the end the service was incredible. The company has likely chosen its top baristas to represent this location. Way nicer than anything I’ve experienced at Stumptown. In fact, I expect shitty service at Stumptown, just like you expect bitchy service in central France. Is there a nexus where great coffee exists in this town without the ‘tude?

If I can’t get the coffee I want at Starbucks, I wonder if I’ll get the food, beer, or wine there. The black aprons of the staff, rather than the green, are doing their best to woo the pedestrian of the Pearl into their air conditioned, gently lit timbered, vaulted, and styled pad.

One reason to go for sure, Adam House, pictured above. His energy is better than the coffee. You won’t leave without a wink and a smile.