Travel + Leisure magazine just named Seattle and Portland a close No. 1 and No. 2 on their 2013 list of the best coffee cities in America. No surprise there: the friendly spirit of caffeinated competition between the two towns drives us to the forefront of the national pack year after year. San Francisco (No. 5) rounded out a strong West Coast showing in the top five.
Mentioned by name were home-grown giants Starbucks and Stumptown, along with Joe Bar, Ladro, Vivace, Vita, Barista and Courier. But ranking by metropolis skips over small-town gems falling outside major city limits. If T+L’s list leaves you feeling inclined to road trip between the top two coffee cities in the nation, make a few stops on the way from one to the other: there are plenty more great coffee houses on nearby soil.
Headed south from Seattle:
- Stop in Tacoma for Valhalla. In old Norse mythology, Valhalla was a mammoth, gilded hall—with 540 doors and a ceiling built of golden shields – where the god Odin presided over fallen warriors and heroes alike. Tacoma’s take is a little less mammoth and gilded, but there’s a cozy conviviality to the place anyway and the coffee’s pretty heroic. 3918 Sixth Avenue.
- Stop in Olympia for Batdorf & Bronson. The specialty coffee and espresso roasters have snagged a number of brick-and-mortar spots in and around the state capitol (and, for some reason, across the country in Georgia), and each peddles its own distinctive mix of coffee blends and ambiance. Check out the flagship Batdorf & Bronson Coffeehouse, just a stroll down the street from the state capitol building, or make a quicker stop at their Italian-inspired Dancing Goats Espresso Bar nearby. 516 South Capitol Way || 111 Market Street Northeast.
- Stop in Centralia for Santa Lucia. Halfway between Seattle and Portland, Justin Page is busy in his quest for “absolute perfection in roasting.” His single origin micro-roasted batches are an adventure in coffee terroir, and you can pick up whole bean bags in 12oz or 4lb sizes depending on just how much you like what you find. The comfy café offers soups, sandwiches, and a selection of wine and microbrews, too. 202 South Tower Avenue
- Stop in Longview for ZoJo. It’s a small family-owned operation that supplies several smaller coffee joints in the Longview-Kelso area with fresh-roasted beans and coffee know-how. Their own café is a community hang-out with a living room feel. Try the signature 14th Avenue blend. 1335 Fourteenth Avenue.
- Stop in Vancouver, Wash., for River Maiden Artisan Coffee. It’s always great to find a place that admires their fair share of memes and coffee jokes. Of course, you can always look online for coffee memes if you are looking for some fun while enjoying a nice cup of joe however if you want the in house experience this place has you covered. The locals love the team at River Maiden, who add quirk to tasty coffee with occasional Star Wars décor, Dude references and the entertaining memes they post to their Facebook. 602 North Devine Road.
Arrive in Portland, and get ready for more caffeination.
