Caffeination Cascadia is a weekly column by Brett Konen featuring the coffees, cafés, products and people that make Northwest coffee what it is today. Grab a mug, pour a cup and start your Monday off with a review of what’s new in – quite possibly – the greatest coffee region in the world.
Journalist H. L. Mencken famously called martinis “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.” But Mencken wasn’t from the Pacific Northwest, where we know that one ingredient can take that perfection to the next level: espresso, married harmoniously to fine liquor and served in a cocktail glass. Here are just a few places around the region doing things right by the espresso martini.
Washington
Café Fonté – Since opening its café in 2009, Fonté has become famous for class in a city of cozy coffee shops. It’s no surprise they offer espresso martinis, the best to sip mid-afternoon on the cool white leather seats. 1321 First Avenue, Seattle.
Dilettante – One of the most dependable spots for a quality caffeinated martini, Dilettante’s Mocha Café & Chocolate Martini Bar on Broadway brings chocolate into the espresso-cocktail mix. Midnight Espresso Martinis are only one of many decadent concoctions, and a new martini recipe is revealed every month. 538 Broadway Avenue East, Seattle.
Oregon
The Verdict – This Oregon City bar and grill lays claim to the title of the Oregon Espresso Martini, featuring Bendistillery’s Crater Lake Vodka and Cofia Hazelnut Espresso Vodka. 110 Eighth Street, Oregon City.
Vault Martini Lounge – The Portland establishment’s extensive “Decadent Libations” menu includes a strong variety of caffeinated concoctions, like the Espresso Fuel and the Mochatini. 226 Northwest Twelfth Avenue, Portland.
Gypsy – For their basic espresso martini, Northwest Portland’s Gypsy Restaurant & Lounge takes the time to house-infuse a Stumptown Hairbender espresso-vanilla vodka, then shakes it over ice with more espresso and coffee liquor. Served with a float of heavy cream. 625 Northwest Twenty-First Avenue, Portland.
Idaho
Proto’s Pizza – The Boise outpost of the specialty pizzeria chain features the house specialty Proto-Tini: rather than an espresso shot, it matches whole espresso beans with vanilla vodka, coffee liquor and cream. 345 South Eighth Street, Boise.
British Columbia
Subeez – Classy, classic: here in the heart of the city, a doppio shot of espresso meets cream, coffee liqueur and ice-cold vodka. 891 Homer Street, Vancouver.
The Railway Club – A Vancouver establishment since 1931, The Railway Club is a top local music venue, and their world-famous espresso martini is just the pick-me-up for listening to sets late into the night. 579 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver.
