Ristretto Roasters

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Ristretto Roasters
Location: Portland [Couch St]
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I love visiting coffeehouses at night. There's a certain charm to most establishments that one does not capture in the waking hours when people are starting the buzzings of a busy day. Come late-afternoon, most places tend to thin out and cool down a little, owing to the fact that many folks will have switched to alcoholic aspirations and that numerous others simply hang up their caffeine habit post-afternoon coffee break. With few exceptions, the vibe of a coffeehouse around supper time rarely matches the feel of the AM rush.

In lieu of this, it was my distinct delight to get to Ristretto Roaster's Couch St location one evening about forty minutes before close. The place was deserted when I arrived save for a lone barista, a glorious anomaly that allowed for some brief one-on-one time before a new pack of coffee lovers came in. Even the new patrons were congenial and for the remaining minutes of business, we shot the breeze while the barista prepared me some great coffee. 

The two coffees I settled upon were an espresso of their Nicaraguan and a Burndi via an Alpha Dominche Steampunk. The espresso, pulled short with brown crema, issued forth chocolate, cloves, key lime pie and whole milk, proving sweet and balanced. The steampunked brew sang of caramel, nougat, asian pear, pineapple, nutmeg and cola; a sultry and smooth brew with a milky texture.

After downing my beverages and bidding my farewells, I headed off into the night all together pleased with my Ristretto experience. Make a stop at one of Ristretto's shops the next time you're in Portland; you won't come up short.

These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!