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Apr 15, 2019 • 5 min read
The term ‘digital nomad’ is everywhere these days – there’s a growing industry of advice on how to work full-time while traveling wherever and whenever you want. However, even if you’re just trying to finish a few projects while on vacation, it’s crucial to have a reliable workspace with good Wi-Fi and an atmosphere that supports productivity.
Portland excels in providing such settings. The city’s plethora of cafes and coffee shops, combined with its acceptance of unconventional work routines, create a welcoming hub for remote workers. There’s a fit for every preference, whether you favor a minimalist-industrial workspace or a cozy, kitsch-laden atmosphere.
Below are some top picks for places to establish your workspace and focus on productivity while visiting Portland.
Coffee Shops
This proposal is quite straightforward – particularly in Portland, where baristas are exceptionally passionate about creating the perfect cup, potentially even more so than your commitment to your current project. The city offers unlimited venues suited for professional-grade coffee consumption and work, yet a few distinct recommendations exist based on your mood and location.
Coava offers a chic industrial vibe, with baristas elevating your pour-over coffee experience to near-religious levels. Of its three locations, the one on Southeast Grand Ave boasts the most appealing atmosphere, providing ample space without feeling like an office. Conversely, Heart on E Burnside St has a more compact, dense layout, good coffee, and features large tables perfect for laptop work alongside a prominent roasting machine.
If your productivity requires a sweet treat, visit Crema, where picking just one delight from the enticing pastry display can prove to be a delightful challenge. Arriving early is advisable, as it often becomes crowded quickly.
Alternatively, if you believe that a slice of pie and a little political discussion will help you concentrate, head to Bipartisan Café located in the quirky Montavilla neighborhood, where ideas often flow alongside coffee amidst a backdrop of US history memorabilia.
Albina Press is another popular choice, presenting a couple of locations – we recommend the one at 5012 SE Hawthorne Blvd for its tranquil atmosphere, positioned conveniently near the lush greenery of Mount Tabor Park.
Focused on quality coffee and a straightforward ambiance, Good Coffee has two locations in southeast Portland, in addition to one downtown and another in the Pearl District. For those who may need a break from coffee, they also offer a delightful lavender matcha latte and an extensive tea selection.
For those who appreciate a bit of two-wheeled inspiration during their work, drop by See See Motor Coffee Company, which also serves as a motorcycle gear shop. Expect to see interesting vintage bikes parked outside; for the best ambiance, choose a window seat.
In North Portland, Stacks coffeehouse features a library theme, with catalog-style tables and towering bookshelves lining the walls. Surrounding yourself with literature while working can be incredibly motivating, and you might even discover a new read during breaks. If a book captures your interest, you can opt to borrow it using a Stacks library card.
If you’re seeking the ambiance of working from home, even in your pajamas, consider checking out Khora Coffeehouse – located within a beautifully renovated Craftsman home, it boasts a relaxed, southeast Portland vibe. The cardamom-flavored citrus spice latte offers a refreshing variation to typical coffee choices.
Cafes and Work-Friendly Pubs
Transitioning from coffee to happy hour is effortless in Portland. One long-standing favorite, Beulahland, smoothly shifts from a cozy breakfast venue to a lively neighborhood pub. It features large tables for group work, great music, local artwork, and a fun atmosphere with pinball machines and craft beer options on tap. Additionally, Tiny’s Coffee attracts lively conversations and serves Stumptown coffee starting at 6 am; as the day unfolds, beer and wine options alongside pinball make it an enjoyable spot to transition into the evening.
Another unique venue is the delightfully quirky My Father’s Place, offering all-day breakfast, diverse beverages, and ample seating in large, comfortable booths. Be sure to experience the unique food court atmosphere at The Zipper, where you can start the day at a coffee shop, then shift to the dining area for ramen or sandwiches, and finally ease into happy hour as the nearby bar opens at 4 pm – all within a single productive day.
The Rest: Libraries, Co-Working Spaces, and Hotel Lobbies
If you seek straightforward workplaces, most branches of the Multnomah County Library in Portland offer comfortable spots to work with free Wi-Fi. There’s no library card required for Wi-Fi access, although a card is needed for library computer use. You can find a branch in nearly every neighborhood (visit the library’s website to determine the nearest location); for spacious seating, the Central Library downtown is highly recommended.
Although they might carry higher costs than a $3 latte, co-working spaces provide an excellent alternative if you need a more structured environment for work while traveling. WeWork features two locations in Portland with different pricing options that include the amenities of a traditional office – along with coffee and beer. Another local company, Hatch Labs, offers $20 day passes complete with coffee, Wi-Fi, and access to creatively designed workspaces; extended memberships provide even greater perks, including discounts at nearby businesses.
As a traveler, working from your hotel is an evident option. You don’t have to be confined to your room – Portland boasts several enticing hotel lobbies that are perfect for working while enjoying a lively environment. Settle into the nostalgic Ace Hotel, the chic Society Hotel in Old Town, or the newly opened Hoxton, which encourages guests to enjoy its plush communal spaces.
No more excuses! Get out, explore, and balance work while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Portland.
