Coava used to be my #1 coffee place in the city, and I have recommended it to countless people over the years. In fact, I run an Airbnb and have also sent all my guests there. It would be difficult to do so going forward.The good:1. Personable staff. Everyone is very friendly.2. The roasting of the beans is still spot on! I’ll still buy the beans, hence the 3 stars.3. They finally upgraded their pastries to Sparrow Bakery!The bad:Coava used to be the place to go to get a perfect cup every time. This changed at some point a handful of months ago. I kept thinking, “maybe it’s just a bad day?” But the inconsistency of the quality of the brew is too significant. I have gotten at least 4 or 5 bitter cups. Bitter meaning steeped too long or maybe the grind is too fine? Something is “off”, and it tastes like the current baristas are not as well-trained as you would expect from Coava. I have noticed similar inconsistencies with the cold brew. If I can take the same beans and make a MUCH better cup at home, the baristas need better training.I’m guessing this is due to staffing issues from the pandemic? Either way, it’s just disappointing. I’m sad about this. I miss the Coava coffee I used to get so excited about.
You can’t visit local PDX cafes without finding Coava beans on the shelves. I speak only to the espresso drinks, but the creaminess comes through the roast in an incredibly satisfying latte every time.
The vibes out of this coffee shop is spot on 10/10 staff are super friendly and they got so many kind of coffee bite as well price wise is good not expensive.
the honey latte was delicious
Super nice staff and good treats but the Chai tastes like nothing but Cinnamon milk. I've gotten it a lot before and it was great but today it was awful and a waste. please teach your staff how to make a Chai properly! Especially when you're charging 5$ for such a small cup.
First time visit. Great espresso, friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful presentation!
Currently my favorite coffee in Portland. The honey latte with oat milk is dangerously good. Also the variety of beans available really illustrate the difference of flavors that coffee beans can have, similar to wine varietals.
Coffee was OK, nothing standout. It should be brought to the attention of the shop (and many others doing similarly) demanding of the customer "Don't touch the screen! Tell me how much you want to tip me and I'll touch it for you." is intimidating and offputting. If you want a tip then maybe letting the customer choose and do it them selves is the way to go even if that means you might feel more comfortable wiping your screen afterwards. Doing it this way is a surefire way to get zero tip.
I have never had a bad cup of coffee here, the drinks are fantastic. Baked goods are mediocre, staff are pretty friendly. Descent wifi and an ok place to get a little work done on the go.
We came from Chicago knowing we had to come here. We get their beans all the time and the live experience did not disappoint. Drip coffee or espresso (I got a latte). These people know what they are doing! Makes me want to move here for easier access. ?