Our Spot: Where the Willamette Flows and Kindness Brews in Portland
The barista was nothing but smiles and kindess
Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries are stumbled upon during a leisurely stroll. That was the case during a recent walk along Portland, Oregon's scenic Willamette River waterfront. My attention was immediately drawn to a small, rectangular building nestled conveniently alongside the path. Large windows beckoned, promising a glimpse into a space that felt both intimate and inviting – a perfect little haven right by the water. I remember thinking, almost instinctively, "This feels like the kind of spot where you could park a motorcycle and just hang out."
Brewing the double shot of espresso
Our Spot’s simple and welcoming aesthetic
Venturing inside "Our Spot," I was greeted by the gentle hum of a coffee maker and a woman behind the counter, her hands gracefully crafting a drink. In the far corner sat a man whose style immediately caught my eye – an all-black ensemble, punctuated by round glasses and a gator casually draped around his neck. There was an artistic flair to his presence, a silent testament to the creative spirit that often permeates Portland's corners.
The most interesting man in PDX.
I ordered my usual double shot, my friend a latte, and we settled in to enjoy our brews. The espresso was rich and satisfying, the perfect accompaniment to the relaxed atmosphere. As we sipped, an unexpected scene unfolded at the counter. A man walked in, and a warm exchange revealed a prior connection with the barista. He recounted how his car had been damaged at Costco, and in a moment of genuine kindness, the barista had offered him a free drink. He then joined me, and we struck up a conversation about cameras, bonding over a shared interest.
The peaceful rhythm of the cafe was then momentarily disrupted. A person experiencing obvious distress rushed in, their movements and speech erratic. "Could I get something to drink, like a coffee? And something to eat, please?" they asked, their voice laced with urgency. Without a flicker of alarm, the barista responded with a calm and reassuring, "Sure." Her tone, even in that brief exchange, carried an undeniable warmth and empathy, a gentle anchor in the midst of the other person's agitation. She prepared a drink and a bite to eat, and the individual, visibly calmed by her demeanor, went to sit outside the cafe to enjoy their meal. As I was finishing my coffee and preparing to leave, I saw them offer a quiet "goodbye" and a small smile, still savoring their coffee and scone.
Before departing, I felt compelled to capture a piece of the atmosphere. I approached the stylish man in the corner, who, I later learned, was the barista's husband. He happily obliged my request for a photograph, and I complimented his distinctive look.
Our Spot’s cute signage on the front door.
Click or scan the code to watch the reel for Our Spot !
While a later discovery on their social media revealed the presence of a beloved dog (a detail I admittedly felt a pang of disappointment at missing!), the absence didn't detract from the overall experience. The sheer convenience of "Our Spot's" location, the quiet yet inviting ambiance bathed in natural light streaming through the large windows, and most profoundly, the genuine kindness radiating from the barista – these are the elements that have etched "Our Spot" into my memory. It's a place where the Willamette flows by, and a different kind of warmth, a human warmth, brews within, forever linking this unassuming little cafe to my Portland getaway.
