Maplewood Coffee and Tea in Portland Oregon is a great neighborhood cafe. The building alone has an incredible history that dates back to 1911. Back then it was a Post Office and store. The locals called it The Green Store although technically it was called the Maplewood Store.
If you remember the days of penny candy and ice cream, this store was one of those. You could buy mail supplies, send packages, and pick up a few treats while you were there.
It was the center of the local community. The Post Master knew everything happening in the region, including whether there were rentals or homes for sale in the area.
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From A Post Office to a Private Home and Now a Coffee Shop
At one time there was even a train that went right by the Post Office and store. In 1976, The Green Store closed. The building became a home until 2012 when Jo Whitsell purchased it to create a neighborhood meeting space.
Serves Locally Roasted Coffee and Pastries
She turned it into a coffee house and eventually a cafe that serves locally roasted coffee, locally made pastries, and other locally grown foods. It’s in a neighborhood, so outside you can see homes and trees, and it’s a great place for the locals to gather.
Known For Their Seasonal Dinners
The seasonal dinners are a popular event. They work with local food producers each season to create a menu and a meal that is unique and delicious. The tickets for each event sell out quickly because of how good they are. The meals are served family-style for parties of two or more guests. These dinners have limited availability, but their regular breakfast and lunch menu is available all the time.
They Offer Gluten Free and Vegan Food
You can enjoy breakfast all day until 3 P.M. when the kitchen closes. They serve egg sandwiches, gluten-free brunch bowls, porridge, French toast, and so much more. The menu includes several vegan and many gluten-free options. The lunch menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
There Is Plenty Of Seating Inside or Outside the Comfy Little House
The interior is like walking into a cozy little house. They have modern decor, but still kept many of the original finishes that give this coffee house its unique charm. Wood floors combined with black and cream-colored walls add just the right amount of warmth to the rooms.
The big front windows let in a lot of light. There is plenty of seating indoors and out. When the weather is nice, the patio is a great place to enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee.
Their Coffee Menu Is Traditional and They Have Non-Dairy Milks
Speaking of the coffee, the menu includes your typical espressos, macchiatos, and lattes. They also offer a few different non-dairy milks and delicious syrups including a mint one. If coffee isn’t your thing, they also serve matcha, hot cocoa, and other tea options.
Additionally, they serve different beer and wines. The wines all come from Oregon and Washington. The pastries are made locally by Pearl Bakery and New Cascadia vegan pastries are served as well. Jo works hard to source as many products from nearby as possible. It’s a unique community hotspot that the locals love and visitors enjoy as well.
Address
5206 SW Custer St. Portland, OR 97219
