Ristretto Roasters

Ristretto Roasters is a hipster’s paradise located inside of the Schoolhouse Electric building. We went here first when we entered to grab a quick drink, and the quality was utterly fantastic.
I highly recommend getting their chai latte, which was mind-​numbingly delicious. The boy had ordered a beverage I’m blanking on, but came with house-​made whipped cream made with vanilla and espresso (aka the best thing ever!).
Grab a drink, find a seat, and relax in the coolness that is Ristretto Roasters.

So happy this cute and fancy coffee house is a mile away from my work! The macchiato I got was delicious and bold and the latte I got was not over sweet! Quality coffee in a stylish furniture store. Never had a chance to check out their furniture and bedding but everything looks very chic and vintage.

A great new find for me. The americano coffee is great, the setting is even better. There is only one electric outlet in the electric building-​opens at 10 on weekends. Worth it though if you’re looking for a place to work or hang out. Parking is free.

I don’t drink coffee, but my family loves the coffee there. When we needed to locate a place which we thought was nearby, the barista took the trouble to look it up and give us specific directions. Nice.

Such a cool space! Yummy decaf iced americano and nice spot to sit and read a book. I wish there wasn’t a business meeting happening loudly right next to me, but I can’t blame them for wanting to hang out at Ristretto. I’ll be back.

Delicious coffee, nice people, and it’s beautiful inside! I work down the street and just went for the fist time — I will definitely be back. My coworker said she’s met the owner and he was lovely :)

Amazing coffee. I would almost certainly come here again if I was in town. One of the best espresso shots of a short trip filled with coffee tastings.
There are a few tables to sit and get some work done.

Okay, so I say this based only on the merit of their coffee beans. We’ve never actually stayed and had anything made there but their beans are the best. We’re card-​carrying coffee snobs and I love making the stuff in our coffee press, Chemex, ibrik, Rok. you name it. We’ve tried beans from several other roasters in the area (you know who you are) and the beans were not great… some were even bad. So, in terms of Ristretto’s merit as a coffeehouse, I can’t really say but damn if they don’t roast the hell out of some coffee beans — our fave so far is the Cowboy blend, but we’re trying the Honduras at the moment and it’s damn good.

Someone at my work zealously recommended this place as the best in Portland. So I was kind of reluctant to try it in case it didn’t measure up.
Glad I did.
Excellent quality pour-​over Nicaraguan coffee made via Hario V60. Very clear balanced flavor, neither bitter nor sour.
Very good decaf latte
They roast their own beans.
Great space in a giant old building.

I’ve spent a lot of time at this Ristretto. The coffee is great, the atmosphere is great. It’s a little pricey but hey, so’s your mom? (Amirite?)
OK, on the real, real: my only complaints are as follows
1) Seating is a little uncomfortable. Tables are a smidge too high and lots of the chairs have arms etc.
2) There are no power outlets.
3) The damned door won’t stay closed.
So right what’s the best part of this place?
1) Coffee
2) Atmosphere
3) Schoolhouse is awesome
4) Parking!
5) Quick shot into Downtown without all the crazy bums and down-​on-​my luck types. You know, HOBOs.
That is all.

This place is the shiny happy coffee star of the NW Industrial District!
If you’re not familiar with the coffee offerings of the NWID, they’re as follows.
1. Coffee from the shop pot made by Mel (or Herb, Joe, Bruce, or Larry) Mel made the first pot out of the old girl when he was hired on fresh out of high school. He gets his retirement ham in a week. In that time, he’s never once cleaned the pot nor changed the grounds.
2. Costco K-​cups from the machine in the office. Not only does it taste like the sweat from under Juan Valdez’s armpit, you get the added bonus of contributing to the Pacific Gire, one tear filled cup at a time.
3. Starbucks. «Hey Mel, there any coffee left in the old girl?»
Then one day, rolling by, I see two RR’s hanging from a sign. And my coffee deprived brain fires off the best it can a memory of those 2 R’s. Ristretto! Stop dummy! Stop NOW!
5 minutes later I’m flying high on a quad Americano of RR’s PERFECTLY roasted espresso!
I’m tripping the light fantastic in the shop when Mel asks if I want to keep the old girl around after he retires.“Nah Mel, she was your girl, you take her, treat her well, I wont be needing her anymore!”

Fun interior. Very spare but very functional. Great music. The chai tea was really good, the service was, too. They have funky indoor seating and picnic tables outside for those sunny days.
I stopped by here after shopping for new carpet nearby. As always, I turned to Unilocal to find a place for tea nearby and saw Ristretto Roasters. They are in an old building… one of my favorite Portland things is the way buildings are repurposed… and have made the space interesting. Love that.
I will definitely be back. It was a nice place to hang out with my latest book.

A great coffee spot for sure, one of the best I’ve been too. My only complaint being lackluster pastries because the coffee is is so amazing. The staff on the day I came was half and half, the lady was nice and patient, the guy looked like someone rejected from a club on Bedford ave. in Brooklyn. Basically an ass face loser, but that’s aside from the point– this place has great coffee and if that is what you care about then come here and drink some yummy joe. Screw the hipster scum who dispense it, you only have to interact with them for a few moments, and the coffee is worth it. I’d come back.

Great coffee, great space and amazing people who care about every cup. It has become our favorite coffee space in Portland. I must admit that I am a coffee snob, they do a great job of making an amazing macchiato as well as a great pour over.
Just nice people with great coffee and we love the ass faced hipster scum.

It is so smart to have a coffee shop in a retail space. I enjoyed my Brazil pour over in a ceramic mug while picking out a lighting fixture for my office. I appreciate the quality & care that is put into the brewing and presentation. Would I go out of my way to come here? Not likely, but I will be visiting Schoolhouse Electric often as I intend to upgrade the lighting in my entire house, and will be happily caffeinated while browsing.

Delicious coffee served up in a hip, cool, industrial setting? How much more Portland can it get? Not much, I tell you. But that’s a good thing in this case.
The Schoolhouse Electric building is a fun visit for anyone who cares about old school industrial architecture and design. Also, their merch is pretty near. And sitting up in the front of the brick building, with plenty of windows and sun, is this Ristretto made from brick, wood and metal. There’s an open feel to the space, with plenty of tables for those who need to sit, work or meet.
The coffee here is what really matters, though, and as with other ristretto locations, it’s great. Local, small-​batch roasts done right. Grab an espresso and enjoy the environment and soak in the flavor. You won’t be disappointed.

I had a cappuccino with the black sesame muffin, a perfect combination! We learned that their pastries come from Bakeshop, and I loved the muffin so much that I’m already planning to visit Bakeshop on my next trip to Portland.
RR is located in a gorgeous old building that also houses a home accessories shop. Ristretto is connected to the shop and even has a seating area within the store. You can either enjoy your coffee on the Ristretto side, or take it over to a cool little communal table located next to a record player with tons of classic vinyl.
Gorgeous building, great coffee, friendly service, and a unique location. Overall a very fun experience!

This is the BEST espresso in town. It’s always so good, so smooth and a real pleasure to sip. Not your average cup of Joe. I usually get the Whole Milk Latte. The Ironwork at this location is amazing
Don’t forget to check out the other locations as well, NE 42^nd Ave or Willimas.

This Ristretto Roasters is located in a über cool space within the restored (at least on the ground floor) Schoolhouse Electric Building. My Son and I recently stopped by, as I wanted to poke around Schoolhouse Electric and also admire the architecture. Between this Home Accessories Store and Ristretto Roasters, I could definitely spend some more serious hang out time at this gorgeous spot. Even the Bathroom design was eye catching.
My Son bought a Mocha drink, while I opted for French Pressed Black Coffee. The other choice was individual drip, but I was happy regardless. Our Java choices were really good for both of us. The Kid also enjoyed sitting at his Table, playing with his Magic the Gathering Cards, and relaxing. And even though I dragged him here against his will, he also really wants to come back. I just hope that this Industrial neighbourhood doesn’t yupify too quickly and lose the magic.

Ristretto is top notch Portland coffee, up there with all the greats. The baristas are excellent and know their coffee, and the roasts on hand are always excellent. Beyond the top notch coffee, one of the greatest things about this location is the environment. Free parking, plenty of space and room to work (including outlets and wifi), and interior decoration so cool it looks straight out of an indie film. What else could you want out of a coffee shop? Oh wait, I’ve got one: it’s a new spot. So if you know about, you’re super hip and underground. Like me.