Looking for a great coffee shop in Portland? Here’s my honest review of Cafe Cinco Siete in Sellwood, including what we ordered, what to know before you visit, and why locals love it.
There are some places you discover while traveling, and then there are places you’ve been looking forward to visiting for years.
For me, Cafe Cinco Siete was definitely the second one.
My cousin lives in Portland, and every time she comes to visit us in San Diego, she brings little gifts from her favorite local spots. Without fail, one of those gifts is always instant coffee from Cafe Cinco Siete.
I’ve been drinking their coffee for years, so finally getting to visit the shop in person felt like checking something off my Portland bucket list.
Needless to say, my expectations were pretty high.
Thankfully, Cafe Cinco Siete lived up to every one of them.
From the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere to the incredible coffee and pastries, this ended up being one of my favorite stops during our weekend in Portland.
If you’re planning a trip to the city and looking for a local coffee shop away from the downtown crowds, here’s why I think Cafe Cinco Siete deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Why We Had to Visit Cafe Cinco Siete
- Where is Cafe Cinco Siete?
- About Cafe Cinco Siete
- What We Ordered
- What Makes Cafe Cinco Siete Special
- Is Cafe Cinco Siete Worth Visiting?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Why We Had to Visit Cafe Cinco Siete
For a few years now, my cousin has been bringing us little coffee gifts every time she visits us in San Diego from Portland. Without fail, one of those gifts is always instant coffee from Cafe Cinco Siete.
I’ve been drinking their coffee for years, so finally getting the chance to visit the shop in person felt a little bit surreal.
We recently spent a weekend in Portland with family, and making a stop at Cafe Cinco Siete was at the very top of our list.
As soon as we arrived, I understood why my cousin loves it so much.
This isn’t one of those massive coffee shops with long lines and people rushing in and out. It feels local. Comfortable. The kind of place where the staff know regular customers by name and remember their orders.
In fact, my cousin walked up to the counter and ordered “my usual.”
That’s when you know you’ve found your coffee shop.
Where is Cafe Cinco Siete?
Cafe Cinco Siete is located in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood at:
8235 SE 13th Ave #2
Portland, Oregon 97202
The coffee shop sits next to a floral shop in a charming residential area that feels completely different from downtown Portland.
One of my favorite parts of visiting was simply walking around the neighborhood before and after our coffee run. Everything felt intentional, quiet, and welcoming.
If you’re exploring Sellwood, this is an easy stop to add to your itinerary.
Cafe Cinco Siete Hours
Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
About Cafe Cinco Siete
Cafe Cinco Siete is a locally owned Portland coffee shop known for its house-made syrups, specialty coffee drinks, and community-focused approach.
The shop partners with other local businesses, including Dos Hermanos Bakery and Petunia’s Pies & Pastries, offering guests a selection of baked goods alongside their coffee.
That local-first mentality shows up throughout the experience. Nothing feels mass-produced. Everything feels thoughtfully selected and made with care.
What We Ordered
Needless to say, we were excited.
I ordered a dirty chai, while my husband and cousin ordered their go-to coffee drinks.
They each had a latte, but my cousin ordered a latte with their house-made cardamom & rose syrup.
The first thing I noticed?
This coffee is strong.
Not in an overpowering way, but in a “you are definitely awake now” kind of way.
Whether you’re ordering a latte, espresso drink, or dirty chai, you can taste the quality of the coffee immediately.
The house-made syrups also stood out. They add flavor without tasting overly sweet or artificial.
Everything tasted balanced and intentional.
The Pastries Were Just As Good As The Coffee
I’m physically incapable of passing up a chocolate chip cookie when I see one, so naturally one came home with me.
I also ordered the Cheddar Ham and Jalapeño Hojaldra.
This pastry was fantastic.
It was buttery, flaky, and packed with layers. The filling had a great balance of savory ham, cheese, and jalapeño, and it arrived warm from the oven.
One detail that surprised me was the lightly sweet topping that caramelized when heated.
Personally, I tend to like my sweet and savory flavors separate, so I peeled off some of the sweet top layer and enjoyed it alongside my coffee instead.
The pastry itself was still absolutely worth ordering.
What Makes Cafe Cinco Siete Special?
Portland has no shortage of excellent coffee shops, so standing out isn’t easy.
What makes Cafe Cinco Siete memorable is how personal it feels.
You can tell people aren’t just stopping by for caffeine. They’re building routines here.
Between the welcoming atmosphere, house-made syrups, quality coffee, and neighborhood feel, it’s easy to see why locals return several times a week.
My cousin certainly does.
Before we left, she picked up another package of their instant coffee for us to bring home.
It’s become one of our favorite coffee treats, and now I finally understand where the obsession started.
Is Cafe Cinco Siete Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for a local Portland coffee shop away from the downtown crowds, Cafe Cinco Siete is worth adding to your list.
The coffee is excellent, the pastries are delicious, the neighborhood is charming, and the entire experience feels genuinely local.
Whether you’re exploring Sellwood for the first time or searching for your next favorite Portland coffee shop, this is the kind of place you’ll be glad you found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cafe Cinco Siete located?
Cafe Cinco Siete is located at 8235 SE 13th Ave #2 in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood.
What is Cafe Cinco Siete known for?
The coffee shop is known for its specialty coffee drinks, house-made syrups, locally sourced pastries, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Does Cafe Cinco Siete sell coffee beans?
Yes. Cafe Cinco Siete sells coffee products and instant coffee that visitors can purchase to enjoy at home.
Is Cafe Cinco Siete worth visiting?
Yes. If you enjoy specialty coffee, local businesses, and neighborhood coffee shops, Cafe Cinco Siete is one of the most enjoyable coffee stops in Portland.
Looking back, I think my favorite part of visiting Cafe Cinco Siete wasn’t just the coffee – it was finally getting to experience a place that had already become part of our routine back home.
For years, this coffee shop has been represented in little packets of instant coffee tucked into my cousin’s suitcase whenever she’d visit us. Getting to finally sit inside the café, order a drink, try the pastries, and see the neighborhood for myself made it feel even more special.
If you’re spending time in Portland, I’d absolutely recommend making the trip over to Sellwood. Grab a coffee, order a pastry (or two), and take some time to wander around the neighborhood afterward. It’s one of those slower, quieter parts of Portland that feels incredibly welcoming, and Cafe Cinco Siete fits right into that atmosphere.
We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Portland. And until then, I have a feeling we’ll keep looking forward to those little coffee deliveries from my cousin.
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Portland and beyond!
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