When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books
Why Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Guilder Coffee Company at Powell's City of Books offers a distinctive experience combining the love of books and quality coffee. Nestled within the largest independent bookstore in the world, located in Portland's Pearl District, this café serves as the perfect gathering spot for friends who appreciate both literature and great coffee. Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, Guilder Coffee Company features a variety of coffee and tea options, including plant-based milk alternatives, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The café also offers some vegan baked goods, making it an inclusive spot for different diets. The setting inside the vast and iconic Powell's City of Books adds a unique ambiance that makes socializing or casual meetups enjoyable. Visitors can sip expertly brewed beverages while immersing themselves in one of the bookstore's colorful rooms filled with endless literary treasures. Though the atmosphere is lively and sometimes a bit chaotic due to the store’s bustling nature, it still remains a charming and vibrant place to connect with friends over shared interests in books and coffee. Additional perks include wheelchair accessibility and convenient credit card acceptance, enhancing the café’s welcoming environment for all patrons.
Here's what people think of Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books
As of recent, Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books holds a 4.4-star rating based on 164 reviews.
Reviewers generally appreciate Guilder Coffee Company for its quality food and drinks, highlighting the availability of excellent vegan options and plant-based milk, which caters well to varied dietary needs. Many patrons enjoy the unique combination of bookstore ambiance and café offerings, finding it a charming spot to grab a coffee and a bite while exploring Powell's City of Books. Positive reviews often praise the taste and variety of the beverages and pastries as well as the convenience of its location inside a beloved Portland landmark. However, some users mention that the atmosphere can feel somewhat chaotic and loud, which might detract from the experience for those looking to settle in for quiet work or deep conversation. This bustling environment reflects the café’s integration within a large, active bookstore rather than a traditional quiet café. Despite this, most agree that the venue is an inviting and enjoyable place to return to, especially for those who love combining literary exploration with coffee breaks. Overall, the Guilder Coffee Company receives favorable feedback for its offerings and unique setting, although its vibrant, busy ambiance may not suit everyone’s preference for quiet.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Macie Gale
Grabbed a matcha for my train ride from Guilders and was pleased by the customer service and speediness of the drink production. After ordering I turned around to look at a bookshelf and barely read a few titles before my drink was ready. It was a tasty and exactly what I wanted!
Bethany Judd
Between the two of us, we ordered a bagel with lox (yummy), a breakfast sandwich (delicious), and the hummus (could've used more salt) and baba ganoush with pita. We also ordered an Americano (meh) and a honey lavender latte (delightful!). It was a nice spot to chill and regain some energy in the middle of book shopping.
Cassandra Brooks
Wonderful Bookstore, visited from Alaska and this place is Amazing, they have everything! The rare books section was a delight to walk through, they had English Botany Books from 1800! Also my Cappuccino was perfectly brewed, if you want a true cappuccino, this place doesn't disappoint.
C Johnson
This café is in the famous Powells bookstore. I recommend the books. I ordered a quad shot cappuccino with almond milk and got it in an itty bitty cup for $7. A large, no frills coffee is $5, no refills. I lounged and read part of a book with my mate. There's a lot of space for working in a semi quiet place with someone or without. If you're after an experience, I highly recommend the bookstore. If you want coffee, though, I recommend you to go to a coffee shop, unless you don't mind paying a tourist mark up.
Vipin Kalra
This cafe is located inside the iconic Powell book store on one of the corners. The atmosphere inside is pretty unique and charming. They have plenty of window sitting and great spots for people watching. The large windows give plenty of lighting. One can grab a book from the store and sit there for hours. About the coffee, which is darn good as well. I tried their Cortado and Cappuccino and both were spot on. It’s certainly worth coming here whether you are coming to Powells or not.
How to reach Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books
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Why Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Guilder Coffee Company @ Powell's City of Books with your friends?
Gathering at Guilder Coffee Company nestled inside Portland’s iconic Powell’s City of Books offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary coffee meetup. For friends seeking not just great coffee but a shared cultural adventure, this spot uniquely combines the joy of expertly crafted beverages with the magic of one of the world’s largest independent bookstores. Imagine meeting in an atmosphere where the scent of freshly roasted coffee mingles with the quiet rustling of book pages and the hushed murmurs of fellow book lovers. This environment naturally encourages deep conversations, relaxed bonding, and inspiring discovery. Whether your group is composed of avid readers, coffee aficionados, or simply people looking for a cozy, thoughtful space to reconnect, Guilder Coffee provides an ideal setting. Moreover, the café’s charming Princess Bride theme adds a playful yet sophisticated character that sparks nostalgia and conversation alike, making it a memorable place to gather. With a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 160 reviews, visitors repeatedly celebrate the friendly service, vibrant ambiance, and the perfect balance of quietude and lively energy, all of which support meaningful moments shared with friends or family.
What kinds of coffees and eats can we enjoy at Guilder Coffee Company?
Guilder Coffee Company prides itself on quality-driven coffee experiences, originating from a Pacific Northwest roasting tradition that is both thoughtful and innovative. The café serves a variety of expertly roasted coffee blends and single-origin brews, ensuring that every cup is crafted with care to highlight nuanced flavors suited to different palates. Whether you desire a bold espresso, a creamy latte, or a bright and delicate pour-over, the skilled baristas prepare drinks that are both satisfying and memorable. Beyond beverages, the café offers an assortment of pastries and light bites that perfectly complement the coffee, such as almond pastries and savory options like hummus with pita, which have been praised in reviews for their fresh and delicious qualities. The cafe’s open hours—from morning through to late afternoon—make it an accessible venue for brunch meetups, afternoon chats, or even early evening gatherings. The focus on fresh, quality ingredients reflects Guilder’s commitment to delivering a well-rounded culinary experience that enhances social occasions. Whether your group wants to indulge in sweet treats or settle in with a savory snack, this café’s menu supports a relaxed and satisfying meetup.
How does the location inside Powell's City of Books enhance the group meetup experience?
Locating Guilder Coffee inside Powell’s City of Books confers substantial benefits for groups choosing this venue to meet. Powell’s, known as the largest independent bookstore in the world, spans an entire city block and offers four floors of books organized into more than 3,500 sections. This vast and varied space invites exploration before, during, or after your coffee break. Groups can make a day of their meetup by browsing rare collections, hunting for out-of-print titles, or simply sharing favorite reads with fellow book lovers, providing a kind of intellectual adventure not found in typical cafés. The bookstore’s ambient setting with cozy nooks and color-coded rooms naturally encourages group interaction and discovery. For literary enthusiasts or curious newcomers alike, this setting inspires lively discussion about books and ideas, organically extending the social nature of the gathering. Moreover, hosting your meetup here adds a cultural richness and unique charm that energizes the group experience, setting it apart from mundane coffee shop visits. The symbiosis between quality coffee and an unparalleled literary environment makes Guilder inside Powell’s a hub for connection, learning, and enjoyment.
What activities and events make Guilder Coffee Company a dynamic meetup spot?
Guilder Coffee Company, especially at its Powell’s City of Books location, is not just a place for casual coffee drinking but also a venue that hosts dynamic activities that enrich the meetup experience. The café participates in community events such as "Coffee Talk" evenings, where guests can enjoy specialty brews alongside themed discussions or educational sessions about coffee. These events create shared experiences for groups, adding layers of social interaction beyond the typical café setting. Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in the literary events hosted nearby or within Powell’s, including author readings, gallery exhibits, and book signings, which the café provides easy access to. This vibrant environment supports groups looking to combine culinary delight with cultural enrichment, supporting diverse interests and group sizes. Even on a normal day, the visually captivating décor—like the large mural of Fezzik from “The Princess Bride”—serves as a conversation starter and photo opportunity, enhancing social engagement. For friends or family seeking a place that balances a relaxed vibe with stimulating activities, Guilder Coffee provides an environment where the everyday act of meeting up can become a memorable occasion.
Why is Guilder Coffee Company an ideal venue for various types of group meetups?
Guilder Coffee Company at Powell’s City of Books is well suited to a broad spectrum of group meetups, whether casual catch-ups, family gatherings, or more structured discussions. The spacious layout inside the bookstore allows for both intimate seating arrangements and larger assemblies without sacrificing comfort or ambiance. The café’s hours accommodate flexible scheduling, making it easy to plan morning, midday, or early evening meetups. The quality of coffee and food served ensures that guests can maintain energy and focus whether they plan to chat over lattes or settle in for several hours of conversation. The intellectual and artistic atmosphere provided by Powell’s bookstore elevates the meetup context, offering cultural fodder and inspiration. Accessibility is another key strength, as the location is centrally situated in Portland’s Pearl District, convenient for locals and visitors alike. In essence, this venue adapts fluidly to different social needs and moods, fostering connection whether your gathering is lighthearted and fun or contemplative and deep. For anyone aiming to host a memorable and enriching gathering, Guilder Coffee at Powell’s offers a winning blend of ambience, amenities, and accessibility.