When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Oui Presse
Why Oui Presse is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Oui Presse was a beloved coffee shop and gathering spot in Portland, Oregon, known for its warm atmosphere, quality food, and artisan products. Established in 2010 by Shawna McKeown, a former publisher with deep roots in alternative newsweeklies, Oui Presse quickly became a local favorite for those looking to meet up with friends, enjoy specialty coffee, and savor unique menu items. The shop was especially praised for its PB&J royale sandwich, which featured crusty-soft Japanese white bread with fresh-ground peanuts, flavorful jam, butter, and flaky sea salt. Beyond its food and coffee, Oui Presse was also known for offering magazines and artisan goods, making it a cultural hub in its community. The owner’s background in publishing infused the space with a creative and inviting vibe. After 14 years of operation, Oui Presse held a strong place in Portland’s coffee scene, offering a unique blend of comfort, quality, and community connection until its closing on May 31, 2025.
Here's what people think of Oui Presse
As of recent, Oui Presse holds a 4.7-star rating based on 314 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently reflected strong appreciation for Oui Presse’s cozy ambiance, high-quality coffee, and distinctive menu offerings. Positive reviews often highlighted the friendly and attentive service, as well as the memorable PB&J royale sandwich, which many considered a standout item. Reviewers also praised the unique combination of artisan products and magazines available, which enhanced the overall experience and set Oui Presse apart from other coffee shops. The warm, community-driven atmosphere was often mentioned as a compelling reason to visit and return. On the downside, some reviews suggested the shop could be small and occasionally busy, which might make seating limited during peak hours. A few customers noted the menu choices, while distinctive, could be somewhat limited. Overall, the positive feedback far outweighed negative comments, underscoring Oui Presse’s strong reputation as a local favorite. With the sale of Oui Presse to a new owner and its subsequent closure in May 2025, many patrons expressed sadness at the end of an era but continued to cherish the memories and experiences the café provided throughout its 14 years.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Barbara Lee Wright
Good coffee and always something good to eat - more than pastries! They even have hard boiled eggs at the ready. The soups are really good and they sell quarts to take home. It can take some time to prepare the food - but that also means they’re using more than a microwave. And they get their baguettes from one of the best bakeries in portland!
Fe
Went in here a handful of months ago. The oatmeal was unique and a good treat for a rainy day. I tucked in here right before it started storming. The service was fine and the atmosphere was OK. Lots of shops nearby. It's worth a stop.
Sharyn Inzunza
Oui Presse coffee shop... best kept secret. Reminds me of how cafés were before Starbucks—real plates and cups. Thoughtful menu and service. Second visit. Consistent good service and lovely atmosphere. (I love the front window counter for brunch and writing.) Second time having the poached eggs on toast: thick-cut crusty whole-wheat bread with soft middle—a little mattress for the egg pillows 😁. Perfect poached eggs: cooked whites, yolks with a honey-like consistency. Balanced seasoning, plus finishing salt flakes. Lovely latte. A little loud once full, due to coffee machine sounds and voices. Great experience. Will go back for third visit.
Rebecca Alpert
I like to try lots of different cafes, but I keep coming back here because of the food. It's always simple and hearty, and gives off major homemade, comforting vibes. I love all the soups I've tried so far, the cookies, and especially the beans on toast! Mixed beans in a slightly sweet tomato sauce piled onto THICK toast, drizzled with olive oil. So good!
Hailey Flanigan Gurung
Excellent delicious French style food, fantastic coffee and chai. The seats are not the most comfortable, they lost one star there. I am a regular there and I haven't had one bad thing. Soup is great, the baguette with jam and butter or ham and butter is also great. Cakes are also fantastic. Kid friendly and always an interesting scene
How to reach Oui Presse
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Why Oui Presse may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Oui Presse with your friends?
Choosing Oui Presse as the gathering spot for your friends or family is an invitation to enjoy an experience that is both delightfully unique and comfortably familiar. This cozy coffee shop tucked away in Southeast Portland offers a warm retreat from the hustle and bustle, evoking the charm of cafés before the era of big coffee chains. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted with thoughtful service and a welcoming ambiance that encourages lingering over great conversations. The café’s authentic vibe comes from an emphasis on real plates and cups, enhancing a sense of quality and care often lost in more commercial venues. Beyond just coffee, Oui Presse’s combination of a bakery and an indie magazine store provides multidimensional pleasures for groups — from savoring fresh baked goods to browsing quirky, curated reading material. With a solid rating of 4.7 from over 300 reviews, it’s clear that patrons appreciate the careful attention to detail in both food and environment. This makes Oui Presse not only a perfect place for casual catch-ups but also a memorable, comfortable spot where your group can relax, connect, and create shared moments. Whether you are reconnecting with old friends or celebrating a special occasion, it’s a venue designed to nurture good company in a cozy yet vibrant setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Oui Presse and why is it ideal for group meetups?
Oui Presse is much more than a typical coffee shop; it’s a well-rounded cultural and culinary hub that invites groups to enjoy a variety of activities under one roof. One of the highlights is its excellent coffee selections, brewed with precision and care, providing a perfect energizer whether you’re starting an early morning meet-up or settling in for an afternoon chat. The bakery offers an array of tempting pastries, perfect for sharing — from flaky croissants to delectable cookies — making it easy to treat your group without hassle. Beyond food and drink, Oui Presse doubles as a magazine store with an eclectic selection of independent publications. This provides a unique opportunity for your group to explore different tastes in art, culture, and ideas, sparking engaging conversations or simply enjoying browsing together. The thoughtful menu and quaint environment make it easy for groups to feel at home, whether you prefer sitting indoors at the nicely curated tables or basking in the fresh air on the outdoor patio. Its small size ensures intimacy without overwhelming noise, fostering connection. These features combined make Oui Presse a standout venue where groups can enjoy meaningful interactions supported by quality offerings.
Why is Oui Presse’s atmosphere perfect for friends and family gatherings?
The atmosphere at Oui Presse strikes a rare balance—intimate enough for deep conversations but lively enough to keep energy vibrant. Unlike large chain cafés, Oui Presse maintains a quaint, neighborhood feel with a sense of quiet sophistication. The selection of real plates and cups adds a touch of nostalgia and class, creating a more personal and thoughtful experience. This attention to ambiance reflects their focus on quality over quantity, making every visit feel special. The interior design complements this ethos, with cozy seating and tasteful décor that invites guests to settle in comfortably. Outdoors, the patio offers an refreshing alternative, good for those who enjoy people-watching or a bit of sunshine amidst their meetup. This environment naturally encourages relaxed yet meaningful interaction, making it perfect for family reunions, catching up with old friends, or even small celebratory gatherings. The noise level, while varying throughout the day, generally supports conversation without the distraction of loud background music or overcrowding, which is often a challenge in popular social venues. This makes Oui Presse an ideal backdrop to build connections and craft memorable social experiences.
How does Oui Presse accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Oui Presse is a versatile location when it comes to hosting groups of varying sizes and meeting preferences. The layout of the café maximizes the use of its compact space without feeling cramped, offering a range of seating options to suit different group dynamics. Smaller groups or pairs can easily find cozy corners or intimate tables perfect for quiet chats or casual work meetups. For larger groups, the communal-style seating arrangements and outdoor patio can comfortably accommodate shared gatherings, encouraging a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Moreover, the thoughtfully curated menu caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone in your group can find something to enjoy, whether it’s a savory treat, a sweet pastry, or a carefully crafted beverage. The café’s reputation for attentive service adds to the ease of organizing meetups here, as staff are known to be friendly and accommodating, helping to facilitate smooth group experiences. This adaptability in seating, menu options, and service style makes Oui Presse a dependable choice for hosting everything from informal friend catch-ups to more structured family outings.
What makes Oui Presse’s menu stand out for a group meetup?
The menu at Oui Presse reflects the same level of thoughtfulness that permeates the entire establishment, with a focus on quality, taste, and variety that enhances any group gathering. Unlike many coffee shops that might prioritize speed over culinary care, Oui Presse offers an engaging selection of beverages and bakery items designed to satisfy both casual coffee drinkers and food enthusiasts. Their coffee is expertly brewed, ensuring robust flavors and smooth finishes that please even the most discerning palates. The bakery delights include freshly made pastries and sweets that are perfect for sharing, encouraging a communal feel as groups sample multiple offerings. Additionally, the menu often features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports sustainability but also brings freshness and variety that can complement different times of day or occasions. For groups, this means you can easily order multiple plates and beverages to sample or pair, creating a shared tasting experience that enhances conversation and enjoyment. The combination of excellent coffee, fresh bakery items, and a thoughtful approach to menu development positions Oui Presse as a standout dining and meeting spot that elevates the simple act of gathering.
How does Oui Presse’s location benefit group meetups?
Situated on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, Oui Presse enjoys a prime location that enhances its appeal as a meetup spot. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant energy, eclectic shops, and accessibility, making it easy for everyone in your group to convene whether they are coming from near or far. The street itself is pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of interesting sights along the way to make the meetup feel like part of a larger, enjoyable outing. Parking and public transportation options nearby further simplify logistics, removing common stress factors associated with group gatherings. The location also places Oui Presse near other cultural and recreational amenities, allowing groups to extend their meetup beyond just the café – perhaps by exploring local bookstores, parks, or art galleries before or after enjoying the hospitality of Oui Presse. The convenience and charm of the surrounding area complement the café’s intimate atmosphere, making this location a strategic and enjoyable choice for those aiming to combine good food, good company, and a lively neighborhood vibe in one outing.
What customer experiences highlight Oui Presse as a great meetup venue?
Public reviews and customer feedback consistently underscore Oui Presse as a hidden gem where quality, service, and atmosphere converge to create exceptional meetup experiences. Patrons often remark on the delicious food and expertly prepared drinks, noting that the menu feels thoughtfully crafted rather than generic. Many comments highlight the cozy, welcoming environment that invites lingering and conversation, which is essential for group gatherings. Reviewers appreciate that Oui Presse remains pleasantly un-crowded despite its high ratings, providing a more relaxed atmosphere than one might expect for a popular spot. This creates space and comfort for groups to spread out without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The customer service is frequently described as attentive yet unobtrusive, adding to a sense of ease during visits. Additionally, the unique combination of coffee, bakery, and independent magazines offers something beyond the standard café experience, enriching the visit with cultural and culinary layers. These elements come together to position Oui Presse not just as a place to get coffee, but as a destination for meaningful social connection.
Why is Oui Presse a hidden gem for those seeking authentic local experiences?
Oui Presse stands out as a “best kept secret” because it defies the standard chain café model and embraces a more artisanal, locally rooted approach that resonates deeply with Portland’s community ethos. It invites guests to step into a space where every detail—from the choice of cups to the magazine selection—reflects care and authenticity. This nuanced attention to craft and culture provides a refreshing alternative to the uniformity of larger franchises. For groups seeking an experience grounded in local flavor and thoughtful hospitality, Oui Presse offers an intimate, authentic setting that nurtures connection, creativity, and conversation. The ambiance, combined with the presence of local publications, fresh bakery items, and expertly brewed coffee, cultivates an appreciation not only for good food and drink but also for Portland’s broader cultural tapestry. This makes Oui Presse not simply a spot on the map but a memorable venue that embodies the spirit of a community gathering place — a rare find that transforms a simple meetup into a meaningful experience filled with local charm.
How can Oui Presse enhance your next celebration or special occasion with friends?
For groups looking to celebrate a birthday, reunion, or simply a special gathering, Oui Presse offers an environment that is both charming and accommodating. The café’s intimate scale encourages a sense of exclusivity and closeness that larger venues often lack, allowing celebrations to feel personal and warm. Its well-curated menu makes it easy to tailor orders to the tastes of your guests, with options that delight a variety of preferences and dietary needs. The friendly staff are known to provide attentive service without intruding, helping smooth logistics during busy or significant moments. With a location in a lively, walkable neighborhood, you can extend your celebration beyond the café walls into the streets of Portland, making it a full-day adventure if you choose. Whether marking a milestone or simply enjoying quality time together, Oui Presse’s unique mix of ambiance, taste, and local flair ensures your gathering is memorable and special.
What makes Oui Presse stand out compared to other coffee shops in Portland?
Oui Presse distinguishes itself from other coffee shops through its multi-layered concept that merges a coffee shop, bakery, and independent magazine store into one seamless experience. While many Portland coffee shops excel in isolation at either coffee or pastries, Oui Presse’s unique blend offers a richer environment for socializing and engagement. Its homage to café culture before the dominance of big chains is evident in the use of real plates and cups, thoughtful service, and a space designed for comfort over speed. Additionally, the café’s commitment to quality ingredients and its curated cultural offerings elevate it above typical neighborhood cafés. Its high rating of 4.7 from hundreds of reviews reflects consistent customer satisfaction, demonstrating it has won hearts not only through taste but through atmosphere and service. For groups seeking a venue that provides more than just coffee—a place to linger, explore, and connect—Oui Presse offers an experience that embodies the best of Portland’s artisanal and community-focused spirit.
How does Oui Presse support local culture and creativity, adding value to your meetup?
Oui Presse actively supports and reflects Portland’s thriving local culture by integrating independent magazines and publications into its core identity. This creates a space where visitors can engage with local art, literature, and ideas, enriching social gatherings with layers of cultural exploration. By promoting local and independent media, the café contributes to sustaining creative communities and offers patrons a chance to discover new perspectives and interests. This cultural infusion encourages dialogue and intellectual connection among groups, adding depth to casual meetups. Moreover, the focus on locally sourced ingredients for their baked goods and beverages further ties the café to Portland’s community values. This commitment to supporting local artisans and creatives not only enhances the authenticity of the experience but also allows guests to feel part of a broader cultural movement. For friends or families gathering at Oui Presse, this dynamic enriches the meetup, transforming it from a simple outing into a celebration of community and creativity.
In summary, Oui Presse is an exceptional venue for group meetups due to its unique blend of quality food and drink, welcoming atmosphere, cultural engagement, and excellent location. It offers a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the ordinary coffee shop, creating spaces where connection, conversation, and community thrive. Whether you want a cozy place for a quiet catch-up, an inspiring environment for cultural exploration, or a charming spot for a special celebration, Oui Presse provides a thoughtful, authentic backdrop that makes every gathering meaningful and memorable.